Chapter 13

Thirteen

LACY

I was giddy with excitement as I got ready for the wedding.

Deep down, I was excited for my bodyguards to listen to me singing and share in my personal life. I felt something towards them- Ryder especially. The memory of him licking my hand caused me to tremble in the shower and use my handy vibrator. Being around a hulking alpha like him caused my lady parts to go haywire.

I slathered on the scent blocker lotion all over my body. I had to make sure I was covered. Every inch of me. I didn't want to take any chances tonight with the bodyguards. At any moment, I was scared I would give in and beg for a knot, but I couldn't. Taking a heat suppressant pill every morning as soon as I woke up ensured I wouldn't go into heat. A baby would derail my career and end all chances of success after all my hard work. I pulled on white underwear and a bra to wear with the dress I picked out for tonight.

It was a beautiful dress, and my heart fluttered as I picked it up. When I put it on, I turned to the mirror as I tied the sash into a bow in the back. It was a purple dress studded with gems across the cleavage portion. The material flowed down to my ankles and swirled around my gold strappy heels. After doing my makeup and hair, I spritzed some perfume to cover up any ginger-y scent that could emit from me.

I loved my look today and couldn't wait to meet the guys downstairs so we could go. I carefully stepped down the wooden stairs to avoid slipping with my heels on. I was mildly disappointed when I didn't see all the guys right away.

It was just Ryder standing at my front door.

He looked nervous as he gazed at me, his hands clasped behind him. His shirt bulged with his muscular frame underneath, sending a flurry of desire through me.

"Ryder?" I said, stepping down the last step. I tried not to trip on my feet as I walked towards him. His gaze made me feel naked and exposed as he looked at me. But I could feel his nervous energy, and I wanted to know what happened. Had the stalker come back for me?

"Lacy," he said. "I have to tell you something."

"What is it?" I asked. "Did he come back? The stalker, I mean."

"No, nothing like that," he replied, and my breathing eased a little at that. "You can't go today to your wedding event."

I took a deep breath. I was unsure of what the hell he was trying to say.

"Excuse me?"

"It's an outdoor event, and you must remain low-key as much as possible," he explained. My heart was rapidly beating in a panic. "At least for a few days. The stalker is still actively trying to come after you. He's desperate, and this event would be the perfect opportunity for him to do something particularly nasty."

"But that's what I have you for, right?" I said, trying to keep calm. There was no way in hell he had the power to make me stay home today. I was all dressed and excited to go. Anger bubbled in my chest, threatening to spill over in one big fighting match.

"That's right, but we can't control many factors if this is outdoors," he said prepared. As if he knew I was going to challenge him.

"Well, I'm not staying home today if that's what you're thinking," I said. "Can you move, please? I need to get to the limo."

"I'm sorry," he said, not moving an inch.

My heart started to race.

"Oh really? Do you want to be fired?" I challenged. I couldn't believe the nerve of him. It was killing me every second I was forced to stay here.

I needed to do my job.

"If you fire me, you won't be able to hire any bodyguards," he stated.

"That's fine. I don't need you guys," I huffed adamantly. "Move. Now."

"The stalker was in your house last night," he reminded me. "What if we hadn't come and scared him off?"

Fuck. I forgot about that already. Without them, I would've been toast. But I wasn't going down without a fight. I started running towards the back door and around the kitchen. Ethan was standing at that door with a grim look.

"No!" I screamed, trying to push him aside so I could leave.

"I apologize, my dear," he said as I pushed and shoved at his hard chest. His body felt like fucking granite, and I was starting to get tired.

"Please, this is important to me," I begged. "I can't call them and cancel. I can't do this."

"You can," said Ethan.

I wanted to scream, cry, or break something. Panic and anger ballooned inside me, ready to explode. I ran around every entrance, and there was a guard in front of each one. Even Adrian was blocking the exit that led to my swimming pool.

"I'm sorry, Lacy," he said, grabbing my arms when I tried to swing at him. His strong arms encircled me, and my eyes burned with tears.

"Adrian, please let me out."

"Pack leader's orders," he said softly, purring into my neck. I pulled away, not wanting to be comforted.

"Fuck you all," I shouted as I ran up the stairs. With tears blurring my vision, I ran down the hallway and burst into my nesting room. I slammed the door behind me, ripped off my heels, and threw them against the wall. My hands shook as I dropped my purse onto the central nest in the middle of the room. It was one giant pink cushion surrounded by little pink pillows.

I usually came in here when I wasn't feeling good or depressed.

Breathing hard, I paced around the room, clutching my phone. I didn't have a choice but to cancel. I had to call Ben or Ty. This was all too much for me to handle right now.

I let out a frustrated yell, throwing a pillow against the wall.

I dropped my phone and gripped another pillow, tearing the cloth apart. I was on a complete rampage as I ripped apart the pillows, feathers flying everywhere as they lay scattered. I yelled again as I ripped into the floor cushions next. All I saw was red. I didn't care about anything.

The stalker ruined my life.

All the freedom I worked hard for- he ruined. I wanted to rip his head off his body. I wanted to go outside and confront this jerk. I pulled the window open and looked out. It was a long way down to the ground. I would die if I tried jumping out. The cool air hit my face as I stood at the window, gripping the frame of it with my bloodied hands. The bandage had come off, and blood was all over. I didn't give a fuck anymore.

I was all perfect and ready to sing until they stopped me. And firing my bodyguards would make sure the stalker won.

"Fuck you," I said out loud, gazing at the fountain in my backyard. Taking deep breaths, my anger dissipated, now replaced with sadness. It would be foolish not to listen to the bodyguards after their many years of experience.

I usually didn't give a fuck about my own safety. But I had to now. While standing at the window, the cool air on my hot face gave me some clarity. My breaths started to slow as I calmed down.

I had to think rationally. I couldn't be impulsive anymore.

Removing myself from the window, I walked back to my phone on the ground, which was lost amongst a bunch of pink pillows and feathers. I didn't even want to look back at the disaster I created.

I dialed Ben's number. He would be easier to talk to at a time like this.

"Lacy, what's going on?" he asked. "You're late as fuck."

"I know, I can't come," I said. My hand trembled in pain, and I knew my phone was covered in blood now.

"Are you joking or serious? What are you talking about?"

"The stalker broke into my house, and the bodyguards think I should sit this one out," I explained. I just wanted to get this over with quickly. This conversation was way too painful for me. More painful than the cut on my hand.

"What's going on?" I heard Ty ask in the background and Ben muttering the news to him. "Lacy, just fire them. You're the star of the show."

"Just do it without me," I said. "Ty, you can sing solo."

"The guests will be so fucking upset you're not here," said Ty. "But fine. Next week, we want to see you at work. Your bodyguards better do their damn jobs and catch the asshole ruining our lives."

"I know," I sighed. "I'm so sorry, guys."

"It's okay, Lacy," said Ben. "I know you don't like this. We know how dedicated you are to the team. Don't sweat it, okay?"

"Okay," I said, my voice trembling as I hung up. I threw the phone down as I collapsed onto the giant cushion, crying. Tears flowed down my face, drenching the pillow tucked underneath my chin.

I hated disappointing my fans. I didn't want to cancel, but I had to.

My body was weak and worn out now after my tirade. I tried fighting each bodyguard and got nowhere. I tried everything I could to leave and sing at the wedding. The door slowly opened, and I recognized Ryder's black socks lined in red as he stood before me.