CHAPTER 22
1233 Words
(Author’s POV)
“Alpha, I just received news that Selene was attacked!”
Harper’s voice echoed through the silent office, halting Lucian, who had been flipping through documents.
Lucian’s hand froze midair, his sharp eyes locking onto Harper, who stood tall but with a tense expression.
The news struck him like lightning. Of course, he was shocked—his future mate was in danger.
“What do you mean?” Lucian’s voice was nearly a growl. “Who dared to lay a hand on her?!”
“Selene was attacked by a rogue. We don’t know who, but she was injured so badly that she lost consciousness. Royne has already taken care of her. Her wounds have been treated, but she hasn’t woken up yet.”
Lucian was already on his feet before Harper even finished speaking.
“Damn it,” he muttered. “Get the car ready. We’re leaving now.”
Harper didn’t need to be told twice—he drove faster, knowing the Alpha couldn’t wait any longer.
“Whoever did this, I’ll kill them the moment I see them!” Lucian threatened. “Even a single drop of blood they spilled from Selene… to me, that means war.”
Harper stole a quick glance at him and swallowed hard.
“We’ll find the culprit soon, Alpha.”
“Of course we will!”
Upon arriving at Selene’s house, Lucian strode quickly inside.
He shoved the bedroom door open with force, nearly charging into the room where Selene lay.
He remembered—just that morning, he had wrestled with Selene on that very bed, filled with love, even if they hadn’t made love.
And now, seeing her wounded, his heart was shattered. It felt as if half of his soul had drifted away.
His breath caught in his throat at the sight of her motionless body. Her face was pale, and bandages wrapped around her injured arm.
Her pallor reminded Lucian of someone on the brink of death.
But deep inside, he knew Selene wouldn’t die. She was a strong she-alpha, something she had always taken pride in.
Beside the bed, Royne stood stiffly, his face grim and filled with regret.
“Alpha…”
“How is she?” Lucian asked quickly, kneeling beside the bed and touching her temple—it was cold.
“Her wounds are deep,” Royne replied softly. “But I managed to drive off the rogue. I was too late… I’m sorry, Alpha.”
Lucian clenched his fists, his eyes burning with restrained fury.
“Who did this? Did you recognize any familiar scent?”
“I don’t know, Alpha. He was in his wolf form. But his scent… it was the scent of a rogue.”
Lucian exhaled sharply. “I suspect this is one of Dexton’s schemes. That bastard!”
Lucian then turned his hateful gaze to Harper, his own son’s name dripping with venom.
He was convinced that Dexton was behind this.
“Harper,” he called. Harper was already standing at the doorway, as if anticipating his command.
“Drag Dexton here. By force. Now.”
Harper nodded without question. He knew his Alpha wasn’t joking.
Lucian sat beside the bed, his gaze never leaving Selene’s face. His fingers gently brushed through her disheveled hair.
“If only you were officially my mate,” he whispered, “I would have known you were in danger… I would have felt your pain. I wouldn’t have been too late…”
He regretted not acting sooner because Selene had always hesitated, even though she had finally agreed to be marked that very night.
Still, he never wanted to rush her. He had always granted her every wish, waiting until she was truly ready.
Guilt gnawed at his chest. He had known this would happen—there were too many who disapproved of their relationship.
And now, he felt like a failure. As her protector. As her future mate.
His face hardened, his jaw tightening. He stared at Selene’s wounds with burning intensity.
“I swear, whoever did this… will regret ever touching you.”
Royne remained quiet in the corner of the room, his fists clenched as he watched over Selene. He took a step forward.
“I’m sorry, Alpha. I should have been faster. But—” Royne lowered his head.
Lucian turned to him, his expression softening slightly.
“No, Royne. You did your best. You protected her when I couldn’t. Thank you. You got to her—that’s what matters. At least that damn rogue didn’t kill her.”
Royne looked surprised at those words. “I was just doing my duty…”
“And you’re one of the only people I trust, besides Harper. Stay here. Watch over her. I need to know she’s safe if I have to leave.”
Royne nodded firmly. “I will guard her with my life, Alpha. I promise.”
Royne wasn’t just any Beta. He was younger than both Lucian and Harper, but his combat skills were exceptional.
Lucian himself had trained him since he was a teenager. Royne had no one—his family had been slaughtered by wild rogue packs, and ever since, Lucian had taken him in. He had trained him, raised him, and made him his second Beta.
To Lucian, Royne was like a younger brother. In fact, Lucian cared for him more than he did for Dexton, his first Beta.
Dexton was reckless, constantly acting without permission. Royne, on the other hand, was the embodiment of quiet loyalty.
They waited in silence until Selene’s breathing shifted. Lucian, still sitting at her bedside, immediately turned when her body stirred slightly.
Her eyelids fluttered slowly as she regained consciousness.
“Selene…” Lucian whispered.
Selene opened her eyes fully, groaning softly as pain spread through her body.
“Ugh…”
Lucian leaned closer, taking her hand in his.
“Hey, you’re safe now. I’m here.”
“Lucian?” Her voice was hoarse, weak.
“Don’t talk too much yet. You were just attacked. Your wounds are deep.”
Selene turned her head slightly, her gaze landing on Royne, who stood awkwardly at the foot of the bed. She tried to smile, though her face was still pale.
“You… saved me?”
Royne flinched, his face turning red as he quickly lowered his head.
“Yes… I was too late. I’m sorry.”
“Thank you. I’ve never even met you before… but you helped me.”
Royne looked even more nervous.
“I… I’ve seen you before. But… from a distance…”
Lucian smirked slightly at their interaction.
“Royne is shy. He prefers to keep to himself, avoiding attention.”
Selene offered a faint smile. “You’re a good man, Royne. Thank you again…”
Royne simply nodded quickly, his face still flushed, like a child being praised.
Suddenly, the bedroom door swung open. Harper strode in swiftly, his expression serious.
“Alpha,” he said curtly. “I’ve brought Dexton. He’s downstairs.”
Lucian stood immediately, his expression turning ice-cold. The air in the room grew tense.
Selene stiffened, her face paling further at the mention of that name.
“Lucian…” she murmured anxiously.
But before she could say more, Lucian shot Royne a sharp look.
“I’ll be back soon.”
His tone left no room for argument.
“Royne, watch over Selene.”
- Writer
