Chapter 37: The Confrontation Anna POV

Lucas's remarks weighed heavy on my chest and lingered in the atmosphere like a thick storm cloud. All of my instincts told me to push him away and keep my space while I stared at him. But there was something in his eyes that pleaded with me to pay attention; they were steady and unwavering.

"Why should I trust you?" When I asked, my voice shook with a mixture of fear and rage.

With a groan, Lucas took a step toward me but stopped as I tightened up. "Anna, I didn't come here to hurt you. I would have already done it if I had wanted to."

"Comforting," I shot back, defensively crossing my arms.

He raked a hand through his tangled hair, clearly agitated. "Do you understand what's going on and why? What plans does Oliver have?"

"Teach me," I replied sourly.

Lucas's jaw tensed as he paused. "Oliver wants authority. Actual power. And the secret to that is you, Anna. Controlling the pack is not his only goal. He wants total control."

I stepped back and shook my head. "Why are you just now telling me this? You are one of his fighters. Why should I believe a word you say?"

"Because I am not and have never been one of his warriors," Lucas said firmly.

The space seemed to shrink around us. My heart was racing as I gazed at him. "What are you saying?"

His voice was firm but low as he admitted, "I defected. I was at my breaking point, Anna. After what I watched him do, I couldn't continue to serve someone like him. When I came to understand who you were, what we are..."

"What are we?" I broke off, raising my voice.

Lucas stepped forward, his eyes meeting mine. "Anna, we are fated to be mates. Your wrist mark? It's a link. As soon as I saw you, I felt it. Did you not?"

The air seemed to get thicker, and I was unable to breathe for a while. My thoughts quickly returned to all of our talks and the odd attraction I had still felt for him in spite of everything. However, no. I shook my head in an attempt to clear the confusion.

"I don't think that's true," I firmly stated.

Lucas made a tiny line with his lips. "It is true, even if you don't believe it."

I yelled, "Even if it is, why should it matter? It doesn't change who you are or what you have done."

He softened his voice and answered, "I'm not the same person. Not since we first met. I've been reconsidering everything I've ever thought for the past three weeks, Anna. I was sent there by my pack to track down and kill a wolf that posed a threat to the pack. However, I was unable to carry out their plan after seeing you and learning what they were trying."

I shook my head and gave a fake laugh. "So what? Do you think I'll thank you for saving my life? I take it you're still here, observing me as though I were an assignment you were unable to finish."

Lucas's face got serious. "You don't think I regret anything? That I don't feel guilty about joining in his schemes? Anna, I've been trying to keep you safe. Should Oliver manage to get his hands on you..."

"I can defend myself," I cut in, my tone sharp.

He shook his head and his eyes softened. "Not in opposition to him. Not in opposition to his abilities."

The crackle of the dying fire in the hearth was the only sound in the room for a moment. I wanted to think he was real. However, I couldn't let my guards down once more.

"Why now?" My question was hardly heard above a whisper. "What kept you from telling me all of this until now?"

Lucas paused, his fingers sweeping across his face as though he was trying to find the right words. "Because I needed to be certain. I'm sure I could protect you. I'm sure I could abandon everything to help you. And I don't have time to waste now that Oliver's spies are everywhere."

I was filled with confusion and rage as I gazed at him. "You believe that I will simply put my trust in you? After everything?"

"No," he admitted. "I don't count on your trust. But Anna, I won't leave you. Especially when you're in danger."

The tension in the room was nearly unbearable, so I tightened my fists. "All right," I replied at last. "You may remain...for the time being. However, do not believe for a moment that I have faith in you."

With an inscrutable look, Lucas nodded. "All right."

Between us, the air felt heavy, and the silence dragged on until it was nearly unbearable. My thoughts were racing, so I turned away and paced the tiny cottage. I was in greater danger than I had thought if what Lucas had said was true. Could I trust him, though?

I turned to look at him again, his form outlined in the room's low light. In some way, he looked more... human and less like the stern warrior I had grown to know. At risk.

"What are you doing?" With a softer tone now, I asked. "Why put everything on the line for me?"

Lucas paused, looking into my eyes. "Because if I didn't, I couldn't live with myself. Also, Anna, you are worth it."

I was taken aback by the honesty in his voice and momentarily unsure of how to respond. But before I could answer, the delicate tension between us was broken by a jarring knock at the door.

Our eyes met in a moment of fear as we both froze. The knock came again, louder than before, and my heart raced.

A loud voice yelled out from the other end, "Lia?"

My blood became icy. The Alpha was the one.

Lucas reached out and grabbed my arm, drawing me in his direction. "Remain silent," he urged in a whisper.

The knock became a heavy beating, and I nodded, breathing in short gasps.

With a tone that left no room for debate, the Alpha ordered, "Lia, open the door."

Lucas tightened his hold on my arm as he looked around the room for a way out. However, there was nowhere to go.

Each thud echoed in my ears like a drumbeat of impending doom as the beating increased. I was trying to think of a plan, but all I could think about was the Alpha's face when he saw that I wasn't who I said I was.

Low and desperate, Lucas mumbled, "Anna. Never let him see the mark, no matter what."

I nodded as the door creaked open just enough to let the Alpha's shadow fall across the room, and I instinctively covered my wrist.

With his sharp eyes scanning the room, he asked, "Is everything okay in here?"

I stepped forward to keep him from seeing Lucas, faking a grin. "Yes, Alpha. I was just sleeping."

His gaze narrowed, and I briefly believed he might shove past me. However, he turned to look at Lucas, who was standing quietly in the darkness.

With a gruff tone, the Alpha questioned, "And who is this?"

I started to reply, but Lucas stepped forward with a composed smile. With ease, he said, "I'm just passing through. I didn't mean to bother you."

With distrust carved onto his features, the Alpha's eyes darted between us. "You're passing through? And why are you associated with my pack?"

Despite the tension in the room, Lucas's attitude relaxed and he smiled slightly. "Just looking for a place to stay for the night, no business."

The Alpha didn't seem convinced; he looked at Lucas for a second longer before turning back to face me. He finally said, "We'll talk in the morning," in a tone that made no room for disagreement. "And, Lia, I expect the truth."

The door slammed behind him as he turned and walked away.

My legs felt like they would give out under me as I slumped against the wall. My voice was shaking as I mumbled, "That was too close."

Lucas took a step forward, his face serious. "From here, it will only get more difficult."

With my heart beating in my chest, I glanced up at him. "Now what do we do?"

Lucas's eyes were dark and determined, and his jaw tensed. "We make it through. Together."