Chapter 27: Lucas’s Revelation

Suddenly, Julie's phone buzzed from her pocket, interrupting the peaceful silence. She pulled it out of her cotton shorts and glanced at the screen. It was a text from an unknown number. "meet me at the garden of Smith mansion in 10 minutes. Lucas"

Julie's breath caught in her throat.

The chill of the night air nipped at Julie's skin as she stepped silently through the darkened hallways of the Smith mansion, her heart pounding with every step. She had barely processed the text when her hand had trembled, dropping her phone in shock. She had tried to dismiss it, tell herself it was some kind of mistake or joke, but the pull in her chest—an inexplicable tug that she couldn't explain—drove her toward the garden.

The house was eerily quiet, the soft hum of the heating system in the background, almost suffocating in its stillness. She had tried to remain calm, convincing herself this was just a momentary lapse in reason, that nothing was truly happening here. But as she moved through the house, her senses heightened with anticipation. The world outside felt different now, as if she were stepping into an entirely new dimension of reality.

When she reached the back door, the cold air hit her face, sharp and biting, but she welcomed it, trying to clear her mind. Her breath formed little clouds as she walked across the garden, the stone path feeling slippery beneath her feet. The light from the mansion's windows cast a golden glow across the lawn, but it barely reached the far end of the garden, where the gazebo stood, bathed in shadows.

She couldn't help but glance over her shoulder as she walked, her thoughts a storm of confusion. What was she doing here? Why had she felt so compelled to come? She had never met anyone like Lucas—no one who made her feel both terrified and drawn to him at the same time. It didn't make sense. Nothing made sense.

As she neared the gazebo, her breath caught in her throat. Standing there, his broad shoulders framed by the darkness, was Lucas. His back was turned, but Julie felt his presence as if he were an anchor pulling her closer. The moonlight reflected off his dark hair, casting an ethereal glow around him, making him seem like a creature not entirely of this world. He was still, silent. The breeze ruffled the edge of his jacket, and for a moment, Julie felt a strange sense of peace, as if everything in the universe had conspired to bring her here to this moment.

Then, as if sensing her approach, Lucas turned. Their eyes locked, and an electric shiver shot through Julie's spine, making her legs weak. His gaze, deep and intense, held her in place. There was a power in it, a quiet, undeniable command that she couldn't escape. Before she could react, Lucas crossed the distance between them in a few long strides and swept her into his arms, enveloping her in his warmth.

Julie froze, her heart racing in her chest, her breath caught in her throat. She wanted to pull away, to demand an explanation, but his arms were like iron bands around her, holding her tightly to him. The strength in his embrace left no room for protest. It wasn't just physical strength—it was something more primal, a possessiveness she couldn't explain.

"Lucas—" she began, her voice trembling, but she couldn't finish her sentence. His hold on her tightened, and his lips brushed against the top of her head.

"Stay still," he murmured, his voice low and velvet-like, sending a shiver down her spine. "I'm not ready to let go yet."

His words sent a wave of heat through her, making her pulse quicken. She wasn't sure if it was the proximity or the way he said it, but the world seemed to shift around her. The night, the garden, even the air between them felt charged with an energy she couldn't explain. She wanted to protest, to push him away and ask him what the hell was going on, but something—something inside her—wanted to stay. She wanted to feel the weight of his arms around her, to drown in the intensity of his presence.

But she couldn't understand it. She couldn't understand *him*.

"What are you doing, Lucas?" she whispered, her voice barely audible. "Why did you call me here? What's all of this? Why am I—"

"Why are you wearing *this*?" he interrupted, his voice suddenly sharp, his grip loosening only slightly. His eyes scanned her outfit—her cotton shorts and button-up shirt—and his expression darkened with concern, almost anger. "It's cold, Julie. Where's your jacket?"

Julie blinked in confusion, taken aback by the intensity in his voice. She opened her mouth to speak but found herself momentarily speechless. What did he mean? It was just a light chill. She wasn't that cold.

But Lucas didn't wait for an answer. Without a word, he shrugged off his black leather jacket and draped it over her shoulders. The fabric was warm, thick, and it consumed her small frame. The jacket fell to her thighs, completely engulfing her upper body, and she felt a peculiar sensation as she stood there, wrapped in his warmth.

"You look ridiculous," Lucas muttered under his breath, his tone softer now. "You can't walk around in *just this*."

Julie wanted to protest, to tell him she was fine, but she couldn't. The weight of his jacket, his proximity, his intense gaze—it was all too much. Her heart raced as his hands settled gently on her shoulders, his fingertips barely touching her skin, yet she could feel the heat from his touch seeping through the fabric.

Without a word, Lucas lifted her effortlessly into his arms again. Julie gasped in surprise, her body stiffening, but she couldn't escape. His hold was too firm, too complete. He carried her toward the gazebo, where he sat on one of the chairs, pulling her onto his lap. She was pressed against him, her body in a strange and vulnerable position, her legs dangling over his as if he had claimed her as his own.

"Let me go," she demanded, trying to wriggle free. But Lucas merely tightened his grip, holding her firmly. "Stay still, Julie. You're not going anywhere."

Her cheeks flushed at the scandalous proximity. Her heart was hammering, but it wasn't just from the strange circumstances—it was from *him*. The tension in the air between them was almost unbearable. She could feel his breath on her skin, his warmth radiating through his jacket, and something deep inside her stirred.

"Tell me, Lucas," she said, her voice shaking slightly as she tried to pull away from his embrace. "What *is* this? What's happening between us? Who am I to you?"

He didn't answer immediately. Instead, he just stared at her, his gaze so intense it felt as though he were peering straight into her soul. Then, with a deep breath, he cupped her face in his palm, gently, as though she were something fragile—something precious.

"You're my mate," he said softly, his words carrying an almost sacred weight. "You're my soulmate, Julie. I tried to deny it, I tried to resist the bond, but I can't anymore. I accept it. I accept *you*."

Julie's breath caught in her throat. "What does that even mean?" she whispered, her voice barely audible as she searched his eyes, looking for any sign that he was joking, or that this was some elaborate prank.

"It means you're mine," he said, his voice steady but filled with an unyielding certainty. "I've accepted the bond. And you need to know this, Julie—you are mine."

Her heart raced even faster, and she felt a strange mixture of fear and awe flood through her. The weight of his words settled in her chest, but she didn't have the words to respond. What was she supposed to say to that?

Before she could think any further, Lucas stood up, still holding her in his arms. His eyes softened, but there was no mistaking the firmness in his actions as he carried her back toward the house.

"Go inside," he murmured as he reached the door. "You need to sleep."

Julie wanted to protest, wanted to demand more answers, but she couldn't. The world had tilted on its axis, and she was unsure if she could ever get it back to its previous place.

As he placed her gently back on her feet and turned to leave, Lucas paused, his eyes dark with unspoken thoughts. "We'll talk more later. But for now, rest. You'll need your strength."

Julie watched him disappear into the night, her mind spinning, her emotions in a whirl. What was happening? What had she just agreed to? And more importantly, who was she becoming in this world that seemed so foreign, yet so *right* for her?