CHAPTER 72

Lycus POV

The next day, I was buried in my Alpha duties, going through reports on rogue activity, border patrols, and resource management. Knox was beside me, reviewing security updates when a guard suddenly burst into the room.

“Alpha, there’s a problem at the big courtyard,” the guard reported, his breathing uneven.

I frowned and set my papers down. “Rogues again?”

The guard hesitated before shaking his head. “No, Alpha. It’s the pack members.”

That made me pause. Exchanging a glance with Knox, I stood. “What’s going on?”

“They’re… protesting,” the guard said reluctantly.

My frown deepened. Without another word, I left the study, Knox following close behind as we made our way to the courtyard.

As soon as we stepped outside, I saw the gathered crowd—dozens of my pack members standing in the open space, murmuring among themselves with frustrated expressions. Their voices hushed as they noticed my presence.

“Enough,” I commanded, my voice cutting through the noise like a blade. “What is this about?”

A moment of silence passed before one of the elders, an older warrior named Merek, stepped forward. “Alpha, we don’t feel safe anymore. The rogues have been attacking more frequently, and it’s only a matter of time before they grow bolder.”

I clenched my jaw. “I’m already doing everything to handle the situation. Our patrols have increased, and our borders are reinforced.”

“It’s not enough,” another voice called out from the crowd. A younger pack member, a hunter named Davion, stepped forward. “If you had a Luna, this wouldn’t be happening.”

Murmurs of agreement rippled through the gathered wolves.

My expression darkened. “And what exactly do you mean by that?”

“If we had a Luna, the pack’s morale would be stronger. Our enemies would think twice before attacking us,” Merek said. “A pack thrives when it has both an Alpha and a Luna leading it.”

Others chimed in, nodding and voicing their agreement.

“When will we get a Luna, Alpha?” one of them asked.

I exhaled sharply, scanning the faces of my people. Their concerns were valid, but I wouldn’t be pressured into making a decision that wasn’t on their terms.

“My personal life is not for discussion,” I said, my tone firm. “What matters is ensuring the safety of this pack, and I am handling that.”

Merek sighed. “We are not questioning your strength, Alpha. We are only saying that a Luna’s presence would give us reassurance.”

I already had my Luna. Ariana. But I wouldn’t bring her into this yet—not while she was still in another pack, not while things were still uncertain.

“This discussion is over,” I said, my voice final. “Return to your duties. I will handle the rogues, with or without a Luna at my side.”

Just as the crowd began to disperse, a sharp voice cut through the air.

“We won’t accept an Omega as our Luna.”

Silence fell.

My muscles tensed, my wolf bristling at the challenge. Slowly, I turned to face the one who had spoken. He stood his ground, shoulders squared, a stubborn fire in his eyes.

Others murmured in agreement, shifting uneasily but making no move to walk away.

Knox inhaled sharply beside me, ready to intervene, but I raised a hand, stopping him. My gaze locked onto Davion’s. “Say that again,” I said, my voice deceptively calm.

The man swallowed but didn’t back down. “I said we won’t accept an Omega as our Luna. A Luna is supposed to be strong, a leader, someone who can stand beside you—not an outsider, not an Omega from another pack.”

My claws itched to emerge, but I forced myself to remain composed. “You question my choice?”

“We question whether it’s the best choice for the pack,” another added carefully. “You are our Alpha, and we follow you, but this is about the future of our people. An Omega Luna will make us look weak.”

A low growl rumbled in my chest. “Ariana is not weak.”

“She’s not even here,” someone else muttered from the crowd.

My patience thinned. “Enough.” My voice was sharp, ringing through the courtyard with Alpha authority. “You do not decide who I choose as my Luna. That is my decision and mine alone.”

Davion clenched his jaw, but this time, he bowed his head in reluctant submission. The others followed, though I could still feel their lingering unease.

Knox finally stepped forward. “The Alpha has spoken. Anyone who still has a problem with it can take it up with me.” His tone was deadly, daring anyone to challenge him.

No one did.

