Fated to the Werewolf King
39: Jayce

Lily had distanced herself from him after the interaction with Derek. She hadn't spoken a single word, but he could feel the fear she felt. The doubt. Everything they were striving against came barging back in unwelcomed. She said she needed space, she needed to think. He gave her that, but to not communicate about how she was feeling? What did the fucker say to her to make her shut down? Nathan couldn't even reach her. Or his Wolf. Jayce knew his Wolf and Lily had grown close while he was in Hawaii. Did he feel a little jealous? Yes, but he wouldn't admit that openly. Their wedding was only days away now. He sent out the calls to the Alphas, except for Derek and Lukas. Penelope hasn't even gone home to him either. After watching Lily drive off with him, she said she felt something was off. Very off. So she chose to stay in the city for the time being where she believed Elias would be safest. That was probably the first time in a long time that she had her motherly instincts kick in. Alpha Lukas had gone missing from his pack after the meeting apparently, so his Beta had taken over until further action was taken. Luna Selene had stepped up in his absence as well, taking on many roles that the Alpha had and delivered with spectacular results. Another mystery was his gifted shift the night he crossed paths with Derek. His Wolf or Nox as Lily had decided to call him, forced the shift without explaining as to why. Just that Lily needed help and fast. He didn't question it at the time. The thought that Lily was in harms way again sent him into action and let Nox take over.

Jayce walked into their home after another late night at the pack house. He wrapped up the last of what was needed for the end of the year so he could spend the rest of the time with his family. He saw football on the TV, Nathan snoring on the couch with Elias curled up beside him. Her sweet, floral scent dragged his feet to the kitchen where she sat at the counter, her laptop beside her, a notebook in front of her and headphones attached to her phone. She was busy writing in the notebook that she had not sensed him yet. He walked closer, seeing a blank page on her laptop. Was she working on her book? It's been awhile since she focused on that.

He leaned against the counter, peering closer to her phone and noticed a live stream with people One of them being a male with shoulder length brown hair, and fresh clean face that was speaking to the others. Of what, he wasn't entirely sure, but the others seemed drawn to him as he spoke. Jayce trailed his eyes up from her phone to Lily. She was wearing a tank top, finally comfortable with what was exposed. Her blonde hair acted like a curtain, hiding her face from him. He watched her shift position, sniffing the air until she jumped when she saw Jayce standing so close.

"Jesus fuck, Jayce.” She pulled her headphones out, covering her face with her hands. He listened to her heart race at the sudden surprise.

"You were concentrating pretty hard. I didn't want to disturb you." He said. Lily ran her fingers through her hair, pulling at a few knots.

"I'm at a loss again.” She grumbled, the most she’s said to him over the past few days. He took another stool, sitting beside her. He picked up her phone, still unable to hear what the discussion was, but everyone was laughing.

"What's this?" He pointed to her phone. Lily took one of the headphones and placed it in his ear. He listened to the man talk in an odd accent, Scottish? No, Irish? A woman with red hair was speaking with a slightly deepened voice. Another man with an abnormally large flask spoke in a higher pitch. Jayce couldn't follow along with what was happening, but Lily was giggling. He watched her smile, her face alongside his as she watched the screen.

"They're playing Dungeons and Dragons. They just recently started a new campaign. The DM, uh, the Dungeon Master, he's married to her.” She points to the red head woman. He could see it now, the way the man would glance her way, even for the slightest moment, their was admiration.

"So, she has the advantage since her husband is this DM?" He asked her.

"No. He's a fair DM. A lot and I mean a lot of people look up to the guy.” She glanced over to her laptop, "I actually listen to them when I'm at a writer's block and need some help with inspiration.” She said as she let out a slow breath. She tapped her pen on her notebook where several ideas had been scribbled over.

"It's not working?" He asked her. She stopped tapping, peering over to him with a worried expression on her face.

