CHAPTER 100: DON’T DRIVE ME CRAZY

Kieran stood silently, watching the warriors stationed along the border. The cold in the wind reminded him how harsh this place could be. It had been years since he last came here, and now, he finally understood why Lucien had sent him.

’This wasn’t just punishment. It was a lesson.’

Among these wolves who worked tirelessly, protecting their territory from danger and intrusion, Kieran saw what it truly meant to be vigilant and disciplined.

His thoughts were interrupted by a familiar voice.

"What are you thinking about?" Ronan asked, walking up beside him.

Kieran exhaled. "That I made a grave mistake. Lucien was right. I can’t afford to be soft-hearted. If Gale and his men had gone further... if they had harmed more people—" He trailed off, guilt thick in his voice. "It would’ve been on me."

Ronan nodded. "True."

Kieran hesitated, then looked sideways at him. "Shouldn’t you be angry with me too? I spoke harshly... to both you and Lucien."

There was a pause before Ronan replied. "I think we’ve talked about this before," he said. "I don’t dislike you, Kieran. I never did."

Kieran looked at him with faint surprise.

"What our father tried to build between us, resentment and division, I never wanted that," Ronan continued. "We’ve always been stronger together. After they passed away that’s what we three told each other. We need to be together in everything, so that no one can take advantage of us."

Kieran lowered his gaze. "Yeah... I remember."

His voice grew quieter as old memories crept in. The memories of loss, resentment, and blame. For years, he’d silently held Lucien responsible for their parents’ death. And now... guilt gnawed at him. ’Was it fair? Had it ever been?’

"You should go rest in the tent house," Ronan said gently, breaking the silence. "I’ll take over patrol for now."

Kieran shook his head. "No. I’ll stay here."

Ronan raised an eyebrow.

"Don’t send me away," Kieran added firmly. "Lucien would be furious if his own brother chose comfort over duty."

Ronan gave a soft chuckle. "I won’t tell him," he promised with a smile, placing a firm hand on Kieran’s shoulder. "Just an hour or two of sleep. You’ll think clearer after that."

But Kieran pulled back slightly, his pride flickering in his eyes. "Don’t treat me like I’m weaker than the others. I can stand guard too. Just because I don’t have your strength doesn’t mean I deserve pity."

Ronan’s smile didn’t fade. "It’s not pity," he stated. "At midnight, you should go to the tent house."

"I know it’s not pity. But I don’t want to step back from the duty I’ve been given," Kieran murmured.

"But why did you not go to help Leia? What are you upset about with her?" Kieran confusedly stared at his brother.

"Staying close to her fills me with insecurity. Unlike you and Lucien, I’m not used to care or kindness of the people. I fear that it may be temporary," Ronan confided in him.

"What?" Kieran’s brows drew close instinctively. "Leia isn’t like the others. You know this well and she’s going to live with us. Forever."

Ronan remained, not speaking anymore.

"I hope you sit and talk to Leia. She was upset thinking why you were avoiding her," Kieran suggested.

"Hmm." Ronan nodded his head, though not giving any kind of assurance.

~~~~

The next morning, the doctor finished dressing Leia’s wound and handed the medical report to Lucien. After a brief conversation, the house butler escorted the doctor out, leaving the two alone in the room.

Lucien sat at the edge of the bed, flipping through the report. "Even if everything looks fine, that doesn’t mean you can start running around. The wound on your leg is still far from healed."

"I know," Leia replied with a sigh. "But the doctor said short walks in the garden would be alright. I’ve been lying in bed since yesterday, I’m bored."

"I’ll take you to the garden," Lucien offered, already leaning forward to scoop her into his arms.

But before he could reach her, Leia playfully extended her uninjured leg, planting her foot gently against his chest. "I can walk," she said, her eyes locking with his. "You don’t need to carry me like a doll."

Lucien paused, glancing down at her bare leg. The hem of her skirt had shifted, revealing more skin than before. His gaze lingered, then slowly rose to meet hers again.

"Watch where you’re looking," Leia said, flustered as a faint blush crept up her cheeks. She quickly withdrew her foot, but Lucien caught it with ease, gently pulling her closer before resting it softly against the mattress.

Before she could protest again, she realized just how close they were, his face merely inches from hers, their breaths mingling in the air.

"Someone might come in... the door’s still open," Leia murmured. Her eyes darted nervously, unable to hold his intense gaze for long.

Lucien didn’t move away. His voice dropped, rough and quiet, "Don’t drive me crazy."

Leia’s lips pressed into a firm line as she stared back at him, blinking rapidly, until she couldn’t bear the tension and turned her eyes aside. "I didn’t do anything to drive you crazy," she mumbled in a defensive tone.

Lucien’s low chuckle vibrated between them. "You seduce me without even trying."

Her head snapped back toward him, brows raised. "What? I never did that!" she exclaimed.

He only smirked in response. "You do it a lot of times, Leia. But I’m a gentleman. I hold myself back. Only during the rut time, my mind was not fully in my control. Apart from that time, I always try not to cross the wall you’ve made around yourself. Does your wolf want to keep this distance between us? Honestly, mine wants you. It desires for you, Leia," he affirmed, keeping his fixed on hers.

She was out of words. ’I never wanted to like anyone. If I admit that Zei feels things, Lucien will make sure I melt down.’