Chapter 5

Lucas

The classroom buzzed with chatter and laughter, students engrossed in their own worlds while Professor Thompson droned on about Renaissance art techniques. Normally, I would've been right there with them, eager to participate, to contribute, to prove myself worthy of my place among these future masters. Today though, my mind wandered elsewhere, trapped in memories I couldn't escape. I didn't know why I thought it could be any different.

Marco Rossi (I learned his last name later). His name echoed through my thoughts relentlessly, each repetition sending shivers down my spine. Not just any shivers either; that delicious kind that made my cock twitch beneath my jeans, reminding me of things best left unthought about during class. Especially since Kessia sat mere inches away, her knowing gaze flickering towards me every few seconds.

She knew, of course. Knew what had happened during my little adventure gone wrong. Knew about Marco, about the night we shared together, about everything that led to this internal turmoil raging within me. Hell, she probably even knew exactly how hard he made me come—not that I'd ever confirm or deny such details aloud.

I had told her a lot of things, but not everything, though.

I stole a glance at her now, taking in her concerned expression as she studied me sidelong. Yeah, she definitely knew. Or at least suspected more than she should. Damn it, why did she have to be so perceptive? And then, I thought, that was exactly one of the reasons she was my friend.

Sighing internally, I turned my attention back to the front, attempting to focus on the lecture. Anything to distract myself from the chaos inside my head. Anything to forget the way Marco's hands felt on my body, the taste of him lingering on my tongue, the sound of his voice growling commands in my ear...

No use. My traitorous brain refused cooperation, replaying our encounter ad nauseam instead. Each touch, each kiss, each thrust of his fingers reverberated through my memory, making my heart ache with longing and regret intertwined. I never thought it was possible to feel both things at the same time.

Regret tasted bitter. Despite every promise to resist him, I'd surrendered—let him claim my virginity like it was nothing more than another conquest. He'd marked me, owned me, torn screams from my throat until it was raw. And why? Because my treacherous omega nature craved his dominance like air.

And goddammit, my body wanted more. It wanted pups, a family, a life bound to another person. A life I didn't want. Not yet. Probably not ever.

My fingers tightened around the pen in my hand, knuckles turning white under the strain. Fuck! Why couldn't I control this? Why did my body betray me constantly, forcing me down paths I never chose?

Kessia placed a comforting hand over mine then, squeezing gently. I could always count on her to give me comfort. I glanced at her gratefully, appreciating the silent support. She always knew when I needed it most.

"Are you okay?"She whispered softly, leaning close enough for only me to hear.

I shrugged, unwilling to voice my inner struggles out loud. She was helping me, yes, but there was only so much she could do.

Plus, now wasn't a good time. Besides, what could I possibly say? 'Sorry, Kes, but I went and got claimed by some cartel alpha without meaning to?' Yeah, that wasn't going to happen anytime soon, no matter how accurate it was.

Her sigh spoke volumes, expressing both understanding and exasperation. Typical Kessia.

"I'm fine,"I murmured, offering her a weak smile."Really."

She raised an eyebrow doubtfully but refrained from pushing further. For now, anyway. Knowing her, she'd grill me later once we were alone. And I'd tell her everything then, because she deserved honesty above all else.

Later, as twilight blanketed the world outside, I found myself walking the familiar path leading back to Nightshade territory, heart pounding in my chest like a drumbeat echoing through the still forest. This was crazy. Stupid. Dangerous. Everything I shouldn't be doing, especially after swearing to stay away from Marco and his dangerous 'lifestyle'. But here I was, unable to resist the pull drawing me back to him, regardless of consequences, and I hated myself for being like that.

The cabin loomed ahead eventually, dark and ominous against the moonlit backdrop. I didn't feel like that when I was here the first time.

No lights shone from within, no signs of life stirring anywhere nearby. Yet, something felt... off. Tension hung heavy in the air, palpable and thick, raising the hairs on the back of my neck. Shit, I shouldn't have come here alone. What was I thinking? Definitely not something good.

Before I could turn tail and run, a sudden burst of noise erupted from behind the cabin—shouting voices, clashing metal, gunshots echoing sharply through the night. Double shit! I froze instinctively, panic surging through my veins as adrenaline flooded my system. What the hell was happening? Should I hide? Run? Do something, anything, before getting caught in the crossfire? I had no idea.

Indecision paralyzed me momentarily, fear rooting me to the spot while chaos unfolded mere yards away. Then, a bloodcurdling scream tore through the air, sending ice-cold dread washing over me. That was a woman's cry. A terrified, agonized plea for help that pierced straight into my soul, shaking me free from inertia. I had to do something and fast. Otherwise, I wouldn't forgive myself.