"I'm ready to talk... about what happened.” She told him. He sat up straighter, "I think we should involve everyone. Especially your mom.” She insisted. He looked at her face, searching her eyes. She was serious, and... scared. Jayce gave a single nod before pulling out his phone and made his calls. After everyone gathered in Jayce's office, Damion shut the door behind himself. Nathan had put Elias to sleep in Lily's old room and joined them all. Lily sat on Jayce's desk, twiddling her thumbs while everyone got situated. It was late, everyone was tired, but when he made the call for an urgent meeting, they all rushed over. Erica was sitting closest to Lily aside from himself who stood beside her. Nathan, Damion and Penelope sat on the lounging furniture. Penelope didn't look like herself. Her hair was down, slightly untamed. Her face was bare, but her natural beauty exceeded the false beauty she normally wore. She had on what looked like a sweater dress with leggings and boots with it.

"Go ahead, Lily." Jayce encouraged her. She looked up at him, her breathing had quickened slightly. Was she going to have a panic attack? He grabbed her hand, squeezing tightly.

Nox, help her calm down

Jayce watched as Lily's heart race eased up, her breathing evening out. She let out a relieved sigh and faced everyone.

"So, a few days ago, Derek and I had an altercation.” She said.

"What type of altercation?" Penelope asked her.

"Well, he...” Lily paused, her eyebrow twitching slightly, "he... um..." tears formed in her eyes, her hand reaching up and touching her neck. She didn't even have to say it. All the progress of moving on from her trauma, and Derek had put her back into it him damn self. Jayce's nails started to sharpen.

"Did he hurt you, Lily?" Nathan asked, looking pissed for the very first time that he met him. Tears spilled over as she nodded silently. Erica was on her feet, hugging Lily tightly. Jayce finally noticed she was shaking.

"He kept saying that what I felt for Jayce isn't true... That I make him weak..." she started to cry more, "That I'll only be good for breeding and just be discarded.” She buried her face in Erica's shoulder. Damion jumped up, grabbing Jayces arms before he could smash something.

That fucker... That fucking bastard!

"Why would he go so far after he already gave his opinion?" Her father asked. The lanky man was red in the face as he tried to understand Derek's motives, and restrain himself from damaging anything near him.

"I don't understand..." Penelope said softly, "I thought he was coming around..." she covered her face with her hands. Lily had grabbed Jayce's hand. He looked down at her, her tear filled eyes pained him.

"Jayce... I think he tried to kill me...” she spoke those words so softly, Nathan might not have heard it, but the Wolves certainly did. Jayce's shirt ripped as he started to shift. Damion wasn't holding him down anymore. He was pissed to.

"Lily, are you sure?" Penelope asked her. Lily nodded, sniffling.

"He had his hands on my throat... He... He wouldn't let go..." she touched her throat. Jayce looked at his Mate, snatching her away from Erica and clutched her to his body. She let out a gasp at the tight squeeze. He wanted to hunt down Derek, make him pay for harming his Queen, his Mate, his own fucking daughter-in-law, but Lily needed him more right now.

"Breathe for me, Lily. You did good." Jayce muttered into her hair. She was safe and sound now. Derek would never lay a hand on her again. His claws rubbed her back, but she pulled away.

"Jayce, I don't want him coming after our family.” She told him, tears streaking her face. He cupped her cheek.

"He won't ever lay a hand on you again. Not when I'm here to protect you." He said. Lily shifted her gaze away like there was something else.

"I can't..." she pulled away from him and turned toward his desk. He looked at her confused until she turned back around, the thin blue present in her hand. She held it out to him, "I can't hide it anymore." She said.

"But Lily..." Erica went to interject.

"No! It wasn't just my life on the line." Lily snapped. Jayce hesitated before taking the gift. He looked at Lily, seeing her nod. What did she mean by that? Was it Nox that she was referring to? A spirit as strong as him would never go down so easily. He pulled the top off, almost dropping it after what he saw inside.

Pregnant.

