Lucas
I can’t fucking believe this. Exhaustion? Aria passed out because she was stressed out and overworked? How the hell did I not see that coming? She skipped breakfast, looked like she was carrying the weight of the damn world, and that stupid box practically had her spiraling. I should’ve known.
Now she’s lying in bed, out cold, looking way too peaceful for someone who scared the crap out of me earlier. As soon as she hit the ground, I rushed her to the medical center like a man possessed. Maria did her tests, gave her some kind of injection, and told me it’s just exhaustion. Nothing serious, she said. I almost kissed her out of relief, but you know, boundaries.
Aria’s hand is soft in mine, and I rub my thumb over her knuckles, hoping she wakes up soon. She’s too cute when she’s asleep, though. It’s distracting. But seriously, why the hell didn’t she tell me about that damn box? Threatened or not, I’m supposed to protect her. It’s literally my job, isn’t it?
My thoughts are interrupted by Beta John’s mind-link crashing in like an uninvited guest.
‘What is it?’ I bite out, already annoyed.
‘I need to talk to you.’ His tone’s clipped, as usual.
‘I’m busy with Aria,’ I shoot back.
‘It’s important,’ he insists, ignoring my tone entirely. ‘I’ll be in my suite.’
Before I can tell him to shove it, he cuts the link. Asshole. I lean over, pressing a soft kiss to Aria’s lips. It’s brief, but it grounds me before I walk out, muttering under my breath.
I barely make it a few steps into the hallway when I spot Damon, Theo, Mia, and Lily huddled like they’re plotting something. They all look worried, which is both sweet and irritating.
“Is she awake yet?” Lily’s voice is small, and her eyes are wide with concern.
“Not yet,” I answer, shaking my head. “Maria said she’ll be fine.” Then my frown deepens, and I fold my arms, glaring at the duo. “What the hell were you all thinking, huh? Keeping something like this from me?”
Mia and Lily exchange a guilty look before staring at the floor.
“We’re sorry,” Mia mumbles. “We tried to convince her to tell you, but she wouldn’t listen. She didn’t want to bother you.”
“Not bother me?” I bark out a humorless laugh. “And how exactly did that damn box end up in the cafeteria?”
Mia sighs, rubbing her temples. “I don’t know. I left it on the restroom floor while I… uh, peed, and when I came out, it was gone.”
“Vanessa must’ve snuck in and grabbed it,” Lily adds, sounding equally frustrated.
“Great. Just great,” I mutter, running a hand through my hair. “Don’t ever pull something like this again. I mean it.”
They nod like scolded kids, and I walk away, ignoring Damon and Theo’s curious look.
“Where are you going?” Damon throw at my back.
“Beta John’s suite,” I call over my shoulder. “I’ll deal with you guys later.”
When I reach John’s door, I take a deep breath, hoping I don’t find my father on a video call waiting to lecture me. I punch in the code and step inside, only to stop dead in my tracks.
Serena is sprawled on the couch, sipping wine like she’s the damn queen of England.
“What the fuck are you doing here?” I glare, my fists clenching.
“Come sit with me, Alpha Lucas,” she purrs, patting the space next to her. It only makes me angrier.
Before I can respond, John appears from the bathroom, towel-drying his hair. “Lucas, you’re here.”
“Why is she here?” I snap, pointing at Serena like she’s a cockroach I’d rather squash.
“She spoke to your father,” John says, walking over to the bed. “She has some news for you.”
“I don’t care what she has to say,” I growl, turning to leave.
“We’re getting married after the cruise tour,” Serena chirps, her voice smug enough to make me whip around.
“What did you just say?”
“You heard me.” She sets her glass down, crossing her legs like this is casual. “Your father’s already planning the mating ceremony. It’ll happen as soon as we’re back.”
“You’re fucking delusional if you think I’m marrying you just because my father says so.”
John steps in, his tone calm but firm. “Lucas, it’s time to think practically. The tour ends in less than a week. When we return, you’ll have to face reality.”
“I am facing reality,” I snap. “And I’m not marrying her.”
