Chapter 8

Lucas

Days blurred together, merging seamlessly into nights, each passing similar to the last—waking up beside Marco, sharing breakfast, discussing business or college, fighting against exhaustion during late-night talks. Our days fell into an easy rhythm, predictable yet comforting, familiar yet exciting.

Weeks ago, if someone told me I'd be here now, living under the same roof as Marco Rossi, learning his routines, adapting to his life, I'd laugh openly. Yet reality proved otherwise. Here I stood, fully immersed in his world, navigating it effortlessly alongside him. How did we arrive at this point? I almost didn't know how it happened.

It began with a single night, a moment I didn't think would happen. A connection forged in heat, fueled by desperation, sealed with blood. Then came the aftermath—confusion, regret, uncertainty. Followed closely by acceptance, understanding, and resolve. I knew I didn't want anything else.

Now, we were something... new. Different. Together. Not officially labeled, but implicitly understood. We hadn't spoken aloud about labels or commitments, but actions spoke volumes. Every touch, glance, and smile conveyed volumes unsaid.

Sometimes, I caught myself wondering how things could progress naturally between two people so vastly different. Me, young, inexperienced, naive almost; him, older, dominant, dangerous too. On paper, compatibility seemed unlikely, impossible even. Yet reality painted another picture altogether.

Being with Marco taught me many lessons—strength, courage, resilience. Being strong meant facing fears head-on, accepting my weak points, and embracing weakness sometimes. Courage wasn't merely about bravery displayed physically; rather, it stemmed from emotional fortitude, mental toughness, and inner power. Resilience required bending without breaking, bouncing back after falling, and enduring hardships gracefully.

But most importantly, he showed me love's true essence—fierce, protective, all-consuming. Love wasn't soft, gentle, delicate. Instead, it burned hotter than flames, fought stronger than warriors, and endured longer than lifetimes. Love was Marco Rossi in its purest form, and it was something I never thought I would think about him.

Laying there, listening to Marco's steady heartbeat beneath my ear, thoughts drifted inevitably toward Kessia. What must she think about all this? About our decision to try making this work despite the odds stacked against us?

She'd been shocked when I first told her about us, eyes widening comically behind glasses perched precariously on her nose. Shock quickly morphed into concern, worry lines creasing her forehead as she took in my determined expression. I understood why she had been surprised. I never thought it would turn out the way it did.

"Lucas..."she had started cautiously then,"Are you sure about this? Really sure?"

I nodded firmly, meeting her gaze."Yes. I am."

She sighed heavily then, running a hand through her short curls."Okay,"she had conceded softly."I trust your judgment. But promise me one thing: if it gets too much, if he hurts you, you'll tell me immediately. Deal?"

Deal. That was all she needed from me. Unconditional support, unwavering faith, complete acceptance. Because that's what friendship truly meant, right?

A few days later, they finally met face-to-face. Her reaction had been priceless—surprise morphing instantly into amusement before settling comfortably into respect. She'd expected some intimidating alpha brute based solely on reputation alone, not a man capable of genuine kindness, warmth, and consideration sometimes. Meeting him changed everything she believed beforehand, challenging preconceived notions, and shattering stereotypes.

"He's not at all what I imagined,"she confessed later, shaking her head slowly."He's actually... nice."The word sounded strange coming from her lips, still showing that she didn't fully believe what her eyes had seen.

Nice? Marco Rossi? I nearly laughed out loud hearing such an adjective applied to him. Nice was far from describing the complex individual he truly was. Yet, coming from Kes, it held weight. If anyone could see past facades easily, it was her. She possessed an uncanny ability to perceive truths hidden beneath layers of deception, deceit, or defense mechanisms.

And she accepted him, accepted us. Despite initial reservations, doubts, and worries, she stood steadfastly by my side, offering unyielding support. For that alone, I owed her more than words could express. I owed her so much.

A few days later, stepping inside the grand foyer of my childhood home, I felt the familiar chill seeping into my bones, reminding me vividly of countless memories shared within these walls.

