Chapter 86

Chapter 86
“I was twenty-one,” he said, his voice distant, as if he were reliving the moment. “Fresh out of business school. I was looking forward to having some fun, you know.”

“I understand how you feel,” I said gently, squeezing his arm. “When you can’t hate someone, but you can’t love them either.”

“That’s when it hurts the most,” he murmured, the pain in his voice raw.

“Was your mom the one who cursed your father?” I asked gently, the question escaping before I had a chance to reconsider. As soon as the words left my lips, I regretted them, but Lucien’s slow shake of the head told me my question wasn’t as foolish as I feared.

“My mother loved my father too much. So she let him bring his mistress home.”

“Oh…” I murmured. “I’m sorry, but I could never agree to that. I never want to share my man with anyone else.” I said it with a conviction that bordered on desperation, hoping—praying—that I would never have to face something like that. The thought of the person I loved being divided in his affections was not something I could bear.

“And you won’t,” Lucien said firmly, almost as if he were insulted by the idea, even though it wasn’t directed at him. “I’m not like my father.”

His assurance brought a faint smile to my lips. I leaned into his touch as he held me, his thumb caressing my face with a tenderness that made my heart ache.

“I know,” I replied, trying to convey all the trust I felt in that single, simple affirmation.

He smiled back, a gentle expression that spoke of gratitude and something deeper. Yet, despite the comfort his words provided, I needed more. I needed to understand everything, to grasp the full truth before I could trust him completely.

“Did peace reign after she let in your father’s mistress?” I asked. “Did that decision change his family or pack?”

“No,” he replied, pain and bitterness etched into his voice. The way he spoke revealed just how much it hurt to recount those memories.

“It must have been so difficult for her,” I said softly, my heart aching for the woman I had never met. “And for you.”

“It was just the beginning of our troubles,” he said with a scoff.

“What started the troubles?” I asked, watching his every expression closely. His eyes weren’t on me now, but on the curve of my neck.

Suddenly, Lucien’s gaze locked onto mine. “The pack was in chaos between their loyalty to their Luna and their Alpha. The mantle fell on me to control the pack. I was young, confused…” His voice trailed off, and I noticed how his touch had become colder against my skin.

“I’m so sorry,” I whispered.

“Stop saying sorry,” he muttered, irritation creeping into his voice as he withdrew his hands and moved back. His sudden shift made a flicker of fear cross my face, but he seemed to notice and softened slightly.

He took a deep breath, his shoulders slumping. “My parents made a lot of mistakes that I do not want to repeat.”

“And you won’t,” I assured him, though uncertainty still lingered beneath my words. All I had was my love for him, and that love demanded trust. “Because I trust you,” I added, hoping my faith would be enough to hold us together.

Lucien smiled, though a shadow remained in his eyes. “You sound so sure.”

“Because I am,” I said, my smile faint but sincere. “What does your father look like?”

He pulled out his phone, scrolling through his gallery before showing me a picture. I took the phone from him, my breath catching as I opened the image.

“He looks just like you,” I murmured, tracing the strong features and piercing eyes so similar to Lucien’s.

“I used to hear that a lot,” he said quietly. “I still do.”

“Because it’s true,” I said, glancing between the image and the man beside me. “Don’t you see the resemblance?”

“I do,” he admitted. “And that’s what scares me.”

I bit my lip, regret flickering through me for even pointing it out.

“Sometimes we don’t realize we’re walking the same path our parents walked,” Lucien said quietly. “Sometimes the truth is obvious only when it’s too late.”

“Are you trying to tell me something?” I pressed, my heart pounding. “Come on, say it. Say what you really mean.”

Lucien’s eyes bore into mine, the intensity almost unbearable, something in me tightening under it—fear, pain, and anger tangled together.

“Don’t push it, Allison,” he said, slipping his phone back into his pocket.

“I am pushing it,” I countered, refusing to back down. “Don’t be a coward, big wolf.”

Lucien’s expression hardened. “I think it’s best we talk some other time,” he said, his tone final. “Your emotions are heightened, and honestly, mine are too.”

“No, let’s talk now!” I insisted, desperation creeping into my voice. “You’re not going to run away from me today.”

But even as I spoke, I could feel him retreating again.

And I wanted to be part of his world. And if he wouldn’t turn me into a wolf, I would find someone who would.

“You shouldn’t speak to me in that manner,” he said.

“Oh, I will speak to you however I deem fit,” I shot back.

“You know what?” I continued, pushing past the knot tightening in my chest. “Your father is a better man than you will ever be. At least he wasn’t a coward. He could fight for his love.”