Ready For Anything

Lila’s POV

“Feels fucking good to be home, bitches!” I yelled from the top of the car as we rounded into the Frost family Mansion.

“You sure don’t want Ronan to see you doing that,” Joan chuckled as she drove into the estate.

I rolled my eyes. “Don’t tell me my grumpy elder brother is beginning to rub off on you, Joan.”

She smiled and peered into the rearview mirror. “He is my husband, isn’t he?” she chuckled.

“Get your butt seated IN the car,” Emily said, pulling at my feet from behind the car seat.

We laughed as we arrived at the mansion. Stepping out of the car, I noticed a towering figure on the balcony, his arms crossed and a stern expression on his face.

“Can he not at least smile more?” Emily whispered.

I chuckled. Joan walked ahead to turn his attention toward us. She kissed him and said something, and his blue eyes brightened as he turned our way.

Ronan is my stepbrother, but the world would never believe it. His mother died when he was younger, and after he left to study, our father married my mother. Ronan is a handsome man with a tall, imposing figure. His dark hair and blue eyes twinkle when he smiles, mostly when Joan is around.

“Lila,” he called, his voice deep and commanding. He didn’t wait for me to close the distance.

“Brother,” I greeted with a grin, dropping my duffel bag and throwing my arms around his broad shoulders. “I missed you, big brother.”

Ronan’s embrace was warm and protective. “You’ve been gone too long,” he grumbled into my hair. “And you look like you’ve lost weight. What have you been eating? Just coffee and textbooks?”

I pulled back, rolling my eyes. “I’ve been eating real food, thank you. And I’ve been busy, you know that.”

He sighed, releasing me reluctantly. “I know. You’re changing the world one genetic code at a time. But you need to take care of yourself. I don’t want you burning out.”

I smiled up at him. “That’s why I’m here, brother. I needed a break, and what better place to relax than home?”

He chuckled, then briefly wore back his stern expression. “Why didn’t you inform me of your return?”

“Uhhh, I wanted to surprise you,” I managed, looking behind him at Joan for help.

Ronan gave me a once-over, his expression softening. “Alright, but no more late nights in the lab. You’re on vacation now.”

I chuckled. “No promises, but I’ll try.”

He shook his head but didn’t push it. Instead, he smiled at Emily. “See you came too,” he said to her.

“Yes, Lord Ronan,” Emily replied with a hint of humility.

The gardens were vibrant, and the scent of roses filled the air as we walked up the steps to the front door.

“Welcome back,” Joan said softly.

I stepped inside, the familiar scent of polished wood and fresh flowers enveloping me. “It’s good to be back,” I murmured, taking in the grand foyer, sweeping staircase, and sparkling crystal chandelier.

Ronan’s phone buzzed, and he stepped out briefly to take the call.

“I bet he’ll be gone for a while,” I said with a grin, slumping into the plush armrest in the living room.

“Even a babe can see that, Lila,” Emily said as she plopped down beside me.

“Are both of you talking about my husband?” Joan asked playfully, hands on her hips.

We grimaced and laughed. Joan joined in, picking up a throw pillow and throwing it at us.

“C’mon now, I was gone for barely a minute,” Ronan said, returning with a briefcase.

“Oh sweetheart, I just needed to teach these girls some lessons,” Joan said, smiling as she made her way to him.

He smiled at her coy grin. “I trust you, baby,” he said, planting a brief kiss on her lips. “I’ll be out for a minute,” he said, looking between her and me.

“What for?” Joan asked.

“Uhh, we’ll head upstairs while you guys do your couple stuff,” I said, rising and pulling Emily with me.

Ronan chuckled. “Be gone and make sure you don’t cause any trouble.”

“Yes, Lord Ronan,” I replied with a bow.

“Emily,” he nodded at her with a smile.

We walked away until their voices became distant. Ronan and Joan had always been that way for as long as they knew each other.

Their love was perfect, while I was cursed not to find genuine love. The one time I attempted to love turned out to be a nightmare.

Felix was his damned name. We met in school and with his smooth tongue, love for physics and cute smiles, I was easily swooned into believing he was in love with me.

I had this roommate, Katy. “You're such a lucky bitch." She teased me occasionally.

I told him I was going to tell Ronan about us. " That's so great babe. I can't wait to finally meet Lord Ronan.” He had replied excitedly.

His blues eyes twinkled with fake excitement, his laughter warmed my heart till it got burned. Fuck! I should have known he was just another baggage I was going to trash.

I told Ronan I had a surprise for him, but didn't mention what. I was to board the next flight back to Silver Lake while Felix would come the next day after visiting his home. I had forgotten my pass and went back to our dormitory to get it.

“Mmm, fuck! You're so good." I heard the swine speak.

" I bet Lila doesn't know how to do this as much as I do.” Katy's voice followed.

" She comes close to noth…"

I banged the door open to find Katy crouched down with her hands over Felix's erection. Exactly how he loved it.

I staggered slightly and was speechless for a long time. I only realized I was still alive when I jerked into consciousness to my ringing phone.

"Hello brother.” I sniffled as I glanced over at the man I thought I loved scrambling for his briefs.

" What's wrong?” Ronan's cold voice.

That's how the dam broke. I could not utter words, but I did cry it out in a river. I couldn't stop. I tried hard to control my shivering but I was deeply broken.

He tried to apologize,but my wolf growled at him. The next minute he tried to touch me again, he was flung across the room with one thrust.

Turns out Ronan was already in New York and was waiting to beat my surprise. That night, I knew that after seeing Felix get beaten to a pulp, I was never going to love again.

Ronan caused Katy to be expelled. The thought still brought a sting to my heart.

The door to my room closed.

“Finally! I can fucking breathe,” Emily said as she fell onto my bed.

“Shut up, Em. My brother is not that bad,” I said with a playful grin, joining her. Emily is my closest friend, always making me laugh despite my stress.

Emily threw a pillow at me. “He is that bad.” We started another round of playful pillow fighting until we were exhausted.

***

The sky was darkening, but Ronan was still out. Dinner had ended, and Joan had retired. I was marking time to sneak into my mini lab before Ronan returned.

“Come on, girl. I know that look in your eyes, and I’m not letting you,” Emily said, eyeing me with a knowing look.

“I’d probably be bored to death when you leave, so a little work won’t kill me,” I shrugged.

“But I have a better idea,” Emily said with a mischievous smile.

“No! Not tonight, Em,” I said, knowing where this was going.

Emily almost loved clubbing as much as photography.

“Come on, Lila. Ronan is not around, and we’ll be back before he knows it.”

I hesitated. A night out with Emily was always fun, but I wasn’t sure if I was in the mood. I’d just gotten home and wanted to curl up with a good book if not heading to the lab.

Emily had a point—I did need to unwind. Ronan would be busy with pack business, and I’d have plenty of time to relax in the coming days.

“Alright, fine. But if I regret this tomorrow, it’s on you.” I smiled at her.

“You won’t regret it, I promise! Now let’s get you dressed,” Emily replied excitedly.

I shook my head as she guided me to the closet. Emily had always been able to convince me to do things I wouldn’t normally do.

We found the perfect dress—a sleek, red number I’d bought on a whim. I slipped into it and looked in the mirror. The red fabric clung to my curves perfectly, and the neckline was daring without being inappropriate. Paired with heels and red lipstick, I felt like Lila Frost—beautiful, confident, and ready for anything.