Chapter 7

Sarah

As I drive through the unfamiliar neighborhood, my mind drifts to the events of the past few days, heat rising to my cheeks. I recall Lucas's touch, his kisses, the intensity of our connection. It still feels surreal, like a dream I might wake up from at any moment.

But this - going to a BBQ with Lucas's closest friends - feels very real. It's a step that speaks volumes about his intentions, about how serious he is about us being mates. The thought both thrills and terrifies me. After Mark, I never thought I'd be able to trust a shifter again, let alone contemplate a future with one. Yet here I am, my heart racing with anticipation rather than fear.

As I pull into the driveway, I spot Lucas waiting for me. He's dressed casually in dark jeans and a forest green henley that accentuates his broad shoulders. The silver streaks in his dark hair catch the sunlight. He approaches as I park, opening my door before I can reach for the handle.

"Hey," he says softly, his eyes warm as they meet mine. I notice his nostrils flare slightly as he leans in, as if he's inhaling my scent. His hand lingers on my arm a moment longer than necessary, his touch sending sparks through my skin. "I'm glad you made it."

I smile, some of my nervousness dissipating in his presence. "Me too."

"Ready?" he murmurs, his breath warm against my ear.

"As I'll ever be," I reply, trying to inject some confidence into my voice. "I just... I hope they like me."

Lucas's hand covers mine, his touch sending a spark of electricity through my body. "They'll love you, Sarah. Just be yourself."

We round the corner of the house, and I'm greeted by the sight of a spacious backyard. A large grill dominates one corner, currently unmanned but promising delicious aromas later. Scattered around are comfortable-looking patio furniture and a few picnic tables. My eyes are immediately drawn to a tall, broad-shouldered man with dark auburn hair and a full beard. He's arranging plates on one of the tables, his movements efficient and purposeful.

I recall Lucas's words from a few days ago. "Derek's been my best friend for decades," he had said, a fond smile on his face. "He's gruff and antisocial, but he's got a heart of gold. And he's one of the strongest wolves I know."

Looking at Derek now, I can see why. There's an air of quiet strength about him, a wildness barely contained beneath his human exterior.

As we approach, he looks up, his piercing green eyes landing on us. His gaze flicks between Lucas and me, and I see a flicker of surprise cross his face before it settles into a neutral expression.

"Derek," Lucas greets, his voice warm. "I'd like you to meet Sarah."

Derek's eyes narrow slightly as he looks at me, and I fight the urge to fidget under his scrutiny. "You brought a date," he states, his tone gruff but not unfriendly.

I extend my hand, summoning a smile. "It's nice to meet you, Derek. Lucas's told me a lot about you."

He takes my hand, his grip firm. "Has he now?" Derek's gaze shifts to Lucas, one eyebrow raised. "That's new."

I glance at Lucas, confused by Derek's reaction. Lucas clears his throat, a slight flush creeping up his neck. "Sarah's... special," he says, his voice low and intense.

The weight of his words hangs in the air, and I feel a warmth bloom in my chest. Derek's eyes widen almost imperceptibly, and he gives a short nod. "Well then, welcome to the madhouse, Sarah," he says, his lips quirking up in what might be the ghost of a smile.

Relief washes over me as I spot Jenna making her way towards us, her husband Ryan in tow. I've known Jenna for a while now, but it's still strange to see her so at ease among the shifters.

"Jenna, hi!" I greet her, grateful for a familiar face. We embrace briefly before she turns to Lucas.

"Thanks for inviting us," she says. "I've heard about Derek's legendary grilling skills."

Ryan, tall and imposing, nods at me. "Nice to see you again, Sarah."

I return the nod, trying not to let my nervousness show. Even though I know Ryan is Jenna's mate and the pack alpha, there's still something intimidating about him.

As we fall into conversation, I can't help but observe the dynamics around me. Everyone seems to defer to Ryan in subtle ways – a tilt of the head, a respectful tone. It's fascinating to watch.

"Sarah?" Lucas's voice pulls me back to the present. "I'd like you to meet Marcus."

