CHAPTER 66: I’M PLEDGING MY SON’S LOYALTY TO YOU

Lucas’ POV

My lips curved into a slow smile, and hers did the same. It was good to see her again. The sight of Iris, standing at the window above, sent a wave of warmth through me, easing the tension that had knotted my shoulders and coiled in my chest for some moments ago. For some reason, it made a flicker of something that made my heart stutter. I hadn’t expected it, this sudden rush of relief, this uncalled-for happiness that surged through me just from seeing her. For a moment, the world felt like it was just the both of us, our eyes not tearing away from each other.

Suddenly, a masculine voice called out from behind me.

"Lucas!" The voice sliced through the moment. My head snapped toward the sound, my smile fading as I recognized who it was. My father, Alpha Trent, stood at the training field as he approached. His eyes spoke of no warmth as it locked onto mine, and his jaw was set in that familiar way that brooked no argument. "We need to talk. Now. And you’ll listen." He said.

I glanced back at the window, hoping to catch one last glimpse of Iris, but she was gone, the curtains swaying slightly. My chest tightened, a pang of disappointment mingling with the unease my father’s voice stirred in me. I took a step away from the punching bag, the leather still swaying slightly from my last strike, and wiped the sweat from my brow with the back of my hand. My muscles ached from the hours I’d spent out here, pounding my frustrations into the bag, but I straightened, squaring my shoulders as I headed towards him.

He didn’t wait for me to reach him. With a curt nod, he strode toward the manor and I followed him.

As we approached the doors, voices drifted from just beyond the entrance. I recognized Alpha Darius immediately, his deep tone cutting through, as if in a conversation with someone. Finally, my eyes saw where he was, a bit distant from us and indeed, he was in a conversation. He’s standing in the corridor, his white-streaked hair pulled back tightly. Beside him was Beta Rowan, his hands clasped behind his back as he nodded along to whatever Darius was saying.

"A personal pack warrior...," Darius was saying. "Someone dedicated solely to protecting my sons. The triplets are the future of this pack, and with tensions rising, I can’t take any chances." Said Darius as their conversation paused, the moment we approached, both men turning to face us.

My father slowed his steps, his expression shifting from cold to soft in an instant. He inclined his head toward Darius, a gesture of respect but though, deep down, I knew he wasn’t what Darius saw him. as. "A wise decision, Darius," my father said. "The future alphas need all the protection they can get. It’s a dangerous time."

Then Beta Rowan added. "Yes. They are the legacy of Black Bane and their safety means a lot to us."

I stood a step behind them, my hands clasped tightly at my sides, my jaw clenched. The weight of the presence of these three evil men pressed against me. I hated to see them anywhere near me. But then my father’s hand shot out, gripping my shoulder firmly, pulling me forward so abruptly.

"Lucas here," he said, his voice carrying a note of pride that didn’t reach his eyes, "

He’s the strongest warrior in my pack. No one matches his skill and his discipline. If you’re looking for someone to serve your sons, to pledge his loyalty, I’d put him forward without hesitation." He paused and then offering a nervous smile before he continued.

"I’m pledging my son’s loyalty to Black Bane my friend. He’s a good purpose and worth as a warrior. A good warrior, the pride of War Born." He added.

My breath caught, my eyes witnessing this scene as I processed his words. Serve the triplets? The very thought sent a jolt of resistance through me. Zane, Kael, and Cade, their names alone stirred memories of hatred, cold glares, and the fight that had nearly cost me everything. My hands flexed at my sides as I fought my emotions to keep my expression neutral.

My father wasn’t done. "I know Lucas has had... misunderstandings with your sons in the past," he continued, his tone careful, his grip on my shoulder tightening just enough to warn me against reacting. "But he’s learned his lesson. He wouldn’t dare step out of line again."

I bit the inside of my cheek as I forced myself to stay still. Misunderstandings? The moment between i and the triplets were more than misunderstanding. But I knew better than to contradict my father in front of Alpha Darius.

Beta Rowan tilted his head, his eyes studying me as if weighing my worth. "Trent makes a good point," he said slowly, his voice calm. "Lucas is strong and disciplined. He’d be a solid choice to protect the alphas. Loyalty can be forged, even after... missteps."

Darius’ gaze shifted to me, his expression unreadable. His eyes, so like Zane’s, seemed to pierce through me, searching for something I wasn’t sure I could give. He stroked his chin, the faint rasp of his fingers against his stubble was the only sound for a moment. "I’ll think about it," he said finally, his tone neutral, giving nothing away.

My father’s lips curved into a smile, the kind that never reached his eyes. "Of course, my friend," he said, clapping Darius on the shoulder. "Take all the time you need." He stepped back, his hand falling from my shoulder, and gestured for me to follow.

I nodded stiffly, my throat tight as I followed him down the corridor, away from Darius and Rowan. The air grew heavier with each step. My father’s chambers were at the far end of the hall.

We reached as he pushed the door open without a word, and I stepped inside and he did the same before shutting the door behind us.

The room was dimly lit, the only light coming from the evening sun being almost replaced by moon light. My father walked to me and stood before me, his arms crossed over his broad chest. His hair, streaked with white hair strands fell slightly over his forehead, but it was his eyes that held me cold, and filled with a fire that made my stomach churn.

"Sit," he said, his voice low.

I hesitated, my hands clenching into fists at my sides, but I obeyed, lowering myself into the wooden chair across from him. The seat creaked under my weight, and I forced myself to meet his gaze, though every instinct screamed to look away.

He didn’t speak at first, just watched me, his eyes intense as if he could see every thought racing through my mind. Then he leaned forward, his hands gripping the edge of the desk,. "This time, Lucas," he said, his voice dropping to a dangerous whisper, "you will not mess this up."

I swallowed, my throat dry, but I held his gaze. "I haven’t agreed to anything," I said, my voice steadier than I felt. "Serving the triplets... Father, you know what happened last time. You know..."

"I know you were foolish," he snapped, cutting me off. His eyes blazed, and he straightened, towering over me even from across the desk. "You let your pride, your temper, get the better of you. You challenged them, and you lost. But this?" He jabbed a finger toward the door, toward the corridor where we’d left Darius and Rowan. "This is your chance to redeem yourself. To prove you’re more than a reckless pup."

My jaw tightened, my teeth grinding together as I fought to keep my anger in check. Redeem myself? For what? For standing up to Zane’s cruelty, Kael’s arrogance, Cade’s indifference? But I knew arguing was pointless. My father didn’t see it that way. To him, strength was loyalty, obedience, no matter the cost.

"And if I refuse?" I asked.

His eyes darkened, and for a moment, I thought he might strike me. His hand twitched, but he didn’t move. Instead, he leaned closer, his voice dropping to a hiss. "You don’t get to refuse, Lucas. You will serve the triplets. You will protect them. And if it comes to it..." He paused, his lips curling into a cold, ruthless smile. "Even if it takes the life of Iris, that so-called ’Mother of Wolves,’ I will do it."

The words hit me, stealing the air from my lungs. I stared at him, my heart pounding, my mind racing to make sense of what he’d just said. Iris? The one who’d made my heart lighten just moments ago? He’d kill her?

The room seemed to close in around me, the air suffocating. My father’s eyes never left mine, cold and calculating, daring me to challenge him. But I couldn’t speak. Not yet.