Mayor Lia walked up to Lucien and said something to him
Then he turned and his eyes were on her again.
As he stared at her, everyone followed his eyes and stared on
Amara had never seen so many eyes on her at once.
Not in a classroom. Not at a party. And definitely not in a circle full of wolves disguised as people.
Lucian walked up to her and stood in front of her, arms crossed, golden eyes burning into hers. Still. Silent.
She waited for him to speak.
He didn't.
Instead, an older man stepped forward. Is this her?.
Lucian gave a single nod.
She's human, the man said, distaste clear in his voice.
I noticed, Lucian said dryly.
Now Amara was confused but she needed to confirm her suspicions, she clenched her jaw. You all keep saying that like it's a disease.
Lucian's gaze sharpened.
Because to us, he said, voice flat, it is.
That shut her up.
The meeting broke up shortly after that, but the stares didn't stop. Some curious. Some like Lucian's colder than frostbite
He didn't offer her a ride.
Didn't offer to walk her out.
Just turned his back like she was nothing.
But she followed him anyway.
Why did you step in? she asked, trailing him through the parking lot of dusty cars and restless wolves. Back there. You didn't have to.
Lucian didn't stop walking.
You're right, he said. I didn't.
She jogged up beside him. Then why?
Lucian finally paused. The night air was sharp, and the forest around them felt too quiet.
I don't like humans, he said simply. But I distaste the reckless ones even more.
Amara swallowed hard. I didn't ask to be dragged into this.
Lucian turned, his voice a little harder now. Are you sure about that?
She frowned. What's that supposed to mean?
But Lucian just walked away.
That night, as Amara lay in bed, the cabin felt colder. He hadn't threatened her. But he hadn't protected her either.
And the way he looked at her
As if she was a problem he didn't want, but couldn't ignore.