Chapter 48 Jealidy, Messages and Face Grabs

Chapter 48 Jealidy, Messages and Face Grabs
Chapter 48: Jealousy, Messages, and Face Grabs

DARIUS NIGHTFALL

“What about Lucian?”

My beast growled instantly. How dare he say his name?

The amusement vanished.

I turned slowly. “What about him?”

Marcus smiled, looking far too pleased with himself. “I checked. You two are roommates. I know you, brother. I know when you’re getting attached… obsessed, even. So yes, this is all about him.”

I tilted my head, then let out a low laugh. “Are you threatening to use him against me?”

“That’s exactly what I’m implying.”

My expression hardened. With a flick of power, I slammed him back against the wall using telekinesis, pinning him there by the throat. His face turned red as he clawed at invisible hands.

“Don’t be stupid, Marcus,” I said coldly, not moving from my spot. “Just because I’ve been gentle doesn’t mean I can’t end you. Touch one strand of Lucian’s hair and I’ll send your corpse back to Father in a gift box.”

His claws started to emerge, but I released a wave of alpha aura that made his wolf whimper and retreat. He gasped for air.

I finally released him. He crumpled to the floor, coughing violently.

“Now get out.”

“But—” He coughed, pushing himself up. “Father arranged a marriage for you back at the palace. To a princess. You can’t get attached to this boy.”

“Who?” I asked flatly.

“I… it doesn’t matter. You can’t—”

“I don’t care. Call it off. I’m not interested.” I pointed at the door. “Get. Out. I hate repeating myself, and you’ve made me do it far too many times today.”

Marcus stood, eyes red and swollen, shooting me a look full of pure hatred before storming out.

I dropped into my chair and exhaled.

Sometimes you just had to remind them exactly where they stood.

Marcus slammed the door behind him, leaving behind nothing but silence and the faint stench of his arrogance. I shrugged off my jacket, tossed it over the back of my chair, and dropped into the seat with a heavy sigh. My mind immediately drifted to Lucian.

He was on Marcus and Victor’s radar now. Because of me. I had pulled him into my chaotic world, and now he was in danger. Guilt gnawed at my chest like a persistent beast. Maybe I should have kept my distance. Stayed cold. Stayed professional.

But it was far too late for that.

Once you started cherishing something — someone — there was no going back. You protected what was yours.

I pulled out my phone and dialed one of my most trusted men.

He answered on the first ring. “Sir Darius.”

“Keep a close eye on Lucian at all times,” I ordered, voice low and serious. “Anything strange — anyone suspicious approaching him — you call me immediately. And if he’s in danger, even if it’s my stepbrothers, you step in. You have my full permission.”

“Yes, sir.”

“Also, send me the latest report on activity in the nearby town.”

“Understood.”

I ended the call and glanced at the clock. Lucian’s classes should have ended over an hour ago. Was he back at the dorm already? Or still somewhere on campus?

I opened our chat.

Me: Your class ended over an hour ago. Where are you? Back at the dorm?

He read it instantly. No reply.

I frowned, waiting. Minutes ticked by. Still nothing.

A strange unease settled in my stomach. Lucian wasn’t the type to ignore messages without reason.

Me: You read my message but you’re not replying.
Me: Are you okay?
Me: Is everything alright?

Worry sharpened into alarm. What if something had happened? I had added myself to his emergency contacts, but I doubted he’d actually use it. We really needed to have a conversation about that.

Me: Reply me. Now.
Me: Are you in danger? Should I come get you? Where are you?

The more I typed, the more ridiculous I felt. If he really was in danger, he wouldn’t be able to respond. What if someone was preventing him from answering?

I stood up, already reaching for my jacket when my phone finally pinged.

Lucian: I’m fine. I’m busy right now. Talk later.

I stared at the message, brows furrowed. Busy? With what?

Me: Busy? Where are you? At the dorm?

Me: Talk to me. Now.

A sudden memory flashed — the last time he tried “cooking” and nearly burned down our entire living space. Smoke everywhere. Chaos.

