Lyric
Two days passed, and I did nothing but sleep. I needed it because I didn’t even wake up to use the bathroom. I woke mid-afternoon, dragged myself to the bathroom, did my business, and showered.
I walked out of the bathroom to find Thane sitting on the edge of the bed. He looked handsome in a gray suit that matched his eyes. His long hair was slicked back, and he smelled amazing. He looked right at me and smiled. I smiled back but realized I was naked and rushed to the closet to get dressed.
I paired leggings and a forest green t-shirt with white sneakers. Thane mentioned the other night about training. He said we’d work out in the in-house gym. Once I gained strength, I could work out with him and his warriors.
I was shocked, but Thane said a queen of Lyko’s needed to know how to fight. Every queen who came before me did so, for they needed to be able to protect their people, just as I would. I agreed and was happy when I woke up today because Thane said we could start.
Thane was honest with me the other night, saying his people wouldn’t be happy about me being a hybrid. That’s why we won’t tell anyone unless we have to, not yet, at least. Thane didn’t think throwing the hybrid thing, as well as me being a wolf, would sit well with people.
Thane also told me not to worry because the people would accept me as their queen, and all would come to love me. I couldn’t see it myself, especially when we kept the truth from them. But we’ll do things Thane’s way; he is King, after all.
I tied my hair in a high ponytail and returned to find Thane had changed into shorts and a white t-shirt with black sneakers. He’d tied his long hair in a man-bun. My eyes widened, and I took a deep breath through my nose.
How is it fair that he looks so good?
His shirt was tightly fitted, and I could see his eight-pack, taut pecks, and bulging arms. He has thick thighs, and every inch of him is well-proportioned. My mate is every inch the King he was born to be, but it was nice to see him out of his suit and in clothes that made him look more relaxed.
“See something you like?” I heard the humor in his voice, but I was too busy staring at his body to see the look on his face.
I nodded my head, then instantly shook myself out of the trance I was in.
“What? No!” He laughed while I huffed and folded my arms across my chest. “Whatever, Jerk. Are you taking me to the gym or what?”
“I will, but first, I want you to eat an apple and drink some juice. You haven’t eaten in days. You can’t go to the gym on a full stomach, but you can’t go on an empty one, either. You need some fuel; I don’t want you passing out on me.” I agreed. Even though I wasn’t hungry, I knew Thane was right.
Now, we’re standing outside the in-house gym, four floors down from our floor. I can hear laughter coming from inside. My sister sounds happier than I have ever heard her.
Thane pushes open the double doors, and my eyes widen. Harmony has her arms wrapped around Theo’s neck as he holds her around the waist and off the ground as they kiss. They’re both in shorts and t-shirts; Harmony’s don’t leave much to the imagination.
Since when does she dress this way?
I know I’ve been asleep for two days, but what the fuck?
Did I miss something?
Kissing and tight clothing, I wasn’t expecting that any time soon!
‘While you slept, Harmony was getting therapy and growing closer to her mate.’
‘I can see that!’ I mumble to my wolf. ‘She can’t have moved on from what happened in two days, Aspen. Even if she has spoken to a therapist several times, it’s not that easy.’
‘Why don’t you spend less time worrying about what Harmony is doing and sort your own life out?’
I ignore my wolf because I know she’s right, and that annoys the crap out of me!
“Lyric!” Harmony rushes toward me, wrapping her arms around my neck. “I was so worried about you.”
“I’m fine, Harmony; I just needed sleep.”
Harmony pulls away from me, full of smiles as she flips her ponytail. She looks so healthy, and she’s even put on a little weight. It’s not hard to do when you’re a wolf and eat like an elephant. I imagine Harmony has been taking advantage of eating what she can. That makes me happy because she needed to eat more.
The sparkle is back in Harmony’s eyes, making my heart happy. Whatever help my sister still needs, I know she’ll get. I can’t keep questioning why she’s so at ease in her mateship. Harmony has the right to do whatever she wants, and I will support her.
“Right. Shall we?”
I nod at Thane and let him lead me to the middle of the room. He has me use the treadmill, the light weights, and the punching bag. He makes it look so easy, but my muscles are screaming. Goddess, I am so unfit!
“Right. Why don’t you and Harmony spar?”
I shake my head at Theo. “Absolutely not.”
“Why? Scared she’ll throw you on your ass?” He laughs, but I do not.
“I will not fight my sister. I don’t care if it is only sparring.”
“It’s okay, Lyric; I don’t mind.”
“I do, Harmony!” She lowers her head in submission. I hate that! “Why don’t we spar?”
Theo raises an eyebrow and smirks. Thane shrugs and crosses his arms over his chest. He’s not going to stop me, which is good.
Theo stands in front of me, getting ready to attack. “You sure about this?”
I don’t answer; I attack. How stupid of me; Theo instantly flips me over his shoulder, and I land on my back on the mat.
The wind is knocked out of me!
