CHAPTER 39: I AM THE LAW HERE

Leia’s eyes flicked across the pages of the document, absorbing every detail about Delia. Her hands trembled slightly as the reality of the past unfolded before her.

"We grew up together," she murmured under her breath. "Something must’ve gone terribly wrong for Delia to become my enemy."

Lucien silently took the file from her hands, his expression unreadable.

"Witches and werewolves don’t coexist. Her elders must’ve drilled that into her head," he said, his deep voice carrying a heavy undertone. "But that’s no longer the point."

Leia stepped forward, her voice strained with emotion. "And what are you planning to do... when you find her? Or if Simon brings her to you?"

Lucien turned his back to her and began walking away. "What I should’ve done the last time."

Leia quickly moved to block his path. "If you’re thinking of taking her life, then I won’t stand by and let you do it."

Ronan’s voice cut in, dark and firm. "We cannot allow a witch to live, especially not one who is intent on harming you."

Kieran added his agreement. "Let Lucien handle this, Leia."

She looked between them all, frustration and conviction burning in her eyes. "I understand why you resort to violence so easily. But justice should be served through law and proper enforcement."

Lucien’s eyes flared crimson as his patience thinned. "I am the law here," he growled. "Stop acting naïve. My wolves were hypnotized by that bloody witch, and you want me to feel empathy?"

He stepped toward her, voice low but fierce. "That night, when you were kidnapped, anything could’ve happened to you. Do you honestly believe Delia thinks like you do? I always saw you as clever and strong. But right now, you’re proving me wrong."

Leia’s voice trembled. "I’m not here to meet your expectations, Lucien." She turned away, her footsteps echoing as she ran upstairs. "Do whatever you want."

"No one goes after her," Lucien ordered coldly. "Especially you, Kieran."

Without another word, he walked off toward his study. "Caleb, with me," he commanded.

Ronan and Kieran exchanged a glance before following as well.

Inside the study, Lucien settled into the leather chair behind his desk, tension visible in the set of his jaw.

"I had Delia right in front of me," he began, his voice tight with rage. "She used some damned spell. My eyes burned just looking into hers. She’s not here for petty revenge. She has a larger agenda."

"She wants to sow chaos among the wolves," Ronan said, approaching the mahogany desk.

Lucien nodded. "Exactly. She knew about our rivalry with the other pack. She’s counting on the war."

Kieran leaned against the bookshelf. "Simon made a solid offer, but what if the rival pack turns on him once they uncover his true motives?"

Lucien’s gaze darkened. "Then we wait and watch."

Kieran hesitated before speaking again. "About Leia... maybe you should try to understand where she’s coming from. Delia was like a sister to her. They were all each other had. We still don’t know much about Leia, but I can tell she doesn’t trust easily. And Delia was her only family."

Ronan nodded in agreement. "Leia’s bond with Delia runs deep. That’s why she’s reacting like this. She’s not used to our world, our rules, or our brutality."

Lucien studied his brothers, surprised more by Ronan’s words than Kieran’s. He had always suspected Kieran’s fondness for Leia. But Ronan, who usually stayed cold and detached, even from his own feelings, was defending her, too.

It was unexpected... but not unwelcome. Lucien appreciated the shift in Ronan’s demeanor.

"You two can leave now," he said.

They nodded and exited the room, leaving Lucien with Caleb.

"Alpha, should we delay the war until tomorrow?" Caleb asked.

Lucien gave a firm nod. "Yes. I gave Simon time. We’ll wait for tomorrow."

Caleb hesitated, then added, "There’s tension between Simon and Malrik. While Simon tries to mediate, Malrik doesn’t take his counsel seriously. It could be a problem."

Lucien narrowed his eyes. "Then we’ll see what Simon is capable of."

~~~~~

Leia stared at her phone screen, Delia’s number already typed in. Her thumb hovered over the call button, trembling slightly with indecision. A dozen questions swirled in her mind.

Why had Delia lied to her? What was she really after? Leia wanted answers, needed to hear them from Delia herself. But something held her back.

"Maybe calling her isn’t such a good idea," Leia murmured under her breath. With a sigh, she tapped the back button and then powered off her phone.

Leia walked over to the window and gazed outside. She drew in a deep breath, holding it for a moment before slowly exhaling, trying to steady the unrest within her.

She heard the faint sound of someone entering the room without knocking.

"I don’t wish to talk to you," she said without turning around. "Lucien."

There was a pause before his voice responded, laced with curiosity. "How did you know it was me?"

Leia turned around sharply, arms folded across her chest. Her eyes narrowed as she met his gaze.

"Because this is your house," she snapped. "Amd you walk into people’s rooms like you own them."

Lucien didn’t flinch at her sarcasm.

"Don’t be upset over the treatment I’ve decided to give to Delia, who will harm not only you in future, but others too," Lucien warned her.

He stepped closer, stopping just in front of her.

"Give me your hand."

Leia hesitated, brows furrowing. "Why?"

Ignoring her reluctance, Lucien gently reached for her left hand and slid a delicate bracelet onto her wrist. Its band shimmered faintly, and at the center was a small white stone.

Leia stared at it, confused. "What is this?"

Lucien met her gaze. "Since I can’t mark you, I can’t protect you the usual way. But this will alert me... if you’re ever in danger."

"If you won’t be around, how can you save me from danger?" Leia questioned.

"You’ll know when you fall in danger," Lucien replied.