Bound by Tradition

Lucas’s POV

The way Amelia’s eyes widened, clutching the towel tightly around her body, was almost too good to resist. I knew I probably shouldn’t be enjoying this, but something about her vulnerability made me want to tease her. It wasn’t just amusement though—there was a deep-rooted attraction pulling me closer to her.

Titan stirred within me, sensing the same thing. She’s ours, Lucas, he rumbled, his voice a low growl. You need to claim her fully.

Not yet, I reminded him. We’re not rushing this.

Amelia was still staring at me, clearly mortified. “Lucas,” she stammered, her cheeks flushed. “You can’t just walk in like that!”

I raised an eyebrow, suppressing the smirk that wanted to creep back onto my face. “This is my room too, Amelia. You’ll have to get used to it.”

Her lips parted slightly in shock, and for a moment, she seemed unsure of how to respond. It wasn’t exactly a lie—we were bound by this contract, and sharing a space was part of that. But I knew what was really bothering her. This was all new, overwhelming, and she wasn’t ready for such intimacy, not yet. Not when she so clealy still have Ethan on her mind.

I softened my approach, taking a step back. “I’m not here to make you uncomfortable,” I said, my tone more gentle now. “But we are going to have to learn how to live together, especially if we want to convince everyone this is real.”

Amelia blinked, her tension easing slightly, though her eyes were still wary. “I know, I just... wasn’t expecting this so soon.”

I nodded, understanding her hesitancy. This whole situation had been thrown at her without much warning, and while I was used to dealing with politics, councils, and expectations, she wasn’t. She needed time, and as much as Titan urged me to close the gap between us, to claim what was rightfully ours, I knew we had to be patient. Or we could mess this all up.

“We’ll take it slow,” I offered, my eyes locking with hers. “But we need to at least appear united. That starts with us sharing this space.”

She hesitated, looking down at the floor for a moment before nodding. “Okay... but no surprises next time.”

I chuckled softly, the tension in the air easing. “I’ll try not to catch you off guard.”

Titan growled in the back of my mind, clearly displeased with the slow pace, but I ignored him for now. Amelia wasn’t ready, and I wouldn’t push her beyond what she could handle. This wasn’t just about the contract or appearances—it was about building trust.

I watched as she slowly made her way back to the bathroom, her back straight, trying to regain some composure. The door closed softly behind her, and I exhaled, running a hand through my hair.

You’re too soft with her, Titan growled, his irritation evident. She needs to be claimed. Show her you’re the Alpha.

It’s not that simple, Titan, I argued. She’s been through enough. We need her trust before anything else.

Titan huffed but fell silent, retreating into the back of my mind. I knew he wouldn’t stay quiet for long. The urge to claim Amelia was strong in both of us, but I needed to do this the right way. Rushing things would only backfire.

I glanced around the room, taking in the lavish decor, the heavy curtains, and the grand bed that dominated the space. It all seemed so surreal—this wasn’t just my life anymore. I was tied to Amelia now, and that carried weight, responsibility. The council had agreed to the marriage, but I could still sense the doubt lingering in the room after my mother’s outburst.

Mother had always been difficult, but this... her open rejection of Amelia had rattled even me. I knew she wasn’t going to accept this easily, but the venom in her words had been sharper than I expected. Amelia was already dealing with enough uncertainty, and the last thing I needed was for my mother to undermine her confidence further.

She’ll come around, I told myself, though I wasn’t entirely convinced. Mother was stubborn, set in her ways, and her expectations for me were as high as ever.

If this continue, Amelia might back out at the last minute. The wedding will have to happen much faster before that happen.

The door to the bathroom creaked open, and Amelia stepped out, still dressed in the towel, though she seemed more composed now. Our eyes met briefly before she glanced away, walking toward the dresser where her clothes had been placed. A slight blush creep onto her cheeks as she grabs what seems like underwear. Something stirred, a deep, primal hunger inside me. Her innocence only made it worse, made the urge to pull her close almost unbearable.

Titan growled as he came forward again. “Take her. You Know you want to,” he urged, his voice low and insistent.

I clenched my fist, trying to keep him at bay. Now is not the time. We were supposed to be following a plan, staying focus. But all I could focus on was how close she was, how her honey skin glistened under the low light, how the towel barely clung to her form. My gaze drop to her lips and the memory of what it taste like from that night hit me.

“Focus, Lucas,” I mentally scolded myself, forcing my gaze away.

“I’ll give you some space,” I said, stepping toward the door. “Get dressed, and we’ll talk.”

Amelia didn’t respond right away, but she nodded slightly, and I left the room, closing the door behind me. I swallow, it’s going to be hard holding back, living together with her in the same space.

Titan growled softly in my mind. You’re going too slow, Lucas. The council needs to see strength, not hesitation.

They’ll see it, I promised. When the time is right.

The castle hallways were quiet as I made my way toward the council chamber, my thoughts a tangled mess of politics, duty, and my growing feelings for Amelia. The council still had much to discuss, and I needed to focus on the tasks ahead. But even as I steeled myself for the meeting, one thought lingered in the back of my mind.

Amelia.