Chapter 7: Realization

**LUCIEN**

 She decided to stay at her little studio house last night. I sent 3 warriors to keep an eye on all the exits just in case someone tried to break in. 

Unfortunately, instead of helping her move into the new house today, I am on my way to see my pain in the a*s brother. I'm hoping before I leave I can see my mother. 

I'm pulling into the pack, when I see warriors on the borders patrolling. Nodding to me. Waving. Some even smile at me. When I pull up to the packhouse though, the light hearted feeling I felt is gone. There's a looming feeling. Something is happening. 

I get out of my car and I am greeted by a couple of warriors asking how I am. I smile, it feels good to know that even though no one has called, some of my pack is worried for me. That’s a good feeling. 

Just as I was hoping, E is waiting for me by the front door to the packhouse. 

“Hey bud, you look great!” He whistles. Idiot.

“Thanks baby boy, you don’t look so bad yourself!” I said, giving him a big brotherly hug. 

“Damn, and you smell good too. Leon wasn’t kidding, getting out of here was great for you!” He smiled. I lost my smile with that sentence. Even though I know leaving the pack helped me stop drinking and being depressed. I didn’t want to hear that my brother is happy about me being gone. I faked a smile and we walked into the pack house. 

Mrs. Terry,  the head cook, is making something delicious. My whole life growing up I have enjoyed her cooking and always snuck into the kitchen to steal bites while she wasn’t looking. I’m huge now so I get caught more often, but it’s still fun to do. Just as E goes to tell me that Leon is waiting for me in his office, I dart to the kitchen. Mrs. Terry has her back turned, washing some dishes. 

I see some homemade deer jerky on the counter and a plate of her rice krispy crack as she calls it. I grab a couple from each plate and just as I am about to leave, I hear her. 

“Lucien Alacay Dubois.. Didn’t your mother or I ever tell you to leave some for the rest of the pack..” She never even turned around. “But I have been dying for your snacks Mrs. Terry.. “ I said with my best pouty voice. I may be a grown man, but this woman is like a second momma to me.

“Very well, but next time no excuses.” I smiled. Works every time. “And the next time you come into this packhouse kitchen I wanna see the woman who has you smiling so hard on your arm.” My jaw dropped. 

“Wait a minute…” I say, with my mouth half full of jerky. 

She turned to face me. “Lucien, I have watched you grow into the man you are. And I watch you endure so much, and make your own mistakes, I think I can tell when someone has walked into your life. Even if it’s only recent.” She winked.. I couldn’t stop staring. 

E was standing in the doorway laughing. ‘Must be that little human and her two kids you had the warriors looking after last night.’ E said through the mind link.

I narrowed my eyes at him. 

‘Don’t you tell a soul.’ I growled and he threw his hands up in a fake surrender and laughed. 

“C’mon, Leon is waiting for you. He’s been anxious for a couple of days. He hasn’t spoken about why and says he won’t until you get here.. Something’s wrong.” He said, shaking his head as we ascended the stairs to the floor that houses all the offices. 

“Carrie is involved, which means something will definitely be wrong.” I said with a scoff. 

“That is true.” He chuckled. 

Once we reached the Alpha office, I could feel Leon’s emotions running rampant through his aura. It was hitting me in waves. Feelings of anxiousness, sadness, betrayal, indecision, and most of all, worry.

I open the door and go right to a chair in the room and sit down. 

“Hey brother. I am here. Let’s talk.” He takes a deep breath, eyeing me up and down. 

A small smile plays on his lips. I feel a little proud of that. It’s been a long time since my brother and I have smiled at each other. But right now I don’t return the same look. I am still here for something, and he needs to tell me what it is so I can get back to my house and check on Monica and the kids. 

“You look great, Lucc. And congrats on one month clean from liquor. Mom would be very proud of you.” He said with a small smile. I nodded in thanks. I know she would. I agreed to do all of this because of her. Because of everything I had caused her, I deserved a worse fate than what I was given. 

“Actually, it’s a month and a week. But I appreciate it. But seriously, what’s going on?” I asked him. I am trying not to get agitated. Whatever he has to tell me seems hard for him to say. 

“Lucien, I just want to say I am sorry. I had no idea.. If I would’ve known, I never would have…” He choked slightly… 

“What are you talking about, Leon?” I asked slightly. I can feel where this is going. She really did tell him everything..

“Lucc, Carrie told me that you were her mate… That she rejected you to be with me…. And now.. Now. She’s pregnant... “ He stuttered, getting it all out. Ezekial is still in the room and his jaw has hit the floor…

I sat in silence for a minute. 

“Do you think it’s yours?” I asked him flatly. He shot his eyes up at me. 

“You aren’t upset?” He asked me. 

“Leon, I have been coming in second to you my whole life. When you got the Alpha title. That hit hard. And then I found my mate, the one that was supposed to be made for me. But she didn’t even give me a second look once she realized I was her mate. All because I wasn’t you. I wasn’t the Alpha. So if she wants to reject me for a spot she will never fill, then that’s her loss. I’m not upset, nor mad at you. You didn’t know. What I am worried about though are two things…” I took a deep breath and slumped back in my chair.

