Chapter Sixteen

"You can't go out there," Declan said, his voice laced with concern. "It's not safe, not while you're still..." His gaze flickered toward the bathroom, where Lucia's scent was thick and alluring.

Lucia met his stare, her piercing blue eyes narrowing. "I don't need your protection. I can take care of myself."

Aiden stepped forward, his movements fluid and graceful. "Lucia, please. Your heat..." His words trailed off, the unspoken implication hanging in the air.

A shudder ran through Lucia's body, a reminder of the primal needs coursing through her veins. She knew the risks, the temptation that her scent posed to the two Alpha males. But her pride and independence refused to be shackled.

"I'm not some fragile doll to be coddled," she snapped, her tone brooking no argument. "I've faced worse than this."

Declan's brow furrowed, his expression conflicted. "We only want to keep you safe. You're - "

Lucia didn't give him a chance to finish. Another wave of heat washed over her, and she dou