#49

Emily anticipated experiencing a jarring and agonizing blow when she and the little girl fell from the tree, prompting her to shut her eyes and hold the child tightly. However, to her surprise, a set of arms caught them both, making a gasp escaped her.

When she finally opened her eyes, her heart was still thumping hard in her chest. The first thing that came into view were the familiar pair of wayfarer blue eyes, gazing down at her a mix of concern and annoyance.

"What the hell were you doing?" Lucian's words were, as usual, like daggers. Carefully, he set them down and knelt on the ground to check on the little girl, who was still crying out of fear. To Emily's surprise, Lucian wiped away the little girl's tears and examined her body, making sure she didn't sustain any injuries from the fall. "Are you okay?" he asked the girl.

The little girl sobbed; her tiny lips trembled before she nodded. "Y-Yes, Alpha."

Emily couldn't believe how Lucian's expression softened when he looked at th