I take Thane’s hand when he offers it, and he hauls me to my feet. I narrow my eyes at Theo; the prick is smirking at me. Harmony is sitting on a weight bench, eyes wide, and watching us.
‘My brother has next to no weaknesses.’ I hear Thane in my head. ‘Theo has been training since he could walk.’
‘So, I stand no chance, even when sparring.’ I knew that, but still, it’s annoying.
‘No, even though Theo will go easy on you. When an enemy or even a sparring partner is taller than you, go for the mid-section.’
I nod my head and then get back into position. Theo and I circle each other, then he pounces, and I manage to doge. I wouldn’t stand a chance against a Lycan in a real fight, but that doesn’t mean I’d ever give up.
Theo is relentless in his assault. I hit him in the stomach several times, but he doesn’t flinch.
“Come on, tiny wolf, at least try.”
My eyes widen in anger. I hate being mocked!
“Don’t call me that!”
“Why not? That’s what you are, right? A tiny weak wolf.”
I grit my teeth, anger rushing through my veins. I am not weak! I’m untrained, but I am not weak.
‘Lyric, be careful!’
I ignore Harmony’s mind link. I’m not about to lose control of my fairy power.
“Come on, Tiny,” Theo smirks while flexing his fingers, wanting me to attack.
Who’s fucking idea was this?
‘Yours.’ My wolf laughs.
I do not because I’m sick of being thrown around like a rag doll! Theo hasn’t let up even for a moment, and now he’s trying to rile me, bait me into attacking.
My father used to say a smart warrior closes his ears to the pointless words of others. The enemy will try and bait you, make you angry enough to attack. But that would only lead to the enemy getting the upper hand. Never let the enemy get the upper hand.
I smirk slyly, and I notice Theo’s eyes narrow slightly.
‘You know what Mom used to say,’ Aspen laughs.
‘That I do.’
I charge at Theo, faking a right but dodging to the left. Theo reaches for me, but I’m faster. I slide between his parted legs, jump to my feet, and kick him in the back. He staggers forward before spinning to face me.
“Not bad, Doggie.”
Harmony gasps behind me. I’m sure she remembers Astro’s attack and how he mocked our father before he killed him. Astro called our father a dog and laughed as he died.
‘Don’t think about the past, Lyric.’
Aspen is right; I can’t let the past get to me.
I can sense Thane’s breathing increasing. He’s not happy with how his brother speaks to me, even if it is just for effect. I know it’s the mate bond; it makes us all protective.
“I think that’s enough for one day.” Theo nods at Thane before holding his hand out to me.
I bite back a smirk and take his hand, moving closer. “One thing my mother taught me,” I bring my knee up and slam it against Theo’s crown jewels.
Mom always said that if they’re getting the better of you, go for the crown jewels.
“Fuck,” He mumbles. He doesn’t fall to his knees as I thought he would, though he does cup himself with a wince.
“Never let anyone get the better of you. Next time you call me a dog, I’ll castrate you.”
I suppress a growl when Harmony rushes to Theo’s side. “Baby, are you okay?” I roll my eyes, not caring who can see.
“I’m fine.” Theo wraps his arm around her waist and kisses her forehead. I watch Harmony’s eyes close with a contented smile on her face.
Theo shoots me a warning look, and Thane’s loud growl shakes the ground.
“Don’t ever look at her like that again. This is your one and only warning!”
Theo bows his head in submission. “My King,” He then turns to me. “My Queen.” Without another word, he takes Harmony’s hand and drags her away from me. She smiles at me apologetically and leaves with her mate.
I look at Thane, staring at the door with narrow eyes. I open my mouth to say something, but Thane walks away.
I stand and watch as he hits the punching bag with so much force I’m sure it will explode any moment. He stuck up for me, he put me first, even above his brother, and I can’t help smiling. Apart from my parents, sister, and aunt, no one has ever done that for me.
‘He’s our mate, Lyric; he will always stand up for us and put us first.’
‘It made me feel all sorts of things I wasn’t aware I could feel. Is that even normal, Aspen?’
‘Yes,’ My wolf chuckles. ‘He’s perfect, Lyric. I know you’ve been hurt badly in the past, but Thane is your future. Trust him, Lyric. Don’t let the past dictate the future because it’s bright, I promise.’
‘But how can I get close to him when I know I’ll lose him?’
‘You won’t lose him, Lyric. Don’t you know that your mate will make you stronger? I’m not suggesting you mate and mark right now. But once you do, your powers will transfer to him and his to you. The two of you will one day be invincible, Lyric.’
‘How do you know that?’
‘The Moon Goddess told me.’
What the?
‘How?’
‘It’s not important right now. All you need to know is that man over there already loves you. Trust me.’
I nod, cut her off, and make my way over to Thane. I’m nervous and a little scared about putting myself out there. But Aspen is right; Thane is my mate, a gift from the Moon Goddess. We are stronger together. I don’t have to rush into anything, but I don’t have to push him away, either. I can do this; I know I can.
Either that, or I’ll fall flat on my face!