Destroy My Life In You
Chapter 95: Luke’s Protectiveness

Chapter 95: Luke’s Protectiveness

The early morning sun cloaked Vetheris in a light golden haze. Astrid stood at a particular spot, waiting for someone. It wasn’t long before the familiar voice broke through the noises, reaching to her ears.

"Astrid!" Turning her head, she saw Liam hurrying toward her, a wide grin stretching across his face. His strides were quick but measured, his excitement barely concealed.

"You’re finally here," Astrid said, smiling as he stopped before her, slightly out of breath.

"Sorry for keeping you waiting," Liam said, rubbing the back of his neck.

Astrid shook her head. "I wasn’t waiting for long, don’t worry."

Relief flashed across Liam’s face, and after a while of cyaaching his breath, curiosity took over. "So? How are you settling in? You’ve been here for a while now."

Astrid let out a small chuckle. "Honestly? It’s been better than I expected. I never thought life in Vetheris would bring me this much... hapinnes."

Liam tilted his head slightly, intrigued by the warmth in her voice. "That’s good to hear," he said, though he didn’t fully understand what she meant. He assumed she was referring to her new work and the stability it provided.

As they began walking at a slow pace, Liam asked, "What about your brothers? They settling in well?"

"They’re doing great," Astrid said with a bright smile. "Oh! Speaking of which, they want to see you."

Liam raised an eyebrow. "Really?"

"Yeah," she laughed. "When I told them I ran into you, they got excited. Especially Seth and Zeke."

Liam chuckled. "Those little rascals... I’d love to see them too."

They continued walking, their conversation flowing naturally. Eventually, Astrid glanced at him with a thoughtful expression.

"Thank you, Liam," she said softly.

Liam blinked. "For what?"

"For everything," she said, her voice carrying an earnest sincerity. "What you did for me and my brothers back then... I never properly thanked you for it so I’mdoing it now."

Liam waved a hand dismissively. "You don’t have to. I did what anyone else would have done."

Astrid shook her head, her expression resolute. "No, not everyone would have done what you did. You were there when we were at our lowest. Even when I told you not to help because I didn’t want to owe anyone, you still did it anyway." She smiled, a warmth in her gaze. "You told me I didn’t need to repay you, but still... I just wanted to say it. Thank you, Liam."

Liam hesitated, then sighed. "If it means that much to you, then... you’re welcome, Astrid." But then, something flickered in his expression, and he smirked. "Actually, if you really want to thank me, there is something you can do."

Astrid’s curiosity piqued. "What is it?"

Liam crossed his arms. "I’ll tell you after I meet your brothers."

Astrid let out a soft chuckle and raised her hands in mock surrender. "Alright, alright. You win. Come on, let’s go before they start whining about me spending my day off away from them."

Liam nodded, and together they made their way to the small cottage she and her brothers called home.

As the pair approached the humble dwelling, Astrid’s gaze softened at the sight of her brothers outside. Little Zeke and Seth were chasing each other in circles, their laughter ringing out like bells. Luke, as always, sat silently by the doorway, his gaze distant as he watched his younger siblings.

Seth was the first to notice Astrid and Liam approaching. His face lit up instantly.

"Sister Astrid!" he called out excitedly.

At his cry, Zeke and Luke also turned their heads.

Astrid smiled warmly. "Look who I brought along."

The two youngest immediately abandoned their game and sprinted toward them. "Rich Brother Liam!" Zeke and Seth called in unison, their voices filled with excitement.

Liam let out a hearty chuckle as the two boys skidded to a stop before him. "You two haven’t changed a bit," he said, ruffling their hair.

Luke, meanwhile, arrived last.

"Hello, brother Liam," He greeted Liam politely but kept his distance.

"Hello too, Luke," Liam returned the greeting, though he noticed the coolness in Luke’s demeanor.

Meanwhile, Zeke and Seth grabbed Liam’s hands, tugging him forward. "Will you play with us again?" they asked, their eyes gleaming with hope.

Liam chuckled. "Of course."

"Yaaah!" The boys cheered, already pulling him toward their small play area.

Astrid remained standing there, watching with an amused smile, but her attention was soon drawn to Luke beside her. She could sense he was not in the best mood. Not like he had been better since the night he came to know she was mated to a hybrid, that too the leader of creatures of darkness.

He turned to her, his gaze unreadable. "Why is he here?"

Astrid sighed and gently ruffled Luke’s hair. "Luke, don’t be rude."

"I’m not being rude," Luke replied calmly, but his eyes were anyhting but calm. "I just want to know what he wants."

Astrid let out another sigh. "He just wanted to see you all."

Luke’s gaze shifted back to Liam, who was still playing with Seth and Zeke. His eyes narrowed slightly. "Really? I don’t trust him."

Astrid frowned. "Luke... you’ve always been suspicious of him. Why? He hasn’t done anything wrong to you, has he?

Luke turned to her, his face serious. "Isn’t it obvious? Because he likes you more than just a friend."

Astrid blinked, momentarily taken aback. "Luke, that’s—"

"It’s true," Luke cut her off. "You never noticed it, but I did. Back in the village, even now... he looks at you differently. You just can’t see it the way I do."

Astrid sighed, feeling a little irritated with his overprotectivness. "Liam has always been a good friend. That’s all there is to it. And... even if he likes me more than a friend, what’s wrong with it? He hasn’t crossed the line and has never even told me. Don’t be too harsh when judging, Luke. Morever, I already have a mate."

Luke didn’t respond right away. Instead, he looked back at Liam briefly, and back at Astrid.

"Then, if I had to choose between him and the Vampire King, I’d rather go with the Vampire King." And with that, Luke glanced at the man coldly and walked straight into the house without another word.