CHAPTER 66: CAN LEAD BESIDE ME

"I’m hungry," Leia murmured, gently pushing Lucien away with a soft hand against his chest. She turned toward the sink and rinsed her hands under cool water, trying to steady both her breath and her heart.

Lucien stepped back, silently watching her.

’How am I supposed to convince her... that being with me isn’t wrong?’ he wondered. With a sigh, he moved to the counter chair, letting her take the lead.

"How was your first day at work?" he asked, trying to shift the air between them.

Leia turned the flame under the pan to medium. "It was interesting. I got to learn a lot about the hierarchy, how ranks work." She stirred the contents gently before adding, "Lucien, I really think you should consider giving equal rights to everyone. It’s important."

Lucien leaned forward, resting his elbows on the counter. "Leia, we’re not humans."

She raised a brow and smiled. "So, what are we then, animals?"

He shook his head with a dry chuckle. "No. We’re somewhere in between. Even humans claim to believe in equality, but when you look closer... it’s the ones with power and money who truly rule."

Leia didn’t argue because he wasn’t wrong.

"But think about it," she continued, her voice softer now. "In most packs, omegas are looked down upon. They’re seen as weak or unworthy. Don’t you think that needs to change?"

Lucien watched her intently as she chopped vegetables.

"I’m an omega too," she said, not looking at him. "You treat me well, better than I ever expected. But that’s only because of who I am to you. If I had been born and raised in an ordinary pack, I would’ve probably been treated like dirt."

"What do you want? State clearly," Lucien stated.

"Uplift the omegas," Leia said firmly. "They deserve respect. They’re not just a servant class, they’re an essential part of this pack. I know a lot of Alpha families won’t be happy, but mistreating any living being just because of their rank... it’s wrong."

Lucien leaned back slightly. "Hmm. The sad truth is, even if you and I try to change things... most others won’t follow. Tradition runs deep, and it’s hard to break."

He paused before adding, "But once I return to work, I’ll ask for a full report on the current condition of omegas in our pack. I need to see the truth first, then I’ll decide what I can do."

Leia nodded slowly. "I’ll prepare that report for you."

Lucien studied her for a moment. "You became the pack coordinator, but you never got formal training. I think it’s time you did."

Leia arched a brow at him, a hint of a smile on her lips. "Are you offering to train me?"

"I could," he said with a smirk. "But I’ll be biased. I might end up spending more time staring at you than actually teaching because I see you as my Luna."

Leia rolled her eyes. "Ronan will train me. I’ve already asked him," she confided in him.

"That’s good. He is a great warrior," Lucien replied.

"I’m not your Luna. Stop calling me that. You should find a mate, who can actually love you," Leia stated, removing the lid as the chicken balls were ready. She switched off the flame and went to the other side to check the rice.

"I’m not just looking for love," Lucien said.

Leia felt his presence behind her, close enough to stir the air around her skin.

"I want a Luna with strength, not just in power, but in mindset. Someone who can lead beside me, challenge me, and still stand tall. You’re exactly like that and pure-blooded too. The pups we’d have... they’d strengthen the pack. That’s how I see you."

"I see. The rice will be done soon. Set the plates," she said.

After they finished dinner, Leia began gathering the dishes, but Lucien gently stopped her.

"The servants will handle that," he said, taking her wrist and pulling her out of the kitchen.

She followed reluctantly as they ascended the stairs.

"Why do you suddenly look so annoyed?" Leia asked, glancing at him from the corner of her eye.

"I’m not angry," Lucien muttered. "I’m just frustrated... that all I can do is hug you. And even that feels like stealing something that isn’t mine."

Leia sighed, brushing a hand through her hair. "You whine a lot for someone who’s constantly being helped."

His eyes flicked toward her sharply.

"Ronan and Kieran never complain like that," she added with a sneer. They reached the room when Leia pulled her hand back.

"Don’t leave in the morning without waking me up," Lucien said.

Leia hummed. "I thought you needed the rest. That’s why I didn’t wake you."

Lucien’s gaze softened. "Thank you... for being that thoughtful," he murmured.

Leia went into the washroom first, and Lucien waited in the room, absently scrolling through his thoughts, until his phone rang.

He picked it up.

"Yes, Kieran?"

"Leia didn’t answer her phone. Did she reach safely? I couldn’t go with her as I’ve had to keep an eye on Ronan," Kieran explained.

"Leia had arrived safely," Lucien replied. His brows drew together slightly. "Why is Ronan being watched? Why did Grandma summon him?"

"I don’t know," Kieran admitted. "But he didn’t look pleased. He left the house earlier and refused to tell me anything."

Lucien frowned, the grip on his phone tightening. "Did she say something to him again?"

"I’m not sure," Kieran said. "But if she did, I think it hit deeper this time. He’s... shutting down."

Lucien sat on the edge of the bed with concern.

"I’ll talk to him tomorrow."

"Please do," Kieran said. "He listens to you more than he does to me."

Lucien ended the call and stared at the phone screen for a moment. His grandmother’s unpredictable actions toward Ronan had left enough scars already, and she wasn’t stopping there.

"I didn’t want to take such a decision. But I think for the sake of my family, especially Ronan, I have to," Lucien mumbled.