Mysterious mate to the lycan prince (Addison and Max) novel Chapter 22

**The Crimson Oath — Bryan Foster 22**

**Chapter 22**

**Addison**

“Is that really you?” I laughed lightly, taking in her striking appearance from head to toe. The boots she wore elevated her stature, giving her an air of confidence that was hard to ignore.

“It took you long enough to notice,” she replied, her voice devoid of excitement. “I expected you to be sharper, especially considering what my mother has said about you. But I guess that’s not the case. Or are we just starting off on the wrong foot? Which is it?”

I felt a flicker of offense at her words and blinked in surprise, turning my gaze away from her piercing stare. It was instantly clear to me that she was nothing like her mother, and yet here she was, ready to assist me. The last thing I wanted was to upset her, especially since I had a million thoughts swirling around in my head, eager to spill out.

Taking a deep breath to steady myself, I replied, “Wait a second. When I first encountered Madge at the park, she was in disguise. It wasn’t until we reached Red Valley that she revealed her true self. So, is this your true self?”

“Can’t you see the resemblance?” She gestured emphatically to her face, as if it were the most obvious thing in the world.

“With all that heavy makeup and those bangs hiding your forehead? Not really,” I admitted, trying to keep the mood light.

She rolled her eyes dramatically. “This is me, take it or leave it.”

“Good to know. Anyway, I tried reaching out to your mom, but it didn’t work out. And contacting you was impossible since I don’t know you at all. I have so many questions and—”

“It can wait,” she interrupted, raising her palm to my face and lifting it toward my forehead. “Right now, the priority is for us to connect so I can access Saga and your thoughts.”

“What? Here? In the middle of the road?” I glanced around, feeling a wave of hesitation wash over me.

“Looks like you’re smarter than I thought,” she said, nodding with a stoic expression. “Fine, I take back what I said earlier. Let’s head to Aunt Nora’s house first.”

“Have you met her before?” I asked, curiosity piquing.

“Not yet. My mother filled me in on everything I needed to know about your living situation. We have about three minutes until we reach your aunt’s place, and I know you’re itching to share everything that’s been happening, but keep it to yourself for now. They could be watching and listening.”

“Who?” I questioned, bewildered.

She rolled her eyes again. “Just walk with me.”

As we walked in silence toward Aunt Nora’s house, I stole furtive glances at her, my mind racing with thoughts as Saga whispered to me. We were still figuring out how we felt about her presence, but I sensed that clarity was just around the corner.

When we reached the gate, I pushed against it, but it wouldn’t budge; it was still locked.

“It’s just the early morning light,” I murmured to Lyra. “I guess my aunt is—”

I trailed off when I heard Aunt Nora’s footsteps echoing down the stairs from inside the house.

“She’s coming to open the door,” I announced.

“I know that, but give me your hand,” Lyra said, extending her hand toward me.

With a furrowed brow, I hesitated but eventually placed my hand in hers. The moment our skin touched and I blinked, I found myself standing inside the house, right by the front door.

“Ahh!” Aunt Nora jumped back, startled, as she reached for the doorknob. “You scared me! What’s going on? I’m guessing you’re Lyra?”

“Your Aunt picked up on things quickly,” Lyra remarked, withdrawing her hand from mine. “Good morning, Aunt. I hope my unexpected visit isn’t an inconvenience.”

“Not at all!” Aunt Nora placed a hand on her chest, feeling her heart racing. “I’m just glad you’re here. Addison…”

“Yes?” I responded, curious about what was coming next.

“Which way is your bedroom?”

“It’s actually upstairs,” I replied.

“Then close your eyes and visualize it,” she instructed.

“Huh?” I was taken aback by her command.

“Just do as I say,” she urged.

With a resigned sigh, I complied, shutting my eyes and focusing on the image of my room.

When Lyra took my hand again, I thought nothing had changed until I opened my eyes and found myself in my bedroom.

“Whoa! Just like that?” I exclaimed, astonished.

“You just need to visualize where you want to be, and I can take you there,” she explained, her tone matter-of-fact.

“That’s quite different from Madge,” I observed. “She used to—”

“Stop right there. No comparisons between my mother and me. Is that clear?” Her voice held a firmness that made it clear this was a boundary not to be crossed.

Realizing the weight of her words, I nodded. “I understand.”

“Good. Now…” She stepped closer, placing her hand on my forehead. “Stay calm while I do this.”

“Is it going to hurt?” I asked, my heart racing.

“Did it hurt when my mother did it?” she countered.

“Uh… I thought you said not to compare,” I reminded her.

“This is an exception. Now answer the question.”

“Yes, it hurt,” I admitted reluctantly.

“Then you know what to expect,” she said, her tone unwavering.

“Wait, you mean—”

“Yes, you’ll need to get close to Max and make physical contact,” she stated, her tone leaving no room for argument.

“But… that hurts me,” I protested, anxiety creeping into my voice.

“I know it does, but that’s the only way I can understand what’s happening,” she replied, her expression firm.

“I have a theory!” I exclaimed, raising a finger in excitement. “I can manipulate nature’s elements to some extent, right? So, I was thinking that air manifested first and… Mmh! Mhhh!”

Suddenly, my lips were sealed tight against my will, and I couldn’t speak.

“Your theory might have some truth to it, but there’s more to uncover, and that’s what I intend to find out. Make it happen today,” she instructed casually.

“Can you please break this seal so I can talk?” I begged her through our newly formed mind link.

With a snap of her fingers, my lips parted, and I sighed in relief.

“Please don’t ever do that to me again,” I said, putting my hands together in a pleading gesture.

“As long as you don’t rush to tell me what you think you know. I’m here to do my job, so let me handle it,” she replied, her tone serious.

I lowered my head, feeling chastised. “You’re right.”

“I should be going now,” she said, rising to her feet.

“Wait, that’s it?” I asked, feeling a sense of disappointment.

“What? You want a hug or something?” she quipped.

“No. I just… I thought we’d start today with learning all about what I can do,” I admitted, a hint of frustration creeping into my voice.

“We’ll get to that, but first, I want to understand what’s going on between you and Max. Isn’t the competition canceled for now?” she asked, raising an eyebrow.

“It is, but I thought we could still do something while I train alone, like I always have,” I explained, a sense of determination creeping in.

“Be patient,” she replied, her voice softening.

I nodded, feeling a mixture of anticipation and anxiety. “So, where will you stay while you help me reach my full potential?”

“Far from here. I’ll come and go as I please, just like this,” she said, her last words laced with an air of finality.

With that, she vanished, leaving my jaw hanging open in disbelief.

Though I still had much to learn about her and from her, I was relieved to finally embark on this new chapter, one that would hopefully lead me closer to shifting. Little did I know the impact her arrival would have on both Max and me.