Revenge After Rebirth: Fated To The Triplets I Hate-Chapter 75: Coward

Lucas’s POV

I didn’t want to look back at her. If I did, I wouldn’t hold myself back. Those searching eyes were so damn captivating. It would pull me in, and I’d be lost in it. I’d want to step closer, to let my fingers graze her cheek, to kiss her until the world faded away. But no. I couldn’t let her see me like that, like I was just another wolf chasing her, hungry for what she could offer, like the triplets with their possessive glares and sharp words. I wasn’t them. I wouldn’t be them. Shoving the thought down, I forced my legs to continue moving, off the packhouse corridor as I headed toward Alpha Darius’ throne chamber. He’d requested my presence, and I wasn’t one to keep the alpha waiting.

The air in the packhouse felt heavy today, with the scent f wolves who’d passed through. My wolf, Ryn, stirred restlessly in my chest, his presence. He’d been restless since moments ago, since that moment in the corridor when I’d brushed past Iris, her scent hitting me. Sweet, like wildflowers after rain, with a hint of something warm. It had taken everything in me to keep walking then, to not turn back and let Ryn take over. Even now, as I strode toward the alpha’s meeting room, Ryn’s voice growled softly, "Go back. Talk to her. She’s..." 𝐟𝕣𝕖𝐞𝐰𝕖𝚋𝐧𝗼𝚟𝐞𝕝.𝗰𝐨𝐦

"Enough," I muttered under my breath, clenching my jaw. I didn’t need him stirring me up more than I already was. Ryn was barely 24 hours with me and he’s already over doing things.

The meeting room was just ahead, its oak door slightly opened, letting out the low murmur of voices. I pushed it open and stepped inside, the air of the atmosphere hitting me as I took in the scene. Alpha Darius stood at the center of the room, his broad shoulders filling out his dark tunic, his presence commanding even. Around him stood a group of warriors. The room was warm, the late summer afternoon light streaming through the tall windows, casting long shadows across the stone floor.

Darius’s eyes lit up when he saw me, a wide grin spreading across his face. "Lucas!" he boomed, stepping forward and pulling me into a firm embrace. His hand clapped my back. "My son, come here."

I stiffened slightly at the word son, but I let it pass, offering a tight smile as he released me. Darius turned to the warriors, his voice carrying the weight of authority. "This is Lucas, future alpha of War Born, son of my brother, Trent."

The warriors straightened further, their eyes flicking to me. I stood taller, meeting their gazes, my expression brave. I wasn’t here to impress them, but I wouldn’t shrink under their scrutiny either. Darius’s grin widened even more as he gestured to me. "He’s one of us now, part of this pack. And I’m assigning him as the personal guard to my sons, the triplets. They’ll request his services when needed, and you all will give him the respect he deserves. And if not, you all will answer to me. Understood?"

"Yes, Alpha!" The warriors responded in unison.

Darius nodded, satisfied, then waved a hand nonchalantly. "Dismissed."

The warriors filed out, their boots scuffing against the floor, leaving the room quieter. Darius turned back to me, his smile softening into something warmer, almost fatherly. He clapped my shoulder again, pulling me along as he started walking. "Come, boy. Let’s take a stroll."

We stepped out of the meeting room, the corridor stretching before us. Darius’s mood was jovial, his deep voice filling the space as we walked. "You know, Lucas, I’ve always admired your strength. Even as a boy, you had that fire in you. Trent would be proud."

I nodded, my throat tightening at the mention of my father. "Thank you, Alpha," I said, keeping my tone even. I wasn’t one for sentiment, but Darius’s words carried weight, and I felt the warmth of his approval settle over me.

As we walked, a few maids passed by, their heads dipping in quick bows. "Good afternoon, Alpha. Lucas," one of them murmured, her voice soft, her eyes lingering on me for a moment before she hurried on. I barely noticed, my thoughts still tangled with Iris and the way her presence seemed to do something to me.

