Chapter 0276

She gives a slow nod. “Alexander ordered him to remain within my line of sight. He has complied.”

I notice several pack members pausing to watch him. Lucas pays them no mind, as if existing in his own private universe. His motions are fluid and exact, likely executing combat drills perfected over many years.

“I don’t trust him.”

“You don’t trust anyone.” A faint smirk touches her lips as she drinks from her water bottle. “But I understand. There’s something off about him. His demeanor, the things he says. How could anyone know the things he claims to know?”

“They can’t. It’s usually gathered from surveillance or paid informants.”

“Hmm.”

“You suspect something more.”

“I don’t know what to believe.” She worries her lower lip between her teeth. “Alexander wouldn’t have left him here if he sensed a threat.”

“Maybe this is another one of his tests.”

Her wide blue eyes shift to me, nodding slowly. From what I’d gathered, Alexander did enjoy testing people, often in unconventional ways. It also likely means Athena isn’t the only one keeping tabs on this lunatic as he battles invisible opponents.

I assume he tested me at some point too. But I’m still here, chosen as Beta. I must have passed.

Lucas begins moving toward us.

Athena observes him with keen interest as he retrieves a towel and wipes the sweat from his skin.

“You train… differently.” She comments.

“Training is training.” He arches a brow, his gaze flicking toward me. “Not everyone requires a sparring partner to gauge their strength. And I certainly don’t need to pummel a bag to feel accomplished.”

His arrogance was truly something else. I was more than ready to introduce my fist to his face.

“No, you just take the coward’s way out and shove a gun in their face.”

He smirks, a dark glint in his eyes. “You have no idea what you’re talking about, Rogue.”

I rise with a low growl. “Call me a Rogue one more time!”

His smirk widens into a full grin. A deep laugh rumbles from his chest as he turns away.

“Arrogant bastard!” I snarl.

The asshole halts, keeping his back to me. He cants his head slightly over his shoulder, not fully looking back, but enough to convey a clear challenge.

Athena grips my ankle firmly. “ENOUGH!”

It was a command. One I couldn’t refuse. If I weren't so furious, I’d be impressed by her authority.

“I’m not a Rogue, Athena. I swear on my life, I never want to return to that existence.”

“I know.”

“Then let me rearrange his face.”

“No.”

“Do you actually believe the nonsense he spews?”

“I didn’t say that.” She murmurs, frowning.

I wasn’t sure how to respond. Was it mere curiosity driving her? Or did he also want Seraphina dead? Either way, I decide to stay by her side until Alexander returns.

The guy trains with unnerving intensity. His speed is remarkable, his movements flawless, superior to anything I’ve witnessed within this pack.

I spot Alexander returning with the twins and Lottie. She’s skipping beside him, clutching that bear from the hotel, when she freezes, staring at Lucas. I watch her small arm wrap around Alexander’s leg as she hides behind him.

When I look back at Lucas, he has also stopped and is staring intently at my little girl. I rush over, and Lottie practically scrambles up into my arms. She loops her arms around my neck, burying her face against my shoulder.

She isn’t crying or visibly terrified, but her heart hammers wildly against her small chest. “Who is he, Daddy?” she whispers.

“Don’t worry about him.”

I start moving toward the house to get her inside, only to find Lucas closing the distance between us.

“Charlotte?” He mutters.

I didn’t care how he knew her name. He wouldn’t lay a finger on her. “Stay away from my daughter!” I growl, shielding her.

“Your daughter?”

“Yes. Now back the hell off.”

“She’s not yours. She’s mine.”