CHAPTER 008

Even now, I can still smell her.

Staring at the unopened whisky on my desk, I sit in my office. Restless, my fingers drum across the wood. Hours have passed since she fled my bed, and although her aroma is no longer strong in my sheets, I can still smell it. I shouldn't be concerned about her. She shouldn't even be on your mind.

However, I am.

A piercing knock pierces my mind. Even in the absence of words, my father's summoning is evident as his name appears on my phone screen. I already understand the purpose of this. My family doesn't call unless it's an urgent or scary situation.

Additionally, my heart quickens when I hear Eva's name spoken in the same sentence.

In a matter of minutes, I arrive at the Carter estate and forcefully open the heavy double doors, causing them to creak. The stifling smell of cigars and pricey perfume fills the air, and the chandeliers in the big hall burn too brightly. But it doesn't matter because I can see her right away.

She has already arrived.

occupying the seat beside Ryan.

Her knuckles are white as she folds her hands in her lap. She refuses to look at me. I want to rip the sneer off Ryan's face since he is too near and is leaning back in his chair. Seated at the head of the room, my mother quietly calculates everything that happens.

"Lucas, you're late," she says with ease.

I ignore her and continue to stare at Eva.

"What is this?" I don't care that my voice is harsher than I meant it to be.

My mother responds, "A family gathering," while seeming innocent."This is a crucial conversation. Eva is going to be here for a long time.

Eva's head lifts.

"What?"

My mom ignores her entirely and smiles. "She needs time to connect with Ryan. They are, after all, engaged. It is only fitting that she familiarize herself with her future residence.

Eva stutters, her face briefly displaying panic before she covers it up. However, I can see it. Everything is visible to me.

Ryan makes a silent assertion while draping one arm across the back of her chair.

He smirks at me and adds, "I think it's a great idea." "Eva and I have so much to... catch up on."

My hands clench.

"She's not staying here."

"Lucas—"

"No."

Silence descends upon the room.

As though I'm the one being irrational, my mother lets out a sigh. "There's no disputing this." The decision has already been made.

I look at Eva. She is shaky and struggling to keep herself together. She wants to protest but is unable to do so, and I see that she is fighting. So she is aware of the stakes.

"If I refuse?" At last, Eva speaks in a firm, although quiet, voice.

My mom tilts her head. "Your family will suffer as a result. That's not what you want, is it?

The danger is obvious. And it's plenty to break through any remaining resistance Eva may have had.

It is a heavy burden on my shoulders. She is not only Ryan's fiancé. She is in confinement.

Ryan taps his fingers on the table and laughs. "Looks like you're stuck with me, sweetheart."

That's when I lose it.

I get up and move in their direction, my chair scuffing the floor. Ryan doesn't flinch or move. However, I seize his wrist as soon as his hand reaches for Eva. Hard.

The space becomes motionless.

Tension is similar to a live wire that crackles.

Ryan's eyes darken, but his smirk remains unwavering. "Careful, brother," he whispers, his voice barely audible to me. "Touch her again, and I'll kill her."

Everything becomes blurry for a moment. I tighten my hold. My wolf awakens and starts to claw at the surface. However, I have to let go when I see Eva's big, beseeching eyes. Not right now. I don't want to be here.

Ryan lowers his voice even further as he leans in a little. "Leave, Lucas. You won't launch a war for her."

I tighten my jaw. Every instinct urges me to tear him apart. I feel compelled to take her with me. However, this should not be done just yet.

I take a step back instead.

He acts as though he has already triumphed. Ryan leans back with a smug look.

I give Eva one final glance.

Her mouth opens as if she wants to speak, but she doesn't.

With my fists clenched so tightly that my nails are biting into my hands, I turn and leave.

But it doesn't end here.

It's not even close.