“One is how do you know this baby is yours? Carrie is no stranger to sleeping around. You need to be 100% sure before making any decisions. And two, If it is yours how are you going to explain this to your mate when you find her?” I said rubbing the small beard I have grown on my chin. Luckily today, I put my hair in a man bun and called it a day.. 

“Well, it’s quite possible I met my mate at the hospital today…” He said lowly. My eyes widened. Oh man. Not good.

“Who might it be, Leon?” I asked him. Ezekial listened intently also. 

He looked between me and E. Focusing on Ezekial a little longer, and I caught on… Oh boy.. Definitely not good.

“ALORA..” E growled. That’s Ezekial’s baby sister. She has grown up around us our whole lives, and we knew that she was off limits. She’s a pretty girl. A nurse even at the young age of 17. She turns 18 this week. She’s also one of the top female warriors in the pack and she’s as sweet as a button. I always looked at her as a little sister, and I think Leon did too. Until the other day at the hospital.. Oh boy.

“My sister is possibly mated to our Alpha, who may or may not have a baby on the way with his little brother’s rejected mate?!? Are you serious?!” He growled out. He’s pissed. And Leon isn’t stopping his outrage which is good cause even as an Alpha, the pack and it’s members are allowed to be upset and voice their opinions.

‘E, he didn’t choose her to be his mate. If she is his mate, it’s the moon goddesses doing. Stop freaking out. My brother is a good man and he would never hurt Alora. But if by the slightest chance he does, I’ll help you kick his a.ss.’ I said through the link. He started to calm down. Taking deep breaths in and out. 

“I know her birthday isn’t until the end of the week, but I know she is my mate, E. But I wanted to wait to tell her to have this meeting first. So you know, and I can handle her backlash now before word gets around.” Leon said, rubbing his hands up and down his face. 

Ezekial and I looked at each other and bursted out laughing. We are so bipolar, I swear.

“What’s so funny?” Leon asked, eyeing us curiously. He has no idea.

E sighs. “She won’t be the one giving you any backlash. She’s had a crush on you since she was 7. She will probably be over the moon that you are her mate. And she probably will be a little sad if you have a baby with someone else but let’s face it. Lora is too sweet and nice and she would treat that baby like her own. But don’t misunderstand, you and Carrie might get a good sucker punch. You for getting someone who isn’t your mate pregnant. And Carrie for what she did to Lucien.” Leon growled a little. 

“Oh hush, Leon. She’s had a crush on you, she just sees Lucc as her big brother. And she is going to be livid to find out his mate broke his heart for her mate… “ Leon slumped back down in the chair.

It was quiet for a few minutes. “I want to go see mom before I leave.” I said with a small voice.

He nods to me. “I sent dad to an anger management class for the whole day anyway. He threatened to kick my a.ss. But I told him if mom wakes up and finds out how he's been acting she will kill him herself. “ We all laughed. That’s true. I hope it helps him. 

I leave the office with E and Leon talking about how to explain it all to Alora, who is more than likely his mate. Now that E has calmed down he is willing to help only after he threatened that if he ever hurt his sister, he’d beat him into his own coma. Leon laughed until I agreed to help.  Then he just nodded. We might have come close in a lot of things, but Leon knows I can whip his a.ss.

I walk into the hospital heading to my mom's room. I see Carla behind the desk at the nurses station and she hasn’t spotted me yet. 

“Hey Carla. How are you?” I asked with a small smile. She’s been a big help keeping me updated on my moms stats and what not. 

“Hey Lucien, I’m good. Met my mate yesterday!” She blurted and I just chuckled.

“I cannot believe I blurted that out. I am so sorry.” She said with a blush.

“Hey, no worries. It just means you are excited and happy about the mate you were given. Who’s the lucky guy?” I ask. She smiles brightly. “Oliver.. He’s the sweetest. Do you remember him?” she asked. 

“Yeah, brunette dude. Brooding and silent? He looks like a beast.” I laughed. 

“Yeah that’s the one. I went to the training grounds yesterday to start training in case of an attack and I wanted to be able to not only help my patients but protect them and he was there and it was instant. I can’t believe we haven’t crossed paths before now.”

“Let me guess the training was Alora’s idea?” I laughed and she nodded.

“And I know why ya’ll haven’t crossed paths. Oliver does A LOT of the scouting missions so he is hardly ever here. And to top that he helps take care of his parents and grandparents. I think you both lucked out. I can’t wait to meet your pups one day!” I said excited for my friend.

“Thanks Lucien. Although I'm not sure if I’m ready for pups yet.” She said, sighing. 

“That’s fine, and I’m sure Oliver will wait.” And just as I said that he came through the door with carnations. 

“Oh Oliver, you shouldn’t have.” I said laughing and he just scoffed at me. 

“You wish!” He laughed and leaned down and kissed Carla’s forehead. 

“Well, congrats to you both but I got to go.” I said waving goodbye as they were lost in a liplock. They will make a good couple. 

I can smell her before I see her and I really want to avoid her at all costs. But she runs in front of me just like before she left. 