Me: Don’t tell me you’re trying to cook again. Don’t cook. I’ll order something for you.

His next reply came faster.

Lucian: It’s nothing like that. I’m not cooking. I’m finishing a group assignment with my partners. I’ll head back to the dorm as soon as we’re done. I’m fine.

I leaned back in my chair, still frowning. Group assignment. With who? Nathan, probably. I hated how close they were. The thought made my jaw tighten.

Yes, you do. Why wouldn’t you? My beast chuckled. He’s stealing our time with Lucian.

My fae side joined in with quiet laughter. I rolled my eyes and ignored them both, forcing my attention to the paperwork on my desk.

Long minutes dragged by. The door suddenly opened without a knock. I caught Rivera’s scent before she fully stepped inside, and it immediately soured my mood.

What does she want now? My beast growled.

I told you giving her too much space was a mistake, my fae added, radiating discomfort. Now she thinks she owns the place.

Rivera closed the door behind her and started walking toward me.

“Stop,” I commanded sharply. “Don’t come any closer. Stay right there.”

She froze mid-step, eyes widening. “What?”

“Stay where you are. Say whatever you need to say from there.”

She let out an exasperated sigh and rolled her eyes but obeyed, stopping in front of my desk with the table safely between us.

“You’ve changed, Darius,” she said, voice laced with frustration. “What did I do wrong? Tell me and I’ll fix it.”

“You didn’t do anything,” I snapped. “That’s the problem.”

“If I did something, just say it. I’ll do anything for you.”

“The only thing I want you to fix is that delusion you’re carrying around.”

“No,” she insisted, leaning forward. “You’ve been different lately. Distant. Just tell me what you need and I’ll—”

I sighed, pinching the bridge of my nose. “Rivera, I have told you. Repeatedly. You’re just not listening.”

Before she could respond, the door burst open again.

My beast’s tail practically wagged. It’s him!

Lucian stood in the doorway, white hair slightly messy, eyes flashing with clear anger as they landed first on me, then on Rivera. Different emotions flickered across his face — annoyance, frustration, something almost possessive.

“You—” he started, stepping forward with clenched fists.

Then he stopped himself, breathing deeply like he was trying to rein in whatever storm was brewing inside him.

“Lucian?” I called, voice soft with worry. What had happened?

“Don’t,” he warned, holding up a hand. The sharp tone made me pause.

Rivera immediately jumped in, voice rising with indignation. “What are you doing here? And why did you barge in without knocking?”

Lucian ignored her completely. He walked straight past her like she didn’t exist and dropped his bag onto the couch with a loud thud.

“What do you think you’re doing, Lucian?” Rivera snapped, her voice turning shrill.

“Stop, Rivera,” I cut in firmly. “He can do whatever he wants. This is my office, not yours. You’re the one who isn’t welcome here. Get out.”

“What?!” she exclaimed, pointing at him. “Because of him?!”

Lucian didn’t even glance at her. He walked around my desk until he stood directly in front of me. His intense gaze made me swallow hard. I could feel the anger rolling off him in waves.

“You look angry,” I said carefully.

You’re in trouble, human, my fae whispered.

Big trouble, my beast agreed, sounding far too entertained.

Before I could say anything else, Lucian grabbed the arm of my chair and spun it so I faced him fully. Then he stepped boldly between my parted legs, cupped my face with both hands, and held it like I was the center of his universe.

I froze, heart slamming against my ribs. His touch was warm, firm, and completely unexpected. His scent — clean, fresh, with that hint of something uniquely him — filled my senses.

Oooh lala, my beast purred. Things are getting spicy.

Lucian stared straight into my eyes, voice low and intense. “Tell me the truth. Is Rivera really your mate? Is she the White Wolf?”

The question hit like a thunderbolt.

What?! both my fae and beast exclaimed at the same time.

I stared back at him, momentarily speechless, my hands instinctively rising to rest lightly on his waist as the weight of his question — and the fire in his eyes — settled over me.