CHAPTER 40: YOU CHEAP SLUT!

Iris’s POV

"You should watch where you step." Lucas’s voice was filled with concern as his hands still held me. My cheeks burned, as I quickly took a step from him.

"Thank you. I need to leave now," I said, my heart still racing from the way his eyes lingered on me. I turned to go but before I could take another step, his voice stopped me again.

"How about a walk?" He said as my eyes darted to the window where I’d seen Amelia moments ago, but now he window was empty. My stomach twisted. What would she think now? I opened my mouth to refuse, to explain that I’ve got some work to attend to but his words made me speechless.

"It’s an order," Lucas added, his voice sounding like a tease, "from Alpha Lucas, not just Silas." He winked, the corner of his mouth lifting into a lopsided smile that made me couldn’t say no.

I hesitated, but against my better judgment, I nodded. "Fine," I said, gesturing for him to follow. "This way."

We walked, keeping my eyes forward without staring at him. Lucas fell into step beside me until he spoke again.

"You know," he began, his voice casual. "for some reason, I can’t quite figure out why I’m drawn to you." He glanced at me, his head tilted slightly, as if searching for an answer in my expression. "I haven’t felt like this in years." He added.

My breath caught. This was the last thing I wanted to hear from him right now. I swallowed hard without saying a word as he spoke casually again.

"You’re looking good tonight," he added, his tone teasing. He nudged my arm gently with his elbow, and I could see the smile on his lips.

I ducked my head, tucking a loose strand of hair behind my ear. "Thank you," I mumbled, my lips twitching into a reluctant smile. I stole a glance at him. He looked so at ease. For some strange reasons too, I felt comfortable around him.

"How long have you been in this pack?" he asked, his hands clasped behind his back as he walked.

Did he not know who I was? The thought sent a pang through me, a reminder of how lowly I’d become in this place, reduced to just another maid. I swallowed the bitterness and answered, "I was born here."

His brows lifted slightly, surprise appearing across his face. "Really? So, this is home for you." He paused, then added, "What about your family?"

The familiar ache settled in my chest, but I kept my voice steady. "My parents passed when I was young."

His expression shifted, and he stopped walking, turning to face me. "I’m sorry," he said, his voice gentle, his eyes searching mine. "Do you have siblings?"

I shook my head, the ache deepening. "No. It is just me."

He nodded slowly, his gaze kind, and I could see the pity there, though he tried to act neutral. "That must’ve been hard," he added.

I shrugged, forcing a small smile. "It has. But I found a sister in someone else. Amelia." Just saying her name eased the tightness in my chest. "She’s... she’s a good soul."

Lucas’s face brightened, and he resumed walking. "Amelia must be special, then," he said. "If you speak so highly of her."

"She is," I said, my voice softer now. I glanced at him, and he was watching me, his expression welcoming, like he was genuinely interested in every word I said. It was disarming, and I wasn’t sure how to feel about it.

We continued down the path as he pointed out the rose trellis and the small fountain at the center of the courtyard, its water flowing beautifully. Lucas asked questions about the history of the pack, the meaning behind the symbols carved into the stone benches and many more. His curiosity was relentless, and I found myself answering with more ease than I expected, explaining the traditions of Black Bane, the way the pack had changed over the years after it was ruled by the last alpha king and then Darius took over. Though I didn’t explain to him the very detail of how the former alpha died with his wife. Though he didn’t ask.

"You know a lot," he said. "It’s rare for a maid to be this... knowledgeable."

I smiled. "Thank you," I said. "While my parents were alive, they made sure I went to a good school in the city, outside the outsketch on the werewolf clan. They paid a lot for it, and I’m grateful. It’s helped me more than I can say."

He nodded, his gaze not leaving me. "You’re smart, Iris," he said. "And not just book-smart. You’ve got a way of seeing things, understanding them."

I smiled.

But then a sharp, angry female voice shattered the moment. "Here she is! Slut!"

I turned to see Liora storming toward us, her eyes blazing with fury and behind her, Zane followed, his hands shoved into the pockets and he was wearing a black sleeveless jacket. His cold, piercing eyes locked onto me, and I felt a chill run down my spine.

"Now you don’t want the triplets anymore?" Liora’s voice came again. "Now it’s Lucas?"

"What are you talking about?" I stammered as Lucas stepped forward but Liora didn’t give him a chance to speak.

"Don’t play innocent!" she snapped, her finger jabbing toward me. "You’ve been stringing along the triplets, and now you’re cozying up to Lucas? You’re pathetic!"

Zane’s gaze never left mine, his silence was more unnerving than Liora’s outburst. I wanted to shrink under his icy stare, but I forced myself not to. "You’ve got it all wrong," I said but she caught me off. Liora scoffed, crossing her arms as she turned to Lucas "Lucas, you’re an idiot for falling for her act."

Lucas’s eyes darkened. "Be careful with your words." He warned

As I turned to Liora. "I don’t owe you an explanation," I said, locking eyes with Liora.

Liora laughed bitterly. "There’s no shameless slut who would admit to that and you are that slut."