Chapter 265
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“They’re my old classmates from Mooncrest Academy,” Riley said softly, her gaze calm but distant. “They wanted to invite me to tomorrow’s reunion, but tomorrow is your birthday… so I refused.”
Carmen’s shoulders eased at once, the tension uncoiling from her chest.
She had been ready to tear someone apart if Riley had been bullied.
As long as she was around, no one in the Nine Realms could lay a finger on Riley without paying the price.
“Carmen…” Riley tilted her head, eyes narrowing slightly as they studied her lips.
“What?” Carmen asked, puzzled.
“Your mouth… it’s so red. A little swollen, too.”
Carmen froze.
The bond between her and Duke hummed faintly at the back of her mind, and she could almost feel his smugness through it. That damn wolf…
It had to be from when Duke had kissed her in the restroom earlier.
She wanted to say she’d been bitten by a stray mutt, but she knew Riley wouldn’t believe it.
“…Got bitten by a mosquito,” she said instead, tone flat.
Duke, of course, chose that exact moment to stroll past, his voice a lazy drawl. “Guess that mosquito’s got taste… managed to bite your upper and lower lips evenly. Perfectly symmetrical.”
Carmen’s jaw twitched. She didn’t dignify him with a response.
A stifled laugh escaped Riley, and even Mia covered her mouth to hide her grin.
Lucien Duskgrave raised a brow at Duke but didn’t say a word—those storm-dark Alpha eyes said enough. He’d already pieced the truth together.
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The five of them settled at the table.
Soon, steaming bowls of long-life noodles were placed before them. Carmen pushed the noodles around with her chopsticks, but each mouthful tasted like ash. Her appetite was gone.
They were halfway through the meal when Lucien spoke, his voice smooth but commanding. “After dinner, Duke will take Miss Carmen back to her dorm.”
Carmen’s head shot up, eyes wide. “Alpha Lucien… and you?”
“I’ve already called for the driver. He’ll take the rest of us.”
Her pulse kicked into overdrive. This was a trap.
They had all arrived together—so why in the Moon’s name was she suddenly being singled out to leave with her mate?
She tried for diplomacy. “I can call a cab myself. Duke should take you all instead -you’re more than one person.”
Before Lucien could reply, Riley’s voice cut in gently. “Carmen, last night there was a brutal assault near the Silverfang Den. The victim’s eyes were gouged, tongue cut out, limbs destroyed… Found at dawn. Doctors tried to save her, but she didn’t survive.”
Her tone was calm, but her eyes brimmed with worry. “It’s not safe at night. Let Duke take you then we’ll all feel better.”
Mia nodded in firm agreement. “She’s right. I know you don’t like troubling others, but your safety matters most.”
Carmen forced a faint smile. If only they knew… the “brutal killer” they spoke of was sitting right at their table, quietly sipping tea.
She hadn’t meant to kill her outright last night-she’d wanted her to live in agony. Shame she hadn’t lasted till morning.
She kept her head lowered, fingers moving under the table to send a quick message to Jace Hale.
Fifteen minutes later, a reply lit her screen-he was already outside.
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8:21 pm DD
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Setting down her chopsticks, she said, “Mia, Riley, I’m done. You keep eating, but I have to get back before curfew.”
Riley’s smile was warm. “Alright. Tomorrow, after class, we’re celebrating your birthday at the Silverfang Den.”
Carmen nodded, rising from her seat and striding toward the door.
Duke was on his feet instantly, following her scent trail.
But when he stepped out of the private room, Carmen was already sliding onto the back of Jace’s motorcycle.
His wolf growled low, a flash of fury surging through the bond. “Carmen! Stop!”
She didn’t even glance back, only gripping Jace’s waist and saying, “Drive.”
Jace smirked over his shoulder at Duke, eyes gleaming with challenge, before lifting one hand to flip him off. Then the bike’s engine roared, and they vanished into the night like a streak of silver lightning.
Duke’s lips curled into a cold smile. “Run, little wolf. You won’t get far from me.”
The motorcycle tore through the streets, night wind whipping past. Carmen pressed closer to Jace’s back, her body moving with the lean of the bike.
“Hey, Carmen,” Jace shouted over the wind, “if you’re feeling better tonight, want me to take you to a bar?”
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