Be Strong

Amelia’s POV

The door clicked shut, and I immediately let out a breath I didn’t even realize I was holding. Relief washed over me like a cool breeze, though my heart still raced in my chest. The look in Lucas’s eyes before he left—the heat, the hunger—it sent shivers down my spine, and I wasn’t sure whether it was from fear or something else entirely.

I wrapped the towel tighter around me, and I look at the bundle in my hand, I mentally cursed myself for forgetting to take them into the bathroom. Idiot, I scolded myself. Now, I’d basically paraded half-naked in front of him. I could still feel the weight of his gaze on me, the way his eyes had lingered just a little too long.

Snow, my wolf, stirred lazily in my mind, clearly amused. “He couldn’t take his eyes off you. And you noticed it too.”

“Shut up,” I muttered back, feeling the blush rise on my cheeks as I grabbed my underwear from the drawer. Snow’s teasing was the last thing I needed right now.” It’s a contract marriage, nothing more. We’re just... keeping up appearances.”

“Appearances, right. You should’ve seen the way he looked at you. If you weren’t wrapped in that towel...

“Snow!” I cut her off sharply, trying to ignore the small goosebumps that crept up my arms at the memory of Lucas’s intense gaze. This isn’t about that, and you know it. “We’re doing this for his title, for the pack’s sake. That’s it.”

“Sure,” Snow hummed, though I could feel her amusement radiating through our bond. “Keep telling yourself that, Amelia.”

I groaned inwardly, determined to ignore her. This was ridiculous. Lucas and I had an agreement, nothing more. There was no room for... whatever that was in his eyes. I needed to focus on surviving this arrangement, not get caught up in things I wasn’t ready for. Shaking my head, I made a mental note to always be fully dressed when Lucas was around. No more forgetting things before I go to the bathroom.

As I stood there, still lost in my thoughts, my phone buzzed from where it lay on the dresser. I reached for it, seeing Ivy’s name flash across the screen.

I swiped to answer. “Ivy.”

“Hey! I was just checking in. How’s the royal life treating you?” Her voice was light and playful, as always, but there was genuine concern beneath the teasing.

“It’s... a lot to get used to,” I admitted, letting out a small sigh. “But the trip wasn’t bad. I’m settling in now.”

“And? Are you really living in some fancy castle?” I could almost hear the smirk in her voice. “How’s your new Alpha husband?”

I rolled my eyes, though a small smile tugged at my lips. “It’s not like that, Ivy. We’re just... keeping up appearances. You know that and, he’s not my Husband, we’re not married yet.”

“Uh-huh. And how does that explain you sharing a room with him?” Ivy’s tone was filled with mischief, and my heart skipped a beat.

I groaned. “How did you know?”

“You’re sharing a room?!” Ivy squealed with laughter. “Oh, that is hilarious. So, what, are you guys pretending to be a happy couple? Any, um... passionate nights yet?”

“Ivy, stop!” I blurted out, my face growing hot. She’s as bad, as Snow. “That’s not happening, and you know it.”

“Really? Are you sure? You’re living in the same room, Amelia. Alone. I mean, eventually...” she trailed off, clearly enjoying herself.

I was practically dying of embarrassment now. “Ivy, nothing’s going to happen. We’re just sharing a room because... because it makes sense to keep up the pretense.” I explain, trying to convince her and possibly myself.

“Oh, sure,” Ivy teased. “Spend one night with Lucas, and maybe you’ll change your mind. Oh wait, you did spend the night with him remember?

“That was different,” I protested, the memory of that night flashing through my mind—how close he’d been, how his touch had sent shockwaves through me. I shook my head, trying to focus. “This is different. We’re not... like that.”

“If you say so.” Ivy’s voice was smug, but thankfully she didn’t push it any further. “Alright, alright. I’ll give you a break. But seriously, Amelia, I’m happy you’re settling in. How’s it been with the pack? Everything good?”

I was grateful for the change in subject. “It’s been... overwhelming, but not bad. There’s a lot of pressure here. The council, Lucas’s mother... It’s all politics, Ivy. I’m just trying to find my footing.”

Ivy hummed softly in understanding. “That’s gotta be tough. What about Ethan? Heard anything from him?”

My chest tightened slightly at the mention of Ethan’s name. “No... I haven’t spoken to him. Why?” I ask curious, hoping he for something. I don’t know.

“He’s been busy,” Ivy replied, her tone shifting slightly. “Ever since he became Alpha, he’s been making a few changes.”

“What kind of changes?” I asks a bit disappointed.

“Nothing too drastic, just... you know Ethan. He’s all about control, making sure everything’s perfect. He’s been more involved with the council, working to solidify his position. A lot of pack members are noticing.”

I nodded, though Ivy couldn’t see me. Of course, Ethan was taking charge. It was what he did best. Even though I’d tried to move past him, hearing about his rise to power still tugged at something deep inside me.

“You’re okay, right?” Ivy asked gently, sensing my silence.

“Yeah,” I whispered, though I wasn’t entirely sure if I was being honest. “I’m fine. Just... a lot to take in.”

“Amelia,” Ivy’s voice softened, “you don’t have to pretend with me. I know this is hard, especially with everything that’s happened. But you’re strong. You’re going to get through this.”

I smiled despite myself. Ivy always knew how to say the right thing, even when I didn’t want to hear it. “Thanks, Ivy. I’ll be okay. I just need some time.”

“I’m here whenever you need me,” she replied, her tone warm. “And if you ever need to vent about Lucas... well, you know where to find me.”

“Don’t worry, I’ll take you up on that,” I said with a chuckle. “Thanks for calling.”

“Anytime, girl. Take care of yourself, okay? And maybe... take care of Lucas too,” she teased, her tone mischievous again.

I groaned. “Goodbye, Ivy.”

I hung up the phone and sighed, leaning back against the dresser. The conversation had stirred a lot of emotions, ones I wasn’t ready to deal with. Ethan, Lucas, the council—it all felt like too much.

But one thing was certain. I was in this now, whether I liked it or not. And I had to be strong.