chapter 16

The tension in the room had reached its peak. My confession hung heavy in the air, and Lucas struggled to contain the storm of emotions raging inside him. He had just confessed his undying devotion to me, and in response, I had thrown his world into chaos.

“I’m telling you the truth Lucas. This baby is not yours. Trust your instincts. You knew from the start that this baby was not yours. And so did the high priestess. Now I'm coming clean. I mean come on, you’re the great Lycan King, who wouldn’t want to carry your child. I wanted your status, I wanted people to respect me. You were just a pawn in my ga…”

"You're lying!" Lucas's voice was filled with desperation, his eyes blazing with a mix of anger and authority. It was as if he refused to accept the harsh reality that I had just painted before him. I knew I was making a mistake. But today, Lucas had to reject me. I needed to find a way. I will not raise my child around him. He is a monster who kills brutally without a second chance. There was a guttural loud noise from Lucas, announcing that his beast was beginning to surface. His wolf, the beast lurking beneath his human exterior, growled in protest, its dominance threatening to consume him. I hated that Lucas was fighting his beast. I wanted him to serve him. I wanted to have a talk with him. His Lycan form was much more impatient. I could easily cause him to reject me before Lucas even knows what's happening.

"Lucas, you're not listening to me.'' I called out as I stepped foward. "That first night between us was a mistake. I've never felt more repelled by someone. Alpha Matthew has always been better, he touched me better, he kissed me better, heck, he fucked me better.''

I knew i was playing with fire, but before it burned me, it aught to touch some buttons in him. Buttons that would sufficently prompt him to reject me, hence giving me the freedom i desire so much.

I knew that what I was doing was dangerous, perhaps even deadly, but I couldn't go on living like this. I have lived so many years as a slave, this was my chance at a fresh beggining. It can’t turn out like this. I cannot be a slave again. My own freedom and the safety of those around me were at stake as long as Lucas and I were together. He could not be reasoned with, and neither could he change.

Was I wrong to demand that he refines who he was for me? Maybe. But two people have died in my name, by the hands of my mate. No More.

Lucas's father had been silently observing our heated exchange. His face, which had remained stoic throughout, suddenly displayed an interest as he stepped forward. Just like his family, he carried an aura of fear with every step. It made me want to submit, but somehow, I did not feel forced to. Lucas' presence somewhat calmed me, despite his state.

With measured steps, Lucas' father approached us. I watched how he avoided my eyes, and only kept them on Lucas. I knew he was ashamed of me and hated that I was associated with his powerful family. His presence alone seemed to quell some of the animosity in the room, though the tension remained palpable. I wasn’t sure whether both spirits fought. Because Lucas' father seemed just as powerful and beastly as his son. I stepped aside, allowing him to stand between Lucas and I.

I stared at both of them, feeling perplexed and confused. I knew that it wasn't in my place to ask and that I would only end up getting hurt if I did. I just step back and watch them at a distance. it had already become clear to me that Lucas was not going to reject me.

Why was I even trying? This was hopeless. I should have known from the first moment that he meant what he said. I should have believed him when he said that even death wouldn't take me away from him. a man who is that devoted to give me to himself isn't going to listen to reason and it certainly isn't going to reject me.

“ Lucas is in control. you don't get to just take over and over power…’’

Suddenly Lucas released a guttural sound, shaking the very Foundation of the room as he stepped forward. his father instinctively stepped back, despite his stubbornness and desire to talk some sense into Lucas.

I watched as my mates is clicked from golden to brown and his father in the nick of a second Fell to his knees and bowed his head

"Lucas, son, you know your mother and I love you," He began, his voice steady even with his head bowed. "And we also love Sabrina, no matter the choices she's made. I know that what you did was wrong and she should not have spoken out of turn, but you have known Sabrina long enough to know that when she's uncomfortable she forgets her place."

Lucas's eyes never left his father's as he listened, his anger simmering beneath the surface. I could tell that none of what his father was saying seemed to get to him. Maybe it was because his father wasn't even talking to Lucas to begin with. And like a normal werewolf who is somewhere inside the surface when the wolf form has taken control, Lycan’s don't allow that. when a man is in his Lycan form he is lost in his unconscious.

"Elara has spoken her truth, whether you choose to believe it or not," He continued. "She has confirmed all of our fears. Which is exactly what I told you and I have never been wrong. however it is not in my place to make you see reason and neither will I force you to accept his harsh reality. but remember that you are King and people are watching how you let this woman treat you.’’

Lucas's brows furrowed, uncertainty seeping into his features. He stared back at me for a split second and I was almost certain I could see Lucas peering into the surface. I wasn't sure if it was a good thing that his father had decided to reaffirm the lies I told.

“There is something else you know you should do. I urge you, please let Lucas heal her.’’

“ she disrespected my mate!’’ The voice was firm and guttural. sending shivers across my spine.

“ and she is your sister.’’

“And Elara is my mate. She comes first. I will not let Lucas make a fool out of her. she deserves to be protected and defended.’’

There was a tense silence that fell between them, his father's shoulders eased with relief as he bowed his head lower.

“ I know that you feel nothing for Sabrina and that you do not see how family is. but remember that before you take over, Lucas has to allow you, no matter how…’’

“ Lucas doesn't allow me to do anything. I don't depend on him. I am a creature of dominance and habit. I get what I want, how I want it, when I want it.’’

I watched the interaction with a tinge of curiosity. It became clear to me that his Lycan had taken over completely. Not just from tone, but from how his aura dominated the very room.

"Please let him heal her!'' His father spoke in a low broken tone. His mother's sobs echoed through the room as she cried by the door.

"He disrespect my ma..."

I touched his shoulder, watching how he froze in shock before turning to me. Consequences be damned, i would plead for Sabrina's case.

"She does not deserve to die like this.'' I said, "You're a lycan, you're not Lucas. You feel nothing for Lucas family, only for me. Because I am your mate. I understand that. If you won't do this for anyone else, then do it for me.''

"You're young. Naive and gullible. You don't understand the danger she brings. You don't know how much danger you would be in with a..."

"Then you'll protect me!''

The words, felt so heavy on my tongue. I watched his features change, his expression carried so much uncertainty. His eyes were full of life as he looked at me.

"You'll protect me! I know you will. I trust you.'' I carresed his cheek, smiling at him. I did not understand why, because he carried an aura of so much horror and fear. But touching him like this did not scare me. It made me feel safe.

Slowly, i watched his features retract back to normal. His fangs were gone, his claws shortened, his size, two times bigger than his father, went back to normal.

When his eyes fell on me, back to the original dark intense eyes, i couldn't help but smile. i pulled him by the shoulders, kissing him hard. He seemed taken aback, but he still kissed me with so much passion that I almost forgot someone was in the room with us.

I knew right then, I understood, that Lucas desire to claim me as his mate amplified because of the protective and territorial nature of his beast.

But after meeting him today, perhaps, just maybe, we can all coexist.