Chapter 174
Chapter 173 Whatever You Make, I’ll Love It
I belatedly realized my reaction had been overly dramatic. I don’t know what came over me. I just saw Lucien, yet again, coming to my rescue and felt an overwhelming feeling of relief and safety. My rush to
him was pure instinct.
My cheeks burned as I tried to wriggle free from Lucien’s iron grip, murmuring a defensive protest. “I just
called you by your name, Lucien p>
But the arm locked around my waist did not budge; if anything, it tightened possessively.
“You little liar. You clearly said ‘Luci‘. Every syllable was crystal clear.” Lucien leaned down, his voice laced with teasing.
Did he call me a little liar? I thought to myself, completely mortified that I had reverted to calling him my
childhood name for him.
The intimate nickname left me momentarily speechless. I couldn’t believe I slipped like that, especially in
front of others.
Flustered, I ducked my head, only to meet the huge dog’s intelligent amber eyes. “He is so majestic,” I
remarked, grabbing at the distraction. “That snowy coat looks Tibetan Mastiff–ish, but not quite.” I sank to
my knees and reached tentatively for the shaggy head.
The beast rumbled contentedly, nuzzling my calf with surprising gentleness.
“Meet Blizzard,” Lucien explained, amusement dancing in his eyes as he crouched beside me. “He is a
hybrid, with a house pet’s temper and a hunting hound’s spirit. He will guard the estate here and take some
pressure off Carson p>
So that was why he had brought the dog. A warm glow spread through my chest. I wondered if there was a way for me to keep this adorable beast named Blizzard once I eventually moved here.
“Blizzard, sit,” Lucien commanded. Instantly, the canine sat with perfect obedience, the picture of fluffy
discipline.
“Adorable!” I exclaimed, smitten. I tentatively brushed his damp nose. To my astonishment, Blizzard
reciprocated by gently nudging his head against my palm like a furry gentleman.
Just then, Lucien’s tone shifted abruptly. “I have already contacted the director of the Medical Center here
in Calgary. They are ready to handle your grandmother’s transfer at any time. If you want to bring her to Edmonton for recovery while being closer to you, just say the word p>
I went completely still. I had planned to stay in Calgary a few more days, waiting for updates on my father’s accident investigation before returning to Edmonton.
Though I had considered having Grandma live with me, I had not yet had the time to work out the details. It never occurred to me that Lucien would not only anticipate this need but also silently lay the
Chapter 173 Whatever You Make Pil Love it
groundwork before the thought had fully formed in my mind.
“But–Grandma’s medical expenses-” My gaze snapped up to meet his.
+25 Points
“That is no small sum. Since you probably cannot cover it immediately-” His voice dropped into a teasing
lilt. “We will call it even with regular home–cooked meals. Cook for me every evening. I will eat at your
place p>
This was not a request; it was a decree.
I nearly blurted out that I had funds, as the separation settlement from Liam could last for years, since I
lived relatively frugally. Yet I swallowed the words, recognizing this thinly veiled excuse for what it was: a
way for him to savour my cooking again.
After we had grown apart and his mother passed, rumours had reached me about his worsening habits-
picky eating, skipped meals, chronic insomnia. Lucien would refuse to eat with others. I wasn’t sure of the
reason, but no one was ever permitted to prepare his meals any longer. Yet he was dining with me more
frequently. Now that he had gone above and beyond for my grandmother, preparing his meals seemed the
least she could do.
“Alright,” I conceded softly, “Just message me what you would like each day. I will grab ingredients after
work p>
My ready agreement lit up Lucien’s eyes with boyish delight. Almost unconsciously, he reached out and
brushed his thumb against my flushed cheek with raw tenderness. “Whatever you make, I know I will love p>
The intimate gesture and unfiltered affection sent my pulse skyrocketing again, heat flooding my face.
“Lucien, you are impossible,” I managed to say before the air between us grew thick enough to choke on. Wheeling around, I bolted toward the villa’s entrance, only to freeze mid–step when I yanked open the wrought iron gate.
Inside the doorway, Grandmother, Liyah, Carson, and Officer Dunn had lined up without a sound. Four pairs of eyes locked onto me, each face radiating a knowing amusement.
Liyah’s gaze practically sparkled with mischief, while my grandmother grinned so wide her eyes disappeared, her entire expression shouting approval. My cheeks burned crimson, the heat creeping to my
ears.
“Lucien, come in, come sit!” Grandmother beckoned toward the smirking figure still lingering in the courtyard.
Lucien walked in calmly. Noticing the covert glances darting between him and me, he cleared his throat. “I am a bit thirsty. Carson, is there any water? ”
“Coming right up, Alpha“, the omega responded, taking the hint at once. “It is a perfect breeze today. Let us all gather on the veranda. I will prepare some snacks, and we can enjoy the fresh, sweet tea I made earlier p>
“Oh!” Liyah clasped her hands together. “I have heard Carson makes amazing sweet teas! How about we get some baked goods? It would be perfect alongside the sweet tea. Don’t you think, Claire–bear p>
I tugged on my earlobe nervously. I could use this as an excuse to leave and collect my emotions causing havoc within me right now. “Sure! That is easy enough. I will grab some pastries and perhaps some meat as well from the market, and we can have a barbecue. Officer Dunn, you must stay p>
The policeman shifted uncomfortably. “I really should not intrude- ”
“Nonsense! Liyah, let us-” I began, only for Lucien’s voice to send another flush through me.
“I will go,” he stated.
Three simple syllables. Liyah immediately plopped back down. “If Alpha Lucien is going, I will stay and keep your Grandmother company. You two can go.” She said with a shadow smirk playing on her lips.
I whirled toward him. This man embodied icy elegance in his designer clothes. What was he doing
volunteering for the chaotic marketplace, with its pungent aromas and shouting vendors? Did he actually
mean to go?
Lucien did not miss the skepticism flashing in my eyes. A barely there smirk played at the corners of his
lips. He raised his hand and gave my forehead a playful tap before leaning in close.
“ Are you underestimating me? In my younger days, I used to sell meat at the local market to make ends
meet p>
The moment the words left his lips, he pivoted smoothly and made for the gate with his characteristic long strides.
I stood rooted to the spot. My gaze locked onto the clean lines of his broad–shouldered frame as an
invisible fist seemed to clench around my heart.
Just what had he endured during those years after running away from home? Had he really worked as a
butcher in some marketplace?
An acidic lump of emotion rose in my throat. Fists clenching unconsciously, I ran to catch up with him.
Mark