ALPHA’S HEART, My Haven

Episode-13

Lucia’s Point of View

Dorian’s words from yesterday, played over in my head as I lingered near the window, watching him and Kael leave for the council meeting. His voice, deep and commanding, still had a way of making me feel important, even when his instructions were very casual. As I watched them disappear down the gravel path, my heart sank slightly. It wasn’t Kael I worried about. It was her, Aria.

I sighed, turning back into the hallway that leads to my chamber. The grand pack house seemed quieter than usual. With Dorian and Kael gone, the atmosphere felt heavier, less vibrant. But I could keep things running smoothly. For him, I would do anything.

I was halfway to my chambers when Greta approached me with a bright smile. “Miss Lucia, breakfast is ready. Will you be joining us in the dining hall?”

“Yes, I’ll be there in a moment,” I said, waving her off as politely as I could manage.

But then Greta added, “I’ll inform Miss Aria as well.”

Her words made me freeze. My chest tightened, and an irrational surge of anger bubbled up inside me. “No,” I snapped, turning around to face her.

Greta looked startled. “No?”

“Don’t involve her in anything concerning me,” I said sharply, my voice cold enough to make Greta fearful.

She nodded quickly, lowering her gaze. “Of course, Miss Lucia.”

I could feel my pulse pounding in my ears. Why did Aria have to be involved in everything? Why couldn’t she just stay out of sight, out of Dorian’s thoughts? The mere idea of her sitting in the dining hall, sharing a meal, smiling in his direction was too much.

Greta turned to leave, but I called her back. She stopped, turning nervously toward me.

“On second thought,” I said, forcing a pleasant tone I didn’t feel, “tell her to come to the dining hall. She might as well eat.”

Greta hesitated, as if she didn’t trust my sudden change of heart. But after a brief pause, she nodded again and scurried away.

I stood there, fuming silently. I didn’t want Aria in the dining hall. I didn’t want her anywhere near me. But I needed to see her, to remind myself why I couldn’t let my guard down. Dorian deserved someone who truly understood him, someone who had stood by him through thick and thin. Not her.

By the time I entered the dining hall, the table was already set. The aroma of freshly baked bread and sizzling bacon was all over, but I barely noticed it. My focus was on the door, waiting for Aria to appear.

When she finally entered, Greta guiding her by the arm, I had to fight the urge to glare. Aria looked delicate. Too delicate, with her soft features and hesitant movements. She was wearing one of the simple dresses the maids had provided her, and while it wasn’t anything extravagant, it only made her seem more fragile.

She glanced around the room, her gaze staring at me for a moment before dropping to the floor.

“Good morning,” she said softly.

I forced a smile, though it felt more like a grimace. “Good morning, Aria. Please, sit.”

She hesitated, as if unsure whether the invitation was genuine. But Greta nudged her forward, and she took a seat at the far end of the table, as far from me as possible.

The meal began in awkward silence. Greta and the other maids bustled around, pouring tea and serving dishes, but the tension in the room was heavy.

“How are you finding the pack house?” I asked, breaking the silence. My voice was sweet, almost too sweet.

Aria looked up, startled by the question. “It’s nice. Everyone has been very kind.”

“Kindness is important,” I said as I moved my head. “But loyalty is more important, don’t you think?”

Her brows raised slightly, as if she wasn’t sure how to respond.

“I suppose so,” she said carefully.

I leaned back in my chair, studying her. She was trying so hard to be polite, to fit in, but she didn’t belong here. Not with us. Not with Dorian.

“You must be very grateful to Dorian,” I said, my tone a little sharper now. “He’s done so much for you, hasn’t he?”

Aria looked down at her plate. “Yes, I am.”

I felt a sense of satisfaction at her discomfort, but it was not for a long time. The more I pushed, the more I realized how little it mattered. Dorian was kind to everyone. That was just who he was. It didn’t mean he felt anything special about her.

But then I remembered the way he looked at her, the way he defended her, the way he rushed to her side during meals. My chest tightened again.

“You should be careful,” I said suddenly.

Aria looked up, confused. “What do you mean?”

“Not everyone in this pack will welcome you with open arms,” I said, my smile thin. “Some of us have been here for years, building trust and loyalty. It takes time to earn that.”

Aria didn’t respond. She just stared at me, her expression unreadable.

Before I could say anything else, Greta returned with a fresh pot of tea, interrupting the tense atmosphere.

“Would you like more tea, Miss Lucia?” she asked.

“Yes, please,” I said, holding out my cup.

“And you, Miss Aria?”

Aria nodded, and Greta poured her a cup as well.

As the meal continued, I couldn’t shake the feeling of frustration bubbling inside me. No matter what I said or did, Aria didn’t seem fazed. She was quiet, reserved, but there was a quiet strength in her that I couldn’t ignore.

And that scared me.

After breakfast, I retreated to my chambers, hoping to calm my nerves. But even as I paced the room, I couldn’t stop thinking about her.

Why did Dorian care so much? Why was she here?

I sat down at my desk, staring out the window at the pack ground. Memories of my childhood with Dorian and Kael flooded my mind. We had been inseparable back then, always laughing, always exploring. I had loved him for as long as I could remember, though I had never dared to say it out loud.

And now, this stranger had come into our lives, threatening to take him away.

I clenched my fists, determined not to let that happen.

Greta knocked on my door, interrupting my thoughts. “Miss Lucia,” she said hesitantly, “the guards have returned from patrol. They said everything is clear.”

“Good,” I said curtly. “So?”

“Dorian and Kael should be back soon from the council meeting,” she added.

“Thank you, Greta. That will be all.”

As she left, I stood by the window once again, waiting for Dorian’s return. I didn’t know what I would say to him, but I knew one thing was that I wouldn’t let Aria take him away from me.