The evening shift at the bar had a heavy air to it that Sophia couldn’t quite shake. Luke’s office door was shut tightly when she arrived, and everyone seemed to steer clear of it, muttering in low tones about his foul mood. She exchanged glances with her coworkers, sensing their unease. It was rare for Luke to close himself off like this. Usually, he was out on the floor, charming customers and helping with drinks, but tonight felt different. Something was clearly bothering him.
Sophia moved through her tasks, trying to focus on the regular flow of orders and the chatter of patrons, but her thoughts kept drifting back to Ethan. Even with the uneasy vibe in the bar, she felt grounded, the warmth of her memories with him from the night before like a protective shield around her.
As closing time neared, the last few customers filtered out, and the bar fell silent. Just as she was about to turn off the lights, Luke’s office door creaked open. He stepped out, his expression dark and unreadable, his gaze immediately finding her.
“Sophia,” he said quietly, his voice carrying an edge that made her stomach tighten. “Come into my office for a moment.”
She hesitated, feeling a shiver at the coldness in his tone, but she nodded and followed him inside. The room was dimly lit, shadows casting long streaks across the walls. Luke shut the door firmly behind them, and a tension settled in the air that made Sophia’s skin prickle.
He looked at her, his expression shifting into something almost vulnerable. “I need to say this, Sophia,” he began, his voice softer now. “I… I know I’ve said it before, but I can’t help it. I love you, Sophia.”
Sophia took a deep breath, steadying herself. She’d suspected this was coming. It wasn’t the first time Luke had hinted at his feelings, but this time, it felt different—there was something raw and desperate in his voice.
“Luke,” she began gently, “we’ve talked about this. You know I’m with Ethan.”
He shook his head, frustration tightening his features. “I know. Believe me, I know. But there’s something you don’t understand, Sophia. You and I—we’re the same. I mean… you must know by now.”
She met his eyes steadily. “I know you’re a werewolf, Luke. I figured it out on my own. I saw you and Ethan arguing near the forest once. And then I saw you shift.”
For a moment, he just stared at her, surprise flickering across his face before it was replaced by something darker. “So Ethan didn’t tell you,” he murmured, his voice laced with irritation. “Good to know he didn’t break my trust. But you knowing changes things, Sophia. I’m not just some guy at the bar. I’m the Alpha of the Bloodstone Pack.”
Sophia crossed her arms, her expression resolute. “It doesn’t change anything for me, Luke. I’m with Ethan because I want to be with him.”
A flash of anger sparked in his eyes. “You’re okay with this?” he asked, a trace of disbelief in his voice. “Knowing what he is? Knowing that your life could be in danger just by being close to him?”
“Yes,” she said firmly. “I know what I’m getting into, and I accept it. I love him.”
The admission felt good to say out loud, like a final affirmation of everything she’d felt growing inside her. But the softness in her voice only seemed to make Luke angrier. His expression twisted with a mixture of hurt and jealousy, and before she knew it, he took a step toward her, his eyes intense.
“Maybe I can make you see differently,” he said, his voice dropping to a low, dangerous whisper. In an instant, he reached out, one hand cupping her face as he leaned in, trying to close the distance between them.
“Luke, stop,” Sophia said, her voice rising as she twisted away from him. Her heart pounded, and she took a step back, her instincts telling her she was trapped. She could feel her pulse racing, the walls closing in, when suddenly—
The door to the office burst open with a crash, and Ethan was there, his presence filling the room like a force of nature. His gaze zeroed in on Luke, dark with fury, and before anyone could react, he delivered a hard punch straight to Luke’s face, sending him stumbling back into his desk.
The room fell into tense silence as Luke clutched his jaw, his anger momentarily overshadowed by shock. Ethan’s breathing was ragged, his shoulders tense, and his gaze never left Luke as he spoke, his voice low and dangerous.
“I could feel her distress,” he said, his words laced with a growl. “Through our mate bond. Don’t you ever lay a hand on her again.”
Sophia felt a rush of relief, mixed with a strange sense of awe at the protective fierceness in Ethan’s expression. He turned to her, his gaze softening as he took in her face, searching for any signs of fear or discomfort.
“Are you okay?” he asked gently, his voice so different from the cold anger he’d just directed at Luke.
She nodded, feeling a wave of gratitude for his presence. “Yes, I’m fine. Just… a little shaken.”
Ethan placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder, offering her a small, comforting smile. He turned back to Luke, his expression hardening again.
“Stay away from her, Luke,” he said, his voice cold as steel. “Whatever you think you have with her—it’s over. Understand?”
Luke’s expression was a mix of anger and defeat, but he nodded slowly, rubbing his bruised jaw. “Fine,” he muttered, his voice tight with resentment. “I get it.”
Without another word, Ethan guided Sophia out of the office, his hand warm and steady on her back. As they walked through the quiet, dimly lit bar, Sophia felt an overwhelming sense of safety with him, like nothing in the world could touch her as long as he was there.
Outside, Ethan helped her into the passenger seat of his car before sliding into the driver’s seat. The silence between them was thick with unspoken words, but he reached over, taking her hand gently in his.
“I’m sorry I wasn’t here sooner,” he said softly, his thumb brushing over her knuckles. “The minute I felt your fear, I came as fast as I could.”
She looked over at him, feeling her heart swell with gratitude and love. “Thank you, Ethan. You were there when I needed you.”
He nodded, his expression serious as he held her gaze. “I promised I’d protect you, Sophia. That bond—it’s more than just a feeling. It’s a connection I can’t ignore. And I don’t want to.”
They drove back to his place in comfortable silence, and Sophia felt the weight of the evening slip away, replaced by a quiet peace. As they arrived, she took his hand, squeezing it gently as they walked inside together. She knew now, without a shadow of a doubt, that no matter what challenges lay ahead, she wasn’t facing them alone. Ethan was by her side, and that was all she needed.