He looked at Lily, the wheels in his head coming to a full stop. His eyes trailed down to her stomach. He dropped the box, the test falling out and clattering to the floor. Everyone around him was silent, waiting for his reaction. Lily especially. He could see the thoughts written on her face she was that easy to read. Uncertainty and fear. Fear of what he would say next. She had his pup growing inside of her. She gasped.

"Jayce?" She asked as she reached up and wiped something from his face. He finally felt the tears escaping his eyes. He let the first emotion come through. He grabbed Lily and pulled her into a hug, lifting her off of her feet. Her arms wrapped around his neck. He sniffled, taking in her scent. "Damn." He growled, the tears not stopping. She pulled back, looking at him.

"Are you... happy?" She asked him. He set her back down, leaning his forehead against hers.

"More than happy." He said, his hands resting on her stomach. He moved his hands back up and kissed her hard. He felt her melt into him, his arms enveloping her, never wanting to let go. Someone coughed, forcing him to pull away. He forgot that everyone was still in the room, but they were smiling.

"You know, I think it's been ages since I've seen him cry. It's refreshing.” Damion put an arm around his neck, pulling him away from Lily and gave him a big hug. Damion smacked his back as they hugged, making him look around at everyone. Nathan was standing with Erica and Lily, his face fresh with new tears as he smiled at his little girl. Is this what it meant to be a family? The love. The support. Jayce's eyes moved over to Penelope after Damion released him. She was still sitting on the couch, away from the celebration.

"Penelope?" He called to her as he moved over and sat beside her. She glanced over to him, giving him a weak smile and patted his knee.

"Congratulations, sweetheart.” She said, but she wasn't fully committed. Her eyes gave away her anxiety of the situation. He was wrapped up in the moment that he had temporarily subsided the problem at hand. Derek was attempting to kill Lily and his unborn child.

"We'll bring him in. We'll get our answers.” He told her. He looked over to the others, "The wedding is canceled until we bring Derek in.” He informed them. Lily spun around, taken aback by his words. "Excuse me?" She asked, daring him to repeat himself.

"Derek tried to kill you and our child. You are not safe until he is dealt with.” He told her. He watched her hands ball into fists and tremble. He could hear her heart pound just a little bit harder in her chest.

"I did not spend all of this time stressing over a damn wedding, just for you to cancel it." She said through gritted teeth. He rose up, crossing the room in just a couple steps to tower over her, but she didn't back down. Of course she wouldn't.

"We can get married after I bring Derek to justice.” He growled down at her.

"Bullshit." She slammed at him, "I dealt with the Alphas, your people, and I even went and picked up my damn dress.” She raised her voice. Lily didn't get mad often, but she was furious. He never liked making her angry. The last time he did something crucial, Jasper had gotten under his skin.

"It's for your safety, Lily. Our child's safety.” He growled, hoping to make her listen.

"I get that, but you'll play into his hands.” She ran her fingers through her hair, "This is Jasper all over again." She paced away from him.

"Lily, Jayce is right. You are carrying the King's child.” Penelope told her. He was grateful that she was choosing his side over Lily's for a change.

"So I am just a breeding pool for you.” She shot at him. He raised a brow, feeling slightly confused. "Lily, you know that's not true.” He told her, looking around at the others to help her calm down. Nathan touched her arm, but she pulled away.

"So we wait? Did you forget what happens when you don't get married in time?" She asked him. "The council would never throw me off my throne.” He told her, but even he wasn't fully convinced. "Has it ever happened?" She asked him.

"Lily, every King has gotten married.” Penelope tried to explain to her.

"Before the age of thirty!" Lily shouted, "It has never been recorded that the King could marry after that." She was pacing the room. Erica shot Jayce a glare. He rolled his eyes at her.

"Lily, your safety prioritizes over the damn wedding. Over the damn crown.” He told her. She stopped pacing, looking up at him. She was blowing this far more out of proportion than it needed to be.

"We're so close though.” She whined, "There is just a few days left after today, and you just want to postpone it? I've worked my ass off to get us here." She stomped her foot. She was acting like a damn child. Penelope walked up to her, grabbing Lily's arms. He watched as Lily's shoulders relaxed just slightly from his mother's touch.

