Leia paused by the couch and offered Angelica a respectful nod.
"I heard you lived among humans before ending up in an auction house," Angelica said, her tone edged with superiority. She took a seat with a flourish, her eyes drifting to the bandage wrapped around Leia’s leg. "How did you get injured?"
"That’s none of your concern," Lucien cut in, already feeling agitated.
Angelica shot him a sharp look. "I brought dicine for Leia. At least allow the decency to ask. Don’t be so rude."
Before Lucien could retort, Leia calmly answered, "A wolf attacked ." She sat down in the sofa chair, folding her hands neatly in her lap.
Angelica’s gaze lingered on her. "Lucien told you’re his mate. Yet, I don’t see the mark. Has he not branded you?" Her voice dripped with skepticism. "Are you sure a cold-hearted man like him is truly your mate?"
Lucien rolled his eyes, ready to defend himself, but Leia spoke first.
"That’s because I haven’t allowed it yet, Princess," Leia replied. "I believe we should take ti to understand each other first. And in the past month, I’ve co to see sides of Lucien many don’t. He may appear cold, but that’s only toward those he doesn’t care for. Everyone in the pack knows how deeply loyal and warm-hearted he is."
Her words struck deep.
’He’s shown her a warmth he never once showed ... and I’m the princess.’ Angelica’s jaw tightened as bitterness filled within her. ’What does this oga have that I don’t?’
Lucien took a step forward and said to Angelica, "You should head back before it gets dark. The forest isn’t safe after sunset, and I’d rather you not risk your return. It’s best you leave now."
He gestured toward the doors, asking her to leave.
"I thought you would at least show an ounce of respect, Lucien," Angelica seethed as she rose to her feet, her eyes blazing with fury. "Sooner or later, I’ll show you your rightful place."
Leia swallowed hard, stealing a glance at Lucien. ’He could’ve at least asked her to stay the night... What if the King finds out and takes offense?’
But Lucien remained unmoved, a dry chuckle slipping from his lips. "I’m afraid, Angelica, you’re hardly capable of putting in my place," he said. "You ca here uninvited and created a stir. I’ve never granted anyone the right to question Leia about our relationship, not even a princess. So if you insist on being here, at least act like one."
He knew exactly what he was doing if he didn’t draw a line now, Angelica would only beco more intrusive.
"I’ll escort you out," he added, stepping past Leia.
Angelica stord ahead, her heels echoing sharply as she marched toward the car parked outside. Just as she reached it, she halted and turned sharply.
"Don’t force to have you imprisoned in the palace. I hold enough influence to stand before the Alpha King and have that wish granted," she threatened coldly.
Lucien didn’t even glance back. "Try it," he said without breaking stride, already ascending the steps back into the mansion.
Angelica’s lips parted to fire back, but he had vanished inside.
’One day, Lucien,’ she thought, her nails digging into her palms. ’One day, you’ll kneel before .’
~~~~~
Leia was already on her feet, anxiously waiting for Lucien’s return. As soon as she saw him step inside, she approached him with concern etched across her face.
"Why did you have to speak to the Princess like that?" she asked. "What if she takes offense and complains to the Alpha King?"
Lucien stopped in front of her with an unbothered look. "The Alpha King favors more than his own daughter," he replied. "He knows her nature, what she truly wants, and he trusts my judgnt. He won’t be surprised by what happened tonight."
A faint smirk tugged at the corner of his lips as his eyes lingered on her. "But I didn’t expect you to say such warm words about in front of her."
Leia blinked, surprised by his shift in tone.
Lucien’s voice dropped a note, his gaze softening. "You spoke with conviction... like soone who sees more in than just a cold-hearted man."
"You wanted to help you, that’s why I said those things," Leia replied. "What I said was true. The pack holds you in high regard, and you are warm toward them... You just don’t show it easily."
Without waiting for a response, she turned to head upstairs. But before she could take another step, Lucien caught her wrist.
She froze at her position.
In the next breath, she felt the firm press of his chest against her back, his warmth enveloping her as his breath brushed against the curve of her neck.
"Then tell ... when are you going to let mark you?"
Leia’s heartbeat quickened.
"Why are you so eager to mark ?" she whispered, not turning around.
She stilled as Lucien’s fingers brushed gently against her neck, sweeping her hair to one side with deliberate care.
"What are you doing?" Leia asked softly, her head tilting slightly in response to his touch.
"Finding the right spot to mark you," he murmured, his fingertips tracing the delicate curve of her nape. His touch was light, but almost possessive.
"If you bear my mark, Leia," Lucien continued, "no one will dare lay a hand on you. They’ll know you’re mine. That I’ve claid you. That you belong to Lucien Calandrino. My na is enough to make them shiver in fear. I can’t bear to see you getting hurt."
His chin rested on her shoulder as he narrowed hid eyes, looking at her serene beautiful face.
"A mark is like a marriage for wolves, isn’t it?" Leia asked to confirm.
"Yes," Lucien admitted. "Are you scared to be mine? I wonder how to sway your heart? I know what’s stopping you from opening your heart. But you need a protection too," Lucien proclaid.
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