224
David
The sun hung low in the sky, casting a warm, golden glow over the Blood Moon Estate. I found myself sitting in my office, the day's responsibilities and concerns drifting away like smoke in the wind. Instead, my mind was consumed by a vivid daydream, one that had been dancing at the edges of my thoughts for some time now.
The taste of Lucy's lips against me, the soft warmth of her in my arms as we danced in the courtyard, surrounded by the fragrance of roses in full bloom.
I could still feel the softness of her lips against mine, timid and shy. She hadn't looked me in the eye for the rest of the night, but I had felt so relieved, so perfectly settled as I'd held her close and we swayed.
It had been more than I had ever dared to hope for.
Then, my phone rang.
With a sigh, I was jolted back to reality as I answered. It was an assistant for one of the companies.
"Sir, you asked for an update on Chance Industries?"
"Yes," I sat back. "What have you got?"
"There's been a change of leadership. The board seems to be in a panic. They reported a cashflow issue..."
As she went on, I pulled out a pen and took notes. I could use my position as an alpha to look at it from our end, but I had a feeling I wouldn't have to.
Chance Industries wasn't a young company, but it hadn't been lucrative until most recently, i.e., when Tony got out of college and took over.
"And their merger?"
"Seems to be on hold. If you were still interested, I'm sure we could manage a better offer."
I smirked. "Your viciousness is showing, and I appreciate it."
"My sister dated that jackass for a week, and the fucker didn't even call her after they fucked."
I chuckled. "Sounds about right. Offer what you think is fair and... offer a percentage of the company to be retained by the owners. They should have invested enough to make it worthwhile but not enough to make decisions."
"I'm on it. Anything else?"
"If you want to blow raspberries at the building, go for it."
"Thank you, sir."
I chuckled, got off the phone, and sat back with another sigh, running over my notes on Chance Industries. I made a few other calls to fill out my understanding, but it didn't make sense. It was almost as if the company wasn't being run by anyone, though there were a lot of draws being taken out. My alarm went off, letting me know it was time to go. I packed up my notes and headed out the door, humming thoughtfully. The thoughts about the Blue Moon pack's finances, or lack thereof, would have to wait. I had magical combat training to get to, and I wanted to exercise some of this energy.
When I arrived, the training grounds of the Academy were alive with the sound of clashing weapons and the scent of exertion. I changed quickly, ignoring the usual jeering about me and my suits.
"Oh, look, the hot shot has decided to join us lesser mortals..."
I rolled my eyes, nudging him as I passed. "Don't tempt me to toss you across the pitch."
"Oh, yeah? We'll see about that!"
He charged me, a playful grin on his face. I dodged his strike easily. An unusual surge of energy coursed through my veins, propelling me into the fight. It was as though the very moonlight seeped into my veins. My opponent, a shifter whom I had sparred with countless times before looked surprised.
"What's got you in such a mood?"
"Probably that cute girl that could take her eyes off him when her class was here."
He choked as I caught him in the chest, tumbled him over my shoulder, and sent him flying.
I smirked at his brother. "Maybe."
He swung a staff back and forth, approaching me. "Hot date or wishful thinking, little prince?"
I snorted, watching the rhythm of his staff before he attacked. I danced away from him, sliding in close.
"Shit!"
He released the staff before I could slam my palm into his chest, but I took the staff and whacked him with it, sending him to the ground. I laughed as more of my class started to come after me. It had been a long time since we'd had an all-out melee. It seemed like everyone was getting in the mood for the Festival.
Another melee fighter darted towards me, swinging his fists at me with fluid and precise strikes. I barely dodged him with a newfound grace that felt like I was gliding on air. Maybe I was. Was that the elf-blood kicking in or fairy dust?
I didn't know and it didn't matter.
His eyes sparked with fierce competitiveness, and for every strike I delivered, he responded in kind. Someone tossed me a set of short swords. He picked up a long sword and came after me. Our swords clashed, a symphony of steel ringing through the air.
Our instructor watched from the sidelines. His expression seemed intrigued as he gestured for someone else to jump in against me. Knowing that this was just practice for the Festiva pushed me to move faster. As we kept going, I felt myself growing looser. It was like everything in my bloodline was surging in me, moving me easily. I felt untouchable.
The onlookers cheered as I fought off the group. The swords were warm in my hand, almost burning with the magic they were absorbing from me. It was a sensation of power and control that I had never experienced before.
In my mind's eye, I saw that great wolf bound in chains. The sword in its mouth was gone. The chain links were cracked.
Just a little more...
They came at me faster. I felt the tension in my chest growing as I pushed through them.
A little more...
The wolf's eyes started to glow a familiar, menacing purple.
Sparks flew between us as I delivered a final, powerful strike that sent his sword flying from his grasp. He stumbled backward, conceding defeat with a grin.
"Must be a hell of a woman," he said. "We should go out for drinks one day. I'd love to meet her."
"I'm not legal yet, and neither is she."
"We'll get you both apple juice."
They laughed as we shuffled toward the locker rooms to change. Julia slid closer to me, her eyes filled with admiration and interest. She was pretty enough, but I felt nothing.
"David, you were amazing out there," she said, her voice filled with genuine admiration. "You have any plans tonight?"
I couldn't help but smile, the rush of combat still coursing through my veins. "Thanks. You weren't bad yourself."
I threw my bag over my shoulder. "And yeah, I should actually get going. Be safe getting home, guys."
"Have fun on your date!"
"Take a shower first!"
They cackled as I left, shoving some food in my mouth and hurrying out.
"David, wait!"
I turned back to look at Julia as she followed
"About the Festival... What do you say we go together?"
"Sorry, Julia. I already have a date," I grinned at the thought. "Why not go with Ro'?"
She winced a bit and shuffled her feet. "Well... maybe next year?"
I shook my head. "I'm hoping to never need another date."
Her eyes widened as I hustled off, heading toward the front entrance when I saw Lucy walking out of a classroom, juggling a bunch of books under her arm. I felt everything in me light up at the sight of her. I smirked and slid up to her, lifting her books out of her arm. She gasped and spun around before looking up at me with wide eyes.
"Not who you were expecting?"
She flushed, shuffled her feet, and looked down.
"Hi, David."
I hesitated at her response and the nervous scent coming from her. She didn't look up at me as she shuffled her feet.
"Is something wrong?" I asked, looking down at her. She looked a little uncomfortable.
"Oh, no, I just..." She cleared her throat. "I wasn't expecting to run into you..."
I didn't get any closer as the scent of her discomfort filled my nose. Concern washed over me. Had I done something to make her uncomfortable? I couldn't recall any missteps or offenses, but I couldn't ignore the shift in her behavior. I decided to take the initiative.
I smiled at her.
"Lucy, you can tell me if something is bothering you."
She shook her head. "I'm fine, really. I just."
I reached out and she flinched away. I drew my hand back as if I had been burned. Shit. I had overstepped. What other explanation was there? After everything she'd been through with the twins?
I stepped back. her eyes widened.
"Lucy, I... I apologize."
Her eyes widened. "What?"
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