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105. My Own Worst Enemy (Luke POV)
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2024-10-29 19:42:56Related chapters
Rival Alphas: Dance of Desire 106. (Clay POV)
We finally made it back to the pack house. As we pulled up, the healer was waiting, syringe in hand, ready to administer something to keep Luke under while they worked on his arm. Trevor and I carefully carried him into the med bay, Luke's body occasionally twitching and fighting against the drowsiness.Once inside, the healer instructed us to secure Luke to the bed. "We can't have him thrashing about," he said, his tone clinical but not unkind. We fastened his legs and his uninjured arm, ensuring he wouldn't injure himself further during the procedure.As the healer manipulated the broken bone back into place, Luke let out a blood-curdling scream, even through the meds. It was a sound that cut straight to the heart, raw and painful. He didn't wake, but he clearly felt it on some level.Beside me, Lexi nearly crumpled, her body trembling with each of Luke's muffled cries. I knew she didn't want my touch, but hell, I couldn't stand there and do nothing. I wrapped my arms around her, pu
Rival Alphas: Dance of Desire 107. Good Spot (Lexi POV)
Seeing Luke lose it in the parking lot was heart-wrenching. I had only wanted to help, to be the calm in his storm, but he screamed in my face, telling me to back off. Kyla's hands pulled me away, and I watched, helpless, as Luke lunged at Trevor. Clay grabbed his arm, and then the sickening sound of Luke's bone cracking filled the air. He was like a wild animal, a torrent of pain and anger, thrashing against everything and everyone, even himself.When Clay knocked him out, a mix of relief and anger surged within me. I understood why Clay did it, but seeing them resorting to physical force to subdue one another was jarring and painful.Now, in the bath, with Luke awake and clumsily joining me, clothes and all, water spilled everywhere. But in that moment, none of it mattered. I needed him close, needed to feel that he was still Luke, that this aggressive, pained version of him wasn't permanent.I nearly laughed when Clay jokingly warned Luke about getting his cast wet. The cast was al
Rival Alphas: Dance of Desire 108. Gallery (Luke POV)
Swinging my legs out of the truck, my boots hit the concrete with more force than I had intended. The withdrawal was deep this time, each moment a battle, but I welcomed it. The pain and the struggle were necessary to get to the other side. For the first time, I felt an absolute resolve to quit. I sensed the bottom approaching, and I was terrified of hitting it. I hoped, desperately, that she'd keep me afloat long enough for me to find my footing in this new, terrifyingly sober world. Lexi grabbed my hand, pulling me upright. I made a show of it, pretending she helped more than she did. Emotionally, she was the strongest person I knew. Physically, though, her small frame sometimes worried me, especially when she put herself between me and what she perceived as danger. As we walked to the gallery, her arm around my waist, Clay trailed behind, his gaze sharp and protective. It killed me to see him so wary around me with Lexi. I hated that my actions had caused this, that he felt he n
Rival Alphas: Dance of Desire 109. (Clay POV)
The buzz of excitement was high as I prepared to give Lexi the tattoo. It wasn't just about the ink but about marking a permanent bond between us three. I was eager to take Lexi to the gallery, to properly show her my world. The last time she was there, the circumstances had been far from ideal – it was the day she brought Luke in for the first time. This time would be different, a real introduction to the space that meant so much to me.But then, I remembered the damn mural in the bathroom back at the studio. I grabbed an extra trashcan from the back, hoping it would keep Luke from venturing in there. I had no idea how I'd explain that one if he did.As we settled in the studio, it wasn't long before Luke was heading for the bathroom. "Lexi, stay here," I said, seeing the concern flash in her eyes. "Don't worry, it's nothing bad. I hope anyway."After explaining to Luke that the mural was a product of my own withdrawal, we headed back out. I started tattooing Lexi's thigh, the needle
Rival Alphas: Dance of Desire 110. (Lexi POV)
