CHAPTER 61: OFFERED TO HELP

Ronan had lost his appetite the moment he found out Leia was with Lucien. It wasn’t like it hadn’t crossed his mind before, it was supposed to happen from the beginning. But now, jealousy crept in, tightening around his chest like a vice. And with it came something worse was worry.

"Why did Leia agree to help him?" Ronan murmured to himself, pacing the length of his room. "If I go there and bring her back, it would be seen as defying the Alpha." He ran a hand through his hair in frustration. "But for Leia... I’d do it anyway."

He didn’t know what was right anymore, what he should do, what he could do. The uncertainty gnawed at him, leaving him restless.

Suddenly, his phone rang. For a moment, his heart surged with hope that it was from Leia.

But the screen showed a different name.

"Yes, Kieran?" he answered.

"Leia isn’t picking up," Kieran said, clearly agitated. "Is she with you? Hand her the phone. I need to talk to her."

"She’s not with me," Ronan replied quietly, guilt and unease lacing his words.

There was a pause on the line. "Huh? Then where is she?" Kieran’s voice rose, panic setting in as he turned sharply on his heel, abandoning the balcony.

Ronan hesitated, then said, "She’s with Lucien."

Kieran burst out, "What? How? When did that happen?"

"Apparently, Leia called him and offered to help with his rut," Ronan said, his eyes fixed on the floor.

There was a pause on the other end. "Oh..." Kieran muttered, clearly caught off guard. "But she shouldn’t have done that. It’s dangerous, even if it’s Lucien. I’m going to the cottage to check on her."

"Don’t go," Ronan said firmly. "Lucien might take it the wrong way. And honestly... I don’t think he’d ever force her into anything. From the beginning, he was very clear about Leia."

Kieran didn’t respond right away, but Ronan could hear his heavy breathing.

"Let’s just trust him," Ronan continued. "I spoke to Lucien a little while ago. He didn’t sound out of control. Leia’s pheromones have calmed him. He said his rut has eased. Everything seemed fine."

Kieran sighed. "Still... it doesn’t sit right with me. She shouldn’t have to go through that alone."

"I know," Ronan said, his voice softer now. "But Leia made the choice. She knew what she was walking into. And if it were anyone else, I’d be worried. Lucien... he’s not careless when it comes to her."

"Hmm. Grandma was adamant of sending Leia to Lucien. Somehow, I controlled the situation," Kieran stated.

"I see. I’ll hang up now," Ronan said.

"Sure. Goodnight," Kieran murmured and the call disconnected.

~~~~~

Leia washed the dishes in silence, the warm water and rhythmic motion briefly soothing her nerves. Lucien remained seated on the counter chair behind her, watching but saying nothing.

When she finally turned off the tap and dried her hands with the towel, she found him standing right in front of her.

"What do you need now?" she asked with a hint of exasperation.

Before she could step back, Lucien moved swiftly, scooping her up from behind, his arms wrapping around her with sudden warmth.

Leia gasped, startled. "Put me down!" she protested, her hands pushing lightly against his chest.

"No," Lucien murmured with a shake of his head, unbothered by her resistance. His grip was firm but careful, as if carrying something precious.

"Lucien, I’m serious—"

But he was already heading toward the stairs, carrying her effortlessly despite her protests, a smug expression tugging at the corners of his lips.

Leia stopped struggling, a soft sigh escaping her lips as she reluctantly gave in. Wrapping her arms tightly around his neck, she held onto him in silence.

When they reached the room, Lucien gently placed her down on the bed with care.

"I’ll sleep on the couch," Leia said, already shifting to sit up.

"Just sleep on the bed," Lucien murmured, reaching to bring her legs up onto the mattress. "I won’t do anything bad. I may just... hug you to sleep."

He sat beside her for a moment, his hand brushing the duvet before he pulled it over her, tucking her in gently. Then, without another word, he switched off the lights and slid in beside her, the space between them comfortably warm.

Turning his head, he gazed at her in the quiet darkness. "What are your two wishes?" he asked, his voice low and steady.

Leia turned as well, her eyes meeting his in the dimness. There was no hesitation in her voice as she spoke.

"My first wish is that you ensure a public punishment is given to those who speak ill of Ronan," she said firmly. "Anyone who dares to call him cursed or a jinx... they must be punished severely and there shouldn’t be any mercy for such people."

Lucien blinked, momentarily taken aback by her words. Of all the things she could’ve asked for, this wasn’t what he expected.

"I didn’t think you’d use your wish for one of my brothers," he admitted. "Especially not Ronan. I thought you two didn’t get along. But it seems... you’ve grown closer to him over the past few days."

Leia nodded gently. "Yes, I have. He’s become a good friend of mine."

She paused, her gaze softening. "I heard how badly he was treated by everyone, especially your father."

Lucien let out a slow breath. "If he shared that with you, then I’d say he’s placed a lot of trust in you."

"Absolutely," Leia said without hesitation. "And as his elder brother, and the Alpha of this pack, you should be the one to end his misery."

Her voice grew firmer. "He says people’s opinions don’t affect him, but they do."

Lucien was silent for a moment, admiring her for being such a kind soul.

"Leia, you’ve a way to attract me towards you. I’ll grant this wish of yours. However, it would be good if you ask something for yourself too," Lucien stated.