Chapter 21 - Luci's Parents

Luci woke up with a smile on her face and feeling happier than she had felt in a long time. She thought of the night with Xavier after they marked each other; it was the best night of her life. They had made love so many times she lost count.

Xavier had been right that everything would feel different once they were fully mated. She felt like she was floating on the clouds and could break out in song any minute. She looked over and saw he was smiling at her.

"You're practically glowing." Xavier pulled her to him so he could kiss her. Their tongues fought for control as they stroked each other. Now that he had her, he couldn't get enough of her.

"I feel like I'm at peace. I shouldn't say that because we're running for our lives. I'm glad we marked each other. The connection I feel with you is indescribable. I understand why my sister was so broken by her mate's rejection. It would kill me if you rejected me now." Luci looked into his eyes to see if there was anything she should be concerned about, but all she saw was love.

"I won't ever reject you; I love you. You're my whole world now and forever." Luci rolled Xavier over until she was sitting on his abdomen. She peppered his face with kisses until he was laughing.

"I love you too. What do you think about paying my parents a visit? I want to show them I'm mated and tell my dad the truth about his friend Nolan. It's time we get rid of that snake and his cronies." Luci was ready for her life with Xavier, wherever that may be. She was trying not to think about being queen if their path led them to the palace. That was too much for her to process.

Xavier thought about meeting her parents. He would like to introduce himself, but he still didn't know what to think about her father being friends with Nolan. However, it wouldn't hurt to asses him for himself.

"Okay, let's leave after we're done." Xavier pulled her down to kiss her soft lips. When she pulled away, she looked confused.

"After we're done with what?" Luci rubbed her hands over his bumpy abs while she looked at him.

"After I'm done making love to you. I've had my rest; now I'm ready for more." He raised Luci's hips and moved so she could slide down on him.

Xavier wasn't kidding when he said he wasn't done. Luci was glad she was a vampire because if she was human, she wouldn't be able to walk for a week. Once they were finally finished, they showered and packed up their things. Luci was going to call and let her parents know they were coming, but Xavier told her to let it be a surprise.

They flew the six-hour flight to Vancouver from New York. Luci gave the address for her family home to the driver of their awaiting car. She was nervous about her parents meeting Xavier. Not because she thought they wouldn't like him; she was concerned that Nolan might target Xavier when he found out she was marked.

"I brought the box from the safe to see if your dad knows what it is. I can't pick up any specific scent from it, but it's what those vampires who kidnapped you were after. I think it may be something for vampires." Xavier pulled out the small box with all the little vials and showed it to Luci. She took one whiff of it and immediately backed away.

"I don't know what it is, but the smell makes me feel sick. I have a bad feeling about whatever's in those vials." Luci put her hand over her nose to keep from smelling it again.

Xavier quickly put the box away so it wouldn't affect her. He knew he was right; those vampires wanted those vials to harm other vampires.

When they pulled up to the mansion, there was a guarded gate, and they were waved in when the guard saw Luci. Xavier was impressed. The mansion was enormous, yet not over the top. It was classy and made of dark grey stone. He figured the guard at the gate must have called Luci's father because a man was waiting for them on the steps.

"Daddy!" Luci said as soon as they got out of the car. She ran up the steps to the man, giving him a hug.

"Luci, what are you doing here, and why didn't you call first?" She was a little taken aback. Her dad almost sounded upset that she had shown up.

"I have a surprise for you." Luci motioned for Xavier to join them; he walked over slowly. He still wasn't sure about her father.

"Who's this?" Damien asked his daughter, curious because she never brought any men home.

"Dad, this is my mate, Xavier. He's the Lycan crown prince." Luci went to Xavier's side, and he put his arm around her shoulders. He held his hand out to Damien, who was still staring at the couple in shock.

"It's nice to meet you, sir. You'll have to accept my apologies for coming here at the last minute to see you. I hope it's not an inconvenience." Xavier watched his face because he wasn't pleased with how Damien greeted his daughter. He didn't look happy to see either of them.

"No, it's not an inconvenience at all. I was just surprised to see Luci. The last I heard, you were in New York, dear." Damien turned back to his daughter, who was beaming at him. She looked the happiest he had seen her in over a century.

"I was Dad; we actually just left there. Can we go inside so we can talk? A lot has happened since we last spoke." Damien could tell his daughter was worried about something, and he knew part of it was that idiot, Nolan.

"Sure, let's go inside. I'll have your mother join us; she'll be happy to see you." Damien led the way inside, and Xavier was even more impressed. The entry continued with the dark stone theme from the exterior, with a massive chandelier above their heads. The floors were made of a light grey slate.

Damien led them into a huge office with a desk that was big enough for three people to sit comfortably behind it. Xavier and Luci sat on one of the brown leather couches while her father went to find his mate.

"I don't know why my dad is acting so weird. It's almost like he doesn't really want us here. He's never been like that; I usually come and go as I please." Luci moved over until she was against Xaver with her head on his shoulder.

"Luci? Oh, my baby girl, it's so good to see you." Xavier stood up when a woman who looked like Luci walked in wearing a long, flowing, pale pink dress. He could tell she was her mother, even though she looked more like an older sister. Luci walked over and hugged her with a smile.

"Mom, this is my mate, Xavier. He's the Lycan crown prince." Alessandra looked the younger man up and down with an appreciative eye. Her daughter's mate was quite handsome and a prince, too. She held her hand out to him with a smile.

"It's nice to meet you, Xavier. Did you say, mate? You found your mate, and you have accepted him?" She looked at her daughter and Xavier again.

"Yes, we've also marked each other." Luci looked up at Xavier when he put his arm back around her. Alessandra felt tears in her eyes as she watched them. She could tell he loved her daughter. Maybe now Luci could be happy.

"That's the best news I've had in a long time. Let me go see where your dad is. He said you had something to talk to us about. I'll be right back." After she left, Luci and Xavier sat back down.

Xavier had a bad feeling about what was keeping Damien. There was something going on, but he couldn't put his finger on it yet. When they heard footsteps, they both looked toward the door. Xavier jumped up and stood in front of Luci while he tried to restrain himself from turning into Lycan form. Nolan walked into the office and shut the door.

"I think it's time I had a chat with my future mate and her so-called prince, don't you?" Nolan sat down on the couch opposite them with a smirk.