Bullied Mate Of The Lycan Kings
Chapter 31

Ren's

POV

Have you ever felt so happy, you thought you could take on the world and everything that was in it?

That was how I felt as I drove back home after spending the entire afternoon with Lily.

Now more than ever I had no regrets about running after her back in school during lunch and suggesting that we left school to a quiet place.

I didn't even know that I had needed that break away from school as much as Lily did until we actually arrived at Olga's diner and I had seen how Lily had smiled, her face no longer guarded and distrustful the further we got away from school.

Olga's diner was a cozy little spot tucked away on the outskirts of town. Its retro decor and friendly atmosphere had immediately put her at ease. Throughout the afternoon, I couldn't help but notice how Lily's eyes lit up with excitement, her sorrows and previous reservations fading away.

Absolutely beautiful. She was an epitome of beauty and the best part was that she did not even know it. It made it worse that I could see her emotions in all of those bright colours and it was difficult to take my eyes off of her the entire time and if she noticed, she did not complain about it, her blush making me feel like I was actually doing something right.

And then there was the part where holding her hand had felt like the most natural thing in the world. I had not even realized what I was doing until it was time to order food and I had released her hand to take the menu, feeling the sudden loss as if I had been meant to hold her hand for a long time.

Olga had called her my girlfriend and I could admit to myself that the reason why I had not corrected her, or told her the truth that I was still with Mauve was because in that moment, I wanted it to be true. I wanted to forget about the reality that I was in. The reality where Lily was nothing but a friend.

We had spent the afternoon talking, laughing, and enjoying each other's company. It felt like time had slowed down, and for those precious hours, the outside world ceased to exist. We delved into our dreams, our fears, and our hopes for the future, each revelation strengthening the bond between us.

The bond. I could feel it weaving into the crevices of my heart. I knew I was treading on dangerous waters but I just couldn't stop myself.

The more I stared at her, the more she spoke passionately about her hobbies and how she yearned to become something better despite the blows life had dealt her, the more I tripped and fell over the delightful creature that was Lily Beauregard. She spoke of her mother, her bestfriend, her job at the flowershop and her dreams of leaving Shadow Cove and as she spoke, her eyes had sparkled with an infectious enthusiasm that was impossible to look away from. I could watch her breathe and be fascinated. In turn, I opened up about my own past. I had never shared this with anyone outside of my best friends. But with Lily, it felt natural to expose my vulnerabilities. She listened intently, her genuine interest making me feel validated and understood.

In that quaint little diner, surrounded by the comforting scent of freshly brewed coffee, we found solace in one another. Our connection grew stronger with every word exchanged, as if we were unraveling the layers that had shielded us from the world. As the afternoon waned, the sun cast a warm, golden glow through the window. We reluctantly realized it was time to leave.

Driving back home, I couldn't wipe the smile off my face. Lily's contagious happiness had seeped into my soul, erasing any doubts or fears that had lingered. It was as if we had discovered a secret, a hidden oasis where our dreams could thrive. Little did I know that this was only the beginning of our journey together. The afternoon at Olga's diner had laid the foundation for something extraordinary.

I was almost at home when her message came in and I knew that I could not wait to get home before replying her message, so I parked by the road and opened it.

I beamed with pride when I saw her message gushing about one of the songs that I had recommended to her. It made my chest puff that she was already listening to the playlist I had sent to her and that she liked what she was hearing. Making a mental note to make more playlists and send to her, I sent a reply immediately.

We typed back and forth, my hands trembling on the steering as I waited for each and every one of her reply. As she was sending it, I was devouring it.

Lily: you better not driving and texting, smartass.

Me: And if I was? Would you get down from the bus and come and scold me?

I didn't want to tell her that I had stopped somewhere just to text with her and how much fun it was, worried that it would scare her.

Lily: maybe. If you say please.

"I'll do anything to be scolded by a pretty girl," I was already typing and had clicked send without even thinking it through.

Her next reply took a while longer and I tapped my fingers anxiously on the steering wheel, waiting for her response. She probably thought that I was just messing with her when I meant every single word.

My heart was in my mouth as I watched her typing and when I read her reply, there was a huge smile on my face.

Lily: This pretty girl is just worried about you and wants you to get back to school or home in one piece. There are so many dire consequences of texting and driving.

I stopped, warmth exploding in my chest.

When was the last time anyone worried for me? I did all the worrying. All the looking out for my friends. By the time I was done, there was no one to look out for me. Ren: Your worry is deeply appreciated, pretty girl. And I'm not texting and driving. So you don't need to worry your pretty little mind.

I waited for her reply for several minutes and when she did, I was bummed but knew that it was time to go.

Lily: Just got down and heading home. I'll talk to you later. Thank you for a lovely day.

The smile on my face remained until I arrived at the front gate of my parents' sprawling estate and was met with the icy, judgemental gaze of my parents' workers.

I felt a sudden shift in the atmosphere as I stepped out of the car. The warm glow from my time with Lily at Olga's diner seemed to fade into the distance, replaced by an icy chill that emanated from the judgmental gazes of my parents' workers. Their disapproving eyes scanned me from head to toe, their unspoken criticisms echoing loudly in my mind.

