CHAPTER 32
974 Words
(Lucian’s POV)
I stood at the balcony, watching the morning mist curl over the training grounds like a silent omen. The sun hadn't fully risen, but my pack was already awake, murmurs traveling fast through the estate. News spread like wildfire. The King had taken a new mate. And not just any mate—Selene.
Selene, the she-alpha my own son had cast aside.
A smirk tugged at the corner of my lips. Fate had an exquisite sense of irony.
Behind me, I heard the soft creak of the door opening. I didn’t have to turn to know it was her. I could feel her—her scent, warm and intoxicating, wrapping around my senses like a drug I couldn’t quit.
“Lucian,” Selene’s voice was gentle, but there was fire beneath it. She never spoke timidly. She never begged. That’s what I admired, what I craved.
I turned, taking in the sight of her in one of my shirts, her hair tousled from sleep, eyes still a little heavy, but no less fierce.
“You’re awake early,” I murmured, stepping closer. My hand instinctively reached for her waist, pulling her into me.
“How could I sleep?” she whispered against my chest. “This place is already vibrating with judgment.”
“They’ll bow eventually,” I said, pressing a kiss to her temple. “They always do.”
She didn’t respond. Not right away. And I could feel the tension humming beneath her skin. She was still thinking about him.
“Dexton,” I said.
Selene looked up at me sharply, as if surprised I said his name out loud.
“He’ll come around,” I continued. “Or he’ll learn the hard way what it means to cross his queen.”
Her lips twisted, half bitter, half hurt. “He’ll never accept me.”
I cupped her cheek. “He doesn’t have to. I do. And I’ve claimed you, Selene. You are mine. There is no turning back now.”
She closed her eyes, leaning into my touch. “Just don’t leave me,” she whispered, voice barely audible.
The simple plea made something twist in my chest. She’d been strong in front of everyone else. Unshakeable. But this—this vulnerability—was reserved only for me. Only I could see this side of her.
“I’m not Dexton,” I said firmly. “And I’m not going anywhere. You're my mate, Selene. My equal. My queen.”
She nodded slowly, then pulled away gently, whispering, “Then prove it.”
Before I could ask what she meant, she turned and disappeared back into the room.
I exhaled and turned back to the horizon. A moment of peace. That’s all I wanted.
But of course, fate had other plans.
A knock echoed against the door behind me.
“Enter,” I said.
The door opened with purpose. Heavy footsteps followed. I didn’t need to look to know it was my son.
“Father.”
“Dexton.”
We didn’t speak for a moment. The air between us was thick with tension. I could smell his emotions—rage, betrayal, confusion. But beneath it all, there was shame.
“You really mated her?” he asked, voice barely controlled.
“I did.”
He took a step closer. “You knew she was my mate. You did it to spite me.”
I finally turned. “I did it because you were a fool to reject her.”
Dexton flinched, and I didn’t miss it.
“You think I wanted this?” I continued. “Do you think I planned to fall for her? Mark her? The Moon Goddess has a twisted sense of humor, but I won’t question Her gift.”
“She’s not a gift,” Dexton snapped. “She’s a vengeful—”
“Careful,” I warned coldly, stepping closer to him. “You may be my son, but you will show respect to your queen.”
His jaw clenched. “I will never call her that.”
“You don’t have to call her anything,” I replied. “But you will treat her as your superior. She is stronger than you. She’s endured more pain than you ever have. And despite everything, she still walks with her head high.”
“I can’t believe you would choose her—”
“You had your chance,” I growled. “You threw her away like garbage. You humiliated her. And for what? A weak omega who ran at the first sign of trouble?”
His face paled, but he stood his ground. “So you’re doing this out of pity?”
“No.” I stepped even closer, nose inches from his. “I’m doing this because Selene is everything you weren’t. Loyal. Brave. Unafraid. She is everything a Lycan queen should be.”
Dexton’s fists trembled. “She’s my age—”
“She’s your queen,” I barked. “And you will never speak against her again.”
He staggered back, breathing hard, his pride shattering in real time.
“You betrayed me,” he hissed.
I narrowed my eyes. “No, son. You betrayed her. And now you’re paying the price.”
He looked at me for a long moment. Then, without another word, he turned and stormed out.
I stood there in the quiet that followed, listening to the distant sound of a door slamming somewhere down the hall.
I sighed.
Selene was right. This would not be easy. But power never came without conflict, and love—true love—never came without sacrifice.
I would protect her. From the world. From my son. From anyone who dared to look down on her.
Because Selene was mine.
And heaven help anyone who tried to take her from me.
- Writer