Memories filled with laughter, joy, happiness... and also tension, disappointment, and expectations left unmet. Today though, I carried something new, something unexpected—hope mingling with nerves, excitement bubbling under apprehension. I was feeling so many things at the same time.

"Mom?"I called out, setting my bag down gently on the polished marble floor."Dad? I'm home!"

Footsteps echoed shortly afterward, signaling their approach. As they appeared around the corner, faces etched with surprise, I couldn't help grinning widely. Their reactions never ceased to entertain me.

"What a pleasant surprise!"Mom exclaimed, rushing forward to envelop me in a warm hug. Dad followed suit seconds later, clapping me on the shoulder. Despite the outward displays, I knew better than to believe their genuineness.

"I have news,"I announced, drawing their attention further."Something big, actually."

Their brows furrowed, curiosity piqued instantly."Oh?"Dad prompted, crossing his arms across his chest."Do tell."

Before I could begin explaining, another set of footsteps resonated behind me, growing louder until finally pausing beside me. We all turned towards the newcomer, surprise mirroring across our features as we took in the sight before us.

Marco stood tall and imposing, exuding confidence, dominance, and danger in equal measures. His dark eyes swept over the scene casually yet assessingly, taking in every detail, missing nothing. Jesus Christ, he looked even more formidable here than anywhere else.

"You must be Lucas' parents,"he stated smoothly, extending a hand towards Dad first, then Mom."Marco Rossi. A pleasure to meet you both."

They hesitated briefly before accepting his greeting stiffly, barely concealing the discomfort evident in their expressions. Yeah, they weren't exactly thrilled seeing him here. Not that I blamed them; after all, they hadn't known what hit them.

"Rossi,"Dad repeated thoughtfully, stroking his chin."Any relation to a certain cartel family?"

Direct as ever. Leave it to Dad to cut straight to the chase without mincing words. It was surprising he knew about the cartel family, but we both didn't say anything about that. Better to stay quiet for now. I had no idea how much my dad knew.

I stifled a sigh, knowing full well this wouldn't end well otherwise.

"The same,"Marco confirmed, unfazed by directness. Good. At least someone remained composed amidst escalating awkwardness.

Mom gasped audibly, horrified shock flashing across her features."Lucas!"She turned towards me accusingly."What on earth-"

"It's complicated,"I interrupted, holding up a hand defensively."But yes, he's the reason why I've been MIA lately. And no, he isn't just 'some guy'. He's... important to me."

She knew exactly what that meant. She knew that I thought he was my fated mate.

Silence stretched thick between us, heavy, uncomfortable. Tension hung palpable in the air, threatening to suffocate us all. Eventually, Dad broke it, clearing his throat gruffly.

"So,"he began, voice steadier than earlier,"you're together then. Seriously."

I nodded firmly, meeting their gazes."Yes. We are."

More silence ensued, this time heavy with disbelief, disapproval, and maybe even disgust. God, I hated putting them through this. Hated making things difficult when they only wanted the best for me. But I loved Marco too. Loved him fiercely, passionately, irrevocably. And I refused to compromise on that love any longer.

Finally, Mom spoke up, breaking the tense stand-off."Well,"she said softly, looking directly at Marco now,"we should get to know each other properly then. After all, Lucas seems quite fond of you."

Fond? More like deeply, hopelessly in love. But hey, baby steps, right?

Marco smiled widely, showing teeth gleaming white against tanned skin. Fuck, he looked gorgeous when smiling genuinely like that. No wonder people crumbled under his charm. Even my parents seemed taken aback momentarily before regaining composure.

"We'd appreciate that,"he replied graciously, bowing slightly at the waist. Charm offensive activated, clearly. Time would tell if it worked wonders or not.

Later, during the tense dinner that felt more like an interrogation than a familial gathering, Mom leaned in suddenly, whispering low into my ear.I already knew what she was going to say.

"We need to talk. Alone."Her gaze flicked pointedly towards Marco, who sat unperturbed, sipping wine leisurely while observing our exchange closely. Too closely.

Nodding reluctantly, I rose from my seat, following her lead as she guided me out of the dining room, away from prying ears. Dad joined us shortly afterward, closing the door securely behind himself once inside the study.

