Chapter 18

LUCIEN

"Where should we put this, Alpha Lucien?"

I glanced at the two omegas Alpha Ronan had sent to serve his fake daughter. They were holding a bunch of dresses and a box jewelries.

"Just put them inside my closet," I simply responded.

I watched how they filled my chamber with colorful stuff that perfectly ruined my minimalistic style. I am already annoyed by how her things occupy my space, what more if she wakes up and treats my chamber as her own?

“Do you want us to request another bed so you can rest, Alpha Lucien?” the old omega asked.

I shook my head. “It’s fine. Just leave if you’re done,”

“We have to look after Lady Sienna—“

“I will take care of her,”

The old omega watched me with hesitation. She glanced at the young omega she was with, before she turned her head back to me and politely bowed. “Just call us if you need something, Alpha Lucien,”

I didn’t respond. I simply watched them as they stepped out of my chamber and when I am all alone I freely watch the rogue lying on my bed.

I folded my arms on my chest and stared at her face intently. She has freckles on her cheeks. Her lashes were long and perfectly curled. Her long black hair spreads delicately on my pillow. Black suits her but I must admit her red hair complements her features well.

“When do you plan to wake up?” I asked like a complete idiot.

I know she wouldn’t respond but maybe she can hear me.

“It’s almost two hours. How long do you plan to stay lying on my bed?”

I watched her intently and for some reason, I could feel my chest clenching.

No. I shouldn’t be worried. I wouldn't lose anything if she died. She’s just a rogue. I can find another she-wolf to pretend to be my fiancée.

‘She’s our mate,’ Jaxon spoke. ‘You’re hurting because she’s our mate, Lucien,’

I brushed off his voice. No. I wouldn’t be affected by our useless bond. I can control myself. I wouldn’t be affected. I don’t care even if she dies tonight.

‘You will lose me if she dies, Lucien,’ Jaxon firmly spoke before he fell into complete silence.

I know he’s mad. All he cares about is the bond. Between the two of us, I am the only one who can think rationally. Bond shouldn’t control us. I won’t allow myself to be weak because of that rogue.

“Alpha Lucien,”

Magnus voice coming from the outside broke my silence. He was probably here to report.

I glanced at the rouge one last time before I stepped out of my chamber.

Alpha Magnus was already standing outside, in his usual warrior posture—head held high like he didn’t fear anyone.

“How’s the investigation going?” I looked at him cluelessly like I wasn’t aware that Valeria was behind all of this.

“We failed to find the culprit. He/She might have escaped before we put the palace in lockdown. I already sent men outside the palace to search the parameters. The culprit wouldn’t have gone far. I am also investigating the Alphas who had the motive to poison your mate,”

I looked at him intently. Is he telling the truth? Is he really unaware that his daughter was behind all this chaos?

“You can stop the investigation,”

His brows furrowed. “What do you mean, Alpha Lucien?”

“You have bigger issues to deal with, Alpha Magnus. I shouldn’t concern you with mine,” I tapped his shoulder. “I’ll handle the investigation,”

I didn’t wait for his response. I gave him a small nod before I stepped inside the chamber and locked the door.

I went back to my bed to check the rogue who was still sleeping on my bed…but this time she was crying…or more like begging.

“Please…” she sobbed, tears falling from her eyes.

“Rouge,” I tapped her cheeks. “Rouge wake up,”

Panic surged in my chest when her breathing turned heavy. Her chest rises and falls with every breath she takes. Her sobs became louder.

“Hey,” I keep on tapping her cheeks to wake her up. “Hey wake up!”

Shit! What’s happening to her?!

“No! Adrian! No!”

My forehead creased. Adrian? Who’s Adrian?

“Hey! Rouge! Wake up!”

I started shaking her shoulder desperate to pull her out of her nightmare.

Why is she crying? And who is this man named Adrian? Why is she calling him? Why is she begging?

“Rouge—“

Her eyes snapped open. She looked straight at me. She frantically shook her head and started rubbing her palms against each other. “I-I didn’t do it. I-I didn’t push her. I-I didn’t push her, A-Adrian. I-I didn’t d-do it,”

She held the hem of my shirt like her life depended on it. “I-I didn’t d-do it, A-Adrian,”

“Hey,” I called her much calmer this time. “It’s me,”

I cupped her face and wiped away her tears. “It’s me, Lucien,”

She turned quiet. The fear in her eyes was slowly replaced with confusion.

“Lucien?” she called my name like it was something foreign. As if I were a stranger to her while she calls whoever that fucking Adrian is, like she has known him for a long time. And I fucking hate it! I fucking hate that man!

“Who’s Adrian?” I asked.

She pushed my hand away and sat on the bed, wiping her tears. She forced a smile but her body was still trembling.

“Did he hurt you?” I asked again, when she didn’t respond.

She let out a soft chuckle and raised her eyebrow. “Why? Would you kill him if he did?”

“I might,”

Her smile faded and I fucking hate it. Why does she look scared now? Who is that fucking man to her?

“Who is Adrian?” I asked again, refusing to drop the conversation. “Why are you crying while saying his name?”