Locke Down

Chapter 6

Locke's POV

The drive back to the ECHO Kingdom is much longer than the last time I had come. I had phoned Zander apologizing for my rude behavior and requesting a meeting to sit down and formally talk. Even though I know I need to hear him out, my main reason for going back is different.

I'm interested to see if Dex can feel the same energy as I do so he's tagged along in the passengers seat. I can tell he's just as intrigued since I've caught his subtle glances every so often. After a few hours, they turned from no so subtle, to all out staring, hoping I'll soon say something.

"I don't feel anything." I growl out.

He still continues to stare at me as though it will suddenly change and lasers might shoot out of my eyes.

"Take a picture it lasts longer." I say frustrated.

"You know, you are one pretty bastard." He reaches up to touch my cheek and I swat his hand away.

I swear if it wasn't for the fact that I walked in on him fucking Lucious' daughter, I'd think he was gay. Pretty sure that's also one of the reasons Lucious hates his guts, and I don't blame him for it.

"This is the longest drive of my life." I say to him as he chuckles.

Thankfully he quits his staring and focuses back on the road.

The warriors guarding the path into the pack let me pass with ease this time, no doubt Zander informing them I was coming. I don't miss their begrudging stares though, obviously remembering the encounter we had last time.

"Holy shit, is that it?" Dex points to the massive oak still laying down next to the road.

He gives me a wide smile as I grunt in acknowledgement.

I'm a little irritated that I haven't felt any change yet as we pull into the driveway. I know Dex has begun to think I'm insane and maybe I am?

"Anything?" He whispers to me as Zander approaches.

"No."

"Locke." Zander once again meets me with his easy going smile and this time I feel like a complete asshole.

Part of me expected resentment for the way I acted last time but I should have known better. Lucious was always in my ear talking about how terrible they are and I allowed myself to believe some of it. It's clear though that after all this time, he hasn't changed much.

"Locke?" I hear the familiar voice and turn to see Nicola coming out of the house.

She runs over to me and pulls me into a tight hug. Emotions that I haven't felt in a long time run through me as I return her embrace, having to bend down slightly. When I pull away I turn to face Dex who is looking at me with a raised eyebrow.

"This is Dex, head of the royal guard." I introduce him and everyone shakes hands before going inside.

We are led into a small sitting room as both Zander and Nicola excuse themselves for a minute to go get everyone some coffee and food from the kitchen. It's a little odd that they don't have a maid staff to do this type of thing for them, but I don't comment on it.

"She's hot." Dex grinsand it takes me a minute to realize he's talking about Nicola.

"Please behave yourself." I begin to question if it was a good idea to even bring him.

"I think I stand a good chance against the alpha king." He comments, knowing good and well he really doesn't.

"Possibly." I lie. "But she'll cut your dick off."