Lucas
The second I step into Sarita’s apartment, I don’t even make it past the couch…I just collapse onto it, completely fucking exhausted.
She chuckles, settling into the chair across from me, her eyes practically dancing with amusement. “Damn, you look like you got run over by a truck.”
I groan. “Well, I am a college student. Pretty sure exhaustion is part of the package.”
Sarita smirks. “Yeah, except that’s not it. You reek of your mate, Lukky. Knowing you, I’m guessing you spent all night fucking.”
I blink at her, genuinely curious. “Is it that obvious?”
She leans forward, grinning. “Oh, absolutely. There’s this… glow werewolves give off when they’ve just fucked their mate. Plus, your scent is way stronger right now.”
“Fuck,” I mutter under my breath. “I did shower before coming here, but whatever. At least I smell mesmerizing…just like my baby, Aria.” I wave a hand dismissively. “Now can we please change the damn topic? First off, you didn’t tell me you moved.”
She shrugs. “Yeah, John and I wanted something bigger…more upscale, you know? So we figured a high-rise apartment would do.”
And damn, she wasn’t lying. This place screams money. The sleek interior, the massive windows, the balcony overlooking the city skyline…it’s fancy as hell.
I nod, impressed. “Well, good for you, sis. But let’s get to the point, what’s this so-called emergency that couldn’t be handled with a damn mind-link?” I lean back into the couch, exhaling loudly.
Sarita’s expression shifts, suddenly all serious. “Lucas, this is gonna be a shock, so I need you to stay calm.”
I frown. “What the hell are you talking about?”
She hesitates, which immediately sets off alarm bells in my head. What the fuck is she about to drop on me?
“It’s about Dad,” she says.
I roll my eyes. “No shit.”
“No, Lucas, you don’t understand…it’s not just about him.” She presses her lips together like she’s struggling to get the words out. “How do I say this…”
I groan, rubbing my temples. “Just spit it out, Sarita. I’m too fucking tired for your dramatics.”
She inhales sharply. “Okay. Beta John contacted me. He told me some things.” She pauses. “Dad had an affair. While Mom was still alive.”
I snort. “And water is wet. That’s not exactly breaking news, sis.”
Her eyes narrow. “He has a son with that woman, Lucas.”
I jolt upright so fast, my vision tilts for a second. “The fuck does that mean?”
Sarita raises her hands up. “Relax-”
“I am calm,” I grit out, even though my heart is pounding. “Just fucking continue.”
She exhales, crossing her legs. “Beta John said Dad was in love with this woman. He resented Mom because he believed she wasn’t supposed to be his mate-he wanted the other woman.”
Hearing all this from Sarita just pisses me off even more. My blood is already boiling, but now it’s about to fucking explode.
“And he included this woman in his will,” she adds casually. “Both her and her son.”
I snort. “Well, good for them, I guess. What’s that got to do with me?”
She gives me a pointed look. “The elders. They’re kinda mad you left the pack and haven’t stepped foot inside since.”
I throw my hands up. “Well, that’s not my damn fault. Maybe they should ask their precious alpha for the reason why I left.”
“Lucas… this son…Beta John says he’s of age now. An alpha.”
I roll my eyes. “I don’t give a damn about him,” I cut in, already done with this conversation. “Why the fuck are you telling me all this?”
She sighs. “He recently visited the pack with his mom. The elders saw them, and now they’re starting to switch gears. They might want him to succeed Father as the next alpha.”
I let out a sharp, humorless laugh. “You’re shitting me. So they’re gonna back some random dweeb they just met over me?” I shake my head, leaning back into the couch. “You know what? Fine. It’s not like I give a single fuck about Dad’s wealth or the alpha position anyway.”
Sarita shoots up from her seat, looking downright offended. “Don’t say that, Lucas! You’re the true alpha of the Shadow Pang Pack. You’ve been training your whole damn life for this!”
I wave her off. “Yeah, yeah, I was. But look at me now…ever since I left and found my mate, I’ve been so much happier. No pressure, no bullshit. I love it.”
Sarita crosses her arms, eyes narrowing. “You can’t be serious. This is our family legacy! You’re just gonna let some stranger take over? Do you want the pack’s history to be tainted?”
My jaw tightens, and before I know it, I’m yelling. “It’s already tainted, Sarita! Mom’s dead! And nobody in that damn pack did a thing about it.” I take a deep breath, running a hand through my hair before continuing. “Listen. If they wanna hand over the position to that guy? Fine. I don’t care. I’ve got better things to do…like playing hockey and becoming a damn doctor. They can eat the alpha position for all I care.”
She shakes her head in disappointment. “So you’re just gonna give up? Just like that? Mom helped build this pack!”
I shake my head too, standing up and walking. “I’m done talking about this. I’ve got classes to get to. And you don’t have to worry about me, ’cause I don’t give a damn about being alpha.” I pause at the door, glancing back. “But don’t worry…I’ll visit Dad this weekend.”
Sarita’s face lights up. “Really?”
I roll my eyes. “I’m only doing it because Aria’s been worried. Don’t get any fucking ideas.”
She smirks knowingly, and that little grin makes me uneasy. “I knew you’d go. And it’s even better because that woman and her son are still around. You’ll get to meet him this Saturday.”
I freeze mid-step, my stomach twisting.
I am not ready to meet some so-called long-lost brother. But now? I can’t help but wonder…. who the fuck is this guy they think can replace me?