CLAWS WIDE OPEN

SEVEN- The Arrival

My eyes opened to a strange new world bathed in twilight. We sped down a winding road, surrounded by tall trees that seemed to stretch up to the sky. "Where are we?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.

Lucas's response was low and smooth. "Welcome to Tharros."

My gaze shifted to him, and again, I was struck by his inhuman beauty. Lucas's features seemed carved from the same mystical essence as this place. He embodied a blend of strength and elegance that was almost supernatural. His eyes, skin, and hair all exuded a flawless, inhuman beauty.

He blended seamlessly into the stunning landscape, as if he belonged there. I couldn't look away, captivated by how the fading light emphasized his sharp jawline and highlighted the gentle curves of his lips.

Daytime had transformed into night here so I guessed time moved different here.

As we drove, the world outside transformed into a colorful blur. Leaves and vibrant flowers shone like diamonds. My confusion faded replaced by a sense of peace, as if Tharros's beauty had bewitched me.

"Is this real?" I whispered, my eyes still locked on Lucas.

A hint of a smile crossed his face. "The Otherworld has its own rules," he replied, his accent still unfamiliar.

As we entered the city, skyscrapers left me breathless. The darkening sky now a sombre black, felt strangely warm, making me long to capture the moment forever in a drawing.

I turned to Lucas, my awe renewed. His eyes shifted between grey and silver, and I noticed veins pulsing in his neck. "Don't be fooled," he said roughly. " My kind is extremely vain. This beauty just hides the most terrible things."

"We're here," he stated simply, pulling up to massive gates.

Men in brown shirts saluted as we drove past, bowing their heads. Further up the winding drive, what i assumed to be the largest castle ever came into view. Its imposing structure was built directly into the mountain, hidden from sight until we were upon it.

"Breathtaking" didn't begin to describe it. People gathered at the steps, and I voiced my thoughts aloud, "What, are you some kind of king or something?"

Lucas's simple response sent a shiver down my spine: "Yes."

He opened the car door and stepped out; I followed suit. A plump bald manapproached, greeting Lucas with a respectful, "Alpha."

Lucas's voice was firm "Khir, inform my court members I want a meeting in five minutes."

"Right away," the man replied, hurrying off to fulfill Lucas's command. Lucas signaled for me to follow him, and I eagerly trailed behind, using his broad frame to shield my face from the curious gazes of the waiting crowd.

We climbed the grand staircase, the doors swinging open to reveal a breathtaking interior. I gasped, unable to contain my awe.

Lucas glanced at me briefly, his expression unreadable, before continuing toward where I assume to be the throne room.Sky-high ceilings adorned with glittering chandeliers left me breathless.

The hall filled with people, all of whom I assumed were werewolves, their eyes fixed on me with a mixture of curiosity and hostility.

At the far corner of the hall, a massive brown wolf caught my attention. Its teeth were bared, rage simmering just below the surface. The same animosity was etched on the faces of the others.

Lucas stood in the room's focal point: a majestic chair crafted in the shape of a wolf's open mouth. He gestured for me to join him.

I feel a particular pair of eyes boring into the back of my head. Turning I met the stare. A stunning woman with Raven-black hair. Her face was a mask of serenity, but her eyes told a different story, it burned with an unspoken intensity. It was unsettling so i averted my gaze.

As we faced the room, Lucas positioned himself protectively in front of me. The air was heavy with animosity, It was obvious i wasn't welcomed but his powerful presence reassured me. He exuded power, and I knew anyone who wanted to harm me would have to go through him first.

He spoke his voice boomed through the room, commanding attention" This woman, Abigail, is my guest. She is to be treated with respect, regardless of her specie."

His gaze swept the room, challenging anyone to defy him."She is under my protection. Our scores with the hunters will be settled, blood for blood. But this one is off-limits. Touch her and you will have me to deal with."

The room fell silent.The weight of Lucas words sinking in.

"Are we clear?" He demanded, his voice leaving no room for Objections.

A chorus of reluctant yes Alpha echoed through the hall. Lucas's gaze swept the room, ensuring everyone understood his directives.

