“What about you?”
“I’m just a minor wizard; there’s not much to discuss about me. It’s quite shameful to do so, especially when you’re such a capable and powerful Alpha,” Priyank clenched his fist under the table.
In his entire life, he had never tried to please anyone like this; it was always the other way around.
But after all the flattery he’s received throughout his life, he’s using it now.
For now, his only priority is to ensure Priya’s safety. He can’t afford to let his ego get in the way when it comes to her safety-it’s the only thing that matters.
Lucas smiled. “So, you’re Maya’s son-in-law. That’s interesting,” he sipped his tea.
“Not yet, but in the future,” Priyank replied with a forced smile.
He and Priya avoided touching anything on the table, considering what might happen if they did or if there might be something mixed in that isn’t safe.
“So, why are you even here? Aren’t witches and wizards supposed to dislike our kind? It’s quite surprising that you came, and why can’t I sense your aura like last time?”
Priyank’s heart raced. He wasn’t under any spell now, so naturally, he wouldn’t have any wizard aura-he was just a human.
What about Priya? Can Lucas sense her royal blood? He hoped he wouldn’t because, according to Maya, it could only be detected if Priya bled, which isn’t the case now.
He just didn’t want to be discovered, especially not in connection with Priya.
“I have a spell cast on me. I didn’t want to reveal it to my wizard when I’m in a pack; it might cause issues, as you know, wolves and wizards don’t have the best relationship,” Priyank lied.
Most people didn’t understand what he was saying, but he had read a lot about the supernatural on his phone.
He had never been interested before, and if anyone had told him about this in the past, he wouldn’t have believed it. But now, things were different.
There was no denying the truth; at least book knowledge was useful. It might differ from reality, but it was better than knowing nothing.
“Oh, that’s very considerate,” Lucas said, looking at Priya, who flinched. He could see she was tense. “Relax, there’s no need to be afraid. I don’t bite.”
His voice alone was unsettling.
Priyank placed his hand on Priya’s thigh, not wanting her to be so stressed. She looked pale, and that was worrying.
One thing he learned as a Mafia member is to never show fear to an enemy, and that’s exactly what he was doing-concealing his own tension, while Priya was not managing to hide hers.
Priya felt slightly reassured by his touch. “I’m not scared; I’m just nervous meeting such an Alpha.”
She had never lied before, but circumstances had changed. She had learned that to survive, she needed to adapt; she couldn’t remain as she was.
“You don’t need to be nervous, but I appreciate your high regard for me,” Lucas said, clearly pleased by her praise.
Priyank suppressed the urge to roll his eyes. It was all so self-serving and narcissistic, even more than he himself was.
Lucas leaned back, scrutinizing Priyank and Priya. “So, Priyank, what was your purpose in visiting the market today, where my guards caught you both?”
Priyank swallowed hard. “As I mentioned before, we just wanted to walk around.”
Lucas raised an eyebrow, clearly intrigued. “You do realize that roaming around without being part of the pack is considered rogue behavior here?”
“I didn’t consider it,” Priyank replied, trying to maintain his composure.
Lucas studied Priyank’s expression for a moment before nodding slowly. “Then how do you plan to make amends for that?”
Priya, feeling the tension easing slightly, took a deep breath. “We’re sorry for the trouble, Alpha Lucas. You’re very generous, and we hope you can forgive us.”
Priyank didn’t like how Priya’s apology sounded; it felt like a sting to his heart. He never wanted her to have to do this.
But he was caught in the situation, knowing it was better to keep things calm.
“I don’t think I’m that generous, young lady,” Lucas said.
“I sincerely apologise to you Alpha Lucas,” Priya emphasised.
Lucas leaned forward, his gaze intense. “However, I do appreciate a sincere apology. I suppose there’s a way you can make amends. How about this: a minor task for you both, one that will help integrate you into our pack’s daily activities. It should prove your good intentions and respect for our ways.”
Priyank’s heart pounded. He was already stretching the truth with his earlier excuses, and now a task seemed like a dangerous proposition. “What sort of task are you suggesting?” he asked, keeping his voice steady.
Lucas’s lips curled into a smirk. “We need assistance with a few upcoming events. It involves helping with preparations for the pack’s festival. It’s not particularly demanding but will require your cooperation. You’ll work alongside our members, which should help you understand our customs better.”
Priya’s eyes widened slightly, but she nodded. “We’ll be happy to help, Alpha Lucas.”
Priyank forced a smile, though he was uneasy. Helping with a festival might seem straightforward, but it would mean being under close scrutiny from the pack. It was a precarious situation, especially with Priya’s hidden identity.
Lucas’s gaze shifted back to Priyank. “And as for you, Priyank, I assume you’re aware of the importance of loyalty and respect within our territory. Prove yourself to be trustworthy, and perhaps our next meeting will be more pleasant.”
Priyank nodded. “Understood, Alpha Lucas. We’ll do our best.”
Lucas’s smile widened. “Excellent. Then it’s settled. You’ll start with the preparations tomorrow. For now, you may leave.”
Priyank and Priya stood, bowing slightly in respect before making their way to the door. As they stepped outside, Priya exhaled deeply, her tension evident. “That was intense.”
Priyank nodded, his mind racing. “We’ll get through this. Just keep your head down and stay focused. We need to make sure nothing goes wrong, especially with Lucas watching us so closely.”
Priya looked at him, her expression determined. “We’ll manage. We have to.”
They left the pack house, knowing that their real challenge was just beginning.
More importantly, what function are they even holding tomorrow? Priyank questioned in his head .