After She's Terminal The Alpha Regrets (Elaine and Lucas) novel Chapter 51

Chapter 51

Ayla’s grip on Lucas’ hand tightened as she stepped closer to the table. “There you are!”

Lucas sat frozen, eyes wide. He hadn’t invited Ayla to this. As far as he knew, she wouldn’t have even known where to go fu get here. Yet she was here. He glanced briefly across the table, to where Volk was watching him.

Then to Elaine.

Elaine stood up, nodded her head to the side door of the event center. Lucas quickly stood as well.

“What are you doing here?” Lucas asked as he began to lead Ayla away from the main event. Elaine followed along behind them, hurrying out the door into the hallway. The voice of the speaker was cut off as soon as the doors closed behind them.

“What do you mean, what am I doing here? Last time you were alone with Elaine, you came back to the house so… sad. And stressed. And in your head!” Ayla stepped closer to her, placing a hand on his chest.

Lucas straightened.

“I couldn’t bear the thought of you coming back like that again. I had to make sure you were okay!”

“Ayla, that’s…thank you, but this really isn’t a good time.”

“Of course it is!” Ayla insisted.

Elaine stood back with her arms crossed, watching the display. This wasn’t anything new. Ayla had always been close with Lucas throughout their marriage. She looked the opposite way, arms crossed.

Though in her chest, she felt a certain tightness. A familiar feeling. She tried to ignore it. To ignore them.

“I could just sense your distress. I knew you needed help,” Ayla said.

“Seriously? You don’t think he can handle himself.” Elaine didn’t know why she was defending Lucas. But that clinging…it almost reminded her of how she was with Lucas, at the start. How she’d be there every moment. Anything he needed, she was at his arm. Even if he didn’t need anything.

Lucas’ expression softened, briefly. “I appreciate the sentiment, Ayla. But I don’t need help. And you shouldn’t have come.”

“But…through the mate bond. It was like you were calling for me, even if you didn’t know it.”

Burning pain flared up.

Elaine clutched at her chest.

That reminder was all that was needed. Lucas had marked her. Another woman. That day she’d walked in right as Lucas was placing that mark…

It only worsened. Elaine turned and left. Walked out at a brisk pace, away from the both of them. She needed to get out. To leave. Faintly, she heard Lucas call for her. But he didn’t follow. Not with Ayla there.