My Sister Stole My Mate And I Let Her (Seraphina) novel Chapter 80

Chapter 80: Chapter 80 GOOGLY EYES

SERAPHINA’S POV

A mix of relief and nervous anticipation lifted my chest as Lucian stepped out of his car and moved towards me with that effortless stride of his, all measured precision and calm confidence.

“Sera,” he said, and the familiar warmth of his voice made me momentarily forget the tension that had been looming between me and Kieran.

I barely had time to respond before he closed the distance, and I could see the apology already there in his eyes.

“I’m sorry I didn’t reach you sooner,” Lucian said quickly, almost stumbling over the words. “I had to take an out-of-town trip for pack business the past couple of days, and just got back this morning. I—”

He stopped, clearing his throat. “I should have let you know. I didn’t mean to worry you.”

Relief flooded through me so fast it felt dizzying. “Lucian... It’s okay,” I said, my voice soft. “Really. I was just worried because I hadn’t heard from you, that’s all. I understand you’re busy.”

I gave him a reassuring smile as his gaze lingered on me, steady with the weight of his concern and sincerity.

The corners of his mouth lifted slightly, almost an answering smile, but not quite. He ran a hand over his jaw and nodded. “I just...I should have told you. I know that doesn’t excuse the silence.”

I shook my head. “You’re forgiven,” I said. “I was worried, yes, but I understand that you’re busy.”

“Not too busy for you,” he countered.

Kieran’s low scoff cut through the moment like a scythe.

I turned my head sharply to see him still leaning against his car, arms folded, looking every bit as infuriating as ever.

“Sorry,” he said, not sounding he least bit apologetic. “I’m just having a hard time understanding your excuse.” His dark eyes were trained on Lucian. “Were you on a business trip in another dimension? In space? Under the sea? Some distant floating island with no cell service?”

I gritted my teeth, forcing calm to cool the anger only Kieran Blackthorne could ignite in me. “Kieran,” I said carefully, “can you wait for me in the car? I’ll be just a minute.”

He raised a disbelieving brow, and he looked like he was about to argue, but I didn’t give him the chance.

I turned my back to him and gave Lucian my attention. This was the last time I would see him in a while, and I wasn’t about to let Kieran ruin the moment.

Lucian shifted slightly, his eyes flicking over my shoulder before drawing back to me.

“Uhm...” He cleared his throat and took my hand, pulling me gently towards his car.

I flinched slightly at the thunderous sound of Kieran slamming his door.

I took a deep breath, exhaling through my nose as Lucian opened the back door of his car to reveal a large, neatly wrapped package taking up his backseat.

“I got you something,” he said, voice low. “A parting gift. It’s for you and Daniel, actually. Something to help you two bond.”

“Oh, Lucian,” I whispered, drawing my gaze away from the present to look at him. “This is lovely, thank you, but,”—I didn’t miss the way he stiffened at the conjunction—“Kieran asked that I travel light.”

When he arched a brow, I rushed to explain. “It’s all part of the security protocols to avoid exposing Daniel’s location.”

“Right,” Lucian drew out, closing the car door.

“But thank you, really,” I said, feeling awful. “Maybe we can use it when Daniel comes back.”

“Yeah,” he exhaled, nodding. “Sure.”

Then his gaze softened, searching my face. “Look, Sera, Kieran was right. I didn’t go anywhere without cell reception.”

My breath stilled. “Then why didn’t you answer my calls or text me back?”

He exhaled heavily. “I was in my head a lot this trip, berating myself.”

I frowned. “Why?”

He answered my question with another question. “Sera, did I let you down last time? With the rogues, I mean?”

“No,” I answered immediately, reaching for him. “Why would you think that?”

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