A tall man with strong features approaches us. He regards me with polite interest. "Sarah, it's a pleasure. Lucas's told us so much about you."

I shake his hand, noting the strength in his grip. "It's nice to meet you, Marcus. I hope I live up to the hype," I joke, trying to mask my nervousness.

Marcus's lips quirk up in a small smile. "I'm sure you will. Lucas rarely brings dates to these gatherings. You must be special."

His words send a thrill through me. I glance at Lucas, who looks slightly uncomfortable but pleased. "I didn't realize I was such a rarity," I tease him gently.

Lucas's arm slides around my waist, pulling me closer. "You're one of a kind, Sarah," he murmurs, his lips brush my ear, and I hear a low growl rumble in his chest. "You have no idea how much I want you right now," he murmurs, his voice husky. The words send a shiver down my spine.

The moment is broken by the sound of tires on gravel. We all turn to see a sleek sports car pull up, music blaring from its speakers.

"Oh no," Marcus groans beside us. "Liam's here."

The car door opens, and out steps a young man with tousled blonde hair and a cocky grin. But he's not alone. A petite woman with pale pink hair emerges from the passenger side, looking slightly uncomfortable.

"Liam," I hear Lucas mutter under his breath, a note of exasperation in his voice. Beside us, Marcus tenses, his easy demeanor evaporating.

The newcomer - Liam, I presume - saunters over, seemingly oblivious to the sudden tension in the air. "Hey, everyone! Hope you don't mind, I brought a plus one. This is Zoe," he announces, gesturing to the pink-haired woman beside him.

I can practically feel the others' irritation radiating off them in waves. But everyone makes an effort to welcome Zoe warmly, even as their greetings to Liam remain coolly polite.

"Sorry we're late," Liam announces. "Traffic was a bitch. Oh, hey, new face!" His eyes land on me, brightening with interest.

Lucas's arm tightens around me imperceptibly. "Liam, this is Sarah. Sarah, Liam."

I offer a small wave, unsure of how to navigate this new dynamic. "Nice to meet you."

Liam grins, opening his mouth to say something, but Zoe steps forward, effectively cutting him off. "Hi, I'm Zoe," she says, her voice warm and friendly. "I hope it's okay that I came. Liam assured me it would be fine."

The others exchange glances, but it's Ryan who speaks up. "Of course, Zoe. You're more than welcome. Why don't you both grab a drink?"

As Liam and Zoe move away, Lucas leans in close. "I'm sorry about that," he murmurs. "Liam's behavior has been... frustrating lately. But we're trying to keep the peace."

I nod, understanding dawning. Pack dynamics are more complex than I'd realized. "It's okay," I assure him. "I'm just glad to be here with you."

His smile is soft and genuine, making my heart skip a beat. "I'm glad you're here too."

As the evening progresses, I find myself relaxing more and more. The food is delicious, the conversation flows easily, and Lucas's constant, reassuring presence by my side helps keep my nerves at bay.

I'm in the middle of a conversation with Jenna when I feel Lucas's hand on my lower back. He's passing by, heading towards the grill, but he pauses to drop a quick kiss on my temple. The casual intimacy of the gesture takes my breath away.

"You two seem good together," Jenna observes once Lucas's out of earshot.

I can't help the smile that spreads across my face. "We are. He's... he's not what I expected."

Jenna nods knowingly. "Shifters rarely are. But once you get past the initial fear, you realize they're just people. Incredibly loyal, sometimes frustratingly protective people, but people nonetheless."

Her words strike a chord in me. I think about Lucas, about how patient and understanding he's been with my fears. How he makes me feel safe and cherished.

At one point, I catch Lucas watching me from across the yard. His eyes are dark, intense, and filled with unmistakable hunger. When our gazes lock, he doesn't look away, and I feel heat rush through my body at the raw desire in his expression.

As the night wears on, I find myself drifting towards Zoe. She seems just as out of place as I feel, and there's something comforting about that.