We reached a small courtyard just off the main corridor, where a fruit tree stood, its branches filled with ripe plums. Darius paused, reaching up to pluck one, the deep purple skin gleaming in the sunlight. He handed it to me with a chuckle. "Here, have one. Sweetest fruit in the packlands."

I took it and he grabbed another for himself, biting into it. The Juice glistened on his chin as he chewed, and we resumed our walk. "You’ve settled in well," he said, his tone lighter now. "My warriors see you as a leader. I can see it in their eyes."

Before I could respond, a figure approached from the side, it’s Beta Rowan, his face filled with urgency. His dark hair was slightly disheveled, and his eyes flicked between me and Darius. "Alpha," he said, his voice firm. "A word?"

Darius’s expression shifted, the joviality fading as he nodded. He turned to me, his hand resting briefly on my shoulder. "We’ll talk later, Lucas. Duty calls."

I inclined my head, stepping back as Rowan leaned in to speak. I caught only a snippet of their conversation as I turned to leave. "The nurse has refused to continue," Rowan said.

What nurse? Continue what?

I didn’t wait to hear more. Whatever it was, it wasn’t my business. I headed back toward the main corridor, my thoughts drifting again to Iris. Her face flashed in my mind, those wide eyes, the way her lips had parted slightly when I’d bumped into her earlier. Ryn stirred again, his presence stronger now, a low growl vibrating through me. "She’s close," he said. "Find her."

I tried to ignore him, but my feet seemed to have a mind of their own, carrying me toward the open space near the packhouse’s main hall. The corridor opened into a wide area with tall windows, sunlight pouring in, bathing the stone floor in gold. And there she was.

Iris stood by one of the windows, staring out, her purple gown hugging her curves in a way that made my wolf crave for here. Her hair fell in loose waves down her back, catching the sunlight, and for a moment, I couldn’t move. Ryn’s voice grew louder and insistent. "Go to her. Claim her."

I clenched my fists, fighting the urge to close the distance. She hadn’t seen me yet, her gaze fixed on something outside, her expression soft, almost wistful. My heart pounded, and before I could stop myself, Ryn’s will pushed me forward. And now, I stopped a few steps away. "Iris." I stuttered.

She turned, her eyes meeting mine, and the air between us seemed to change. Her scent hit me again, sweet and intoxicating, wrapping around me with no messy. I swallowed hard, my throat dry, and managed to force out words. "I’m sorry... about earlier. Bumping into you like that."

Her lips curved into a small smile, soft and genuine. "It’s nothing," she said, her voice light but warm, like she meant it.

I stood there, rooted to the spot, my mind a mess of conflicting urges. Ryn was practically roaring now, his voice sharp in my head. "Take the step. Tell her. She’s ours."

"Shut up," I muttered, the words slipping out before I could stop them.

Iris’s brow furrowed, her head tilting slightly. "What did you say?"

I froze, heat creeping up my neck. "Nothing," I said quickly, forcing a nervous chuckle. "Just... talking to myself."

Her smile returned, a little wider this time, and she took a small step closer, her eyes searching mine. "Do you want something, Lucas?"

My heart stuttered. Yes, I wanted something, her, all of her, in a way that scared me. But I couldn’t say that. "Yes," I said, then caught myself. "No, I mean..."

Before I could finish, a voice cut through the moment. "My Luna."

I turned, my jaw tightening as Zane approached, his dark hair falling into his eyes, a smirk playing on his lips. He reached Iris, taking her hand and pressing a slow kiss to it, his gaze locked on mine the entire time. As I saw Iris’s expression shift, her smile faded, her eyes cooling as Zane leaned in, his lips brushing her ear as he whispered something I couldn’t hear.

Her body stiffened, and she tried to pull away, but Zane’s grip tightened on her wrist, his fingers digging in. "Where are you going, my love?" he asked. She’s wincing, tugging at her arm, but he didn’t let go.

Ryn’s roar filled my head, drowning out everything else in fury. "Why are you being a coward? Watching your mate being treated this way? You fool."