Luke's awe was clear as Clay finished my tattoo, his skilled hands bringing to life the intricate design we'd agreed upon. It was more than ink on skin; it was a symbol of our intertwined lives, our shared journey. The art was so quintessentially us, capturing the essence of our bond in bold, swirling lines and shaded crescents.As Clay began working on Luke's tattoo, situating it on the curve of his calf muscle, I pulled Luke closer, letting his head rest in my lap. The intimacy of the moment, the proximity to Luke while Clay etched a matching symbol into his skin, felt surreal. There was a playful banter in the air, light and teasing, as I ran my fingers through Luke's hair."Ow, easy there, Clay," Luke joked, wincing slightly as the needle buzzed against his skin.I couldn't help but chuckle. "You're not exactly the tough guy you pretend to be, are you?" I teased, watching his expression shift between discomfort and pride.Clay, focused yet part of our playful exchange, handed me a
Rival Alphas: Dance of Desire 111. (Luke POV)
Emerging from the grip of withdrawal felt like stepping out of a prolonged, oppressive darkness into the the sun. Each day unfolded like a delicate petal, revealing a touch more clarity, a shade less discomfort, and a gradual strengthening of both body and soul. This journey back to myself was painstakingly slow, a path marked by frustration and impatience, but with each passing moment, I sensed the essence of who I once was piecing back together, bit by bit.Lexi's perception of this transformation was unmistakable. Her gazes lingered, filled with a deep emotion that hadn't been there before. Her smiles radiated a warmth, an unspoken acknowledgment of the change she was witnessing. The way she looked at me spoke volumes; it was an evolving dance of glances, each one revealing her growing attraction to this reborn version of me – the Luke who once carried an air of confidence, who could draw laughter effortlessly, who stood unwavering in the face of life's challenges.One evening, ne
Rival Alphas: Dance of Desire 112. Shared Nature (Luke POV)
The days that unfurled leading up to the full moon ceremony were like navigating through a stormy sea of emotions. Each day was a clash of feelings, a whirlwind that left me feeling unsettled and restless. The most jarring wave came crashing down when Trevor, my own brother, and Kyla, his partner, expressed a desire that took me aback – they wanted to be marked at the same ceremony as Lexi, Clay, and me. This revelation stirred a deep turmoil within me, a complex tangle of resistance and discomfort that I couldn't easily shake off. It wasn’t that I begrudged Trevor and Kyla their own moment of commitment. But this ceremony – it was meant to be a sacred seal on the bond between Lexi, Clay, and me. It was our moment to sanctify the union of our souls, a ritual marking our journey and struggles, our love, and resilience. The idea of sharing this intimate event felt like it would somehow lessen the profound significance it held for us. With a heavy heart, I found myself voicing my concer
Rival Alphas: Dance of Desire 113. Grey (Luke POV)
The day Professor Gray arrived unannounced at our doorstep, unease immediately enveloped our home. His presence, though not unusual, always seemed to foreshadow significant news, and this time, there was a discernible tension in the air, a sense of impending revelation that hung heavy around us.As he crossed the threshold into our living room, his eyes briefly scanned the space before landing on Lexi coming down the stairs. His greeting, usually warm and familiar, was uncharacteristically formal."Congratulations, Lexi," he began, his voice steady but lacking its usual warmth. "You've completed your coursework. You're now eligible to apply for your degree." While his words were meant to be celebratory, they were overshadowed by a hesitancy in his eyes that didn't escape our notice.A brief wave of joy washed over us at his announcement, but it was quickly tempered by the undercurrent of something else, something unspoken yet heavy with implication. Professor Gray had always been a co
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Rival Alphas: Dance of Desire 130. 5 Years Later
