CHAPTER 89: MY RESTRAINT FOR INTEREST

"I’m counting on you, then," Leia said softly, her eyes fixed ahead on the road. "If I lose control during my heat... you have to make sure Lucien stays away from me."

Kieran’s hands tightened slightly around the steering wheel. "What?" he said, chuckling. "You think Lucien’s the only one who’d take advantage of you in that state?"

Leia turned to look at him, surprised by his reaction.

"What about Ronan?" Kieran continued. "You think he’d just sit by and watch? Or anyone else for that matter?"

Leia’s expression shifted, uncertainty flickering in her eyes.

Kieran exhaled through his nose, trying to rein in the frustration. "You’re not just some ordinary she-wolf, Leia. You’re pure-blooded. Do you really think it’ll be that easy to control what happens around you when your scent shifts? You need to be careful, even around me."

"So, you’re saying the three of you won’t resist me?" Leia asked, turning her head sharply to face him.

Kieran kept his gaze on the road, his jaw tightening for a moment before he replied calmly, "We would never do anything against your will. But I’m asking you to be prepared because sometimes, things don’t go the way we plan, especially during heat. Still..." His voice lowered, softer now. "You can trust me. I desire your heart more than your body."

Leia’s expression slowly softened, her sharp edges melting into something more vulnerable. "Give me time, Kieran," she whispered. "I know how sincere you are about your feelings."

She fidgeted with her fingers, struggling to find the right words. "I’m sorry... for keeping you in limbo all this time. I’m still trying to figure out what I feel for you, how to even define it."

"I understand," Kieran said gently.

"Thank you," Leia whispered, turning her gaze out of the window, lost in thought.

Soon, they reached home. As they stepped out of the car and entered the mansion, raised voices echoed through the hall.

Both of them stopped in their tracks upon seeing Ronan standing near the main room, a document clenched tightly in his hand as he berated several subordinates.

But the moment Ronan noticed Kieran and Leia, he held back and quickly dismissed the others. "We’ll discuss this tomorrow," he said coldly.

The five warriors gave a respectful bow and exited swiftly.

"What was that about?" Kieran asked, stepping forward.

Ronan exhaled through his nose, still visibly tense. "The battle technique I developed, it’s being used by another pack. Someone within our own ranks leaked it. We’ve been betrayed."

"What?" Kieran’s eyes widened as he finally grasped the gravity behind Ronan’s frustration. "How did you find out?"

"Draken informed me," Ronan answered curtly, his voice laced with restrained anger. Without another word, he turned and strode toward his room, clearly unwilling to continue the conversation.

Leia watched him go, concern etched across her face. "If someone leaked something as crucial as his battle technique... doesn’t that mean they could’ve already passed on other sensitive information to the enemy pack?"

Kieran’s gaze darkened. "You’re right. It’s a serious threat."

Leia crossed her arms, her voice steady. "We need to inform Lucien. This is a matter of grave concern."

"We will, once he returns," Kieran replied calmly. "Disturbing him right now wouldn’t be a wise decision. And besides..." he glanced toward the hallway where Ronan had disappeared, "Ronan knows how to deal with situations like this. He won’t stop until he finds the traitor."

Leia nodded, the unease still lingering in her chest. But for now, she chose to wait, and trust Ronan to act swiftly.

~~~~

Lucien and Caleb had just finished their dinner in the palace dining hall. The meal had been quiet, with the usual ease between them, and later, they stepped out into the cool night air for a stroll.

They walked side by side along the lamps-lit corridor of the inner garden, speaking in low tones about the day’s events.

But their conversation came to a sudden halt when a familiar figure appeared ahead of them, Cesar’s sister, Princess Angelica, walking toward them with her usual flair. Her outfit shimmered under the soft light.

"I should leave," Caleb murmured under his breath, leaning closer to Lucien.

"Stay here," Lucien replied sharply, giving him a firm look.

Caleb sighed inwardly and gave a small nod, though his discomfort was evident.

The princess finally reached them. Lucien and Caleb both bowed respectfully in unison.

Angelica extended her hand toward Lucien with a confident smile. He looked at it briefly before lifting his gaze.

"That would be inappropriate, Princess," he said calmly.

"Oh, come on!" she said in an undeterred tone. She reached forward, took his hand herself, and gave it a firm shake.

"Caleb, you should leave us alone," Angelica added, casting a quick glance at the man beside Lucien. "I have something to discuss with your Alpha, privately."

Caleb hesitated but gave a slight bow and quietly walked away.

Lucien slowly withdrew his hand and slid it into the pocket of his trousers.

"What is it that you want to talk about?" he asked, his tone reverting to its usual cold and informal one.

Angelica stepped closer, placing a perfectly manicured hand on his shoulder. "I think we look great together," she said. "We should consider moving forward with our sacred bond."

Her bright red lips parted in a dazzling smile.

Lucien let out a dry, humorless laugh. "What sacred bond are you talking about, Angelica?"

He gently took her hand from his shoulder and lowered it, then stepped back, putting a firm distance between them.

"I think it’s time I make things clear," he said. "I’ve already found my mate, and she will be my Luna."

Angelica’s smile faltered, but Lucien continued.

"I’ve tolerated your advances out of respect for your father and your brother. That ends now. Don’t mistake my restraint for interest."

He narrowed his eyes slightly. "I detest being clung to, especially by women who try to force themselves where they don’t belong."

Angelica’s face stiffened, hearing his sharp words.

"I hope you understand, Princess. I won’t be repeating myself."