CHAPTER 59

Lycus’ POV

The roar of the engine filled the silence as I sped down the long, winding road that led away from Damien’s territory. Ariana I couldn’t get out of my mind. The way she looked at me — the fire in her eyes, the warmth in her touch. Every moment I spent with her was like a drug, something I could never get enough of. And now, the ache of leaving her behind gnawed at me.

I gripped the steering wheel tighter, frustration boiling beneath the surface. I hated that she was still there. Hated that Damien had the audacity to claim her as his. The thought of her locked away in that pack house, made my blood burn.

I wanted to turn back. Every instinct screamed at me to make a U-turn, storm into that damn territory, and take her with me. But that wasn’t a good idea. Not yet.

If I showed up again, there would be no hiding it. And I wasn’t about to risk Ariana’s safety. Not when she was already walking a dangerous line.

But soon.

Soon, she would be free of him.

I could still feel her kiss lingering on my lips — the way her body had molded so perfectly against mine. She was mine, and no one, not even Damien, could change that.

But the thought of him forcing her into a marriage…

My jaw clenched. No.

I wouldn't let that happen.

I knew Ariana. She wasn’t the same timid girl I had once pushed away. There was strength in her now, a fire that Damien clearly underestimated. I just had to trust that she had a plan — that she wouldn’t let him manipulate her into agreeing to something she didn’t want.

But the uncertainty gnawed at me.

What if she felt she had no choice? What if Damien backed her into a corner and she thought agreeing was the only way to protect herself?

No. Ariana wasn’t weak. And now that she knew the truth about the curse — about why I rejected her — I could only hope that she believed in us.

I exhaled sharply, trying to shake the thoughts. The sooner I got back to my pack, the better. There were responsibilities waiting for me, problems that needed to be dealt with. But even as I told myself that, I knew I wouldn’t be able to focus.

Not when every beat of my heart reminded me of her.

I glanced at my phone on the dashboard. She had it now — the one I gave her. A direct line to me, whenever she needed it. She hadn’t called yet, but I told myself it was because it wasn’t the right time.

But when she did — and I knew she would — I’d be there.

No matter what.

Because soon, Ariana would be mine.

—-

The sun had dipped below the horizon by the time I pulled into the driveway of the pack house. The sky was painted in hues of deep blue, with the last traces of orange fading into the darkness. The headlights of my car illuminated the gravel path, but my mind was still miles away — back in that room with Ariana.

I killed the engine and stepped out, the cool evening breeze brushing against my face. The pack house stood tall and imposing, its windows glowing faintly from the lights within. Normally, returning home gave me a sense of control. But tonight, all I felt was the weight of everything I’d left behind.

The heavy front doors creaked open as I stepped inside, the warmth of the pack house greeting me.

I was halfway up the staircase when a voice called out behind me.

“Lycus.”

I sighed, already knowing who it was.

I turned to see Knox leaning against the wall at the bottom of the stairs, arms crossed. His dark hair was tousled, and his ever-curious eyes were locked on me.

“How’d it go?” he asked, his tone low. “You didn’t get yourself killed, so I guess that’s something.”

“Everything will be fine,” I replied, keeping my voice calm.

Knox arched a brow, clearly unsatisfied. “That’s all I get? Come on, Lycus. What happened?”

I met his gaze, unwilling to go into details. “It’s handled.”

“Handled?” Knox snorted. “You disappear to Damien’s territory, come back hours later, and that’s all you’re giving me?”

“Trust me.” I started back up the stairs, my voice firm. “Everything’s under control.”

I had barely made it to the top step when his voice rang out again.

“Well, since you’re so good at keeping secrets, I guess I’ll keep one of my own.”

I froze, half-turning to glance at him. Knox stood with his arms crossed, a smug grin tugging at the corners of his mouth.

“What are you talking about?” I asked, narrowing my eyes.

“Oh, nothing important.” He shrugged, his grin widening. “Just a little update on the murder investigation.”

My muscles tensed. “A lead?”

“Maybe.”

“Knox,” I growled, stepping back down a few stairs. “What did you find?”

He tilted his head, the amusement in his expression only growing. “You know, Lycus, it’s funny how this works. You go off doing who knows what, and I’m expected to just spill everything the second you’re back?”

“I don’t have time for games.” My patience was wearing thin.

“Oh, but I think you do.” Knox’s grin was infuriating. “You disappeared to Damien’s territory without a single word of explanation. I think a little suspense will do you good.”

I clenched my jaw, my fists tightening at my sides. “Knox.”

“You want details?” He smirked. “Tomorrow.”

“Tomorrow?”

Knox nodded, clearly enjoying this. “If I have to wait for your answers, you can wait for mine. Seems fair, doesn’t it?”

I glared at him, but he didn’t budge. The stubborn bastard knew exactly what he was doing.

“You’re testing my patience,” I warned.

“I know.” He flashed a grin, the challenge gleaming in his eyes. “And I’m enjoying it.”

For a moment, I considered pushing harder, but I knew Knox. He wasn’t going to budge. Not tonight. And as much as I hated to admit it, I wasn’t in the best state to argue.

“Fine,” I growled, turning sharply on my heel. “Tomorrow.”

Knox’s laughter followed me as I stalked down the corridor. “Sleep well, Alpha!”

I didn’t bother replying.

The familiar sight of my room brought a small sense of relief. All I wanted was to gather my thoughts, to steady myself.

I pushed the door open and flicked on the light.

But what I saw froze me in place.

There, sprawled across my bed, was Sandra. Completely naked.

She lounged on her side, her curves shamelessly on display as she propped her head up with one hand. A predatory smile curved her lips, her eyes gleaming with satisfaction.

“Welcome home, Alpha,” she purred.