“Were you not even going to talk to me before you left?” I didn’t even look at her.

“No I wasn’t.” I said flatly. I walked around her this time but stopped because I heard my phone ding. I felt my heart speed up, hoping it was Monica. 

‘Monica: Just moved in, neighbor. When you get back I’ll cook you, Nicole and Klaus a good meal for the thanks. I don’t think I would’ve ever found this place on my own. Thank you :)’ Was the text sent from Monica. I smiled the biggest smile.

“Who’s the lucky girl?” I heard Carrie behind me, nothing but sarcasm in her voice. I scoffed. “Why does it matter? It's really none of your business.” I said sharply, trying to get her to leave me alone. 

“She won’t love you, Lucien. I am your mate.. I love you..” She spat.

“My mate who is pregnant by my brother, oh how I have hit the jackpot. And love? You have to be kidding me? You don't know the meaning of the words..” I rolled my eyes and started to text her back.

‘Me: I would absolutely love that. I can't wait to see your face. Might even be tonight ;) I hope that doesn't sound creepy. lol.’ 

Goddess. I feel like a school kid crushing on the very first girl I like whenever I talk to her... 

'Monica: Not creepy at all. Kind of cute actually. But we shall see ;p.'

Fu.cking swooning dude. I am swooning for this woman.. 

I start to walk away from Carrie again heading to my moms room and I can feel her following me. I am so close to losing it on her. 

My phone vibrates again. I immediately pull it out of my pocket. 

Right when I go to read the text, Carrie opens her mouth.

“You’ll give some random human woman all the time in the world but you won’t even look me in my face and tell me you don’t love me and want me. I am your mate, LUCIEN! You should always want me!!” She growls. And I have had enough of this sh.it. 

“The only reason I haven’t already had you banished is because after you rejected me it was no longer my place NOR my business. But I have found a small portion of happiness and you want to tear that away from me?? FOR WHAT!!! You got what you wanted Carrie… Now leave me the fu.ck alone.. And I even see you breath in my ‘RANDOM HUMANS’ direction, it will be the last mistake you ever make. THAT I CAN PROMISE YOU!!” I growled. 

I look down at my phone rage still swimming through my veis. But what I see next puts me on a whole new level of pissed. 

‘Lucien, we found a note left on your doorstep and a note left in her mailbox..’ Klaus texted me. 

And then the images came through and I could have sworn that my blood ran ice cold in my veins.

“Lucien, are you okay?” Carla asked me, running to look me in my face, Oliver close behind her... 

I can’t tear my eyes away from my screen. My blood has gone from ice cold to burning hot. I feel like smoldering cinders are sliding through my skin. 

The picture he sent was two notes that had two pictures taped to them. The picture on both notes was the same. 

The first note read, “ Hello little bambi. Running away I see. Have you missed me? You didn’t think you’d get away that easily did you? I’m watching you and your new boyfriend. Don’t worry I’m coming for you, and my children. Until we meet again, bambi.” 

And the second one read. “I told you little Alpha if you didn’t leave her alone, I would make your life a living hell. You already have one parent in the hospital, want to make it two? Leave Monica alone.. Last Warning.. I am coming for her, little Alpha. And I ALWAYS get what I want.” I roar ripped through my throat and I felt Ragnar join me at the surface. Only a handful of Alpha’s can do this. Not even Leon can..

Oliver snatched Carla behind him. 

“NO ONE WILL HARM HER OR HER CHILDREN OR I WILL BURN EVERYTHING TO THE FU.CKING GROUND!!!!!!!” I roar across the hospital..  Carrie’s eyes are wide in shock and the sadness is pouring off of her. But I don’t care. I don’t give a sh.it about anything but getting back to Pocatello…

I hear Leon calling to me through the mind link but I’m not stable enough to stay here and wait. 

I shift into Ragnar in the middle of the hospital, Carla is in the background ushering patients and nurses out of the way knowing I can’t control it, Oliver still guarding her like the good mate he is. Carrie is crying watching me. She’s not scared but upset. I don’t know. All I can think of is getting to Monica before she is hurt…

Oliver and another warrior open the double doors to the hospital to let me out and I take off in the fastest sprint.

I know Klaus and Nicole will keep an eye on her and the kids till I get there but I don’t want to chance nothing. He knew about my mom being in the hospital and he has been watching us.

That picture. It keeps playing in my head. 

It was all of us at the restaurant last night eating dinner and laughing. Me and Monica were looking at each other laughing. Angelina and Lincoln were sitting by Cooper.. 

Nicole and her mom were sitting near us and Nicole had finally gotten Corey back from her mother. It was a good memory. But now it is tainted because of the f*cker that has been watching her and I. He said he is coming for her… And the thought of someone hurting her and taking her away, literally makes my heart shatter into a million pieces…I didn’t feel like this when I lost the Alpha title that was never mine.  I didn’t feel like this when Carrie rejected me. I didn’t feel like this when I was the reason my mother ended up in the hospital. But for her. For her, and her children, I’ll burn this whole goddess damned world down. 

If it’s a war he wants, a war he will get.. And when he comes for her. I’ll be the one waiting..