“Are you ready to protect Aria? Can you defend her against Ethan? Against your father?” John’s questions hit harder than I’d like to admit.
“I can protect her,” I spit back.
“Bullshit,” he fires, his voice rising. “Your father won’t even let her set foot in Shadow Pang territory. You’re putting her in danger just by keeping her close.”
The words hit me like a sucker punch. For a second, I want to snap back…hell, maybe even scream that yeah, I do want to go rogue like my sister. But those words? They’re stuck in my throat, heavy as a goddamn anvil.
John leans forward, his tone dropping into something almost desperate. “So, I’m begging you here. End it with her, man. Go to Ethan, beg him to take it easy on her. Do you even know what he’s planning to do to her?”
My heart nearly leaps out of my chest like it’s trying to make a break for it. My wolf growls inside me, clawing for release, but I hold him back. Barely. I hate this. Hate me for being too weak to protect her.
And then there’s Serena, casually swirling the last of her wine like she’s the goddamn villain in a telenovela. “I mean,” she starts, her smile fake as hell, “I could help you out. Ethan and I? We’re, like, super close.” She taps her glass against the table for emphasis. “Just say the word, and I’ll talk to him. You know, make sure Aria’s… comfortable.”
I growl, low and dangerous, as her smirk deepens. Fuck, I want to wipe that smug look off her face so badly it hurts. But she’s not entirely wrong. I’m pathetic.
John clears his throat, shifting his weight. “And let’s not forget,” he adds, voice hard. “Your father is furious you brought Sarita here. Thinks she’s the one leading you astray.”
“Sarita has nothing to do with this!” The words shoot out before I can stop them.
John shrugs, like he couldn’t care less. “Yeah? Well, try convincing him of that. In the meantime, end whatever it is you’ve got going on with Aria. If you care about her, let her go.”
Serena takes the cue, standing up and smoothing down her ridiculously short skirt. Her heels click against the floor as she saunters closer. “Didn’t you see what happened to Aria today? Poor girl’s got so many enemies. Imagine what else might happen if you keep this up.”
“Are you threatening me right now?” I sneer, stepping closer.
She laughs, light and condescending. “Threatening? Oh, no. Never. I’m just… helping.” Her fingers lift toward my face, tracing some imaginary pattern that makes my skin crawl. I knock her hand away like it’s radioactive.
“Keep your fucking hands off me.”
Her smile doesn’t waver, but her tone hardens. “Do the right thing, Alpha Lucas. Today was just a warning. Next time? Well…” She trails off, but I don’t need her to finish the sentence.
Red. That’s all I see as I slam her against the wall, my hand wrapped tightly around her neck. Her eyes widen, panic flashing across her face as she claws at my wrist.
“Say one more word about Aria,” I growl, “and I’ll fucking end you.”
“Lucas!” John’s voice cuts through the haze sharply. “Let her go. Now.”
“She threatened Aria!”
John steps closer, his face unreadable. “Technically, she didn’t. And if something happens to her, it’s Aria who’ll pay for it.”
That’s all it takes. With a growl of frustration, I shove Serena away, watching as she collapses against the wall, coughing and rubbing her neck.
John exhales, rubbing his temples like he’s dealing with a headache. “You did the right thing. Now end it with Aria. Your father knows you marked her, and he’s livid. How could you do that when you’re not ready to protect her from Ethan or your father?” He pauses, his voice dropping to a whisper. “Remember what happened to your mother?”
My chest tightens, rage and pain twisting together into a knot so tight I can barely breathe. “Don’t,” I warn, my voice trembling.
John shakes his head, looking almost… sad. “Don’t make the same mistake.” With that, he heads for the door, leaving me alone with Serena.
She adjusts her skirt and tosses me a triumphant smile. “I’ll be waiting, my love.” Her voice drips with mock sweetness as she follows John out.
And then it’s quiet. Too quiet. My legs give out, and I collapse to the floor, my head in my hands. My heart feels like it’s been ripped out and stomped on.
What the hell am I supposed to do now?