The Lycan Princess and the Temptation of Sin
11. A Sister's Wish

SKYLA.

"Ah, it's hot! Careful!” Kataleya scolds as she swats my hand away gently from the sizzling grill thatsits in front of me.

“Does it matter? I will heal.” I remind her, sucking my finger clean. We are down at Kayoko's Grill,grilling our own meat. It's sizzling hot and damn delicious. We used to come here with Song andAzura, have some sake and enjoy chatting about boys, life, and stuff in general, but both of themhave graduated. In fact, Azura has a cute little three-month-old baby now!

“Missing them?” Kataleya asks knowingly.

I nod. “Yeah, you know the four of us were pretty wild.” I wink at her.

Her smile falters and she nods. “You and Zu were, but yes... it's not the same. It's still nice, me andyou..."

"Yes, it is... What is it, Kat?" I ask. There's more... she's not telling me, but something is on her mind.She tilts her head, her long sandy brown hair falling over her shoulder then her dark eyes stare atthe sizzling cubes of meat on the grill. “I... I won't be here for graduation... I'm going to leave Sky.”Her words are barely above a whisper, but they strike something inside. I suddenly feel like I can'tbreathe and suddenly there is a prickly feeling in my eyes as I look at her, trying not to show howthose words hurt.

“Leave?” I ask, not knowing why I feel so upset.

I knew it was coming, but I swear I thought I'll have her by my side until graduation.

"Oh wow, really?!” I say, jumping forward and knocking my elbow into the pot of chilli sauce,making it splatter everywhere. It flicks across my face, and I flinch as it gets into my eyes. “Oh, shit.”"Oh no Sky, are you ok!” She's by my side in minutes as the tears I am unable to hold back well upin my eyes.

She's leaving.

"Fuck, yeah I'm fine, I'm so damn clumsy.” I glare at the chilli pot as she quickly dampens a corner ofa tissue with some water. “I got it thanks.” I try to take it from her, but she refuses.

She smiles sadly at me, and I smile back as she begins cleaning it up.

I'm fine.

A waitress comes soon and clears the spilt sauce from the table and Kataleya returns to her seat.She's leaving...

"So, you're leaving so soon? Is Dad cool with that?” I ask nonchalantly.

She blushes and nods. “I'm not going abroad immediately... but he's ok, reluctant, but he’s happyfor me to go. Of course, I have to have two guards with me. With my grades last year being perfectfor the exams I sat, I don't really need to re-sit them this year. I don't want to waste any more timeSky... I need to do this.”

She wants to go to the boy who helped her as a child, a boy who lost his hand for helping her... aboy whose picture she wears around her neck... She's been waiting for the time she could leave... 12years... I want to scream and beg her to stay, at least until graduation but she’s been waiting longer.I can't be selfish.

“Leo may have the answer Sky... you know the machinery he used to keep himself alive? It was ableto handle the change and was compatible with his wolf to an extent when he shifted... He thinks hecan make a bionic-engineered limb with the same concept... Azura asked him. He said he'll also bewilling to take me on as a student for a year as I want to learn too...” Her eyes are full of tears and Ican't help but fight my own back.

For years she's looked for some solution but there is nothing that advanced that will transformwhen he shifts that could handle a full-on run or battle. She's trying to create him the perfect limbfor what is gone, and Leo may just be the one to be able to help her. More than my own happiness,I want her to be happy.

Soon... she’s leaving so soon...

But even then, I want her to do this. I want her happy. I reach over and cup her face. My angel.

“You need to go! I'm so ecstatic for you! Don't hesitate! You have worked so hard to learn aboutbionic engineering and if Leo is willing to teach you, go pick those brains. He stole far more fromthe Rossi gene pool than his fair share anyway!” I say, as she reaches over, wiping my stray tearsaway. She smiles sadly as I reach over and wipe hers away too.

“I'm sorry for leaving you Sky, so soon... Will you be ok?” She asks softly, moving back. I beginremoving the meat from the grill and add some more.

I nod, giving her my best smirk, making myself believe it so she doesn't see through me. “Obviously,yes, I'm having issues with control, but hey I'll be getting some training to help work with that. Sowhen exactly are you leaving?”

“I just need to gather some of my reports and stuff, but I shouldn't be here longer than a week.”

So soon...

“Great! How about I come and crash at Azura's next hols?”

“That would be amazing!”

“Ah, I'm just jealous you'll get to see that little minion! I just want to gobble her up.” I say, thinkingof my cute little cousin? Niece? Urgh, this entire family tree is a confusing mess.

"Oh, I can't wait to spend time with her, plus, now that Uncle is with his mate, maybe they'll havebabies soon.”

I scrunch my face up. “Ah yeah, the pretty blonde. I like blondes..." I grumble, my mind turning tothe Ardens... both brothers seemed to have their attention on me... both were off limits butsomehow that made it all the more fun, although Royce playing hard to get is more appealing...Aleric seems to relate to me somewhat.

"Oh, did you see the new teachers? They are both blonde.” She giggles innocently.

Did I see them? Girl, I stripped in front of one of them. “Yeah, they're extremely handsome.” I saywith a smirk. And fuckable.

She nods her agreement as she innocently flips the meat on the platter. I pick up my phone, staringat the chat between me and Reign. Not one message since he cancelled on me... I had texted himonce, asking for an explanation, but nothing. Nothing at all... He just left me, like everyone else.

I slip my phone into my pocket as I look around the groups of people sitting at the tables, chatting,laughing and enjoying their food. They're all humans, the music and the warm lighting add to theambience of the restaurant. I raise my hand.

