The Alpha’s Rebellious Fiancee novel Chapter 18

Lyra (Seraphina)

The next morning, I woke up tangled in warmth that wasn’t mine. My eyes blinked open slowly—and then I froze.

Lucien’s arm was wrapped tightly around my waist, his chest pressed against my back, his breath soft and steady near my ear.

We were cuddling.

Nope.

I yelped and jumped off the bed like it had caught fire. Lucien stirred with a grunt, barely lifting his head.

“What the—?”

But I was already bolting into the bathroom, slamming the door behind me before he could say another word.

My heart pounded as the hot water hit my skin. Goddess, I whispered to myself, trying to scrub off the memory of his arm, the way my body had relaxed in his hold, how safe it had felt.

No. Not going there. Not with him.

***

Downstairs, I served myself breakfast in silence. The kitchen was quiet except for the soft clatter of plates and the boiling of tea.

Lucien walked in a minute later, fully dressed, hair still damp, eyes sharp and unreadable. He said nothing at first, just leaned against the counter, arms crossed as he watched me like I was some kind of puzzle he couldn’t figure out.

I ignored him completely. Poured my tea. Bit into my toast. Not one glance. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw his jaw tighten. But I didn’t care.

Or at least, I told myself that.

Later that day, we attended the pack council meeting in the main hall. It was a formal gathering—elders, warriors, and ranked wolves standing in a wide circle as plans were made for the upcoming succession ceremony.

Lucien stood on one side. I stood on the other.

But when our wolves were called forward—tradition demanded they stand side by side as a symbol of balance—I walked stiffly over, refusing to meet his eyes.

We stood shoulder to shoulder in silence. And then… it happened. His hand brushed mine. Barely. But it was enough. Time slowed.

My breath caught in my chest. The skin where his fingers grazed mine burned like fire.

Lucien went rigid beside me, and I heard it—his wolf. It growled low and deep inside him, rumbling through the bond like a warning. Or a plea.

I didn’t dare look at him. Didn’t dare move. But my heart raced, thudding in my ears like a war drum. The pull between us was back. Stronger. Unavoidable.

And worse—it felt real.

***

That evening, I was in the study going over border patrol reports when the door opened and slammed shut.