CHAPTER 26: ACCEPTING THE BLAME

Lucien walked toward the restroom when he sensed the presence of a male wolf inside.

Quickly, he rushed there and found the door locked from inside. "Leia!" He called out her name in panic before using his strength to break the door. Wood splintered under the force of his strength as it burst open.

Inside, a masked figure was already halfway out the window, cradling Leia’s unconscious body tightly in his arms.

Lucien’s heart plummeted. "No!" he roared, the sound ripping from his throat.

The kidnapper leapt from the window with Leia in tow.

Fueled by rage, Lucien launched himself after them, his movements a blur as he pursued the intruder with unrelenting speed after landing on the grassy ground.

It didn’t even take Lucien a full minute to catch up. In less than a minute, he blocked the kidnapper’s escape path with a snarl.

The kidnapper, sensing he was cornered, drew a knife in a desperate attempt to use Leia as leverage to avoid being harmed, but Lucien was faster.

He struck the attacker’s wrist with precision, forcing the weapon to falter, then shoved him back with a powerful blow to the chest. The man staggered, reeling from the impact, but keep hold on the knife.

Leia slipped from the kidnapper’s arms, her body falling, but Lucien lunged forward, catching her just in time.

As he cradled her against his chest, Lucien reached out with one hand, gripping the assailant’s palm to stop another strike. The knife’s blade slashed deep into Lucien’s hand, but he didn’t flinch.

Blood trickled freely from the gash, yet he tightened his grip, eyes red, burning with fury.

Without wasting a second, Lucien struck the assailant’s leg with a brutal kick, causing him to stumble. In the same motion, he twisted the attacker’s wrist sharply. The knife slipped from the kidnapper’s grip, only to land in Lucien’s palm.

But the man wasn’t done. Gritting his teeth through the pain, he turned to flee.

Lucien’s eyes narrowed. With deadly precision, he hurled the knife in his direction.

It sliced through the air and struck itself into the back of the man’s neck.

The assailant collapsed instantly, his body thudding to the ground.

Lucien stood there, his chest heaving, still shielding Leia. He had already mindlinked Caleb, urging him to get there as fast as possible.

Gently, he laid Leia down on the ground, brushing a few strands of hair away from her pale face before rising to his feet. He approached the fallen assailant. Gripping the man by his hair, Lucien yanked his head up and tore the mask off his face.

His brows furrowed. The attacker was unconscious but breathing, barely. Lucien pressed two fingers to the man’s neck, feeling the faint pulse beneath the skin.

"He’s still alive," he muttered under his breath. "But who the hell sent him to kidnap Leia?"

~~~~~

Leia squeezed her eyes tightly while her head felt heavy. She groaned in pain, bringing her hand to her head.

"Leia! Leia!" Kieran’s frantic voice broke through the fog in her mind, echoing in her ears as she struggled to open her eyes.

When Leia finally fluttered her eyes open, her voice came out as a faint whisper. "Lucien..."

"He’s downstairs," Ronan responded gently, stepping closer. "You’re safe now."

Leia tried to sit up. But Kieran quickly supported her, adjusting the pillows behind her back to make her comfortable. Then, he poured a glass of water and handed it to her.

With both hands, Leia held the glass carefully, taking slow sips. Once she was done, Kieran took it from her and placed it on the bedside table.

"Lucien didn’t let anything happen to you," Kieran said softly. "He caught the man who tried to kidnap you."

Leia’s brows furrowed. "But... why would someone want to kidnap me?"

"Because you’re the last she-wolf," Ronan answered, arms crossed over his chest with a grim look. "Every pack wants you. Having a she-wolf beside their Alpha is a symbol of strength and power. Some are willing to spill blood for it."

Just then, the door creaked open.

Lucien stepped inside, and the first thing Leia noticed was the fresh white bandage wrapped around his hand. Her gaze locked onto it immediately.

"How are you feeling?" Lucien asked with concern. Then, turning slightly, he added, "Kelly, please check on her."

The pack’s doctor, Kelly, entered right behind him with a gentle smile. "I think I’m okay," Leia murmured.

Kelly nodded and approached the bed, sitting beside Leia as Kieran made space for her.

Leia looked back at Lucien, her voice soft but worried. "What happened to your hand?"

"Just a minor injury," Lucien said, brushing it off casually.

"That doesn’t look minor," Leia said.

"You need to stay quiet now," Kelly said softly as she checked Leia’s vitals. Her movements were gentle but efficient. After a moment, she removed the stethoscope and glanced at Lucien. "Leia is stable. There’s nothing to worry about."

Lucien gave her a small nod. "Thank you, Kelly."

With a polite smile, Kelly left the room, closing the door quietly behind her.

Leia shifted slightly against the pillows, her eyes finding Lucien’s. "Who was it? Who tried to kidnap me?"

Lucien’s jaw clenched. "An Alpha from another pack. He’s been my rival for years," he said, voice low. "But you don’t need to worry about him anymore."

"How can I not worry?" Leia’s voice cracked as tears welled up in her eyes. "The man hit me. I was terrified." Her breath hitched. "Everything used to be calm... peaceful... before I came here. I don’t like it anymore. I don’t like being here."

Lucien stepped closer. "You will. In time."

He gently reached out and rested his hand on her head, offering comfort. But Leia jerked away from his touch.

"I hate you," she whispered fiercely. "It’s all happening because of you."

The tension in the room deepened. Ronan, standing nearby, said in a sharp tone, "Hey! Do you even know what you’re saying? Lucien risked everything to save you, so show some—"

"Ronan." Lucien cut him off, raising a hand without looking away from Leia. "It’s fine. Don’t say anything."

Leia turned her face away, silent tears slipping down her cheeks, while Lucien stood there, accepting the blame she threw at him... even if it shattered something inside him.