Chapter 74: A little bit of Peace
Adrian pulls into Julian’s mansion just before sunset.
This time, Nyra is already waiting outside with her duffle bag resting against her leg. The moment she sees his car, a soft smile appears on her face.
A smile that is finally only for him.
Adrian smiles back, dimples and all. Then he climbs out of the car before she can reach for the bag.
"I’ve got it, you’re my passenger princess now."
Nyra lets him take it without arguing, rolling her eyes at his cheesiness.
Behind them, Julian steps out onto the porch with Elena following calmly behind him.
"So..." Julian says, folding his arms. "You’re taking her home."
"I am."
Julian hums thoughtfully, then chin-points toward the back. "We need to talk. Privately."
Adrian raises an eyebrow but follows him toward the back, away from the girls.
Julian waits until they’re out of earshot before speaking again. "Because you’re taking her home doesn’t mean I’ll stop watching you."
Adrian surprisingly doesn’t interrupt.
"If you ever hurt her again..." Julian’s green eyes are threatening. "I don’t care if you’re the future Alpha. I don’t care who your father is."
"I’m not one to brag, but my family has ties far deeper than you think." His eyes don’t leave Adrian’s. "Neither your title nor Alpha Darius will be able to stop my wrath."
For a long moment, Adrian simply looks back at him. He knows fully how many connections the Ashford family has. But Julian is also very aware that in this pack, the Blackwoods have the final say.
Still, Adrian doesn’t try to argue.
He just nods. "You won’t have to worry. I’ll treat her the way she deserves to be treated."
Julian studies his face carefully, eyes searching for even the smallest hint of hesitation.
He doesn’t find any. "Good. I’m leaving her in your care now."
"Don’t worry, she’ll be safe."
Back at the car, Elena hugs Nyra tightly. "Stay safe."
"I will."
"Of course you will." She winks, eyeing the faint hickey on her neck. "I’m sure Adrian will take very good care of you..."
With one last wave, Adrian and Nyra climb into the car and drive away, back to the apartment they had once rejected.
Now it’s home.
---
The condo feels strangely peaceful when they step inside. There’s no usual shouting between them, no arguments.
Just peaceful silence.
Adrian sets Nyra’s bag beside the guest room door before stopping. He rubs the back of his neck awkwardly.
"Um..."
Nyra looks up at him. "What is it?"
He clears his throat. "I was... actually wondering if you maybe..." He laughs nervously at himself. "Would you like to stay in the main bedroom with me instead?"
Nyra’s lips slowly curve into a smile, inching closer until they’re chest to chest. "I would like to, but not yet."
His shoulders fall ever so slightly, but he nods in understanding. Nyra is still getting used to everything. With time, he’ll make her want to stay in his room too.
He slips his fingers into hers. "Soon, though?"
She nods, looking up at him. "Soon."
He almost pulls back when Nyra shocks him by rising onto her tiptoes and pressing a soft kiss against his lips.
His eyes widen at the brief, sweet kiss. Nothing like the desperate kisses they shared before.
But of course, he doesn’t let her fully pull away.
He wraps a hand around her waist, pulls her against his chest, and deepens the kiss.
This kiss is slower, deeper, filled with quiet affection instead of urgency. When they finally part, they’re both smiling, foreheads resting together as they catch their breath.
---
By the time Nyra walks into the academy the next morning, the entire campus is already buzzing with the news.
Anna tried to baby-trap the future Alpha.
Overnight, the story has changed. From Nyra being the other woman, the one who robbed Anna of her place--Anna is now the one receiving backlash.
Nyra just ignores the way students stare as she walks past and heads toward the courtyard, where Lena, Naya, and Leah are already waiting.
"There she is!" Leah waves dramatically. "Our beautiful Nyra."
Nyra laughs, taken aback by her enthusiasm. Though it’s been a while since they’ve seen each other with everything that’s happened.
Naya immediately grabs Nyra’s hand, pulling her gently into the seat next to her. "Are the rumors true? Did your sister really try to pin the pregnancy on Adrian?"
Nyra rolls her eyes at them. Of course that’s the first thing they’ll ask.
"Honestly, I’m not surprised." Leah snorts, filing her nails. "From the moment she announced that pregnancy, I knew something was off."
"Like hell you did..." Lena cuts in. "Anyways, enough about that witch. Where’s Adrian? He hasn’t shown up with more flowers recently."
Nyra huffs a laugh. "He’s been busy with combat practice, Leah. Besides, we moved in together. He doesn’t need to get flowers every day anymore."
"You finally moved in together!?" Naya screeches. "Spill all the details. Now!"
They practically force Nyra to spill everything, egging her on until someone hesitantly approaches their table.
Nyra looks up. It’s one of Anna’s minions, a junior who liked to dress like her and run errands. What’s she doing here, and where’s the rest of her plastic-girl group?
She looks very nervous, rubbing her palms together. "Sorry to interrupt, can I talk to you, Nyra?"
Leah looks ready to send her away, but Nyra shakes her head at her before turning to face the girl. "What do you want now?"
The girl sighs. "I... know you don’t want to see me. But I just wanted to apologize."
Apologize? Nyra blinks in surprise.
"I followed Anna because I thought she was... cool." She lowers her head in shame. "I know I was wrong. But now, after everything that’s happened, I realize how wrong I was."
She looks up at Nyra, guilt written all over her face. "I’m really, really sorry. I heard what Anna did, and I don’t think I can support her anymore."
Lena snorts from her seat, but doesn’t comment as the girl continues. "I know I don’t deserve it... but... could we maybe be friends? Or at least start over?"
Nyra studies her for a moment before offering a gentle smile. If she could give Adrian a second chance, then why couldn’t she give her one too?
"I’m not holding anything against you. But it’ll take time to be friends."
Lena looks ready to smack Nyra, while the girl smiles, visibly relaxing.
"Oh, thank you so much. You won’t regret it, I swear."
Naya rolls her eyes, taking a sip of her iced tea. "I hope so," she mumbles under her breath. "Because I don’t trust that girl one bit."