Mistake. Disappointment. A stain on the Hawthornes.

I switched off my powers before I could hear anything more.

As I made my way towards the grand entrance, a pang of sadness enveloped me. It was a stark reminder that the world outside our little oasis was not always as accepting or supportive. The contrast between the freedom and acceptance I had experienced with Lily and the scrutiny I faced within the confines of my parents' estate was jarring.

Irwin and Ariel, the alpha and luna of Silver moon pack, my parents as I have come to know them, were not bad people in the general sense, they were just bad for each other.

Together they were known for their cold elegance and unwavering adherence to societal norms, had built an environment that stiffled me and swallowed any trace of colour. Their hated for each other was palpable, and it seemed to seep into the very air I breathed. Their mating bond was a joke, a lousy one, and I was living proof of that.

His mother seduced the king.

I don't know what he's still doing here. Luna Ariel should never have accepted him as her son.

The son of a f*****g w***e has no right to claim the title of a prince.

Shh! We were told not to speak of this!

Who cares? He's scum after all. I heard his mate is miserable with him.

I shrugged off the scathing whispers as I approached the entrance, determined to maintain the newfound strength and happiness I had discovered. I reminded myself that I couldn't let their judgment define me. I had experienced a taste of true authenticity and acceptance with Lily, and I wasn't willing to let go of that newfound freedom.

With a deep breath, I straightened my posture and walked past the workers, their disapproving glances bouncing off me like raindrops on a sturdy umbrella. I refused to let their opinions dampen my spirits or diminish the connection I had forged with Lily. Inside the opulent mansion, I was greeted by the familiar opulence and ostentatious displays of wealth. The polished marble floors and intricate chandeliers seemed to mock my desire for simplicity and genuine human connection. It was a stark reminder of the gilded cage I called home.

As I ascended the grand staircase, I vowed to keep the flame of my newfound happiness alive, even in the face of my everyone's disapproval. I took a page out of Lily's handbook and just kept going. Her resilience was awe inspiring. She had been through far worse that I ever had and still managed to show up the next day with a hopeful smile on her lips. She shook the very foundations upon which my privileged life was built.

As I entered my room, I closed the door behind me, shutting out the echoes of the outside world, prepared for the utter peace and quiet solitude of my sanctuary.... When suddenly, somebody jumped on my back, knocking me into the ground. "You're back!" Rhea squealed, hugging me tight and kissing my cheek before climbing back up to her feet.

She was already out of her school uniform and seemed to be fighting the grin on her face.

I sighed and sat up, massaging my jaw, trying to make sure it still worked right.

"So?" She quipped, tilting her hair curiously, long wheat coloured hair falling down the side of her face, still fighting off that devious grin. "Where have you been all afternoon?"

"What do you mean, sister?" I said with an innocent smile that made her roll her eyes.

"You skipped school, genius and didn't come back and no, don't try to wiggle your way out of this one because would you look at the time. Since lunch! Where were you? Spill!" She demanded, stamping her feet.

I laughed and stood up, taking off my bag and putting it on my desk, purposely taking my time before gracing her a response.

If I was not already used to my sister's constant questioning and adored how she wanted to know more about my life, which could not be said about my parents, I would have fled the minute she released me.

"I went to Olga's." I answered and she nodded dramatically.

"Alone?"

"No, with a friend."

"Okay, I'm tired of this. Let me ask you upfront. Did you spend the afternoon with Lily? You know, pretty girl that is named after a flower and happens to go to our school?"

I shrugged, my smile giving me away and she smirked.

"Oh, I called it! That's wonderful. I like her and we are going to be besties!" She answered, doing a happy dance that made me laugh as she turned and jumped on my bed.

"Please, Ren, can you tell me more about her? What is she like? What kind of songs does she listen to? Does she like parties? Does she like to eat?" Rhea rambled on with many questions and I knelt before her and placed a finger to her lips, causing her to immediately go silent and she raised her brows at me.

"What?"

"I'll tell you everything but you need to relax, little tiger. Breathe."

"This is what happens when you're five foot six next to your over six foot brother even though he's only older by a few months. I'm not little."

"Say that to my shoulder the next time we are standing beside each other." I teased and she rolled her eyes, her expression suddenly turning solemn.

"Aiden, Zac and Mauve were not happy when you left. You should have seen the looks on their faces, especially Mauve's. They think you're choosing her over them and you know that they will not just sit down without trying something, Ren. Promise me that you'll look out for her, brother. She's sweet and doesn't deserve the cruel hand life has dealt her. Promise me that you'll shield her, even if it means going against your friends."

I nodded and kissed her outstretched pinky finger. I didn't need her to tell me. I knew what was at stake the moment I walked away from the cafeteria, and I also knew so much about Lily now that it would be impossible for me to do nothing and watch her get hurt. For me to walk out on her now that I knew she needed all the support she could get.

I knew my friends would not sit back and do nothing but neither would I.