“More meat please!” I call.

Tonight, I will eat and laugh with my sister, because every moment should be cherished... whoknows when the next person will leave me?

I stare at the red light on the digital clock on the bedside table.

02.59am

I sigh as 1 roll onto my back. I've been tossing and turning all night. Even Malevolent got fed up andis now sleeping on the pillow next to me. I sit up, remembering Kataleya's concern as I dropped herat the academy.

Are you sure you're ok Sky? Please talk to me... I'm perfectly fine, Kat, I promise you. I am... Ok, I'mglad, I am worried about you Sky... Don't, I'm the devil herself, I'm perfectly fine...

Lies...

I wrap my arms around my knees and pick up my phone, unable to stop myself from messaginghim.

LuciferessX: I can't believe I'm being this ridiculous, but I'm messaging you first, although youfucked me up. I'm sorry if I did something, but I swear if you keep ignoring me I'll replace you and trustme, I can. I have a cousin who is the world's best hacker! Asshat.

There. Technically I didn't lie, Leo can. He's Alpha of the Sangue Pack and trust me, he's as smart asKat thinks he is. In fact, I've heard Dad say he's become a prominent member of the council withouteven participating in the meetings in person

I sigh, staring at my phone. He isn't going to be online, he’s probably asleep.

Scrolling through my phone, I stare at Mama's messages.

“Are you eating? Please call me, darling.’

“How was your first day? You missed my call."

There's more but I just feel guilty... I don't want to talk to her because she knows when I'm not ok...And I'm not ok.

I look at Dad's next. There's far more.

“I'm still waiting for a fucking call.”

“I'm giving you a fucking week, or I'm coming down.

“Call me Skyla, I'm fucking pissed.’

Fifteen pounds there, Dad.

I sigh as I switch to the group chat with Kataleya, Azura and Song. I drop a message or two therebefore climbing out of bed. I walk through the small hallway to the front door and, opening it, I sitdown on the front step. Resting my head against the door frame, I stare at the moon.

Why did you make me a Lycan? I ask her bitterly.

I don't want to be different...

Yet she’s just... not there.

I look down at my phone, noticing that Dad's online... he must be working as Mama hasn't been onin hours. Sighing, I hit call and place the phone to my ear. He picks up instantly.

"Hey." I say, remembering our last conversation.

“Hey,” His voice is thick with sleep, and I frown.

I miss his voice...

“I saw you online. Why are you awake?" I ask.

“They say the devil's hour is around three or some shit, so I thought you'd be online.” His replycomes and I frown, looking around, wait, has he got someone watching me?

“Dad, please tell me someone isn't watching me?”

“Sky, no, I fucking don't have anyone watching you. Chill the fuck out.”

I sigh. “Fine, just making sure, alright.” I growl back.

"Good, so what made you remember your old man tonight?” He asks, and I hear the rustle of thesheets and the sound of a peck.

Their love... it's beautiful...

"So what's keeping you up?” He asks.

“I just... how do you learn, Dad... When does it get easier?” I ask, cursing inwardly as I feel chokedup.

“It's always a struggle... the beasts within us... they always look for a chance to take over. Controllingyour emotions helps... and of course... when you replace someone who becomes that tether for you...that calmness that you need, it then becomes easier... as your mom is to me. Are you struggling?”There's concern in his deep rugged voice.

“No... I mean I got angry this morning, but no one was hurt... like bad anyway, just a few scratches...on the gym teacher.”

"Oh, yeah?” To my surprise, Dad snickers and I hear him light a cigarette.

"Yeah, you're amused?”

"Yeah, seems like Ken-fucking-Arden’s son isn't up to par with my girl.”

Mm, I'm not so sure..

"Well, he's powerful, but he underestimated me.” I sigh.

"Oh yeah? They are a powerful pack. I've talked to Rivers. You'll work with one of those blond KenDolls on some one-to-one lessons. It may not help with control, but you can at least keep up withyour training.”

Ken Dolls?

I snicker before I mull over Dad's words. “Yeah, one of them offered... but yeah, I'll try my best.”“That's the girl I know.” He replies as he takes a drag on his cigarette.

"Yeah, yeah, you love me regardless of if I piss you off.” I say.

I want to tell him I love him, but it just doesn't come out easy... I'm not Kat...

"Of course I fucking do, and you know I'm always here for you.”

“Yeah, obviously, that's what parents are for.”

“Yeah, fucking good ones, so appreciate us.”

I smirk. “Sure Dad, anyway, I'll see. Bye Dad, get some sleep. I'm sure Mama will wake up soon if sherealises you're missing.” I tease.

“I don't fucking mind her waking up.” I can hear the smirk in his voice.

“Yuck ee gross! Dad! Bye!” I hear him chuckling as I hang up and smile down at my phone.

Thanks, Dad...

I inhale slowly before exhaling as I stare at the sky, feeling a little better.

I should head inside... but I feel at ease out here, even if the weather is windy. I rest my head againstthe door frame again and close my eyes. The sound of the wind howling in the trees, and therustling of the branches mix with the occasional sound of an animal or two out in the woods.

So soothing...

I'm drifting off when a chilling feeling suddenly overcomes me and my eyes snap open, scanningthe surrounding area. There's something out there...

My heart's thudding as I sit up slowly, my eyes blazing as I scan the trees that surround the cottage,and that's when I see it...

Something so dark I can't even make out its body, but what I can see are the two glowing plum eyesthat are staring right back at me...