Lucas pov
We spent two weeks in Alpha Ethan’s pack, and I barely had a moment alone with my rejected mate, Harper. She clung to Ethan as if he were her protector, and it infuriated me to see them together. I kept a close watch on her, hoping for a chance to be with my once-rejected mate, even if it meant forcing my way into her life.
The sun cast long shadows on the forest floor as I observed Harper laughing with Ethan. Her smile, which used to be mine, now seemed to shine only for him. I clenched my fists, battling the desire to reclaim her. My mind understood the situation, but my heart was unwilling to let go.
I continued to monitor Harper, noting her every action. She appeared uneasy around Ethan, her eyes flickering toward him with a blend of gratitude and apprehension. It was clear she was using him as a barrier, just as I had suspected. But why? Was she scared of me, or was there something deeper at play?
Days passed in a blur as I waited for a moment to be alone with Harper. My patience was wearing thin, and desperation began to set in. I knew I had to be cautious; forcing myself on her would only push her further away.
One evening, as the pack gathered for dinner, I noticed Harper slipping away from the crowd. My heart raced as I followed her, careful to remain unseen. The forest darkened around us, the trees closing in as I pursued her.
“Harper,” I murmured, my voice just above a whisper amidst the rustling leaves.
She turned sharply, surprise etched on her face. For a fleeting moment, our eyes locked, and I felt the remnants of our shared history hovering between us.
“L-Lucas,” she stuttered, stepping back.
I closed the gap, my steps soft against the forest floor. “We need to talk,” I said, my tone urgent and low.
Harper’s hands shook as she raised them in caution. “Lucas, I-”
“Don’t refuse me,” I cut in, my gaze imploring. “Just listen. I’ve waited far too long for this moment.”
Her mouth opened, but no sound came out. The air was thick with unspoken feelings. I could sense her determination faltering, and hope surged within me.
“Please, Harper,” I breathed, my words brushing against her skin. “Just give me five minutes. That’s all I need.”
Her eyes searched mine, and for a brief moment, I glimpsed the flicker of our past bond. With a reluctant nod, she consented.
We moved forward together, the shadows of the forest wrapping around us. The outside world faded, leaving just the two of us, caught in a tide of unresolved feelings.
“Harper,” I started, my voice trembling with emotion. “Why did you turn me away? What did I do wrong?”
Her gaze fell, and I felt the burden of her hidden truths.
“Lucas, it’s not that straightforward; you rejected me first,” she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper.
I took her hand, my touch igniting a spark. “Make it clear,” I urged. “Tell me the truth.”
As we stood there, the forest seemed to hold its breath, and Harper’s eyes slowly met mine. The secrets within them threatened to engulf me.
“Lucas,” she murmured, her voice quivering. “I’m afraid.”
My heart raced. “Afraid of what?”
Her mouth opened, and I leaned closer, eager for her confession. But just as she was about to speak, a rustling sound interrupted us.
Ethan stepped out from the shadows, his eyes narrowing. “Harper, what’s happening?”
I tightened my grip on her hand, a surge of possessiveness rising within me.
“Nothing, Ethan,” Harper replied quickly, pulling away from me.
The space between us felt insurmountable.
“Leave us alone, Ethan,” I growled, my gaze fixed on Harper.
Ethan’s eyes flicked from Harper to me. “I won’t let you hurt her, Lucas.”
With that, he pulled Harper close, his arm encircling her shoulders protectively.
He held her tightly, his chin resting on her head as he looked at me. “What are you doing with her, Lucas? You rejected her, yet you can’t let go.” His voice was thick with venom.
Ethan’s words pierced through me, each one laden with accusation. His grip on Harper tightened as he glared at me. I felt my control waning, my wolf restless beneath the surface.
“You think you can just take her now?” I snarled, my voice low and threatening. “After rejecting me, she belongs to you?”
Ethan’s jaw tightened, his eyes flashing with authority. “She chose me, Lucas. She chose safety.”
Harper’s gaze flickered between us, her face drained of color. She attempted to step forward, but Ethan’s hold kept her in place.
“Let her go, Ethan,” I warned, my fists clenched tightly.
Ethan’s smirk twisted his features. “You have no claim to her, Lucas. You gave that up when you rejected her.”
My vision blurred with rage, heat surging through my veins. I took a step closer, my wolf eager to break free.
“Lucas, stop!” Harper shouted, her voice shaking.
Ethan tightened his hold on her, his fingers pressing into her skin. “You see, Lucas? She’s with me now. I’ll do whatever it takes to protect her from you.”
In a swift motion, Ethan leaned closer, his lips grazing Harper’s temple. The closeness ignited a sharp pain in my chest.
A growl erupted from me as I charged at Ethan. The forest erupted into chaos as we collided. Branches broke, leaves flew, and the air was filled with the sounds of growling and snapping.
Harper’s screams cut through the noise, her voice drowned in the chaos.
Amid the struggle, Ethan’s words rang in my ears: “She chose me… She chose safety.”
Safety from me.
That thought stoked my fury. I forced Ethan to the ground, my hands gripping his throat.
“Lucas, please!” Harper cried, clutching my arm.
Her touch broke through my rage, and I let go of Ethan, breathing heavily.
Ethan jumped up, his eyes fierce. “You’ll never have her, Lucas. She’s mine.”
With one last look at Harper, I turned and disappeared into the woods, leaving my heart in ruins.
As I ran, the trees blurred, and my thoughts spiraled. Why did Harper pick Ethan? Did she really see me as a monster?