Our front yard was a scene of pure, unadulterated joy, with Reni and Lachlan, our beautiful 5-year-old twins, and their cousin Finn chasing each other around, their laughter and shouts filling the air with the vibrant energy of childhood. I found solace on the porch swing, enjoying the afternoon sun, while Moro, now a permanent fixture on our land as my advisor and friend, sat beside me. Moro's life had taken a beautiful turn; she was dating Devlin, sharing a life with him in more ways than one.Both Moro and I were weeks away from giving birth, our bellies round and full of life. Devlin emerged from the woods and greeted Moro with a kiss that spoke volumes of their shared affection. He glanced my way, assuring me that Luke and Clay would join us shortly.True to his word, Clay and Luke approached, already wearing shorts. Our attempts to maintain a semblance of modesty in front of the kids were somewhat amusing yet necessary. The dry boxes they kept on the edge of the woods for such o
Rival Alphas: Dance of Desire 128. (Luke POV)
In the quiet of our home, the absence of the familiar bustle and noise felt almost surreal. As Clay gently lifted Lachlan from his car seat, his voice broke the silence. "I'm just going to give him a bottle," he said softly.I nodded, a smile touching my lips. "It's all frozen, man." I thought about Lexi and how diligently she'd been pumping since leaving the hospital. She'd been a force of nature, feeding the twins or pumping tirelessly. We'd even bought a new freezer just to store all the milk she'd accumulated. Her determination was something I admired deeply.We tiptoed to the bedroom, careful not to disturb the tranquility. Lexi lay there, sleeping soundly, clutching our pillows close. The sight tugged at my heartstrings. "She was so tired," I whispered.Gently, I lay down behind her, feeling the warmth of her body against mine, while Clay positioned himself in front with Lachlan cradled in his arms. Lexi's eyes fluttered open, and a smile lit up her face as she saw our baby boy.
Rival Alphas: Dance of Desire 127. Precious Cargo (Clay POV)
Sitting in the NICU, our baby boy's warmth against my bare chest provided a strange sense of solace amid the beeps and hums of the machines. I glanced at Luke, our little girl nestled in his arms, her frailty marked by the wires and tubes assisting her breath. Despite her struggle, there was a certain resilience in her tiny frame. On the other hand, the boy made his presence known through his cries, only pacified in moments of sleep or cradled in our arms. The NICU staff, recognizing our unique situation, had granted us unrestricted access, a small mercy in this rough time. Lexi had stayed behind this visit, exhaustion finally claiming her. The look in her eyes when she thought one of the babies would not get as much attention because she wasn't there made her hyper-vigilant. The three of us couldn't go together, so we switched off, her the constant as one stayed home. Luke finally put his foot down, saying he was getting fragile herself. She only conceded to rest after I promise
Rival Alphas: Dance of Desire 126. Struggling (Luke POV)
In the sudden chaos of the night, with Lexi's water breaking unexpectedly, my world tilted on its axis. She sat up abruptly in bed, urgency in her voice, "Oh shit, Luke, Clay, wake up, wake up now!" We both jerked awake, disoriented. "What's wrong?" I mumbled, rubbing my eyes, trying to process her words. "I'm sitting in fluid. I think my water broke..." Rushing to the hospital felt like a blur. Doctors swarmed around Lexi, their movements precise, their decisions swift. They decided on a c-section, taking out both babies at just over 32 weeks. Panic clawed at my throat, the reality of the situation pressing down on me like a physical weight. In the sterile confines of the hospital prep room, Clay, whom the hospital staff believed was my brother, helped me don the medical gown required for the surgery room. I paused, leaning my forehead against the cool window, a wave of emotion overwhelming me. Tears streamed down my face as I admitted, "I don't think I can do it, Clay. I don't thi
Rival Alphas: Dance of Desire 125. (Lexi POV)
Six months had flown by, and I was sitting on the floor with my pregnancy pillow wrapped around me. It was a quiet morning, just the soft light of dawn filtering through the curtains. I shifted and stretched in every possible way, trying to coax the baby - or babies, to be precise - to ease their foot or elbow from my ribcage.Under my breath, I pleaded with them, my voice a mix of discomfort and affection. The movements inside me were relentless, a constant reminder of the life growing within.Luke, stirred by my soft murmurs, slowly crawled down from the bed to join me on the floor. He stretched, a lazy yawn escaping him, then leaned over to kiss my round belly. "Stop torturing your mama," he whispered into my belly button, his voice soft and playful, sending ripples of laughter through me.He gently massaged my belly, tracing the visible lines of tiny feet and elbows gliding across my skin. The babies seemed to respond to his touch, their movements becoming more pronounced.I could