"Lily, I'm sure we can convince the council to hold off until we question Derek.” Penelope spoke softly, hoping her words would calm her down.

"And what if you can't?" She asked, the rage gone and replaced with tears again.

"Then I forfeit the crown.” He told her.

"Whoa, Jayce. That's serious talk.” Damion said, grabbing his arm and turning him to face him, "No one else has your Wolf spirit. We need a leader and that man is you." He jammed his finger into his chest. Jayce smacked his hand away.

"Then I'll become a regular man if it meant making sure Lily and the baby are safe.” He met his friend's eyes, making sure he knew that he meant every word. Damion stared back, trying not to believe him, but he sighed and stepped away.

"What if he goes into hiding? What if you never get to interrogate him?" Lily asked him. He opened his mouth to respond, but he couldn't. "How long do you plan to pursue him?" She asked him. He looked at her, his lips in a thin line. Lily threw up her hands, storming out of the room. Everyone was silent for a moment before Erica opened her mouth.

"Look, I get it. I really do, but this is literally dealing with the whole Jasper thing all over again. You're caging up Lily, and it will literally gain you nothing." Erica shot at him before going after Lily. Jayce leaned against his desk, taking off his torn dress shirt. That was the second one this week already. Nathan walked up to him, laying a hand on his shoulder.

"I'm on your side. Lily will understand, she always does." Nathan gave his shoulder a squeeze before leaving the room. Damion went into his desk and tossed him a shirt.

"Where do you want me to start?" He asked him. Jayce examined his best friend. His Beta and soon to be best man. He was ready for some action.

"We need to know if he went back to East coast pack or not. Take Nigel and Joel with you. If his soldiers give you any shit, tell them to call me." He told him. Damion nodded firmly, grasping his arm in their familiar brotherly handshake before running out of the room. Penelope was with him alone, looking distraught.

"Jayce, you should still consider Lily's feelings in all of this." She told him. He groaned as he put his new shirt on.

"Shouldn't you be dealing with your husband? You know, the one that attempted to kill your future Queen?" He asked her. Her brows came together.

"He's your father to, you know.” She stepped closer to him, "I know you mean well, and I'm glad you're taking the initiative with the situation, but you're not the only one effected by this.” She told him.

"My Mate, my child." He growled at her.

"My daughter-in-law and my grandchild.” She countered. She let out a sigh, her golden eyes darken slightly, "Lily left everything she knew behind to come here." She started to say. He rolled his eyes as he turned away from her, taking out a glass and poured his bourbon.

"Escaping her abusive ex, yada yada yada.” He swirled the drink in her direction before downing it. The liquid burned his throat and ignited his cheeks for a second.

"Don't be an ass about it. You know better than anyone about what she went through. Now here she is, a threat in her face and she wants to take it head on.” She reached around him and grabbed his bourbon just as he was about to pour another glass. "I agree, Derek should be dealt with, but Lily is also right. We don't know what your father is thinking.”

"He is not my father.” He snapped at her, "That bastard harmed Lily, and he could fucking do it again.” He got in her face. Soft sniffling sounded from the doorway and they both glanced over to see Elias standing in the doorway, holding Momo to his chest.

"Dad hurt Lily?" He asked as he hiccuped. Shit. Penelope turned to Elias, opening her arms to him, but he didn't run to her, "Why would he do such a thing?" Jayce ran a hand through his hair.

"Dad is just in a difficult place, sweetheart." Penelope went to approach him, but the small child side stepped her, looking at Jayce.

"Dad is still good." Elias told them. Jayce let out a soft growl at the child's innocence. He wouldn't know any better. Damion barged back into the room, nearly knocking Elias over.

"Jayce, we have a problem." He said, looking frantic. He rolled his eyes again. What else could possibly be wrong right now? He heard screeching tires, looking between Penelope and Damion. Erica ran in next.

"Lily just took the Audi.”

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