51 Making Plans
Mara
When Lucian told me about the new developments, something inside me cracked.
I had worked hard-so hard-to get into the army. Yes, I joined the academy because I had a crush on Darian, but what I
found there was mine.
I proved to myself, and everyone else, that I could do anything I set my mind to. And now… it was being taken away. Just
like that.
It felt like my entire life was being rewritten without my input. Again.
But as I looked at Lucian, I saw it-the weight he was already carrying. The conflict, the guilt, the pressure not to crumble.
Getting angry with him over something beyond his control wouldn’t help either of us. So, I smiled. I told him I was okay.
And I saw the relief wash over him like a wave.
Lucian got off the bed, still naked and unbothered, walked into the sitting room, picked up the thick file from the couch,
and brought it back. He handed it to me, then sat down next to me with a quiet intensity.
“My father said we should go through this together,” he said.
I frowned, flipping it open slightly. “Why?”
“For starters,” he said, “someone tried to link me to the arsenal attack.”
I let out a short, sharp laugh. “Ridiculous.”
He nodded, but there was no humor in his eyes. “My father knows it’s not me. But the bigger question is-who would even
attempt that? And why?”
I understood where he was going with this.
“That’s not even the half of it,” he added. “He believes someone’s trying to wipe out our bloodline-systematically. He says
there have been attempts on all our lives, including Darian and Martha. He thinks it’s the same source behind all of them.
And he believes it’s another Alpha-one who wants to absorb our mark and take the pack.”
I stayed quiet, listening.
“He’s against us moving out,” Lucian continued. “Says the estate has the best security, that staying here is the safest
option.”
I looked at him and frowned. “And what do you think?”
He pulled me in close, holding me like I was the only steady thing in his world.
“I want us to move out, Mara. Start a family. Live without all this noise and control. I want to love you without interference.
That can’t happen in this place. If you’re willing… I want to take that chance with you.”
His eyes searched mine, hope burning in them.
I didn’t need to think about it.
I leaned in and kissed him. Slow. Intentional. Deep.
And I meant every part of it.
We both did.
1/3
< 51 Making Plans
We spent the evening house hunting on Lucian’s tablet, curled up together in bed. We both knew what we wanted- something simple, warm, a place where we could raise our children away from politics, away from the pressure.
But as he scrolled through listings with excitement in his eyes, a quiet ache bloomed in my chest.
I wasn’t going to be the only mother of his child.
While I lay next to him searching for our future, another woman was carrying a piece of him. And that hurt. It wasn’t jealousy-it was grief. A quiet, selfish sadness. That child would be a living reminder that someone else had shared him before I did. But for me… he was my first and only. I had no one before Lucian. He was everything.
I brushed a strand of hair from his face, trying to focus on the present. He glanced over and caught my expression.
“Mara,” he said gently, “are you okay?”
I could feel the tears welling up. I blinked them away quickly. I didn’t want to tell him why-it felt small, petty. So I gave him something that sounded good enough.
“Yes, Lucian,” I whispered. “They’re just joyful tears. We’re finally close to peace.”
He studied me for a moment and gave a sad, knowing smile.
“We’re fully mated, Mara. I feel you. I know when you’re lying.” His voice dropped. “It’s okay if you’re not ready to tell me
why you’re sad. But… please don’t lie to me.”
I nodded, grateful he didn’t push.
“You know what,” he said, setting the tablet aside, “Darian’s been removed. You’re no longer Gamma. No more training.
Why don’t you visit your parents at the clinic? Spend some time with them. I think it’s long overdue.”
He was right. And it was kind of him to say it that way-gentle, not dismissive. I nodded. The idea of home, of people who knew me before all of this, felt grounding.
That night, Lucian told me what he wanted-a simple life, just us and our children. A soft, quiet kind of dream. One that
felt impossibly beautiful. But even as he spoke, I knew it wouldn’t be that simple. Life rarely is. Especially not for people
like us.
The next morning, nerves coiled in my stomach like vines. I knew what was coming. I wasn’t looking forward to it.
Everyone was already seated at the breakfast table when we arrived. Darian caught my eye and gave me a warm smile.
“I’m glad you’re okay, Mara,” he linked, and Lucian, ever the gentleman, pulled my chair out for me.
Then there was Lacy.
Still at it-smiling too much, sitting too straight, laughing too loud at things Lucian didn’t say. There was something off about her. She wasn’t just bold. She was desperate.
Her flirtation didn’t feel like childish attention-seeking-it felt targeted, practiced, intentional. Like someone chasing a goal
with limited time left.
I watched her for a moment.
She looked so much like Martha it was eerie. Same smile, same manipulative softness. If I hadn’t been told otherwise, I’d swear she was Martha’s daughter. But I knew better-she was the child of Martha’s late sister. The resemblance, though…
it was almost unnatural.
Then Alpha Vander stood, clearing his throat. The room quieted instantly.
He was ready to break the news.
2/3
5 Recent Developments