"First time at one of these gatherings?" I ask, settling next to her.

Zoe nods, relief evident in her eyes. "Is it that obvious?"

I laugh softly. "Only because I'm in the same boat. I'm Sarah, by the way."

"Zoe," she replies, then glances around. "I get the feeling I wasn't supposed to be here."

I hesitate, unsure how much to say. "I think... it's more that Liam wasn't supposed to bring anyone without asking first. But don't worry, everyone seems glad you're here."

Zoe relaxes a bit at that. "Thanks."

"So, how did you meet Liam?" I ask, genuinely curious.

Zoe's lips quirk into a half-smile. "Would you believe me if I said he was a walk-in client at the salon where I work? He came in for a trim and left with my number."

I chuckle, imagining the scene. "That sounds like quite the meet-cute. How long have you two been seeing each other?"

Zoe's smile falters slightly. "Oh, we're not really... I mean, it's just casual. We've only been on a couple of dates."

I nod, sensing there's more to the story but not wanting to pry. "I see. Well, I'm glad you came tonight. It's nice to have another 'outsider' to talk to."

"I'm here with Lucas," I explain, my gaze instinctively seeking him out across the yard. He's deep in conversation with Ryan and Marcus, but as if sensing my attention, he glances over, his eyes meeting mine. A warm smile spreads across his face, and I feel my heart skip a beat.

"Ah," Zoe says, following my gaze. "The silver fox. Nice catch."

I feel a blush creeping up my neck. "He's... yeah. He's pretty amazing."

Zoe grins. "I can tell. You've got that whole 'heart-eyes' thing going on."

Noticing my embarrassment, Zoe's expression softens. "Hey, no need to be shy about it. It's sweet." She glances at our empty cups. "How about I grab us some refills? Give you a moment to cool that blush?"

I laugh, grateful for her understanding. "That would be great, thanks."

As Zoe stands to head towards the drinks table, I take a deep breath, trying to compose myself. I'm still not used to being so open about my feelings for Lucas, especially in a group setting.

A commotion near the grill catches my attention. I turn to see Zoe, her face flushed with embarrassment, frantically dabbing at a large wet spot on Marcus's shirt. A plastic cup lies overturned at their feet, its contents spreading across the patio.

"I'm so sorry," Zoe exclaims. "It was an accident, I didn't mean to—"

"Watch where you're going," Marcus snaps, his voice sharp enough to make me flinch. He jerks away from Zoe's touch as if burned, his reaction seeming disproportionate to the situation. "You could have knocked over the grill. Do you have any idea how dangerous that would be?"

I watch, stunned, as Zoe's eyes narrow, and she draws herself up to her full height – which, admittedly, isn't much compared to Marcus's imposing frame. Despite his harsh words, I catch a flicker of something else in Marcus's eyes as he looks at Zoe.

"It was an accident," she bites back, her voice sharp. "And in case you hadn't noticed, I'm already apologizing and trying to clean it up. Back off!"

The tension in the air is palpable. I glance around, noting the shocked expressions on everyone's faces. Derek raises an eyebrow, exchanging a puzzled look with Lucas. It's clear that Marcus's overreaction is out of character.

"Hey, man," he says to Marcus, his tone light but with an underlying edge. "It was just a spill. No harm done, right?"

Marcus's jaw clenches, and for a moment, I'm worried things might escalate. But then Ryan's there, his presence commanding attention without a word.

"Accidents happen," he says, his voice calm but authoritative. "Let's get this cleaned up and get back to enjoying the evening, shall we?"

The tension dissipates, but not entirely. As everyone moves to help clean up, I can't help but notice the way Zoe and Marcus avoid each other's gaze, the air between them still crackling.

Lucas appears at my side, his hand coming to rest on the small of my back. "You okay?" he murmurs. His touch sends sparks through my body, and I have to resist the urge to lean into him fully.

I nod, leaning into his touch. "Yeah, just... that was intense."

He sighs, his breath warm against my ear. "Pack dynamics can be... complicated. Marcus has been on edge lately, and Liam has a way of pushing his buttons."

