CHAPTER 103: NEVER SMILES LIKE THAT

Leia nudged her shoulder against his stomach, gently pushing him back. Then, pivoting on her heels, she placed a firm hand on his chest to keep distance between them.

"I don’t want your mark," she said. "At least, not yet."

Lucien’s eyes narrowed slightly. "Why? Do you still see me as a terrible person?"

She shook her head. "No. That’s not it. I’m just... confused about what I feel. It’s not something I can decide overnight. It’s complicated, Lucien. I need time."

He studied her intently, trying to read between her words, to see if she was simply building another wall between them. But in her eyes, he saw no defiance, only uncertainty, and a flicker of vulnerability that softened his expression.

"Fine," he said at last, his voice a low murmur. "I’ll give you time, but don’t expect it to stretch forever."

Running a hand through his hair in frustration, he exhaled sharply. "You really know how to test me, Leia. Just remember, if you ever drive me too far, I won’t ask again. I’ll mark you whether you’re ready or not. Even if you cry, I won’t hold back."

Lowering his hand to his side, he pulled out his phone from his trouser pocket and raised it to his ear, still keeping his gaze on her.

"Yes, Caleb?" he said. "Tell him to see me tomorrow morning in the central meeting hall."

Leia silently turned away and walked out of his sight. But instead of heading toward her room, she went in the opposite direction, disappearing into the quieter wing of the mansion.

Lucien’s eyes followed her until she vanished beyond the hallway. He didn’t call after her.

Just then, Greta appeared beside him, her voice tentative. "Alpha, shall I follow Miss Leia?"

"Yes," Lucien replied curtly.

Greta bowed slightly. "Alpha, may I say something before I go?"

"Speak."

Greta hesitated, choosing her words carefully. "Miss Leia... seems to find more comfort around the third young master. That might be why she hasn’t agreed to become your Luna yet."

Lucien’s eyes narrowed, his piercing gaze falling sharply on her. Instantly sensing the shift in his demeanor, Greta lowered her head in apology.

"Forgive me, Alpha. I didn’t mean any disrespect."

"Just do what you’re told," Lucien said, and strode away without another glance.

Left standing in the hallway, Greta slowly straightened. Her eyes lingered on the direction Lucien had gone before drifting elsewhere.

"What is it about Leia that makes you so determined to claim her?" she whispered to herself, a faint shadow of sadness flickering in her voice.

~~~~

Ronan glanced at his phone as it lit up with Leia’s name. Without hesitation, he answered and brought it to his ear.

"Ronan," came Leia’s soft voice. She sat on a wooden bench in the garden, her fingers curled tightly in her lap.

"Yes, Leia? Are you getting enough rest?" he asked gently.

"I am. That’s all I seem to do lately," she replied with a chuckle that didn’t quite reach her eyes.

"I’m glad to hear that," Ronan said with a smile, though his eyes stayed sharp. As a warrior approached him, Ronan raised a finger to his lips, silently signaling him to stay quiet.

"How are you and Kieran?" Leia asked softly. "I did speak to Lucien... asked him to forgive you both. But he said it was necessary to keep you disciplined."

"He’s right," Ronan replied after a pause. "I’m sorry, Leia. I should’ve come to help you. If I had answered your call, maybe you wouldn’t have gotten hurt. Don’t forgive me for that, I don’t deserve it."

"I’m not blaming you," Leia said gently. "I know why you made that choice."

Ronan frowned. "What? How do you know?"

Leia gave a small smile, tilting her head. "Umm... I just found out, that’s all. But listen, don’t ignore me again. It’s not a good way to push away a nice woman like me." Her radiant smile reached her eyes.

Lucien stood on the balcony of his room, his gaze fixed on Leia’s sweet smile as she sat in the garden. It was the kind of smile that could make any heart falter. A frown tugged at his lips.

"She never smiles like that for me... Am I really that terrible?" he muttered, flicking the lighter open and shut with his thumb, the small flame briefly illuminating the conflict in his eyes.

Pulling a cigarette from the silver case, he lit it and brought it to his lips, inhaling slowly. The smoke curled in the air as he exhaled, his thoughts sinking deeper.

"I thought we were finally closing the distance between us. But I was wrong. No matter what I do, in her eyes... I’m still the man who bought her from an auction house," he murmured, bitterness coating his voice as another puff of smoke slipped past his lips.

Turning his back to her, he simply enjoyed the smoking. In his loneliness that was the only thing to keep his company and make him feel better.

Meanwhile, Leia tilted her head up, not knowing she would see Lucien in the balcony. She saw him smoking with his back facing her.

"Ronan, I’ll talk to you later. Take care of yourself and tell Kieran to take enough rest," she said, ending the call. Rising from the bench, Leia made her way into the mansion and climbed the stairs to the balcony connected to Lucien’s room.

"You promised me last night you wouldn’t do it again!" she called out as soon as she stepped into view.

Lucien didn’t turn around. "I said I’d try," he responded in a tone of disapproval.

"I know you’re a strong Alpha who doesn’t fall ill easily, but that doesn’t mean you should keep doing this. It’s not good for you, especially not in the long run," Leia said, her voice softer now but filled with concern.

Lucien turned slightly, his eyes cold as he glared at her. "Don’t lecture me. Just go back to your room," he snapped her.