Chapter 12: Chapter Ten
Lucia descended the stairs, the oversized t-shirt and lounge pants hanging loosely on her slender frame. Her damp hair clung to her neck, droplets of water glistening on her skin. As she reached the bottom, Declan's gaze immediately sought her out, his ice-blue eyes filled with concern.
"How are you feeling?" he asked, his voice low and gentle.
Lucia offered him a small, grateful smile. "Uncomfortable," she admitted, the word barely above a whisper. Despite the twins' efforts to care for her, the heat coursing through her body was a persistent ache, a constant reminder of her vulnerability.
Declan's brow furrowed, and he moved closer, his fingers brushing her arm in a featherlight caress. "I wish we had more time to help you through this." His words were laced with regret. "But we'll do what we can to make you as comfortable as possible."
Declan retrieved a glass of ice water and a gel pack from the freezer, his movements efficient and practised. Lucia accepted them gratefully, pressing the cool pack against her lower abdomen and sipping the refreshing liquid. The simple gestures soothed some of her discomfort, and she felt a surge of appreciation for the twin alphas' attentiveness.
Just as Lucia settled herself on one of the stools, a familiar scent caught her attention. Lifting her gaze, she saw her sister Aria rushing towards her, arms outstretched. Lucia's breath caught in her throat as Aria enveloped her in a tight embrace, the comforting warmth of her sister's touch easing some of the tension that had coiled within her.
Aria pulled back, her brown eyes shining with concern as she pressed her nose against Lucia's neck, taking in her scent. A flicker of understanding passed across her features, and she turned to the twins, her lips curling into a knowing smirk.
The brothers remained silent, their expressions guarded, but Lucia could sense the unspoken communication between them. She knew Aria had likely deduced the nature of her relationship with Aiden and Declan, and the thought both thrilled and unsettled her. Their bond was still fragile, the future uncertain, and Lucia had no desire to rush into anything that could jeopardise the safety and comfort they had provided.
Aria's gaze danced with mischief as Aiden guided her and Lucia towards the media room, his hand resting lightly on Lucia's lower back. The rhythmic tapping of their footsteps echoed through the cabin, the silence charged with unspoken questions.
Once they were ensconced on the plush sofa, Aria pulled Lucia into a warm embrace. Lucia melted into the comfort, letting the familiar scent and soothing touch of her sister soothe her frayed nerves. Tears sprang to her eyes, and she found herself weeping softly against Aria's shoulder.
"Shh, it's going to be okay," Aria murmured, her fingers threading through Lucia's damp hair. "I'm here, and Aiden and Declan will keep you safe."
Lucia nodded, taking a shuddering breath. "I know. I just - I feel so on edge, so vulnerable." She pulled back, offering Aria a watery smile. "And my heat... it's making everything feel amplified."
Aria's expression softened with empathy. "I can't imagine how you must be feeling. But you're not alone, Luce. We're all here for you." Her gaze grew thoughtful, a hint of a smirk playing on her lips. "So... on a happier note, tell me more about these twins of yours.”
Lucia felt a flush creep up her cheeks, heat blooming in her core. "They've been... taking care of me," she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper. "Aiden and Declan, they've been incredibly kind and protective."
"I could tell," Aria said, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "And how long does a true Luna's heat typically last?"
"Usually around a week," Lucia replied, already anticipating the teasing that was to come.
Aria's grin widened. "Well, my dear sister, it seems you have quite the interesting few days still ahead of you."
Lucia couldn't help the nervous flutter in her stomach as she and Aria made their way back to the kitchen. The scent of freshly brewed coffee and warm, comforting chocolate wafted through the air, but Lucia's senses were hyper-attuned, her body thrumming with restless energy.
When they entered the room, Declan and Aiden were standing by the kitchen island, faces etched with grim determination. Ethan stood with them, his typically calm demeanour now tinged with a sense of urgency.
"Ryder's been spotted on our territory," Declan announced, his voice low and tense. "We need to move quickly."
Lucia felt her heart leap into her throat, a wave of panic washing over her. Ryder, her abusive ex-Alpha, was here, prowling around their pack lands. The mere thought of him sent a shiver of terror down her spine.
Aiden stepped forward, his broad shoulders squared. "Ethan's linked us. Declan, you and I are going to head out with the Blood Moon Alpha to try and track him down. We won't let him get near you, Lucia."
Lucia nodded, her hands trembling slightly. "Please, be careful," she whispered, her gaze locked with Aiden's, silently pleading for him to keep himself and Declan safe.
Declan moved closer, his eyes softening with understanding. "We'll be back before you know it," he murmured, his fingers brushing against Lucia's arm in a gesture of reassurance.
With one last lingering look, the twins and Ethan hurried out the door, leaving Lucia and Aria alone in the kitchen. Aria pulled Lucia into a comforting embrace, the weight of her sisterly presence a steadying anchor.
"They'll find him, Luce," Aria said, her voice low and soothing. "And they'll make sure he never comes near you again."
Lucia nodded, closing her eyes and allowing the familiar scent of her sister to calm her racing thoughts. But as she waited, the weight of her heat and the threat of Ryder's return hung heavy in the air, creating a palpable tension that seemed to seep into every corner of the room.
Two hours later, they returned empty handed. Ryder had somehow gotten away and disappeared without a trace.
He had always been good at playing games and disappearing when he needed to. It was one of the many things that made him dangerous.