Chapter 35

Leo and Ethan met with the guard on the way. The guard immediately bowed his head while Leo watched him. There was silence that hung amongst them, inciting great tension. Leo narrowed his thoughts, knowing he had been missing and instead of him working on the errand his Father had sent him, he was busy doing something else and the guard allocated to him would be wondering what had happened and where he had been. 

Leo sighed deeply but kept mute, knowing that the guard was already curious as to where he had been. The guard, still a bit uneasy from having lost sight of Leo earlier, broke the silence first.

"Leo, I searched everywhere for you, but you vanished. I was starting to worry," the guard said, his voice a mix of concern but relief, since he found him already.

Leo glanced at the guard with a smirk, trying to lighten the mood. "I needed some air. Can’t have you following me everywhere, can I?" Leo shrugged and took a brief look at Ethan so he would give away some expression to support his response. Ethan at that moment also wagged his head and gave off a laugh but the guard seemed off by their actions.

The guard hesitated before replying, "I almost reported to your father, but another guard intercepted me and informed me that Aiden is already nearby. He’s almost here." He paused and nodded. “More reason I had to find you before Aiden comes around.”

At the mention of Aiden, Leo’s expression tightened, he grinned and made a fist with his hand right beside him, but he quickly covered it with a smile. He reached out and gave the guard a friendly slap on the back. "Good call. Let’s focus on the task at hand, then."

Ethan observed the exchange silently, noting the shift in Leo’s demeanor. He knew Aiden’s impending arrival weighed heavily on Leo. Despite Leo's attempt at nonchalance, Ethan could sense the underlying frustration and unease. He himself felt conflicted. He had his own worries about Lucy, but now, with Aiden’s arrival, everything seemed even more complicated.

Leo glanced over his shoulder at Ethan, catching his gaze. "Come on, Ethan. Let’s get this over with. I need to change into that outfit my father insisted on. You’ll join me, won’t you?"

Ethan nodded, noticing that Leo had said that as he wanted to have a small talk with him but an important one and since the guard was there, he had found a way to communicate it with him in a more normal way. Ethan gave off a smile. "Of course, Leo."

They all turned and made their way to Leo’s quarters, the guard fell into step beside Leo. He seemed eager to make up for earlier and stayed close, ensuring Leo was within his line of sight and knowing that he had to report back to Alpha Eric, he wouldn't want to lose sight of him to avoid being punished himself. The silence between them was thick, but none of them spoke, each lost in their own thoughts.

Leo’s mind raced with a mix of anger and resignation. Aiden’s arrival was not something he looked forward to, especially considering their history. Yet, he knew he had no choice but to face him. His thoughts briefly drifted to Lucy. He knew he should be thinking about her and how she was doing, but right now, his father’s orders and Aiden’s arrival took precedence.

When they finally reached Leo’s quarters, he paused before opening the door. He turned to the guard, giving him a quick nod. "Give me a minute. I’ll be right out."

The guard stepped back, giving Leo some space, while Ethan followed behind him. As Leo and Ethan stepped into the apartment, the heavy wooden door creaked shut behind them, leaving the two in a quiet, dimly lit room. The atmosphere was thick with unspoken tension. Leo moved to the far side of the room, his back turned to Ethan as he began to remove his shirt. His movements were deliberate, almost mechanical, as if he was trying to focus on the simple task to keep his mind off everything else.

Ethan stood by the door, leaning against the frame, watching Leo closely. The silence between them was deafening, filled with the weight of everything unsaid. He finally broke the silence, his voice low but steady. "Leo...why did you act like that out there? Like you didn't care about Lucy at all?"

Leo froze for a moment, his fingers pausing as they unbuttoned his shirt. His jaw tightened, and for a few long seconds, he said nothing. When he finally spoke, his voice was cold, almost detached. "It's because of Isabella. I can't afford to show any kind of weakness, any feelings towards Lucy. Not now. Isabella...she'd use it against me."

Ethan frowned, his mind racing. "But Lucy might not see it that way. She might think you don't care about her at all."

Leo nodded, his expression grim. "I know. But I don't have a choice. Not yet. I need time, Ethan. Time to gain power, to become the Alpha. Once I have that, no one will be able to stand in my way. Not Isabella, not anyone. Then, and only then, can I have Lucy all to myself."

Ethan's eyes narrowed as he thought about Leo's words. He understood the logic behind it, but it still didn't sit right with him. 

“I can't let Isabella know more than she already knew, you know my Father, he doesn't approve of Lucy… he would have her killed. I can't risk showing any feelings.” He turned to face Ethan.

Ethan nodded his head but then spoke out again. "And what about Aiden?" Ethan asked, his tone cautious. "His presence... It's like a shadow hanging over you. I know you hate him, Leo."

Leo's face darkened at the mention of Aiden's name. His hands clenched into fists, and his voice dropped to a dangerous whisper. "Hate doesn't even begin to describe it, Ethan. 

The sight of him... the mere thought of him makes my blood boil. I haven't forgotten what he did. How he humiliated me in front of the whole pack, how he beat me. He's a Lycan, and stronger than me—stronger than any of us. But that doesn't mean I don't want to kill him."

Ethan stiffened at the venom in Leo's words. The raw, unfiltered rage that simmered just beneath the surface was palpable. "You need to be careful, Leo. Aiden’s no ordinary opponent. He's ruthless, and if he senses even a hint of a challenge, he'll not hesitate to crush… you… I mean, anyone… without a second thought."

Leo looked up to notice Ethan after he uttered his words. Ethan knew he said too much and in no time looked away. “You don't have to look away, Ethan… you're right.” 

Ethan bowed his head. “I'm sorry, I didn't mean it that way.”

Leo smirked, but it was a twisted, bitter expression. "I know, Ethan. But one day, I'll find a way. I'll take him down, no matter what it takes. This isn't over between us."

Ethan wanted to say more, but before he could speak, there was a sharp knock at the door. Leo stiffened, and Ethan turned towards the sound. A muffled voice came from the other side of the door. "Leo, Aiden is almost at the main gate of the pack."

Leo’s eyes flashed with a mix of anger and fury. He took a deep breath, steadying himself before answering. "I'll be right there."

As the guard’s footsteps faded, Leo turned back to Ethan, his expression hard. "Remember what I said, Ethan. I need time. And until then... I need you to keep an eye on Lucy and keep her safe. Do whatever it takes."

Ethan nodded, though his mind was still swirling with thoughts. "I will, Leo. But be careful. Don't let your hatred for Aiden blind you. We need to stay focused for now… don't show any expression of hate in his presence, he might use it against you and we don't want that."

Leo didn’t respond, but the look in his eyes spoke volumes. He was ready to face Aiden, but beneath the surface, he knew Ethan was right. He nodded and ushered Ethan so they would meet him at the gate to welcome him. He turned away from Ethan, slipping into the black vest his father had given him, the weight of his responsibilities settling heavily on his shoulders. 

Ethan immediately rushed and opened the door so that Leo would step out. The guard outside also bowed his head while Ethan shut the door behind him and followed behind Leo, including the guard.