Chapter 29
REBECCA’S POV
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Trent drove me home in silence. I didn’t know how he got this car or when, but it was sweet.
The engine was silent mostly because it was pouring outside and the rain made it impossible to hear anything
else.
I wrapped my arms around myself, my eyes glued to the droplets rolling down the side of the window as the vehicle glided steadily over the wet road.
“You want me to turn the heat on?” Trent asked.
I looked over at him, still shirtless with his bare foot on the gas pedal and bit my lip in wonder as to why he was not dressed. He kept his head straight and his eyes focused on the road ahead, like he’d done this drive a million times.
“Thanks. I’m a little chilly,” I admitted. “I know you’re close to freezing, you’re practically naked for God’s
sake.”
He chuckled and pressed a button, and soon warm air filtered from the vents.
“I’m used to this weather,” he said.
“Okay, I have to ask. Why are you shirtless?”
“It’s part of my training,” he let out casually, and I knew he was hoping I wouldn’t ask any further questions. But unfortunately for him, I loved to get to the bottom of things.
“Are you guys some kind of military?”
He blew out a long breath before he answered. “Something like that.”
I shrugged. He was just like Drew, answering a question by not answering it. It was so frustrating.
“How old are you?” I asked.
“I just turned eighteen a few months ago. How about you?”
I’m turning seventeen a little over a week from now.”
“Really? Well, happy birthday when it comes, Becca.”
I smiled softly. “Thanks”
“You’re welcome.”
“How did you and your friends get my mother to the hospital so fast without a car? And where did you get this Ferrari from?” He didn’t think I’d let him off this easily.
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Chapter 29
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“My, you ask a lot of questions,” he chuckled, glancing over at me with a gleam in his eyes. “It’s cute.”
“Alright, be all suspicious and mysterious. I don’t care,” I grumbled.
“Look, we’re almost at the castle,” he nodded toward the glowing estate lights ahead. He sighed a breath of relief when he realized I had given up.
The rain eased up a bit as we pulled into the yard. The headlights cut through the fog, reflecting off the castle walls.
“I guess I’ll see you around.”
“Do you want to see me around?” he asked as he turned the engine off.
“It would be great to have a friend who doesn’t live in the same house with me.”
“So, you have a live–in friend? Can I meet her?” He smirked.
“It’s not a her. It’s a him.”
“Oh,” he straightened up. “Didn’t know the Alpha allowed that type of thing.”
“Don’t be smutty,” I lamented. “It’s not like that. Believe me. Drew and I are… Honestly, I don’t know what we are,” I sighed, resting my head against the window for a second.
“Drew, as in the Alpha’s son?” Trent sounded a bit scared now.
“Yes,” I answered. “Why does everyone keep calling Devon Alpha? I hate it! And I hate when they call my mother Luna. I’ve only read stuff like this in werewolf romance novels.”
Somehow, I could feel the tension roll off Trent’s shoulders. “Alright, Miss Becca, it’s getting late now. I think you should go inside.”
“Okay.” I whispered. “Thank you for everything you did for me and my mother today.”
“No problem.
It took me a moment to figure out how to open the car door, but when I finally did, I stepped out into the wetness, the rain soaking into my shirt immediately.
“Goodbye”
“Goodbye, Becca”
He waited until I was fully inside before driving off.
Even though there were probably dozens of workers still bustling around the castle, it felt empty without Mom… without Drew… and, I can’t believe I’m thinking this, but it even felt empty without Devon. The house suddenly seemed too big and too echoey.
One of the maids offered to prepare a meal for me, but after the day I just had, I told her I just needed sleep.
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Chapter 29
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I dragged myself upstairs, the weight of the day pressing on my shoulders making my joints hurt. I peeled off my clothes and stepped into the shower. The hot water was a welcome bliss against my tired skin. I quickly began to feel at ease as all the grime, the fear, and the stress got washed down the drain.
After my shower, I pulled on an oversized t–shirt and collapsed into bed. My fingers trembled slightly as I reached for my phone.
I pouted when I realized there were still no messages from Drew.
I sighed then typed a quick goodnight text to mom. I yawned as I turned my phone off and buried myself under the covers.
I woke up to the sound of chaos that came from the castle being in full event–prep mode.
Maids were shouting, shoes clacked against the floors, and furniture scraped as it was being moved around.
I blinked up at the ceiling, slowly remembering that the ball was seven days from now. The same day as my birthday.
Groaning, I stretched and rolled out of bed then grabbed my phone and turned it on.
Still nothing from Drew, just one missed call from mom.
What the hell was going on? I tried to call Drew again, but the call went straight to voicemail. I didn’t leave a message this time.
I was a bit upset, but then again something in my gut was telling me he wasn’t alright.
I sighed again and shuffled into the bathroom to brush my teeth. Afterwards, I threw on some cute boy shorts. and a baggy white t–shirt. I piled my hair into a messy bun, tugged it loose, then redid it until it looked cute in that effortless, Pinterest way.
Downstairs smelled like cinnamon and roasted meat. Somewhere, someone was baking,
“Miss Rebecca, you’re up,” the pale–skinned skin red–haired maid said with a cheerful grin. She looked around Drew’s age but had this grown–up elegance about her.
I felt guilty. We must have spoken around ten times now and I still didn’t even know her name.
“Do you want me to make you something to eat?” she asked.
“That won’t be necessary. I’ll just grab an apple and a cup of tea. Thanks,” I nodded politely.
“Okay then. I guess I’ll get back to work.”
“Wait,” I stopped her, chewing on my bottom lip. “What’s your name?”
She inhaled sharply and gulped.
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Chapter 29
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“What? You’re acting like asking for your name is a crime around here.”
“It might as well be, Miss Rebecca,” she chortled.
“Please, call me Becca. Now tell me, what should I call you and don’t say maid or servant.”
“Alright,” she sighed, brushing her apron flat. “My name’s Darcy.”
“Darcy. You don’t look like a Darcy.”
“Really? What do I look like?”
“Maybe an Erica or a Vivica. Maybe even an Eloise.”
“Ah! Olden names… I think you read too many period books, Miss Becca.”
I laughed. “Darcy is a lovely name, though.”
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“Thank you,” she bowed slightly. “One more thing. Remember when I told you not to piss off the Alpha?” she asked, and I nodded. “Well, in order to keep it that way don’t use my name in front of him.”
“Alright. Deal.”
She tucked her duster to her chest and walked away with a little skip in her step.
I grabbed an apple from the bowl, took a bite, and wandered toward the ballroom, where maids were already hanging velvet curtains and floral arrangements.
It was surreal.
The chandeliers sparkled above them, and the floor was gleaming like a mirror. Tables were already being dressed in satin, and golden name cards were being carefully placed.
The ball was going to be a big deal. Since this place was so big I understood why they had to be preparing
now.
I found a seat near the window and curled up, resting my chin on my knees as I stared out.
It was sunny now, but yesterday’s storm still lingered in the air. The breeze made the curtains sway. Somewhere inside me, I hoped Drew was okay. That he was safe. That he was thinking about me the same way I couldn’t stop thinking about him.
He always said he’d protect me… but who was protecting him now?
I pulled out my phone and hovered over his number. My finger hesitated.
What would I even say?
‘Hi, I miss you“?
‘Hi, I don’t know what we are but I’m lowkey falling apart without you?
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Chapter 29
No.
P:
Instead, I opened my camera and snapped a picture of the ballroom in progress. Then I sent it to him with a message: “You’d hate this. There’s too many ribbons. But I miss you anyway?
I stared at the screen until the little
‘Delivered checkmark appeared
And then I waited.
AD

Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland’s breathtaking cold.