THE MARK OF THE ALPHA

Chapter 2

Lucia barely remembered the walk back to the Grand estate. Her thoughts were consumed by the man in the alley—the way his voice had wrapped around her like a chain, the unnatural stillness that seemed to follow him.

Who was he?

Even as she crossed through the heavy wrought-iron gates of her father's mansion, she felt like she was still being watched. It was an irrational fear—wasn't it? But the memory of his eyes, sharp and unyielding, lingered like an imprint on her soul.

She hesitated before stepping inside, her fingers tightening around the handle of the front door. The house was dark, but she knew better than to assume everyone was asleep. Taking a steadying breath, she pushed the door open as quietly as possible.

The moment she stepped inside, a sharp voice shattered the silence.

"Where have you been?"

Lucia flinched. The lights flicked on, and there stood Helena Grand—her stepmother. Draped in an expensive silk robe, her expression was one of barely restrained irritation. A crystal glass of wine rested in her hand, red liquid swirling as she regarded Lucia with cold amusement.

Lucia didn't answer. She never did. It never mattered what she said anyway.

"You're always sneaking off like some stray," Helena mused, taking a slow sip from her glass. It's embarrassing. "Do you know what people would say if they knew the Grand family's unwanted little girl was roaming the streets at night?"

Lucia clenched her jaw.

She wanted to snap back, but she had learned long ago that silence was her best weapon.

Helena sighed as if she were truly exhausted by Lucia's mere existence. "Go to your room. And if you wake your father, don't expect breakfast in the morning."

Lucia turned without a word and made her way toward the back of the house.

Her bedroom was far removed from the grand hallways where her father and stepsister resided. Tucked into the farthest corner of the estate, it was barely larger than a storage closet. No chandelier, no polished wood floors—just a small bed, a rickety nightstand, and a window that barely let in any light.

She shut the door behind her and leaned against it, exhaling shakily.

Why do I even come back?

This house was not a home. It never was.

She crossed the room and sat on the edge of her bed. The air was thick with silence, but her mind was anything but quiet.

That man…

Who was he? And why did it feel like she had stepped into something far bigger than herself?

She should have been afraid of him. He had been nothing but cold, his presence overwhelming, almost suffocating. But something deep inside her whispered that he had recognized her. That his words; You don't belong here—had meant more than just a warning about the city at night.

She swallowed hard.

What did that even mean?

As if pulled by some unseen force, she stood and moved toward the window. Pulling back the curtain, she stared out into the night. The city stretched beyond the estate walls, streetlights glowing softly in the distance.

And for a brief moment, she swore she saw movement in the shadows near the gates.

Her pulse quickened.

She leaned in closer, her breath fogging up the glass. The figure stood just beyond the edge of the light, barely visible. But she knew.

It was him.

Her fingers tightened around the fabric of the curtain.

Why was he here?

Did he follow her? Or had he been waiting?

A fresh wave of fear and something far more dangerous; curiosity,washed over her.

Lucia let the curtain fall back into place, stepping away from the window.

Whoever he was, whatever he was—

This wasn't over.

Meanwhile…

From the shadows beyond the grand estate, he stood perfectly still, his golden eyes overlooking the window where she had just been.

Lucia Grand.

A human. His mate.

It was impossible. It was wrong.

He should have walked away the moment he saw her. Should have ignored the scent that had called to him, stronger than anything he had ever known.

And yet, here he was.

Watching.

Waiting.

Wanting.

He exhaled, his breath misting in the cold night air.

This was dangerous.

If others found out…

His jaw tightened.

Lucia had no idea what she had just stepped into.

And if he had any sense, he would make sure she never found out.

But as he turned away, disappearing into the night, he already knew—

He wouldn't be able to stay away.