Kept Secret

Chapter 15

Lia~

My eyes are wide as I stare into the blood-red eyes looking back into mine.

Jackson...

I rub my eyes hoping that I'm just imagining things. I know I'm not though, the scent tells me he's real and the look on Luc's face tells me I've got some explaining to do... again. Jackson gives me his signature panty-dropping smile, the one that shows off his adorable dimples. I used to melt at the sight of that smile, a part of me still does. "So... are you just going to stand there or are you going to come over and give me a hug?" he holds out his arms and I start moving towards him, just like I always would when suddenly Luc grabs my arm and pulls me into him. I hear a low, almost threatening sound coming from him. Raeya swoons while I just stand there, confused as heck. I give him a questioning look but he ignores me and keeps his glare on Jackson, who's just looking at us with an amused glint in his eyes. "I see you found your mate. Congratulations, Amelia." he pauses for a moment and seems to be in thought, "but wait, don't you only turn 18 in three months?"

I give him a sheepish smile and wiggle out of Luc's arms which is, by no means, an easy task. "Yes, technically I'm only 18 in three months but I guess I'm a special case." Jackson knows what I am, he was the first person I told and the last person I trusted. He gives me a knowing look and leans against the wall, his black denim-clad legs stretch out in front of him while he takes off his dark leather jacket to reveal just a plain black t-shirt covering his impressive physique. His muscles stretch out the fabric, the same muscles I used to drool over and imagined cuddling with for hours. Looking at him now, he's still handsome I won't deny that. The definition of tall, dark and handsome, not to mention strong and talented. Jackson was everything I ever wanted in a mate but now I can't see myself with anyone besides Luc, although a small part of me still remembers everything that happened between Jackson and I, everything he taught me, and how he set me free.

"Wait, he knows what you are?" Luc's voice snaps me out of it. I look back at him and he looks confused... and mad. Jackson gives another one of those award-winning smiles. I wrap my arms around Luc again and kiss his cheek softly, letting my lips linger. He relaxes slightly but holds me closer regardless.

"Yes, Jackson knows what I am but only because he's a supernatural too." I open a link with Jackson and he gives me permission to tell Luc what he is. At the same time, I tell Jackson about how Luc doesn't know about the third side of me, my vampire. "Jackson is a vampire and he was one of my best friends back home before I had to leave again to come back here. Remember all those times I'd go missing for weeks on end? Well, that's when I was back home, learning how to control my powers and how to one day rule the kingdom." Jackson nods his head in conformation and Luc takes a minute to process everything, holding me impossibly tighter in his arms. He seems satisfied by my answer after a moment but I can tell he's still wary of Jackson by the way he keeps sending him not-so-subtle death glares, which is ironic since Jackson is technically already dead.

***

After convincing Lucas that Jackson isn't a threat and promising to meet him later tonight for a dinner date, Jackson and I decided to grab some lunch at Danny's Diner. I stare at the menu in front of me although my eyes are far from focused. Ever since I realized that Lucas is my mate I've been trying to figure out how to break the news to my mother. I wouldn't be surprised if she knew already but if she did it wasn't from anyone that was there. Every single wolf there swore their secrecy and I know that none of them would go against their word, most out of respect for their future queen, some out of fear of my power. "Lia, I think you should tell him." my eyes snap to his and go wide. I know exactly what he's talking about. He wants me to tell Lucas I'm a tribrid, the tribrid. I give him a look from the other side of the table before looking around at anything besides his piercing gaze. This place has looked exactly the same since the beginning of time probably. Cracked red leather booths and dark wooden tables with white and red walls, the paint chipped and peeling.