Amelia pov
“I recalled something, Lucas. You foolishly invest your mental well-being in an attempt to demonstrate your affection for Harper, your rejected mate. The very mate you turned away, as I believed you did so because you desired me. I am uncertain; it seems everything is merely a game on your part.” I spoke softly, fixing him with a gaze filled with animosity.
“Let her be, Lucas. We journeyed to meet her mate, Alpha Ethan, not her. I witnessed the tension between you two; she doesn’t want you.” I scoffed.
“I do not have feelings for her, Amelia. You are the only one I love.”
“That is a falsehood. If I were truly the only one, you would have confronted Ethan, Harper’s mate, solely for her sake.”
I glared at Lucas, my eyes aflame with fury and pain. “Do not deceive me with those falsehoods, Lucas. If I were the only one you cherished, you would not be yearning for Harper. You would not have jeopardized everything to be close to her, attempting to win her back.” My voice quivered with indignation.
Lucas’s eyes flickered with defensiveness, yet I could perceive the guilt lurking beneath the surface. “Amelia, you do not comprehend-”
“I comprehend entirely,” I retorted, interrupting him. “I understand that you remain in love with her. That you are utilizing me as a diversion, a consolation prize because you cannot have her.” I spat the words, each one imbued with bitterness.
Lucas stepped closer, his face mere inches from mine. “That is not the case, Amelia. I promise.” However, his eyes betrayed him, darting away from my own as if unable to confront my stare.
I let out a laugh, a cold and humorless sound. “Do not make promises, Lucas. You have already shattered every vow you ever made to me.” I turned to leave, but Lucas’s hand shot out, gripping my arm.
“Amelia, please-”
“Release. Me. Now.” I articulated each word, my voice low and menacing.
Lucas’s grip tightened, his fingers pressing into my skin. “I will not let you go until you hear me out.” His eyes burned with resolve.
I raised an eyebrow, a flicker of amusement igniting within me. “Oh, is that so? What leads you to believe that I am interested in anything you have to say?” I retorted, pulling my arm free from his grip.
Lucas’s expression darkened, his jaw tightening. “Because, Amelia, whether you accept it or not, I love you. I will do whatever is necessary to demonstrate that.” His voice was low, husky, and tinged with desperation.
I laughed once more, the sound laced with sarcasm. “Demonstrate it? You have had numerous opportunities to do so, Lucas. Yet, each time, you have chosen Harper over me.” I shook my head, my heart weighed down with sorrow. “I am finished, Lucas. Finished with your games, finished with your deceit. Just leave me be.”
Lucas’s expression crumbled, his eyes brimming with tears. However, I steeled my heart, unwilling to be moved by his feigned sorrow.
“Leave. Me. Be.” I reiterated, my tone resolute.
This time, Lucas did not attempt to stop me as I turned and walked away.
As I faded from view, a sense of liberation enveloped me. I was finally free from Lucas’s toxic manipulations, free to seek someone who genuinely loved me.
Yet, as I glanced back, I noticed Lucas standing there, his gaze fixed on me with a blend of yearning and resolve.
A shiver ran through me.
“Amelia, you know I will not let you go,” he called out. I sighed heavily, pausing midway, fully aware that he would not allow me to leave. I despised the fact that he continued to impede my path.
“You will not deter me this time, Lucas; your actions are causing me embarrassment at every turn,”I stated calmly.
Lucas pursued me with determination, his long strides quickly closing the gap between us. I could sense his anger emanating from him like heat from a blazing fire.
“Embarrassing you?” he echoed, his tone laced with disbelief. “Do you really think I care about embarrassing you? You belong to me, Amelia. You are mine.” He seized my arm once more, turning me to face him.
I forcefully pulled my arm away, my eyes flashing with irritation. “Mine? Your priorities have been made abundantly clear, Lucas. They lie with Harper, not with me.” I crossed my arms, my tone resolute.
Lucas’s expression contorted with exasperation. “That is not the case. Harper means nothing to me. You are the one I desire.” He stepped closer, his gaze intense.
“Spare me, Lucas.” I rolled my eyes. “I have heard this routine before. You always say what you believe I want to hear, yet your actions convey a different narrative.” I attempted to walk away again.
Lucas grasped me, pulling me into a firm embrace. “Hear me out, Amelia,” he whispered with urgency. “I love you. Only you.”
I fought against his hold, but he remained steadfast. “Let. Me. Go.” I insisted, my voice muffled against his chest.
I cannot, he tightened his grip, his lips brushing against mine. I love you so deeply, he murmured, lost in the moment as he nearly claimed my lips.
I attempted to push him away, yet Lucas’s hold remained steadfast. His lips pressed against mine with fervor, both demanding and possessive. A wave of anger and frustration surged within me, but beneath that turmoil, a flicker of desire ignited.
No, I would not yield.
I bit down on his lip with force.
Lucas recoiled, his eyes widening in astonishment.
“Release me!” I exclaimed, my voice resonating in the air.
However, rather than letting me go, Lucas’s demeanor grew darker. He pressed his lips against mine once more, with a punishing intensity.
I fought against him, twisting my head, but he maintained his grip.
Just as I felt I might be overwhelmed by his onslaught, a rough hand seized Lucas’s shoulder, pulling him away.