The Lunar Curse: A Second Chance With Alpha Draven-Chapter 85: An Official Friend

Meredith.

I was restless. Ever since watching that news broadcast earlier, I hadn’t been able to relax. I didn’t know why it bothered me so much.

I had a thousand questions, and I didn’t know who to trust them with.

So, when the clock finally crept toward the time Dennis and I had agreed on for my next driving lesson, I didn’t wait. I left early with Kira trailing behind me, arriving at the open stretch of field near the end of the estate nearly fifteen minutes early.

The sun was forgiving today. Not hot, not too bright. The breeze was cool, teasing the edges of my skirt as I stood waiting, arms folded, mind racing.

The gravel crunched under my boots as I paced a few steps, then stood still again.

Kira stood nearby, her arms folded tightly in front of her, casting glances at me every few seconds like I was made of glass.

"My lady," she murmured after a while, "would you like to sit for a while? Standing here too long—"

"I’m fine," I cut in gently. "Truly."

I didn’t want to sit. I didn’t want to be still. I needed to see Dennis.

Thankfully, I didn’t wait too long.

A familiar black car approached from the distance, coasting down the gravel with the easy confidence of someone who had driven this path a thousand times. As it pulled up beside me, I let out a breath I didn’t know I had been holding.

Dennis stepped out. He looked... annoyingly good.

A fitted black turtle-neck shirt hugged his frame, the sleeves rolled just slightly at the wrists. His dark jeans were paired with that usual disarming smile that always looked effortless but felt oddly rare in this place.

"You’re early," he said, walking over to me.

I nodded. "I just couldn’t wait."

He chuckled. "It’s nice having an enthusiastic student."

I turned to Kira and gave her a small nod. "You can go back to the house now."

She hesitated, shifting uneasily. It was obvious she still wasn’t entirely comfortable leaving me alone—especially after the whole Wanda incident. I didn’t blame her.

Dennis noticed too.

"I will bring her back when we are done," he told Kira kindly. "Promise."

Kira looked at me again, then finally bowed. "Please be careful, my lady." And with that, she turned and walked back toward the estate.

I waited until she disappeared past the hedges before speaking again.

"You look better than I expected," I said, narrowing my eyes slightly. "But I heard you came back injured yesterday."

Dennis raised a brow and took a slow step forward. "Oh? Who told you that?"

I didn’t answer.

Instead, I just stared at him.

His smile twitched, and then he shook his head. "You really don’t back down, do you?"

"No," I said plainly.

He exhaled with mock defeat, placing both hands on his waist like a man surrendering to fate. "Okay, fine. Yes, I was injured. But I’m fine now. Look." He spread his arms and did a slow, dramatic turn in front of me.

I scanned him. The movements were smooth, too smooth. But my eyes caught on the fabric at his throat. That high collar. That neat little concealment. There was something under there—I was sure of it.

Still, I didn’t press it.

"Thank you," I said instead. "For being honest. If you’d lied, I think our friendship would’ve ended right here."

He blinked. "Oh?"

"You heard me." I folded my arms again. "Trust and loyalty. That’s how friendships survive."

Dennis grinned. "Duly noted." Then he extended his hand toward me. "So... friends?"

I eyed it for a moment, suspicious, then took it in mine. Firm. Warm. Familiar.

"Friends," I echoed.

We stood like that for a beat, hand in hand, before I let go.

Then I took a breath.

"Dennis," I said, my voice lowering slightly, "what they said on the news... about the heart being taken from that man—and the missing people... is it true that three wolves were also killed the same way?"

Dennis hesitated.

Then, "Yes," he said. "It’s true."

I closed my eyes for a second. My stomach turned.

"That’s what I thought," I murmured.

He looked at me, quiet, thoughtful. "You don’t seem surprised."

"I’m not," I answered. "What surprises me is that no one has figured out yet what is behind those murders. I know for a fact that it’s not humans even though some of them hate us enough."

Dennis tilted his head. "You are certain?"

"I may be wolfless," I said, "but I’m not stupid. Humans can barely survive a bite from your kind, let alone rip hearts out clean. Whoever—or whatever—is doing this... isn’t human."

Dennis was quiet for a moment, watching me carefully. "You are not wrong."

I nodded. Then added, "I want to do some research. Is there a library nearby?"

I suddenly felt like I could get answers at the tip of my fingers if I made an effort.

His mouth tugged into a smile. "My brother has one in his office. Not huge, but it’s useful. Our family has a bigger one back in Stormveil."

I frowned instantly. "No. Not his office."

Dennis raised both hands in mock surrender. "Just putting it out there."

I looked away, teeth sinking into my lower lip. I needed information. But the thought of walking into Draven’s office, touching anything in that cold, oppressive room made my skin itch.

"I will find another way," I said, more to myself than him. And I wasn’t even sure how that was going to happen.

My history with Draven though short, was more complicated than my relationship with my family.

I dreaded fighting with Draven because that arrogant man wouldn’t let me win. He was so petty and consistent with his attitude. And it was frustrating.

He can’t even think of surprising me for once, so I would rather stay away from him and hold my peace.

Dennis didn’t argue.

Instead, he smiled again, softer this time. "Well, we better begin your lesson before you start reading things faster than you drive."

I let out a breath and smiled, if only a little. "Let’s begin."