CHAPTER 111: 111-TIME TO HAVE HER

Luca:

I gathered Iris carefully in my arms, lifting her in a way that made me afraid any sudden movement might hurt her.

Feeling her so close gave me goosebumps. Her head rested against my shoulder.

She breathed slowly, and I knew that when she woke, the pain of finding out the cure had not worked would return.

That was why she passed out.

Poor Iris was trapped in the middle of this mess without deserving it.

I could not understand how a mother could be so heartless.

Sometimes it made me feel sad for Iris, and at the same time relieved that I had no one in my life.

At least I had survived toxic love, even though my father had not been any better.

As I carried Iris toward the room, I could feel Lady Clarissa’s eyes on me the entire way.

She observed every detail, especially the way I held her daughter.

I took Iris into the bedroom and laid her down on the bed.

I pulled the blanket over her and gently brushed her cheek with the tip of my finger.

Once she was tucked in, I turned around and almost collided with Lady Clarissa.

She stood in the doorway with her arms crossed.

"Come outside. I need to speak with you," she instructed, snapping her fingers once at me.

Judgment filled her eyes. She turned around and walked out briskly.

I stepped into the hallway and glanced toward the children’s room.

"Scarlett," I called softly through the half-open door. "Help the kids sleep for the night. Iris is resting."

She nodded, smiling at the children to let them know she would be telling them their bedtime story.

I followed Lady Clarissa to the living room.

She sat down like she owned the place, her chin lifted, reminding me she believed she held all control.

As soon as I began to sit on the separate sofa, her voice cut through the air.

"Prepare the drink today," she ordered.

I stood again without responding.

It seemed like she really wanted to remind me of my place.

I walked over to the small cabinet, took out a bottle, and poured the liquid into two glasses.

She hummed a melody, tapping her fingers on the couch’s handrest.

I did not know why she was not panicking. Maybe she was.

She was simply a woman who never openly expressed her feelings.

"So, how is your life, Luca?" she asked in a casual tone as I approached her and handed her a glass. "Are you seeing anyone? Dating someone? When you lived in the lycan land, you used to have many women around you."

I sat down on the sofa, holding my glass.

"No. I am not interested. I am focused on this task for now," I replied, taking a slow sip.

I sat on a single sofa across from her. My body leaned back, sinking into the seat.

One leg stretched forward while the other bent upward.

One hand rested off the side of the couch, and the other held my glass. I held my breath for a moment.

"So," she continued, taking another sip. The way she crossed her legs and shook her foot made it clear she was not sure how to bring up what she knew was bothering me. "Were you bothered that Iris kissed Kash?"

There it was. She finally said it.

"What do you think?" I asked instead of lying.

There was a smile on her lips as she shook her head.

"I think my daughter is beautiful enough to have that effect on any man. So yes, I imagine you were jealous," she stated.

I did not respond. She had already said the truth. I took another sip.

"Why are you not asking Iris to demand rejection from Kash?" I asked after a few seconds of silence.

She raised her brow and leaned back, placing her glass on the table. She had barely touched it.

"Because I am afraid that if I ask her to cut ties with him, he will become angry. And an angry Kash can be very destructive," she replied.

"That will not happen. He will still care for the children. I have seen it in his eyes." I paused, then added, "Now that the cure does not work, I think we are back to needing that blue river water, right?"

She nodded, letting out a sigh.

"Then how do you intend to achieve it?" I asked, finishing my drink and sliding the glass onto the table. I leaned back again.

"Kash will get it after he becomes the Alpha King. After he marries Lara," she replied.

"And how will that happen unless he cuts ties with Iris? Do you not think he is delaying the marriage because he is hopeful about what his future could be with Iris?" I asked.

I paid attention to the way she gulped. She was letting my words sink in. She understood I was not lying.

There was a brief silence before she spoke.

"You think rejection is the right step?" she asked.

"Of course I do. That is the best thing. Demand it when she wakes up. Make sure there is no chance left for them to get back together," I said. "Because once you get the water, nothing will hold Iris back from telling Kash what you have done to her."

Lady Clarissa leaned back, tapping her fingertip against her chin.

"I think you are right. A rejection is a must," she finally agreed.

"Make sure you do not fall for Iris’s tears. They are supposed to reject each other. After that, all the worries will fade," I told her.

She nodded, zoning out slightly.

"When is Kash marrying Lara?" I asked.

"In fifteen days," she stated.

"Does Iris know that?" I asked and she shrugged.

"Then she should know that Lara’s father is forcing Kash to move straight to marriage instead of going through the engagement ceremony," I said quietly.

Lady Clarissa nodded in agreement.

Clarissa had no idea that once they rejected each other, I planned to enter Iris’s life.

I wanted to claim her. I wanted to be part of every moment with her.

But I was not foolish enough to let Lady Clarissa know any of that.