Chapter 16: Chapter 16

LUCIUS.

I sat in my office, surrounded by stacks of paperwork that seemed to multiply every time I blinked. I found my responsibility overwhelming me of late and my inability to get Dusk out of my head.

I was in the middle of solving a particularly tedious document when Ethan entered the room, his face bright and ready to work. This was the perfect reason why I chose him as my beta; no one else could fit into that position other than him.

Back then, when I recently claimed to be Alpha under pressure from my dad, all the male wolves in the pack either turned rogues or went out of the pack. I don't blame them; my father had painted me as the weak alpha and considered me unfit for the post. Who knows? Maybe they thought I wasn't fit to lead them, but the point boiled down to the fact that they all left.

"Good morning, Lucius," he greeted, placing a stack of files on my desk and settling his lean figure on the seat in front of me. "I've brought you the updated reports for approval."

I glanced at the files and couldn't help but frown at the glaring errors and inconsistencies. I wondered what sort of ministers my father brought to my pack—people who couldn't even stand their ground and get a simple marketing calculation right. I was planning to open a big business for my pack as the fifth way I could get enough resources to keep the pack going.

As I began reviewing the documents, I called Ethan's attention to the errors and things that needed changing. I trusted his meticulous and fastidious way of addressing and talking with people. Nice, but passing the point he wants.

"You need to double-check these figures, Ethan," I said with a sigh, tapping my pen on the paper. "And this section—you've missed a crucial detail here. We cannot afford mistakes like these."

Ethan nodded. "I apologise, Lucius. It won't happen again."

I leaned back in my chair and averted my gaze from the papers, shaking my head. "It shouldn't happen at all. We need to be thorough and efficient in our work. Make sure they are well out through; be this calm when I see such next time."

He nodded again.

We then discussed the impending competition that would soon take place in our pack. I informed Ethan that Dalia and her mother would be in charge of organising the event, as they had proven their skills on previous occasions. However, Ethan quickly objected.

"That's going to be a total disaster,"  he pointed out. "And besides, Dusk and Dalia aren't the best of friends; it might be a backlash to her. I'm sure she would want to be in attendance."

I sighed, rubbing my temples. Hearing Dusk's name was like a thorn in my head, messing with and poking my senses. I wouldn't lie; my wolf had become quite restless, and my ability to will myself into control whenever I was around her or I got a whiff of her scent dangling in the air had diminished. I still felt guilty about taking advantage of her, and guilt was currently gnawing at my chest.

"Dusk won't be attending," I replied flatly, hoping to put the matter to rest.

"There's no need to concern ourselves with her involvement. Let's just act like she isn’t here.” I wanted to say, but it was almost impossible.

She was different from how I expected her to be when I took her. From a scrawny girl who couldn't even save herself to a girl almost daring and challenging. All thanks go to Seline. I didn't know why, but I was secretly glad, and maybe my father would stop his harassment and give me some time to breathe.

Ethan's expression turned sceptical. "I believe she would attend anyway, Lucius. You shouldn't stop her."

I leaned forward, glaring at him. "I said forget about it, Ethan. This conversation is over."

—

The next day, as I went about my tasks, I received a summons from my father. I groaned inwardly, already dreading the impending conversation. I have intentionally evaded his emails and didn't expect that he would go as far as returning to the pack.

Upon entering his office, my father greeted me with a stern look. "Lucius, have you made a decision about who you will take to the Alpha's ball?"

Talk much of a caring father. Greeting with questions about the pack.

I clenched my fists, trying to keep my anger in check. "Yes, Father. I've made my decision. I will be going with my mate, no matter how weak she may be."

My father's face twisted into a look of disapproval. "You can't be serious, Lucius. The Alpha's mate needs to be a strong wolf—a symbol of power and dominance. You cannot disregard your duty to our pack for the sake of sentimentality."

I felt my blood boil, but I knew I had to tread carefully. "Father, the strength of our pack is not solely determined by an individual's physical prowess. We need unity and loyalty in order to thrive."

My father let out a humourless chuckle. "Unity and loyalty mean nothing if they are not backed by strength. I will not have a weak link weakening our pack's reputation."

I snapped. "I don't care the slightest about the pack's reputation. I won't be like you, who puts his life and family at stake because of power." I hit below the belt. I knew it would hurt him and anger him, like stabbing a sword into his chest, but I didn't care.

"Lucius! You are growing some nerves already, aren't you? How dare you think you can talk to me that way because of a slave girl?"

"Don't call her a slave girl, father." My voice dropped an octave, anger brewing through my veins.

"I'll call her whatever I like." He paused. "Just know that life for that slave girl won't be a bed of roses now. Get out!"

I stormed out immediately and didn't resist the urge to cover my face with my hands in despair. Oh, Dusk, what have you done? What are you doing to me?

…

DUSK.

As we made our way to the registration desk for the upcoming competition, my heart started to race with excitement and nervousness. Seline walked alongside me, offering words of encouragement and support. Her presence always gave me a sense of comfort, and I was grateful to have her by my side.

It was no news that a competition was going to be held in the pack; at least I had a forum to show my skills and let everyone know that I am not the weak Dusk they think I am. Funnily enough, I cared less if Lucius would take a second glance at me henceforth; I didn't want any of that messing with my head right now. I didn't want anything that would wane my confidence.

However, our pleasant anticipation was soon disrupted when we spotted Dalia standing near the registration desk.

