Rejected By My Mate, Now Mated To The Lycan King

Chapter 218

~ NYSSA

Over the past two days, Rowan worked late.

He spent every waking moment in the palace, going over security details and making sure that the pack was as safe as possible.

I returned to the office as well, trying to bring a semblance of normalcy back into my life but I was failing... terribly. Drinking blood every morning did not get any easier, and the fact that Aria was avoiding me only made things worse.

Everyone noticed how she would avoid speaking directly to me in meetings and turned away whenever I was walking towards her. No one asked, but I could tell they were all fishing for information.

"How long do you think this is going to last?" Eric asked as she turned away to take the stairs after seeing us approach the elevator.

I shrugged. "I don’t know honestly, but I’m fucking over it. We have too many problems to worry about this."

"Have you tried talking to her?"

I shot him a blank look. "How can I talk to someone who won’t even be in the same room as me? I’m giving her space, whenever she’s done, she can come find me."

I stepped out of the elevator and into the car, slamming the door shut behind me. Eric didn’t say a word as he got in after me, he just started the car and began the long drive to the palace.

It had become part of my routine to find Rowan once I was done at work. We barely got to spend time at home due to his late hours so I cherished the few minutes I got at the palace.

Jeremiah stood in the middle of the courtyard, speaking to another guard. As soon as he saw me step out of the car, he made his way over.

It was surprising to see him out at this time. Usually, he was cooped up with Rowan in one of the offices or with the guards under him.

"Luna," he murmured, bowing low.

"How are you?"

He shrugged. "As good as can be all things considering. He’s in the council room."

I gave him a soft smile. "Thank you."

I turned to leave when he spoke again. "Will you be joining the sky watch tonight?"

My brows furrowed in confusion; head cocked to the side. "Sky watching?"

"Yeah, there’s supposed to be some kind of meteor shower tonight. A few people are gathering in the town square to watch it."

That sounded like fun, but as much as I wanted to be there, I couldn’t. I didn’t want to risk being around so many people and losing control.

"Maybe next time."

He nodded in understanding and walked away, leaving me to head inside to find my mate.

He was in the council room just as Jeremiah had said. I found him bent over a map of the pack, a wooden piece clutched in his right fist as his left fist was pressed against his mouth.

He seemed deep in thought, his brows furrowed and his jaw tight.

"You’re going to get your face stuck like that," I murmured, making my way further into the room.

He glanced up and for a brief moment, his features softened; his lips tugged upwards in a small smile and his eyes grew bright. "Hello to you too, little wolf."

I made my way over to him, resting my head on his shoulder for a brief second before glancing down at the map that previously held all his attention. "What is this?"

"I’m going over the pack security for today. I cannot cancel the watch without rousing suspicion, but at least I can ensure that everyone is safe. I may be here a while."

I tried to hide my disappointment. I should have been used to it by now but I couldn’t help the intense tightness that clawed at my chest.

I forced a smile onto my face. "I know."

I tried to keep my voice as even as possible, but I could not hide the sadness that lingered between those two words.

He sighed, obviously noting the change in tone. "Nyssa—"

"I know, Rowan, trust me," I cut him off, not wanting to hear more of that plea. "I’ll just hang out here for a while if that’s okay with you?"

"Of course, baby, do you need anything?"

I shook my head, making my way over to the couch at the far end of the room. "Just pretend like I’m not here."

I curled up on the couch, my head resting against the arm as I let my mind wander. I would have hoped that by now, we would hear from the vampire king and know what he wants or where to go next, but he’d been suspiciously quiet since he sent Evelyn’s mother and that worried me.

I wasn’t sure when, but I fell asleep at some point, only to wake to a warm hand shaking my shoulder softly.

"Wake up," Rowan whispered, his voice barely audible. "The shower is starting."

My brows furrowed as I tried to blink the sleep away. "What?"

He tugged me to my feet and dragged me over to the window. I was stunned when I realized just how dark the sky was. I didn’t have time to focus on that though because my attention was drawn to the sky where b right lights skittered across.

The shower.

"It’s beautiful," I whispered.

Warm hands bracketed my hips and warm lips pressed against my temple. "Yes, it is."

"Thank you for waking me. I would have hated to miss it."

"Thank you for falling asleep so we could watch it together."

I turned to him, my lips tugging upwards in a smile as I leaned forward. Our lips brushed gently, and he inhaled sharply. His breath smelled like mint and apples, and I inhaled it greedily, wanting more of him everywhere.

"Don’t tease," he growled and my lips quirked upwards.

Just as I was about to lean forward and close the distance, a scream echoed from behind me.