Without thinking twice, I darted forward, drawn towards the desperate sound despite knowing better. Rounding the corner of the cabin, I stumbled upon a gruesome sight—two men wrestling on the ground, knives glinting wickedly beneath the moonlight, faces contorted in brutal determination. Another man lay crumpled nearby, unmoving and bleeding profusely from multiple wounds. And then there was the source of the cries, a young woman cowering behind a tree, terror etched plainly across her features.

What was she doing here? Pointless question, I immediately thought to myself. It didn't matter. She needed to be saved.

Everything happened too fast. One moment I was staring wide-eyed at the violence unfolding before me; the next, something hard connected with the side of my head, sending stars exploding behind my eyelids. Pain exploded through my skull, followed swiftly by darkness claiming me completely.

When consciousness returned gradually, groaning escaped my lips involuntarily, agony radiating from various points throughout my body. My head throbbed miserably, nausea churning in my stomach as I blinked my bleary eyes open. The world spun dizzily around me, colors blurring together into a chaotic mess.

As awareness seeped back into my foggy mind, the first thing registering clearly was the warmth surrounding me, cocooning me tightly amidst softness. Not my bed or any familiar surroundings, but something else entirely. Something big, strong, solid... alive. Something I thought I wasn't going to see again so soon.

My heart pounded in my chest suddenly, fear surging through me anew as memories rushed back—the screams, the fight, the blow to my head...

Then, a voice rumbled low beside my ear, sending shivers down my spine despite my predicament."Lucas?"Strong arms tightened around me briefly, squeezing gently before releasing slightly. Relief washed over me instantly, recognition calming my frayed nerves.

Marco.

He was here. With me. Holding me close, protecting me. How did he find me? Stupid question again, I thought. It was easy for him to find me.

"Wh-what are you doing here?"I croaked weakly, turning my face towards him. His dark gaze met mine, relief shining bright before quickly morphing into annoyance. Fake annoyance, if I knew him well enough already. Which, apparently, I did since I recognized it so easily.

"I should ask you the same,"he grunted, shifting us slightly until we sat upright instead of leaning against each other. Distance opened between our bodies, yet his heat still enveloped me, making it impossible to ignore his nearness. Or how good he smelled. Or how safe he made me feel just by being present.

I sighed internally, knowing I couldn't avoid explaining myself this time. Lying would only make things worse. Besides, maybe if I told him everything, he'd understand why I came back. Why I couldn't stay away, no matter how much I tried.

"My heat..."I started, trailing off helplessly. God, this was harder than expected. How did people talk about their emotions anyway? Especially when those emotions involved alphas claiming them against their will-

Or rather, not exactly 'against their will,' because honestly, who was I kidding? I wanted him. Wanted what he offered me. Still did, no matter how much I tried convincing myself otherwise. There was no point in lying to myself. There never was.

His brow furrowed, confusion clear in those stormy irises."Your heat?"He echoed slowly, comprehension dawning gradually."You mean..."

I nodded miserably, looking away ashamedly."Yeah. It's not gone yet. Not fully. I guess... I guess part of me hoped coming here might help."Help how, exactly? I didn't know anymore. Maybe help me forget? Maybe help me remember? Either way, it wasn't working out like planned.

Silence stretched between us then, heavy and awkward. Eventually, he broke it, sighing deeply."Lucas..."He began softly, only to pause, seemingly searching for words. Words I doubted he found often.

In that moment, one of the men fighting with the knives killed the other. He waved his hand to us before disappearing into the forest. Marco waved back.

It turned out that he was one of Marco's men.

"What?"I prompted finally, needing to hear whatever he had to say and coming back to our talk. No use delaying the inevitable, right?

"It's dangerous here,"he stated firmly, gesturing vaguely around us."Especially for omegas. You shouldn't have come alone."

I rolled my eyes, unable to resist rolling my shoulders in a half-shrug."Like I had a choice,"I muttered under my breath."Not like anyone else could've helped me."

He stiffened noticeably, surprise flashing across his face momentarily before anger darkened those expressive features."What do you mean?"

Oops. Apparently, I said more than intended. Time to backpedal quickly before causing unnecessary drama."Nothing,"I hurried to assure him, waving dismissively."Just... Kessia doesn't really get it. Not like you do."

Of course she didn't. She couldn't. She was just my friend.

He searched my expression intently, probably trying to gauge whether I spoke truthfully or not. After a while, he seemed satisfied, nodding once sharply."Good,"he grunted gruffly, turning away abruptly."Now let's go before someone else decides to take advantage of your stupidity."

Stupidity? Really? That was harsh. But considering my recent actions, maybe he wasn't wrong after all.