"Look who's here, trying to compete with the big wolves," Dalia sneered, eyeing me up and down. "Word of advice, Dusk, you're not fit for this competition. You'll only embarrass yourself. Save yourself the humiliation and just back out now."

I could feel my determination waver under her harsh words, but Seline squeezed my hand reassuringly. "Ignore her, Dusk. You've worked hard to get here, and you deserve a chance to prove yourself."

Her words provided the motivation I needed, and I stepped forward to complete my registration as quickly as possible. I needed to get out of here.

"Congratulations on your failure, Dusk." She spat.

I turned sharply, giving her a sharp once-over. "I think you should do something better than spout nonsense every time you see me."

I pulled Seline's arm from where she was talking with a male wolf.

"Woah, take it easy, girlie. It's Dalia, right?" She asked knowingly, and I nodded.

"I need to train more Seline; I can't afford to be a victim to these taunts anymore."

“Yeah, I know. But right now, we need rest, and I would head back to get Lily, and maybe we can do something fun. Are you fine with that?" Seline asked. I wanted to say no, but bringing Lily home wasn't a bad idea either; she was adorable.

—--

Later in the evening, as I sat in my room, I felt a mix of nervousness and anticipation. I have been waiting forever for the two to show up. I didn't do much after Seline left earlier; I just returned to my room and buried my face in a painting I was constructing, which was obviously after making sure my door was firm shut.

I wasn't ready for any confrontation, and by confrontation, you know who I am talking about.

My door swung open. To my surprise and delight, Lily entered, followed closely by Seline. My heart swelled with happiness at the sight of them.

"How are you, Lily?" I opened my arm and enveloped her small figure in a tight hug.

"I'm fine, Aunt Dusk. Seline said, You registered for the competition; I know you will win, Aunty." She drawled, looking as cute as ever with her ponytails swaying around, and she made gestures.

I gave Seline a playful frown and turned back to Lily. "Yes. I hope I don't make a fool of myself."

"You won't." Seline cut in sharply. "Now that's enough. Let's get down to something."

We lazed around, making jokes, doing funny dances, and painting. But then, I felt like this happiness was borrowed, and I was ready to borrow more. I have never felt so content and happy in my life.

I suggested. "Why don't we celebrate this special day? How about we go to that cosy coffee shop nearby?"

"No. Lucuis would get mad when he hears of it."

"I don't care how he feels. Can we just do this, please?"

"Fine." Seline grumbled, grudgingly standing up.

"Yayy!! Aunty Seline, don't be a party pooper." Lily stuck out her tongue and ran out before Seline could catch her.

—--

The cool evening air hit my face as we made our way to the coffee shop, the familiar scent of freshly brewed coffee filling my senses.

We settled comfortably in a cosy corner booth, laughter and conversation flowing easily between us. I got to know that Lily loved singing and anything entertainment-related. I forcefully made her promise to sing for me another time.

As the evening drew to a close and we began to head back to the pack, I held Lily in my hands.

Seline paused. "Uh, Dusk. I would need to get Lily back to the pack for the doctor's appointment."

Oh, sure, that's fine."

"Are you sure? What about—" She started but I cut her off.

"No what's. Get it done; I'd be happy to wait for you."

…

LUCIUS.

I couldn't shake off the anger that had consumed me ever since my father's hateful comments towards Dusk. The very thought of them sent a surge of fury rushing through my veins. I glanced at my watch, realising it was time for Dusk's training session.

Perhaps this would provide an opportunity for me to talk to her, get to know her on a deeper level, and understand her better. With that thought, I made my way towards the training grounds.

As I approached the familiar spot, I noticed the unusual absence of anyone present. Confusion crept into my mind. Where was Dusk? I crossed paths with Brenda and couldn't help but ask her about Dusk's whereabouts.

"Ariadne, have you seen Dusk?" I questioned, trying to keep my impatience at bay.

Ariadne smirked. "She went out with Seline."

Anger surged through me once again, threatening to overwhelm my senses. I clenched my fists, struggling to control the mounting rage within me. Without a word, I turned on my heel and made my way back to my office. I needed to calm down before I did or said something I would regret.

…

DUSK.

As I arrived back at the pack, I was met with unexpected news. It seemed that Lucius wanted to see me. A sigh escaped my lips as I realised that this would not be a pleasant encounter.

Though it has been a long time since he assaulted me last, that didn't mean I was going to give him an open chance. Heck, he should reject me and let me live a normal life.

With a knock on the door, I cautiously stepped into Lucius's office. His face was twisted with anger, confirming my suspicion that this conversation would not go well. Without hesitation, I asked him why he had summoned me, trying to keep my voice steady despite the apprehension clawing at my insides.

He angrily retorted, his words laced with bitterness, "You dare to leave the pack without my permission? You cannot simply wander off whenever it pleases you."

My patience waning, I couldn't contain the surge of frustration that swept through me.

"It was a harmless meeting. The coffee shop isn't far away from the pack here."

Lucuis sighed, shocking the hell out of me. I had thought he would punish me by hitting me. His face looked like he wanted to tell me something more, but I decided not to push it; it might be my wishful thinking after all.

"Fine. I won't be this merciful the next time it happens. Now leave and—“

A loud, booming voice that sent shivers through my spine cut him off. "Since when do we allow slaves to have a choice of their own?!"You