I turn to face him, searching his eyes. "Is everything alright? With the pack, I mean?"

Lucas's expression softens. "It's nothing for you to worry about, Sarah. Just some... internal disagreements. Nothing we can't handle."

I want to press further, but something in his tone tells me now isn't the time. Instead, I nod, offering him a small smile. "Okay. But if you need to talk..."

He pulls me closer, pressing a kiss to my forehead. "I know. Thank you."

As the night wears on, I find myself relaxing more. Lucas never strays far from my side. We mingle, chat, and I even find myself laughing at one of Derek's dry jokes, surprising both of us.

The sky darkens, stars peeking out one by one. Fairy lights strung around the yard flicker to life, casting a warm, intimate glow over the gathering. I'm helping Jenna clear some plates when I overhear a snippet of conversation between Lucas and Ryan.

"...need to keep an eye on the situation," Ryan is saying, his voice low and serious. "If Theo's making moves..."

Lucas nods, his expression grave. "I'll reach out to my contacts, see what I can find out."

I try not to eavesdrop, but curiosity gnaws at me. Who's Theo? And what kind of moves could he be making that has both Lucas and Ryan looking so concerned?

Before I can ponder it further, Lucas notices me. He excuses himself from Ryan and makes his way over to me.

"Hey," he murmurs, his strong arm wrapping possessively around my waist. "How are you holding up?"

I tilt my head back, resting it against his shoulder as I gaze up at him. "Better than I expected," I admit, my voice soft. "Your world is... a lot to take in, but I feel grounded with you."

His smile is predatory, and there's a possessive glint in his eye that makes my pulse quicken. "You've been incredible tonight, Sarah. Everyone loves you."

A thrill of excitement courses through me at his words. "Even Derek?" I tease, thinking of the gruff host's earlier scrutiny.

Lucas growls possessively. "Especially Derek. Trust me, if he didn't like you, you'd know."

As if summoned by our conversation, Derek approaches, a plate of food in hand. "Here," he says gruffly, thrusting the plate towards me. "You barely ate earlier."

I blink in surprise, taking the plate. "Oh, thank you, Derek. That's very thoughtful."

He grunts in response, but I swear I see the corners of his mouth twitch upwards before he turns away.

Lucas's hand slides lower, his fingers splaying across my hip with an ownership that sends heat pooling between my legs. "Told you he liked you," he whispers in my ear.

The warmth of his breath against my skin makes me shiver, and I lean into him instinctively. The party around us seems to fade away, the chatter and laughter becoming distant as my focus narrows to Lucas's touch, his scent, the solid presence of his body.

"Lucas," I murmur, turning slightly to face him. "I..."

His eyes darken as they meet mine, and I see a flicker of something primal in their depths. Without a word, he takes my hand and leads me away from the bustling center of the party.

Lucas guides me away from the dwindling crowd, his hand a warm, reassuring presence at the small of my back. We slip through the shadows, away from the prying eyes of the pack, until we find a secluded bench nestled beneath the boughs of an ancient pine tree.

"Sit with me," he says, his voice a low rumble that resonates deep within my chest.

I comply, settling onto the bench beside him, the cool wood a stark contrast to the heat emanating from his body. "This is nice," I murmur, looking up at the stars peeking through the pine needles above us.

Lucas nods, a soft smile playing on his lips. "I thought you might need a moment away from everyone. How are you feeling?"

"Overwhelmed," I admit. "But in a good way. Your friends are... interesting."

He chuckles, the sound sending a pleasant shiver down my spine. "That's one way to put it. I hope they didn't scare you off."

I shake my head, smiling. "No, not at all. It's just a lot to take in."

He takes the plate Derek had given me, setting it carefully on the bench beside us. "Well, let's see if we can't make you feel more comfortable," he says, his eyes twinkling with mischief.