Rival Alphas: Dance of Desire 124. Untamed (Luke POV)
At that moment, with Lexi beneath me, everything felt amplified and intensified beyond my usual senses. My body responded with a fierce urgency, a primal need to ravage her. Every kiss, every bite of her lip, every roll of my hips was a testament to a desire that was more than just physical. It was as if an ancient, primal force had awoken within me, urging me to solidify our connection. I had to remind myself constantly – she was human. My strength, enhanced by the mate bond, could quickly become overwhelming. The last thing I wanted was to hurt her, to let this raw, untamed part of me cross a line. Lexi, lost in the intensity of the moment, seemed to be riding the same wave of passion. Her moans, her surrender to the sensations, spurred me on, yet the cloud of doubt loomed heavier with each passing second. Carefully, so as not to startle her, I eased myself up, maintaining our kiss until the very last moment. My grip on Clay's arm reminded me of the balance I needed to maintain.
Rival Alphas: Dance of Desire 123. Slip By (Clay POV)
As I stood there, watching Luke and Lexi, a profound sense of certainty washed over me. It was more than just witnessing two people in love; it was the palpable sensation of Fate weaving its intricate tapestry. There was no denying it – they were meant to bring a new life into this world. It felt like every star in the sky, every whisper of the wind, was conspiring to guide them toward this destiny.For me, the realization that I wasn't the first to embark on this journey of fatherhood brought a surprising sense of relief. I pondered why this was, delving into the depths of my thoughts. Was it the enormity of the responsibility that daunted me? Or perhaps the fear of confronting my own potential as a father.Yet, as I observed them, another far more profound reason dawned on me. It was the desire to see Luke transcend his past, to break free from the chains of his troubled upbringing. I wanted this for him – to prove that he was not a mere product of his genetics, but a man shaped by
Rival Alphas: Dance of Desire 122. Like Hell He Is (Lexi POV)
The shift in the room was noticeable as Clay finished updating the drawing of our tattoos. It symbolized our unity, of everything we had become together. Of everything we had to go through to be together. He flopped down beside us, pulling me onto his lap with a gentle tug. His kiss was a silent promise, a reaffirmation of our bond.The thought of having a baby seemed both daunting and incredibly right. I couldn't explain the pull I felt, a deep, instinctive urge that seemed to transcend my human understanding. A part of me worried about the potential complications of one of them being the biological father before the other, but I kept those thoughts to myself for now.Lost in Clay's kiss, I reached out instinctively and grasped Luke's hand. The moment our hands touched, the sexual tension that had once existed between Luke and Clay surged back with an intensity that took us all by surprise.Luke recoiled, almost as if he'd been shocked. "Holy shit," he exclaimed, jumping back.Clay g
Rival Alphas: Dance of Desire 121. Let Me Do It (Luke POV)
Something deep and primal within me stirred as Lexi's lips met mine. It wasn't just the rush of hormones or the inexplicable workings of magic – it was something more profound, more intimate. This was the enchanting kind of magic that comes with love, a deep connection, and the unspoken desire to nurture that connection further.Having kids was a concept I had never seriously entertained. Kids who grow up in rough homes like I did often fear the possibility of passing on those horrible experiences to their own offspring. I was no exception to that, but as Lexi kissed me, every fiber of my being seemed to awaken to a new reality. It was time – time to think about an heir.This realization hit me with such force that I felt compelled to voice it aloud.To my astonishment, neither Clay nor Lexi reacted with the same shock I felt. They seemed almost calm, accepting of the idea.I also felt this powerful urge to tend to Lexi's mark. A part of it was because of the tingling sensation overt
