Chapter 82: Sutton

Lucas had lifted Mason off the floor with one hand before slamming him to the ground. His fist around his throat. A knee digging into his chest as his other hand pinned one of Mason’s arms. Mason’s face was turning red as he tried to claw his way free, tearing at Lucas’ hold. Lucas remained unphased by his flailing. The rage and hatred in his eyes was consuming and I caught a glimpse of the terrifying Alpha I had heard about before we met.

I could see Rhonen pushing to break through. His claws began to extend. I could see fur sprouting through the rips in his sleeves. Finally, Jaden and Alpha Thane grabbed Lucas’ shoulders and attempted to pry him off Mason. I was so engrossed in the scene, I hadn’t even noticed Motty and Luna Darcy trying to pull me away from the danger.

I suddenly wasn’t scared anymore. At least not of Anders or Mason. But I was worried for Lucas. He needed to get control of himself before he went too far. Mason hadn’t managed to hurt me. If Lucas killed him, he wouldn’t have a valid defense.

Jaden and Alpha Thane managed to pull him to his feet. The second Mason rolled over and scrambled back to his master, I rushed to Lucas. Grabbing his face to force him to look at me. As soon as he registered my touch, his arms went around me. Pulling me against him to make sure I was really there. That I was safe. Our eyes met and he started to settle, his breathing slowing as the hatred faded from his gaze.

“This is not acceptable behavior,” Alpha Renward announced sternly. “Violence will not be tolerated in my home. This issue can easily be settled with dignity.”

“With all due respect, I think the matter has already been settled, Alpha,” Soloman added. “Sutton bears no mark. She is clearly with Alpha Lucas of her own free will. Neither Beta Mason or Alpha Anders have any claim over her.”

“Mark or not, she is still a member of my pack,” Alpha Anders pointed out. A statement that had my heart jumping into my throat. “And the circumstances of her disappearance do, in fact, provide me with the means to recall her back to my territory.”

He was talking about me stabbing Mason. He wanted to punish me for nearly killing his Beta.

“I highly suggest you think long and hard before going down that road, Anders,” Lucas growled. “Whatever claims you’re about to make, we have evidence against it.”

Disgust and anger tugged at Anders’ upper lip ever so slightly. He was losing control. I was suddenly aware of the four other men who accompanied him and Mason. While they were still outnumbered, I really didn’t want to be there any longer. I didn’t like the risk that was growing with every second that ticked by.

‘I told you he would protect us,’ Nova stated. ‘Now we need to protect him. We need to leave.’

“Alpha Renward,” I stated, getting the room’s attention. “Please, accept my apologies for any disruption my presence has caused. I think it is safe to say that any hope of a civilized meal together is out of the question for this evening. If you and Luna Darcy would allow, Alpha Lucas and I would like to return to our room for the evening.”

“Of course, Luna,” Alpha Renward replied, brave enough to use the title in front of Anders and Mason. “I think it’s best that we all retire for the evening. We will have dinner brought up to each of you. And I want you all to be aware that I will be increasing security for the duration of the weekend. So, I encourage all of you to reign in any animosity that may be between you.”

The last part was directed toward Alpha Anders and Beta Mason, but it was still a warning to all of us. Alpha Renward may be our ally at this point, but this entire exchange was still an act of disrespect to him as our host.

I nodded my acknowledgment before urging Lucas to move toward our room. We moved quickly. I just wanted to get out of there. To get Lucas away from them. We were almost at our door when someone called out to us. We turned to see Alpha Thane striding to catch up to us.

“I wanted you to know that my Beta and I have the rooms just down the hall,” he said. “Alpha Derion is on the other side.” He looked at me. “No one here believes either of them have any real claim on you, Luna Sutton. I don’t know what happened when you were with them, but I know Alpha Anders and Beta Mason well enough. We all do. You’re safe here.”

“Thank you, Alpha Thane,” I said.

Lucas shook his hand before we watched him head to his own room. Lucas squeezed my waist.

“Come on,” he whispered. “Jaden…”

“I won’t be sleeping tonight,” he interrupted. “Don’t worry. I’ll keep an eye on everything.”

I looked at Motty, who was white as a ghost. The whole incident must have been just as nerve-wracking for her as it was for me. I put a hand on her shoulder.

“Go get some rest,” I told her. “We’ll be fine.”

She nodded and did as she was told. Lucas pulled me into our room, locking the door securely behind us. He immediately started looking me over, checking my arm and neck for marks or bruises.

“Are you okay? Did he hurt you?”

“I’m fine,” I insisted.

He held my face, sighing heavily as he rested his forehead on mine.

“I’ll never let him get that close to you again,” he breathed.

“You did enough,” I assured him. “I needed to see this through and you helped me do that.”

“I swore I would,” he stated.

“I know,” I told him with a smile.

He pressed his lips to mine, his hands beginning to roam. I followed suit, giving in to our need for each other only briefly. Because it was time for the next part of my plan. I'd shown Mason that I was free of him. I’d proven that I didn’t belong to him anymore. Now, I would show both h9m and Anders that I was capable of making my own choices. After tonight, they could never control me again.

“Lucas…” I breathed between kisses, “I want you to mark me.”