His fingers pick up a slice of ripe peach, glistening under the soft glow of the moonlight. He brings it to my lips, and I part them willingly, my eyes locked on his as I take a bite. The sweet juice bursts across my tongue, the taste mingling with the heady anticipation of what's to come.

"Good?" Lucas asks, his voice low and husky.

I nod, swallowing. "Delicious. I didn't realize how hungry I was."

Lucas feeds me another piece, his thumb gently wiping away a droplet of juice that clings to my lip. "You know," he says softly, "I've been wanting to do this all night."

"Feed me fruit?" I tease, trying to lighten the suddenly charged atmosphere.

He chuckles, shaking his head. "No, this."

His mouth claims mine with a hunger that leaves me breathless, the taste of peaches still lingering between us. When we part, I'm panting slightly, my heart racing.

"Lucas," I whisper, not sure what I'm asking for.

He rests his forehead against mine, his breath warm on my face. "I know, Sarah. Believe me, I know. Having you here, with my pack... it's taking all my control not to..."

"Not to what?" I prompt, curiosity and desire warring within me.

He pulls back slightly, his eyes intense as they meet mine. "Not to claim you fully as my mate, right here and now."

The words send a jolt of heat through my body. "Oh," I breathe.

Lucas seems to sense my inner conflict. He takes a deep breath, visibly reining himself in. His hand comes up to cup my cheek, his touch infinitely gentle despite the passion I can see simmering in his eyes.

"We should head back," he says softly, though I can hear the reluctance in his voice. "It's getting late, and I don't trust myself to behave if we stay out here much longer."

I nod, both relieved and disappointed. As we stand, Lucas pulls me close for one more searing kiss before we rejoin the others, only to find that people have begun to say their goodbyes.

"Ready to get out of here?" he asks.

I nod, my breath hitching as he pulls me closer, the heat of his body searing into mine.

We make our rounds, saying our own goodbyes. I'm hyperaware of Lucas's presence, his hand on my lower back sending sparks through my body with each touch.

As we walk to my car, the tension between us is palpable. Lucas's eyes are dark with desire, his jaw clenched as if he's fighting for control.

"I'm glad you came tonight, Sarah," he says, his voice low and intimate. "Having you here, seeing you with my friends... it means more to me than I can express."

I squeeze his hand. "I'm glad I came too."

He growls, continuing. "Seeing you with my pack, it does things to me, Sarah. Makes me want to stake my claim."

His words send a jolt of heat straight to my core. "Lucas," I breathe, all the fire from earlier roaring back through my body.

We reach my car, and Lucas turns to face me, his eyes dark and intense in the dim light of the street lamps. Suddenly, his hands are on my waist, pressing me against the car. His mouth claims mine in a kiss that's far from gentle – it's demanding, passionate, almost desperate in its intensity. I gasp against his lips, my hands flying up to tangle in his hair as I match his fervor.

His body presses against mine, pinning me to the cool metal of the car. I can feel the heat of him, the hard planes of his chest, the unmistakable evidence of his desire. When we finally break apart, we're both breathing heavily.

"Lucas," I pant, my voice breathy and unsteady.

He rests his forehead against mine, his breath hot on my face. "This is what you do to me, Sarah," he growls, his voice rough with need. "Every moment I'm with you, it takes all my control not to claim you fully."

The raw honesty in his words, the desire evident in every line of his body, leaves me dizzy with want. "Sorry?" I manage to say.

Lucas takes a deep breath, his hands flexing on my waist as if he's fighting the urge to pull me closer. "I should let you go," he murmurs, though he makes no move to step back.

"Probably," I agree, my voice breathy and unsteady.

Lucas's eyes darken even further, if that's possible. He leans in, his lips brushing my ear as he speaks, his voice a low, dangerous growl. "I'll see you in class tomorrow, Sarah. And trust me, I'll be thinking about this moment all night long."

With one last searing kiss that leaves me weak-kneed and breathless, Lucas steps back. "Drive safe," he says, his voice husky with barely restrained desire. "Sweet dreams, Sarah."

I nod, still slightly dazed. "Goodnight, Lucas."