When Tables Turn Book 3: Love & War
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Ivana Vanessa Jameson
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Chapter 1
LUCY]
It’s wild how life can flip upside down in a heartbeat. I felt like I was stuck in slow motion, while the rest of the world sped on without me.
I was lost. The only thing I knew for sure was that there was no winning against the lycan king. I sat quietly next to him as he conducted the post-war meeting.
My friends watched me from the crowd, sitting a few feet away from the main table where the leaders were gathered.
“We’ve lost over a thousand men, my king. The young ones who’ve just come of age are refusing to join the warriors after everything that’s happened,” Vladimir reported, his face etched with worry.
Alexander studied him with a stern expression. “Recruit them all. They don’t have a choice. Is that everything?” he asked Vladimir.
Vladimir seemed surprised by the king’s response, but he didn’t question his decision.
“Many of our people are homeless now. Most of the homes near the borders have been destroyed, and even if we rebuild, they don’t feel safe there anymore. There are rumors that the banshees are still lurking.”
“Rebuild the homes near the borders and increase border patrol. Make sure there are more warriors stationed in that area.
“Anyone who spreads rumors about the banshees should be locked up and publicly shamed,” the king declared without a hint of mercy.
I wanted to interject, to tell him how harsh that punishment was, but I held my tongue. I’d already caused enough trouble. None of these creatures would listen to me now. Not after everything I’d done.
I was surprised their king was still protecting me. Maybe the mate bond was stronger than I’d imagined.
I couldn’t ignore the way Karen had been glaring at me the entire time. It was as if all the redheads had something against me.
“And what about them? People are starting to ask questions,” she asked Alex, her gaze shifting to me.
Suddenly, all eyes were on me, and I wished I could vanish.
“They can stay if they want to. It seems they make my mate happy and comfortable. If they want to leave, no one will stop them. My mate stays with me. That’s final,” Alexander replied calmly.
Karen didn’t seem satisfied with his answer. “After all the trouble she’s caused? Can’t you see how this will affect you?”
“Which part of ‘my decision is final’ did you not understand?” He narrowed his eyes at her.
She didn’t respond. Who would dare argue with the king?
I looked around at everyone. They weren’t happy with Alexander’s decision. They didn’t like me, and I couldn’t blame them. I didn’t like myself much either right now.
I couldn’t understand why Alexander was being… I wouldn’t say kind, but he was treating me and my friends decently. After everything, I’d expected him to banish us from his territory.
The whole situation felt strange. I didn’t know whether to feel relieved or scared.
After the meeting, I had a chance to catch up with my friends while he attended to more pack business. We sat in silence while the twins played with their toys.
“What happened? I thought you guys got away,” I asked, frowning.
Marcia rubbed her forehead. “About eight warriors caught us before we could escape. I’d call it luck because the place was swarming with banshees. We could have died if those warriors hadn’t been there.”
My heart sank as I listened to her. I felt so stupid for letting them go alone.
I didn’t know what I would have done if anything had happened to them. We’d already lost one friend, and losing anyone else would have been unbearable.
The thought of everything I’d been through and the people I’d lost made me feel sick.
I sighed. “I’m so sorry. I should have been there.”
Amara shook her head. “No, you’ve always been there for us, Lucy. You don’t need to feel guilty about this.”
“Yes, besides, you were safer with the king. I’ll admit that, and everything that’s happened has happened for a reason,” Marcia added.
Persius smiled at me. “You don’t have to look after all of us, love. Anyway, we’re past that now. How’s your leg? How are you feeling?”
Honestly, I didn’t know how I felt. Thinking about it, my whole body ached, and I was incredibly tired.
The cramps had subsided, but I was still exhausted, and what worried me the most was that I’d never felt this tired before.
“Lucy? Are you okay? You look worried,” Amara asked, concern in her eyes.
I smiled at them. “No, don’t worry. I’m fine. Just a bit tired, but then again, I’m always tired.”
They all laughed.
“‘Always’ is an understatement,” Hakim joked, grinning.
“Shut up,” I laughed, rolling my eyes at him. “So, have you thought about what their king said…about staying?” I asked, and everyone’s smiles faded.
“I feel like we’ve been safer here than out there, and to be honest, the twins are happier here. They need stability, and this place seems to offer that,” Marcia admitted.
I hadn’t expected her to want to stay, but it made me happy. Plus, she was right. I didn’t want to admit it, but this seemed like the safest place for us right now.
Persius hummed in agreement. “That’s true. It sucks, but we have food here. We have places to sleep, and they have real human kids they’re taking care of here. The twins can make friends and go to school.”
“As long as you’re here, Lu, I’m not going anywhere,” Amara declared.
A smile spread across my face, thrilled that my friends were sticking around. But it faded as soon as Trevor opened his mouth.
“I can’t stay here… I’m heading out early this afternoon. Got some stuff to sort out,” he said, his expression unreadable.
No one challenged him. He’d been through the wringer, and I couldn’t fault him for wanting to escape. This place was a minefield of painful memories for him.
His decision to leave tugged at my heartstrings, but we all had to respect it—if it was what he needed to find happiness.
