The Lycan king-Chapter 57

*Leonora*

I watched as Jax climbed onto the podium with Claire following just behind him, holding onto his hand. He lets go of her hand as she moves to the back along side some council members. I hated her. I hated the way she was smiling smugly. I hated that she could walk on that stage with Jax and feel so important.

I hated that I saw them kiss. I didn’t realize how much hatred I felt for her until I saw them kissing and I’m now seeing them walk in together. She gave me an awful vibe. Knowing that Jax was my mate, she was doing everything possible to change his mind by kissing him. Why did she kiss him? What was her problem?

I balled my fists trying to calm myself and I watch Jax adjust the collar of his shirt. He cleared his throat grabbing everyone’s attention causing the whole place to go silent.

"We lost a few warriors last night after the ambush. I’d like us to have a minute of silence." We all bowed our head in response. It was all my fault that these people died. "For the next week," he started causing us to lift our heads. "we will pause all activities in the pack. No more school or lessons or trainings. We’ll use the time to recover, plan ahead and mourn." He sounded so withdrawn from the conversation. I wanted to tell him to add a little bit more emotion as he was talking. I could hear people murmuring around me. They weren’t happy.

"As we do that, we will also be looking at ways to secure the pack. We’ve also captured the witch that those rogue wolves used and that was all thanks to Leonora." Jax announced and I felt all eyes on me. What was he doing? Why was he making me seem like the good guy. "She was the one who infiltrated the pack and she tried to send word out to me before it was too late. She did the best she could and we were able to take down their leader." He said and some people clapped. I watched as Claire’s expression turned sour. I didn’t know what Jax was doing. Was he trying to make me look good in front of the council? He didn’t need to. I didn’t need him to.

I didn’t need him to make me the topic of all gossip. I hated it. I hated having to act like no one was watching me. I preferred when I was invisible and no one cared about me. Now everyone wanted to know what I knew. They wanted more information about parts of my life I was still trying to figure out.

"With that, you can all go. Have a wonderful week." He said as everyone began to filter out of hall. My body stayed rooted to the floor as Jax’s eye caught mine. It seemed like we were in a trance as we just kept staring at each other.

He walked down the podium and headed towards me, still not breaking eye contact. I wanted to run away or walk as fast as I could but there was something holding me back. Something was keeping me there. Holding me hostage.

"Can we talk?" He said as he walked close to me. I nodded immediately and he took my hand, pulling me towards the podium. I had noticed that Claire and other council members had left and it was just us in the hall. "I want you to move back in with me, Leo. I meant every word."

"Why did you lie to them?" That was the only question on my mind. I don’t know if he was doing it on purpose but he was being in more attention than I needed.

"I will be meeting with the council in an hour and it was my way of advocating for you. I know Claire must have gone to tell them that you’re a traitor and you need to be punished." He explained as he sat down on the podium with his feet dangling and I sighed. She wasn’t wrong. I hated that Claire was always right. He took my hand and pulled me into his legs. "I am not going to let anyone hurt you ever again."

"But she’s right. I betrayed you, I betrayed the pack." I said and he wrapped his arms around my waist. "Jax, let go of me."

"I want you to move back in with me." He repeated again and I sighed. "How would I be able to protect you if you’re not willing to stay with me?"

"I saw you kissing Claire. I can’t pretend like that didn’t happen." I said and he nodded. "I don’t want to get my heart broken. I am tired. I am so tired. Everyone keeps talking about me, saying things that aren’t true. Just reject me and it’ll all be over."

"I don’t want to reject you. I want you, Leo." He said as he looked into my eyes. There was just something about his eyes. It called for me whenever I looked at him. I shook my head, breaking the both of us out of that staring contest. "I told Claire never to come close to me anymore. I do not like her and I don’t even know why she has been kissing me. I thought it was because she was scared that I might die that night but it’s too much now and I have you."

"That’s not a good enough excuse." I said, folding my hands across my chest. "It doesn’t explain why you didn’t push her off today. You kept on kissing her."

"Okay fine. I didn’t know how to let her down easy. She’s my best friend and I’m starting to think she might like me." Jax said and I laughed. Everyone in the whole pack knew about her infatuation with Jax except him?

"You’re so self centered ." I laughed.