"Sit down,"Mom ordered, gesturing towards the plush armchairs arranged around the fireplace. I complied silently, sinking into the cushions. This wasn't going to be fun, I knew.

"What do you think you're doing?"Dad barked right away, pacing back and forth agitatedly."Running off with some criminal, throwing your life away for god knows what reason! What about your career?"

"Dad..."I started weakly, only to falter under his heated glare.

"No,"he snapped sharply, slicing a hand through the air."You don't get to speak until we're done here. Understood?"

Swallowing hard, I nodded miserably, settling deeper into my seat. Guess this was happening whether I liked it or not. It was always like this with my parents.

"You know who he is, right?"Mom chimed in softer yet no less firm."The kind of man involved in things way beyond your comprehension. He's dangerous, violent, and unpredictable..."

"I'm aware,"I interjected, earning another glare from Dad. Right, shut up mode engaged.

"And yet, you chose to involve yourself willingly,"she continued, shaking her head sadly."Why, Lucas? Why would you throw everything away for someone like him?"

Because I love him, I thought right away, but bit my tongue before speaking aloud. They wouldn't understand, not really. Not unless they experienced firsthand what being claimed by an alpha truly felt like. How could I explain something so profound, so life-altering, using mere words?

"He's not safe,"Dad added forcefully, stopping mid-pace to face me squarely."Not for you. Not ever."

"He's too old for you, Lucas!"Mom exclaimed, exasperation clear in her voice."Nearly twice your age! What could you possibly have in common?"

I rolled my eyes heavenward, sighing internally at their predictability. Here we go...

"But age isn't everything, Mom,"I argued logically, turning towards her pleadingly and ignoring the thought that I should stay quiet."It's about what we feel for each other-"

"Not when safety comes into play,"Dad cut in gruffly, crossing his arms."He's dangerous, son. Involved in things far beyond your innocent little college life."

Innocent? College? Really? Was that how they still saw me? As some naive child incapable of making decisions on my own?

Marco wasn't unsafe because of his age. He was dangerous due to his profession, lifestyle, and choices made throughout the years shaping him into the man he became today. Yet, he protected me fiercely and prioritized my well-being above all else. That meant more than any 'innocence' they believed I possessed.

"And what about our love for each other?"I challenged softly, meeting their gazes steadily."What role does that play in all this?"

They exchanged uncomfortable glances, clearly caught off guard by my question. Good. Let them squirm under scrutiny for once.

"What if I told you I loved him?"I pressed further, holding their gaze intently."That despite everything surrounding him, threatening us both, I still wanted to be with him. Would you accept that? Or continue fighting me on this?"

I opened my mouth to continue, only to close it again quickly upon seeing their determined expressions. Arguing now wouldn't change anything; they were set in their beliefs, convinced they knew better. Convincing them otherwise required time, patience, and understanding—things I didn't have right now.

Besides, there was another option. A choice I had made long ago without realizing it consciously.

Rising abruptly, I ignored their shocked gasps, marching straight past them toward the door. They called after me, voices heavy with concern, confusion, maybe even fear. Ignoring them entirely, I rushed back towards the dining room, finding Marco still seated calmly, awaiting my return.

As soon as I burst in, relief flashed across his features briefly before hardening into resolve. Seeing me rush towards him, he stood swiftly, opening his arms just in time to catch me as I launched myself into his embrace, burying my face against his chest.

"It's okay,"he murmured soothingly, wrapping strong arms tightly around me."Whatever they said, whatever they did... it doesn't matter. You're mine now. Always."

Tears threatened then, burning hot behind my eyelids. Emotion clogged my throat, preventing speech for now. All I could do was nod helplessly, clutching onto him.

"No matter what problems you think we have, we're going to deal with them,"he promised, pressing a kiss atop my head."No matter what happens next, remember: you are my priority. My topmost concern. My entire world."

And just like that, any lingering doubts evaporated, leaving nothing but conviction, determination, and unwavering faith. They couldn't stop me from loving him openly, fiercely, unapologetically. Because he was worth everything.