CHAPTER 24: A SCARY OLD LADY

"Grandma called earlier," Kieran said as he stepped into the study, where Lucien was seated behind the desk, flipping through a stack of documents.

Lucien didn’t look up. "Is she coming here?"

"Yeah. She didn’t say exactly when, but it’ll be soon," Kieran replied, folding his arms. "She sounded a little pissed, though."

Lucien sighed, finally glancing up. "It’s because we don’t call her enough."

There was a short pause before Kieran spoke again in a curious tone, this time. "By the way... earlier, you mentioned wanting to make Leia your Luna. Were you serious? I know you brought her here for the sole purpose of producing heirs, and until now, I thought you kept emotions out of it."

Lucien leaned back in his chair. "I was serious. If she carries my pup, I intend to make her Luna."

He watched Kieran carefully, reading his brother’s subtle expression shifts. He was aware that Kieran had developed feelings for her. But he didn’t touch that topic.

"Leia hates you," Kieran said. "You are getting no chance to get a place in her heart," he asserted, wanting him to drop the thought of pursuing Leia.

As he neared the door to walk out, Lucien stopped him. "She will be shared by three of us," he pronounced, "keep that in mind. We three could not find mates, nor are we interested in anyone. That’s why you need to keep this in the little head of yours, not to scheme against me."

Kieran shot him a cold glance. "I have no intention of sharing Leia with any of you. She’s clearly uneasy around Ronan, and as for you, she harbors nothing but hatred." With that, he turned on his heel and walked out, leaving a tense silence in his wake.

Lucien barely registered Kieran’s words as they never bothered him. Ever since he’d brought her here, she hadn’t missed a chance to voice her loathing. He had dismissed it at first, but now, for reasons he couldn’t name, her disdain was starting to sting.

Closing the file with a snap, Lucien placed it back on the desk. He pulled open a drawer, retrieved a sleek cigarette case, and lit one with a golden lighter. With a deep inhale, he stepped onto the broad balcony and exhaled a stream of smoke. One hand slid into the pocket of his tailored trousers, the other holding the cigarette loosely between his fingers.

"You smoke?"

The voice drew his attention. He turned his head slightly and saw her standing at the balcony doors, a new phone in her hand.

Lucien said nothing. Instead, he brought the cigarette back to his lips and took another drag.

Leia stepped forward. "It’s not good for your health. I know alphas are resistant to most illnesses, but still... It’s a bad habit."

He exhaled slowly, the smoke curling upward. "Why are you here?" he asked, lowering the cigarette, ignoring her concern entirely.

"Kieran gave me your and Ronan’s numbers," Leia said as she walked further onto the balcony. "I was wondering if I could have Caleb’s number."

Lucien arched an eyebrow. "Why?"

"Because he’s your beta. What if I need something and you’re not around?" she replied.

Without a word, Lucien pulled out his phone from his pocket and held it out to her. "Take it from here."

Leia blinked, visibly surprised. "You’re giving me your phone?" she asked, her eyes narrowing slightly in disbelief. "What if I steal something? Isn’t that a bit too trusting of you?"

"The only thing on there is work and meaningless junk," Lucien said flatly. "Nothing worth stealing."

She hummed thoughtfully, lowering her gaze to the phone. The screen lit up but paused at the password prompt. Before she could ask, Lucien spoke again.

"It’s 0610."

Leia typed it in and quickly scrolled through his contacts, finding Caleb’s name and saving it to her own phone. "Your beta is a thoughtful man," she remarked, returning the device.

Lucien studied her for a moment. "Did you befriend him?"

"Yes," she replied simply. "Why? Are you going to stop me from making friends now too?" she teased, a soft chuckle escaping her lips.

Lucien said nothing. Instead, he flicked the cigarette to the ground, grinding it under his slipper with a swift motion. Then, stepping closer, he gently brushed a strand of hair away from her cheek.

"Do you want to go out with me?" he asked.

Leia blinked, caught off guard. "Huh?"

"I have a dinner meeting," Lucien explained. "You’re always whining about being locked up in the mansion. Thought I’d offer you a change of scenery."

"When do we have to go?" Leia asked, curiosity flickering in her eyes.

Lucien glanced at the time on his phone. "In an hour."

Leia hesitated for a moment before speaking again. "Will it be appropriate for me to attend a meeting with you?"

"Yes," he replied.

A spark of excitement lit up her expression. "Then I should get ready," she said, already turning to leave. But before she could take a full step, Lucien reached out and gently caught her wrist.

With a soft tug, he pulled her back. Her breath caught as her back met the solid warmth of his chest, his hand still wrapped around her wrist. She could feel his steady heartbeat. She swallowed hard, unsure if it was tension or something else entirely that made her pulse quicken.

Before she could ask, his deep voice broke the moment.

"Grandma will be home soon, probably tomorrow or sometime in the next few days," Lucien said.

Leia turned slightly, still close to Lucien, to look at him.

"She’s a scary old lady," Lucien added with a shrug. "I hope you won’t take it to heart if she says something... harsh. She doesn’t really filter her words."

Leia offered a tight smile. "Thanks for the warning."

Lucien didn’t release her immediately. Instead, his nose nuzzled the soft tresses of her hair. Leia gulped, and her fingers curled up in nervousness. His eyes closed when Leia took a step away from him, and his eyes opened promptly.

"I will see you after getting dressed," Leia said and dashed out of the balcony.

"What was I doing?" Lucien muttered in disbelief.