Chapter 65

Leo paced his room, the floorboards groaning beneath his restless steps. His jaw clenched and unclenched as fragments of the past few days swirled in his mind like story clouds. His hands occasionally boiled into fists, then relaxed, only to tighten again. 

The room, bathed in the amber glow of the evening sun, felt oppressive, it's walls closing in on him as he pieces the puzzle together.

Aiden's actions puzzled him more than he cared to admit. Why had Aiden chosen to punish Lucy that day, only to let her go without any consequences? It didn't add up. If it had been about discipline, Aiden would have seen it through and yet… he hadn't. He had simply asked her a few questions and since then, Lucy had been different.

Leo whispered to himself. “What if Aiden didn't want to punish her at all? What if…” He stopped mid-pace, staring at the floor as the radiation hit him

He thought back to what Isabella had told him. Her words rang in his ears like a haunting melody. “What if Aiden is interested in Lucy?” At the time, he'd dismissed it, refusing to entertain the thought. But now, as he replayed every moment, every glance and every decision, the idea began to solidify.

The fight at the training ground looked large in his memory. He clenched his teeth as he remembered Aiden's eyes on Lucy–intense, unwavering. It wasn't the look of indifference or casual curiosity. No, it was deeper than that, w connection that Leo couldn't quite place but couldn't deny.

He muttered under his breath, ‘“That wasn't just an ordinary stare. He's seen her before… or worse, he knows her.”

His pacing grew more frantic. The way Aiden had dodged his blows at first, almost as if he was truly engaged in the fight and the way he faltered when he noticed Lucy in the crowd. Leo had capitalized on that moment, striking him hard but even then, the image of Aiden's gaze lingered, haunting him.

Ethan stood silently near the door, watching Leo unravel. He had been sent to deliver a message from Alpha Eric but Leo's obvious distress made him hesitate. Ethan shifted on his feet, unsure whether to interrupt.

Finally unable to bear the silence, Ethan cleared his throat. “Prince Leo,” he began tentatively, “your father had requested your presence. He wishes to—”

Leo ignored him, his steps quickening as he muttered to himself.

“Why would he stare at her like that?” Leo whispered, his voice laced with frustration. “Why didn't I notice it before?”

Ethan raised an eyebrow. “Leo?”

Leo stopped abruptly, turning to face Ethan, his expression dark. Ethan took a cautious step back, sensing the turmoil in Leo.

“Do you want to know why I fought Aiden?” Leo's voice was sharp, almost accusatory, though Ethan hadn't asked yet.

Ethan frowned. “I assumed it was a matter of pride or—”

“It was because of her,” Leo interrupted, his voice rising. “Because of Lucy.”

Ethan blinked, startled by the admissions. “Lucy?”

“Yes,” Leo snapped, his hands raking through his hair. “It's always been her, hadn't it? I thought I could ignore it. I thought rejecting her would made it easier, make it… disappear until I'm ready.” His voice broke slightly on the last word. “But it hasn't.”

Ethan tilted his heads his expression softening. “You rejected her to protect her, dint you? Because of your father and this pack rules, because of…*

Leo turned away, his shoulder slumping. “Because I thought it was the right thing to do. But now—now, I'm not so sure. Aiden… he…”

“He what?” Ethan pressed gently.

Leo sighed deeply, leaning against the windowsill and staring out at the horizon. “He's different. He doesn't care about rules or consequences. He does what he wants and now I think…” His voice trailed off.

“You think he wants Lucy.” Ethan finished for him.

Leo nodded, his jaw tightening. “And what's worse, I think she might…want him too.”

Ethan was silent for a moment, processing Leo's words. “If that's true, then what are you going to do? Maybe you should let Aiden have his way for now… just for now.”

Leo turned sharply, his eyes blazing. “Because I don't reject her for someone else to take her! I rejected her because I thought it would protect her, keep her safe. But if Aiden…”

He trailed off, unable to finish the thought.

Leo resumed his pacing, the tension in his muscles evident with every deliberate step. His words came in short bursts as if speaking them aloud gave shape to the storm brewing in his mind.

“Aiden,” he started, his voice barely above a growl. “He's planning something. I can feel it. The way he acts, the way he's suddenly… everywhere. He's not just here for diplomatic courtesy. No. There's more to it.”

Ethan leaned against the wall, watching his prince unravel. He wanted to interject, to calm him down but the fire in Leo's eyes made him pause. Instead, he folded his arms and listened.

“I saw it in his eyes today,” Leo continued, his fists clenching at his sides. “The way he looked at Lucy, the way he carried himself even after I landed those hits. He's not just here to observe; he's here to…”

Leo stopped, his voice catching. He clenched his jaw, unable to finish the sentence. 

“To what?” Ethan asked cautiously.

Leo turned sharply to face him, his eyes hard. “You know what,” he snapped. “Don't make me say it.”

Leo turned away from him, his shoulders tense. He stared out the window, the moon faintly visible in the fading light. “I need to stop him,” he said finally, his voice low but resolute. “And the only way I can do this is to become the Alpha. I need to become the Alpha.”

Ethan's breath hitched, his posture stiffening. He studied Leo for a long moment, unsure of how to respond. “Leo,” he began cautiously. “Your father is still the Alpha. How exactly do you plan to—”

“I kno,” Leo interrupted, his tone sharp. “I know how it works, Ethan. But if I don't take the position soon, Aiden will…” He drifted into silence, frustration etched across his face.

Ethan hesitated, choosing his words carefully. “You're talking about challenging your father. That's… bold.”

“It's necessary,” Leo said firmly.

Ethan shifted uncomfortably, his unease clear. “And how do you plan to do this? To make him step aside? Or are you…” He didn't finish the thought, but the implication hung heavy in the air.

Before Leo could answer, a faint sound came from the direction of the door—a soft creak, as if someone had leaned against it or stepped too close.

Both men froze, their eyes snapping to the door.