"That will be all" he dismissed.

The room emptied quickly, departing figures casting disapproving, wary glances at me.

"Irene" Lucas calls out

The raven-haired woman who had thrown heated looks earlier strode towards us, stopping a respectful distance.

"Yes Alpha " she replied, her voice dripping with devotion.

Lucas's face remained impassive, voice cold. "You'll be responsible for Abigail's care during her stay. "

"Take her to the west wing. Ensure she has everything she needs."

Irene's smile faltered, her eyes flashing with displeasure. "Of course" she said stiffly. Her voice tinged with reluctance.

She turned to me. "Follow me." Her voice measured and polite. Her face was a masterful mask of neutrality revealing nothing more.

As Irene led me away, I felt Lucas's eyes on me.

We walked through several hallways some filled with beautiful paintings. I hoped i could look at them closely another time if allowed.

Irene stopped at a door, hesitating before opening it. "This should be comfortable for you."

Irene pushes open the door, revealing a lavish room bathed in warm candlelight and scented with old leather. A majestic four-poster bed dominates the space, its velvet drapes drawn back.

As I step inside, Irene follows, her movements brisk and efficient. Her gaze sweeps the room, her jaw clenched.

"This is...your accommodation," she says, her voice strained.

Suddenly, it clicks – this isn't just any room. The personal touches, the masculine scent, and intimate atmosphere all point to one conclusion. This is Lucas's private sanctuary.

Irene's eyes burn with unspoken questions, her resentment almost obvious. She was probably wondering why Lucas allowed me to invade his personal space. I did too.

The room's warmth and intimacy was a stark contrast with Lucas's cold demeanor. I ignore Irene's cold attitude, focusing instead on the lavish room. Rich furniture and personal touches filled the space.

Irene's movements become more impatient, her words stiff and formal. "Dinner will be brought up. If you need anything..."

Her tone is icy, a subtle warning that I'm not welcome. I shake my head, pretending not to notice.

"No, thank you. I'm okay."

Irene's gaze lingers, her expression a mask of duty. "Very well. I'll leave you to settle in."

With a brief nod, she exits the room, leaving me alone in the room.

As the door closes, i breathe out loudly feeling a mix of emotions. I sit on the bed, surrounded by Lucas's scent – a blend of leather, wood, and wild earth.

The soft blankets and warm mattress warp around me. I try not to think about how I already know his smell so well.

My eye roam the room, taking in the personal touches. My fingers brush the velvet, feeling that same strange uncontrollable connection to Lucas.

The door opens, and Lucas enters the room, his commanding presence filling the space. His eyes locked onto mine, and for a moment, we just stared at each other. The air thickened with tension, the silence between us palpable.

"I'll be staying here," I say quietly.

He nodds "This room is the most secure."he says, his voice low. "Keeping you here may seem presumptuous, but it's necessary."

I nodded, my heart racing. Being in such close proximity to him, a complete stranger, made me uneasy.

Lucas's gaze drifted to the bed, where I'd been sitting. His jaw clenched, and for an instant, I thought I saw a flicker of something primal in his eyes. "My wolf..." Lucas paused, clearing his throat. "He's restless. We need to know you're safe at all time, keeping you close is the only way I can calm him."

I swallowed hard, sensing the conflict within him. His words were meant to reassure, but they only heightened my awareness of our forced intimacy.

"I understand" I said, trying to sound calm.

Lucas's eyes narrowed, as if sensing my unease. "I ment it when i said I wasn't going to act on the mating pull."

The words hung between us, heavy with unspoken meaning.

"I believe you," I whisper, surprised by my own conviction.

Despite knowing little about this man, I trust him to keep his word. The inexplicable pull between underlies my faith.

Lucas's eyes flash between silver and grey. I sense a fragile truce exists between his human and wolf sides, one that hinges on my presence. For a moment, his face reveals an unexplainable emotion – vulnerability, gratitude, or something deeper?

Without another word, Lucas nods and exits the room, leaving me pondering the complexity of our bond and the surreal nature of my circumstances.