Lycan King

Lucia's POV 

It's been two weeks since the crazy incident and I have remained totally silent about the Alpha and Beta's secret affair. Of course, my mom kept pleading to know what happened that night, but I had to come up with lies upon lies to feed her. 

She didn't believe me at first cause she knew how much I loved Mario and that I would never want to do anything to hurt him. But after she noticed the strained relationship between Mario and me, she had no other choice than to believe my half true story. I told her that I caught Mario cheating and I got so upset about it and hooked up with someone else while I was drunk. 

Of course, she was disappointed in me. She was one of the biggest shippers of LUMAR, (Lucia and Mario). And she was really heartbroken when we broke up.

"Lucia, I think you and Mario are still very much in love with each other. Why not you two act like adults and talk things through?" Mom suggested, making the food in my mouth instantly turn sour. 

I picked up a napkin and wiped my mouth, sliding out of the chair angrily. "Where to?" Alpha Herod demanded. 

"Isn't it obvious that I lost my appetite?" I lashed back, earning a disapproving look from my mom. 

"Lucia, why are you being rude to your dad?" 

Ignoring my mom, I made my way to my room. I rested behind the door, sliding down in misery. I was completely broken, but I couldn't even confined in anyone. 

The soft knock behind the door was followed by my mom's voice, "Lucy, please open up."

I hesitated for a moment, but eventually opened it, knowing that my mom wouldn't stop knocking till she got a chance to speak with me. I unlocked the door and headed for my bed, collapsing onto it. 

Luna Elsa entered, concern etched on her face. "Lucy, what's going on?" she asked, sitting beside me. I shrugged, avoiding eye contact. She placed a gentle hand on my shoulder. "What’s wrong with you and everyone? Why are you being so Icy to your father and Beta Mario?” 

How could I reveal the truth without exposing Alpha Herod and Mario's secret? It would definitely break her if I just dump the news on her like that. "I...I don't know, Mom," I stammered.

Mom's eyes narrowed. "Lucia, you're not yourself. What's bothering you?" I took a deep breath, conjuring a plausible explanation.

 "Honestly, Mom... Dad just puts me in a bad mood these days. And for Mario, I think I've just lost feelings for him." I lied.

 Mom's expression softened. "That's understandable. But you don't have to make things complicated between you and Mario, you two can still be friends..." 

I shook my head in the negative, "Well, I'm not a fan of that theory," I said blankly.

Mom's eyes searched mine as if seeking the truth. "But, Lucy, you used to glow whenever Mario was around. He used to be your favourite person even before you guys started dating," she said, her brow furrowed. 

"I know, Mom. Maybe I just grew up."

Mom's gaze lingered, and then she nodded. "I hope you're okay, Lucy." I nodded, feeling a pang of guilt. For lying. For hiding the truth. For being trapped in this web of secrets. Mom's presence was comforting, but I couldn't shake off the weight of the secrets around me. 

"So I was thinking, is there any lucky man you would want as your plus one for the pack anniversary?" Mom said, changing the topic with an all-knowing smile on her face. "It's just a week from now, you know..." 

"I know that smile," I said and she burst into laughter. 

"Well— he is a friend’s son and he has been crazy about you since day one." 

"Mom, you're not giving up on matchmaking, are you?" I asked, a hint of amusement in my voice.

Her eyes sparkled with mischief. "Never, Lucy! You deserve happiness, and I won't rest until I see you smiling again."

I sighed, the weight of my secrets threatening to suffocate me. "Mom, I appreciate it, but I'm not ready. Besides, I don't even know this guy."

Her grin only widened. "Oh, you'll love him! He's charming and handsome, and he's been asking about you nonstop."

My curiosity piqued despite myself. "Really? What's his name?"

"Josh," she replied, her eyes shining with excitement. "You guys have met a few times already. You might not remember, but I do." 

I shrugged, feigning indifference. "Okay, I'll think about it."

Mom beamed, her face radiant with hope. "That's all I can ask for."

As she hugged me, a pang of guilt struck my heart. I was lying to her, hiding the truth behind a mask of indifference.

"Mom?" I called out as she stood up to leave.

"Yes, sweetie?" she replied, her voice soft.

"Do you think Dad could ever...cheat on you?" The question slipped out before I could censor myself.

Mom's expression faltered, her eyes clouding over for an instant. Then, her face smoothed out, and she smiled reassuringly. "Your father loves me, Lucy. He would never do that."

I nodded, forcing a smile onto my face. But my heart ached, knowing that she was in the dark like I was a few weeks back. 

**DIAMOND STONE PACK ANNIVERSARY**

Lucia’s POV 

"Shall we?" Josh asked, his voice charming.

I nodded, placing my hand in his. My mom's smile widened as we approached her.

"I'm so happy for you two..." she said, her voice filled with enthusiasm. "I'm definitely shipping 'Jocia' now."

I chuckled, playing along. "If you don't mind, I'll be over there with my new man."

Josh's face flushed, and I giggled, enjoying the light-hearted moment.

As I turned, my gaze met Mario across the room. He looked extremely stunned, the same look he usually had whenever he thought I was pretty. But then there was a bit of jealousy in his eyes when he noticed my hand in Josh's. But he quickly looked away, feigning disinterest.

I shrugged, unaffected. We'd rejected each other; I had nothing to do with that cheater anymore.

The hall's festive atmosphere enveloped me, the lighting effects creating a warm, celebratory ambience. Packs from all over had gathered, their laughter and chatter filling the air.

Josh leaned in, his voice low. "You look stunning, Lucia."

I smiled, feeling a flutter in my chest. Maybe this was exactly what I needed – a distraction from the turmoil brewing inside.

But as I scanned the room, my eyes inevitably drifted back to Mario. He stood tall, his expression stoic, yet his eyes betrayed a hint of longing.

My heart skipped a beat. No, I refused to fall for that again.

"Let's dance," Josh suggested, his hand extending.

I nodded, taking his hand, and letting the music take me to another realm. We were extremely close, our breath hitting each other's skin. Soon, I began to feel this unsettling feeling in my chest, and Josh's hand around my waist suddenly began to irritate me. 

"I'm sorry, I can't do this," I said, peeling his hands off from my waist as I hurried towards the door. 

As I rushed out of the grand hall, the music and laughter fading behind me, I collided with a towering figure. Apologetic, I lifted my gaze to meet the stranger's eyes.

"Rhein?" I called, frozen by surprise. What the heck is he doing here? 

"The Lycan King has arrived!" A voice said from within the hall.

Lycan King? 

The room fell silent, and everyone bowed, acknowledging his presence. I remained frozen, my eyes locked onto his. I just couldn't believe my eyes.

"You are..." My words caught in my throat. 

His hands wrapped around my waist as he pulled me closer, his hot breath causing goose bumps all over my body.

 "Yes, sweetie!" He cooed.