Chapter 31: "Lucien is courting you"
Lucien raised a brow, half amused, half uncertain. He must be making that face because he’s shocked to see me here, he thought.
"I know you’re shocked to..." he began, but his words cut short when Ash suddenly stepped forward and wrapped him in a tight embrace.
"Thank you..." Ash murmured, his voice muffled against Lucien’s shoulder.
Lucien stiffened, eyes widening. What’s gotten into him? Is he thanking me just for showing up?
Ash’s chest trembled with unspoken words. Now I know what kind of person you are. You’ve cared for me from the start. It’s not fair; you’ve cared for me while I wasn’t to you. I owe you my life...and I need to try to show you how grateful i am.
The hug lingered until Ash noticed Lucien shifting, his breath caught as though the hold was too tight. Flustered, Ash pulled back quickly, his hands dropping awkwardly to his sides.
The silence stretched, heavy with things unsaid.
Ash lowered his gaze. There is no need to remind him yet, that I’m the kid he once saved. I should treat him well first...before I ever speak of
it.Lucien glanced down at the basket in his hands. His thought wandered. Adrian left these bananas...why not eat them?
To ease the air, he lifted his head and said casually, "Do you want some bananas?"
Ash’s lips curved into a faint smile. He nodded. "Yes."
...
Later that evening, Adrian sat in his office slowly swaying in his chair. On the desk before him lay the two woven bracelets. He picked them up, studying the threads closely, and the words of Ash’s grandmother came back to him: Take them...one give to the person your heart beats for, and another keep it. Just take them as my love charm blessings."
A faint smile touched his lips, though his thoughts lingered quietly.
When he finally reached home, Adrian went straight to Ash’s room. The lights were off, the bed still untouched. He paused at the doorway, then called for Bravin.
"Check if the bus still on the way."
Bravin made a quick call, then returned respectfully. "Sir...the bus already dropped off all the students and teachers. I have been told...Ash was driven by Alpha Lucien."
...
Lucien pulled the car to a stop at the gate. Stepping out from the driver’s seat, he walked around and opened the door for Ash with an easy smile.
As Ash stepped out, Lucien faced him, his voice warm. "I’m glad you’ve allowed me to court you...Right now, I feel like the happiest Alpha in the world."
Ash lowered his gaze, a small crease forming on his brow. "But...please, don’t make it public yet. Let’s just get used to each other first."
Lucien nodded without hesitation. "No problem, if that’s what you want." His smile softened as he added, "Can I get a hug before you slip in?"
Ash hesitated, lips parting as though to refuse, but then gave a small nod. "Okay."
They embraced under the dim light at the gate, Ash’s arms uncertain, Lucien’s hold gentle but firm.
From a distance, Adrian stood rigid, watching the scene unfold. His fists curled tight, anger simmering as his pheromones flared. He’s allowed Lucien to court him.
Lucien released him gently, then returned to the car. With a wave, he drove off into the night.
Ash turned toward the house, only to stop in his tracks. Adrian was standing there, watching. His chest tightening in shock.
Adrian shook his head once, sharp and heavy, before striding away.
"Adrian" Ash called, rushing after him.
But Adrian didn’t stop. He went straight inside, his steps hard and unrelenting, until he reached his room. Ash slipped after him.
Adrian stood there, his shoulders rising and falling, breath rough with anger. His eyes burned as he turned on Ash.
"Have you heard that...?" Ash began carefully.
Adrian cut him off, voice low. "That Lucien is courting you."
Ash swallowed. "Yes."
Adrian’s fists clenched at his sides. "So now what do you want?"
Ash’s voice wavered, frustration mixing with hurt. "Why are you so angry? You told me that you and I were impossible... that you wanted someone who could bear you children."
Adrian’s gaze locked on him, silver glinting in his eyes as his breath came heavy. "Get out of my room."
Ash trembled, his throat tight. He turned slowly and stepped out, the door closing heavy behind him.
Adrian sat at the edge of the bed, shoulders heavy. Slowly, he reached into his pocket and pulled out the two woven bracelets. His fingers brushed over them, lingering as though the warmth of her hands still clung to the threads.
"I’m sorry, Bunny’s granny..." his voice broke into the empty room. "The person I like...has already chosen another Alpha. I’ve lost."
His grip tightened around the bracelets, eyes lowering as silence swallowed the confession.
Outside, Ash stood frozen.
Why is he so angry? He was the one who pushed me away...so why does it feel like he’s the one hurting most?
His chest tightened. Lowering his gaze, Ash stepped slowly to his room.
...
Morning came. Ash stepped out, uniform neat, bag slung over his shoulders, ready for school.
As he moved out of the house, his steps slowed. Outside, Adrian and Lucien stood locked in a silent clash, their pheromones slicing the air like blades.
Adrian’s voice thundered. "You don’t have the right to drive my stepbrother to school without my permission!"
Lucien roared back, eyes blazing. "I don’t need your permission. I’m taking him!"
Then, as if sensing Ash’s presence, Lucien turned sharply toward him, voice fierce. "Let him decide; if he wants to come with me or not."
Silence fell. Ash stood frozen, breath unsteady, both Alphas’ eyes burning into him. The weight of their expectations pressed down until it was hard to breathe.
At last, Adrian’s voice broke the stillness, low and cold.
"Ash...choose carefully."
Ash’s thoughts swirled in panic. This isn’t about who takes me to school. This is choosing between them.