After a tense moment, the pack members slowly dispersed, though the unrest still clung to the air like a storm waiting to break.

Knox exhaled, glancing at me. “This isn’t going to be the end of it.”

I clenched my fists. “I know.”

—-

Later that evening, I sat at the dining table, my thoughts still lingering on the day's events as I absently moved my fork through my food.

The scent of roasted meat and seasoned vegetables filled the air, but my appetite wasn’t entirely there. Still, I took a bite, chewing thoughtfully.

Aneles entered the room, her steps graceful as she made her way toward me. Without waiting for an invitation, she slid into the chair across from me, watching me closely.

“Did you notice anything different about the dishes tonight?” she asked.

I raised an eyebrow, setting my fork down. “Why?”

A small smile played on her lips. “Because I cooked.”

I blinked. That was unexpected. “Oh.” I glanced down at the plate. “Well, it’s good.”

Her expression faltered just slightly, as if that wasn’t quite the reaction she had hoped for. But she recovered quickly, leaning forward with a curious tilt of her head.

“Has your lover ever cooked for you?” she asked.

I frowned at the sudden shift in conversation. “No.”

“Can she cook?”

I narrowed my eyes slightly. “What’s with all the questions?”

Aneles let out a soft chuckle and waved a hand. “I apologize for prying. I didn’t mean anything by it. I just… I find it fascinating.”

“Fascinating?”

She nodded. “The woman who has your heart. I want to know what kind of person she is. What did she do to make you love her?”

My jaw tightened slightly. “She’s my mate,” I reminded her, my voice firm.

Aneles hummed, her expression unreadable. “Do you really know her, Lycus? You two are so far away from each other.”

Something about the way she said it sent a flicker of irritation through me. “I know her,” I said simply.

She studied me for a moment before offering a small smile. “Of course. I was only curious.”

I didn’t reply, instead picking up my fork again, but the conversation left a lingering thought in my mind.

Why did it feel like she was trying to plant a seed of doubt?

I set my fork down again, narrowing my eyes slightly. “Why are you asking all these questions, Aneles?”

She exhaled softly, her gaze lowering for a brief moment before meeting mine again. “Because… your relationship reminds me of my old one.”

I leaned back in my chair, folding my arms. “Your old relationship?”

She nodded, a distant look settling over her features. “I loved someone once. I gave him everything. I cooked, I cleaned, I was always reserved, never questioned him. I did everything to make him happy.” Her fingers traced the edge of the table. “But it was never enough. In the end, he cheated on me.”

There was something hollow in the way she said it, like it was a wound that never quite closed.

“I just…” she hesitated, then exhaled. “I just wonder. How can you love someone so boldly, so completely, without ever thinking—what if she betrays you? What if she breaks your heart like before?”

I stiffened slightly. She wasn’t just asking about herself anymore—she was talking about me.

But my answer was simple.

“I trust her.” My voice was firm, unwavering. “I don’t love Ariana because of what she can do for me. I love her because of who she is. She doesn’t have to be perfect. She doesn’t have to prove anything to me. She’s the reason I want to be better. The reason I want to be stronger.”

Aneles looked at me for a long moment, then smiled faintly. “I see.”

She looked away, and to my surprise, tears slipped down her cheeks.

I hadn’t expected that.

For a moment, I just sat there, unsure of what to do. Comforting crying women had never been my strong suit. But she was sitting right in front of me, shoulders trembling, her fingers clutching the fabric of her dress.

With a sigh, I stood and moved to her side, hesitating before placing a hand on her back. “Hey… it’s okay.”

I meant for the touch to be brief, just enough to offer some reassurance, but before I could step away, she turned and hugged me.

I stiffened.

Her arms wrapped around my waist, her face pressed against my chest. It was sudden, unexpected, and more than a little awkward.

“Aneles—”

She pulled back just as suddenly as she had embraced me, tilting her head up.

Her eyes—wide, soft, almost innocent—searched mine, glistening with unshed tears.

Then, her gaze flickered down.

To my lips.