Lucas pov..
I forcefully distanced myself from my pack. Being the Alpha does not grant me the liberty I desire, especially with Amelia as my fiancee; she embodies a tempestuous spirit. I drove to Alpha Ethan’s territory to confront my rejected mate, who has now become an obsession I cannot shake. Leaving without her is not an option.
My heart raced as I navigated the parking lot, my fingers trembling on the steering wheel. “Why did I have the unsettling feeling that Ethan’s volatile nature would complicate matters?” I pondered, my eyes aflame with determination as I attempted to steady myself before entering the mansion.
“Welcome, Alpha Lucas. I will notify Alpha Ethan of your arrival at the pack house,” said the security guard stationed at the entrance to the Alpha’s quarters.
A frown crossed my face upon hearing that Alpha Ethan was absent from work. I had intended to visit Harper while Ethan was away, but now my plans were thwarted.
I had hoped for a pleasant encounter with Harper, even if it meant forcing the issue, but with Ethan’s absence, my strategy had unraveled. I stood there, glaring at the mansion.
As I focused on the grand entrance, my anger simmered just beneath the surface. It was infuriatingly convenient that Ethan had chosen today to take off, just as I had finally gathered the resolve to confront him-and Harper.
“Inform Alpha Ethan that I am here to see Harper,” I growled, my voice steady yet tinged with an underlying threat.
The security guard, a robust werewolf with a scar above his left eyebrow, nodded quickly. “At once, Alpha Lucas. Please, follow me.”
I followed him, my senses heightened as we traversed the lavish corridors. Each step resonated with tension, my heart racing in anticipation.
As we neared the door to Ethan’s study, the guard hesitated. “Alpha Lucas, I must caution you-Alpha Ethan is… not in a favorable mood today.”
I offered a cold smile. “That is exactly why I am here.”
The guard swallowed nervously and opened the door.
I advanced with purpose, my gaze fixed firmly on Ethan. “I have come for Harper.”
Ethan’s demeanor shifted to one of hostility. “You have no claim over her, Lucas. She is now under my safeguard.”
A low growl emanated from deep within me. “Safeguard? From what? From me?”
Harper’s gentle and melodic voice pierced the charged atmosphere. “Lucas, please. This is not productive.”
I turned abruptly, my heart racing as I beheld her by the window, her expression filled with worry.
What surprised me was the fleeting look of recognition and yearning that flickered in her eyes.
“Harper,” I breathed, my voice trembling.
Ethan’s chair scraped against the floor as he rose, his face contorted with fury. “You will never possess her, Lucas. She belongs to me now.”
A snarl escaped my lips. “She will never be yours, Ethan. She is my cast-off mate, my fixation. I will do whatever is necessary to win her back.”
Ethan let out a weak chuckle, spinning around playfully. It was a foolish display, yet in that moment, I could only maintain my composure and allow him his antics.
“Can you cease this nonsense and come inside?” he said calmly, but my attention was drawn to Harper. She wore a long-sleeved shirt that ended at her thighs. Goodness! She looked stunning. My jaw dropped.
“Hey, snap out of it! She is already mine,” Alpha Ethan interjected, snapping his fingers in front of my face.
I shook my head, dispelling the fog. Ethan’s eyes glimmered with amusement, yet I sensed an underlying warning.
“Concentrate, Lucas. I trust you are not here merely to admire Harper?”
My gaze remained on Harper, her cheeks tinged with pink. I clenched my jaw, my possessiveness intensifying.
“Actually, that is exactly why I am here,” I replied, my tone laced with sarcasm. “Your… hospitality is well-known, Ethan. I am certain Harper’s… well-being is your utmost concern.”
Harper’s expression hardened. “Lucas, please. This is not a game.”
Ethan’s smile faded. “That is enough, Lucas. You are testing your limits.”
I advanced purposefully, my gaze fixed on Harper. “This is only the beginning.”
Harper’s voice escalated. “Alpha Ethan, please-”
“Ethan interjected, his voice resolute. “Lucas must comprehend the limits.”
In a smooth motion, Ethan seized Harper’s hand, drawing her closer. My vision blurred as fury surged within me.
“Remove your hands,” I growled, my voice barely recognizable.
Ethan’s eyes sparkled with challenge. “And what will you do, Lucas? Initiate a conflict over a woman who has clearly chosen me?”
Harper’s expression twisted in distress. “Lucas, stop! This isn’t about-”
“Spare me, Harper,” I snapped, my gaze intense. “Do you believe you can simply… replace me? With him?”
A cunning smile crept across Ethan’s face. “Oh, Lucas. Your predictability is amusing. Harper has made her decision. And it does not include you.”
In a sudden motion, Harper broke free from Ethan’s hold. “That’s enough from both of you!”
The atmosphere was charged with tension.
“Lucas, I need to speak with you,” Harper stated firmly. “In private.”
Ethan’s expression darkened. “Harper, no.”
“I insisted on privacy, Alpha Ethan,” Harper asserted, her eyes flashing with determination.
I smiled, my heart racing with a mix of emotions; joy overwhelmed me, but to my surprise, as I followed her outside, she paused at the exit door. I stood there, gazing at her with longing, only to be taken aback when she hurried inside and slammed the door behind her.
“Get lost, Lucas! I never want to see you here again. I am finished; you rejected me. Why are you stalking me? This is madness!” she growled, and I felt a deep ache within me.
She really did slam the door in my face?