Chapter 4: The Hidden Power (Lucas' POV)

I hid in the shadows of the trees, watching Emma stroll through the park near her house. The sun dipped low, casting long shadows over the grass. She looked lost in thought, her brown hair catching the light. 

That pull hit me hard—the bond tugging at my chest like a rope yanking me forward. I should stay away. After losing my first mate in that attack, and then Julian betraying me for power, getting close to anyone felt like a death sentence. 

But Emma... she was different. Fated. My wolf growled inside, urging me on.

My phone buzzed. Olivia. I answered, keeping my voice low. "What?"

"Lucas, don't do this," she said, her tone sharp. "I saw you head toward her place after school. You're playing with fire. Remember what happened last time? You can't drag her into our world."

I ran a hand through my hair, frustration building. Olivia was my best friend, my packmate, always looking out. But she didn't feel this bond. "I have to, Liv. She's part of it. I can't ignore the pull or stay away from her."

“Of course, you can’t. You’re obsessed, Lucas. You have no idea what you’re getting into. After everything that happened with—”

I cut her off, not wanting to hear it. “I’m not obsessed,” I muttered. “I just... I can’t stop thinking about her. This... bond between us. It’s too strong. I have to figure out how to deal with it.”

“You can’t keep walking this path. You know how this ends. I know what you're trying to do, but you can’t fix this. You’re only going to get hurt.”

I ignored her warning and turned back to look at Emma again. She was still walking, completely unaware of the conflict raging in me.

She sighed. "You're the alpha heir. Think about the pack. If you reveal too much and she freaks, it could expose us all. Stay away. Let her live normal."

Normal. The word stung. I wanted that for Emma, but the bond wouldn't let me. "I won't. I'm going to her."

"Lucas—"

I hung up and stepped out from the trees. Emma spotted me right away, her eyes widening. She stopped walking, crossing her arms like a shield.

I stopped in front of her, our faces just a few inches apart. She seemed surprised, but I couldn’t tell if it was a good or bad surprise. Either way, she was here. And that’s all that mattered.

"What are you doing here?" she asked, her voice steady but edged with suspicion.

I moved closer, keeping my distance. "Needed to talk. After what I said at school today."

She bit her lip, a nervous habit I noticed. "About us being fated? Yeah, that was weird. I don't know what game you're playing, but leave me out of it."

Her assertiveness hit me like a spark. She didn't back down, even though I towered over her. It drew me in more. "No game. You're special, Emma. Different."

She laughed, but it sounded forced. "Special? Like, what? You barely know me."

I glanced around the empty park. Birds chirped, but the air felt heavy. "I know more than you think. That feeling you get around me—the pull. It's real."

She shifted her weight, avoiding my eyes. "It's nothing. Just nerves or something."

I stepped nearer, my heart racing. Her scent filled my nose—fresh, like rain on leaves. "It's more. You have power inside you. It's hidden."

"Power?" She met my gaze then, hazel eyes flashing. "Stop talking in riddles. If you have something to say, spit it out."

Her push made my walls crack a bit. I wanted to tell her everything, but fear held me back. What if she ran? What if I hurt her like the others? "Fine. You're like me. A werewolf."

She stared, then burst out laughing. "A what? Werewolf? Okay, joke's over. You're crazy."

I didn't smile. My face stayed serious, eyes locked on hers. "Not a joke."

Her laughter faded. She searched my expression, confusion creeping in. "You... you're serious?"

"Yeah." I swallowed, the words heavy. "We share a bond. Fated mates. That's why you feel it. Why I can't stay away."

Emma laughed, but there was no humor in it. “So, you’re telling me I’m... a werewolf?” Her voice dropped as she looked me over, the disbelief thick in the air. “And what? We’re supposed to just... be together? Just like that?”

I swallowed, trying not to let her doubts throw me off. “It’s more complicated than that. We share a bond—something deep. It’s the way our kind works. It’s how it’s always been. And, you’re not the only one who’s different, Emma. I can feel it too.”

Emma stepped back, shaking her head, her arms crossing over her chest like she was shutting herself off from me. “This is crazy. You’re out of your mind if you think I’m just going to believe that. I’m not some—some mythical creature!”

Frustration boiled in me. She was fighting it, just like I fought my feelings. "It's not a tale. You've always felt off, right? Stronger sometimes, or senses sharper?"

She hesitated, her face paling. "Maybe. But that doesn't mean—"

"It does." I reached out but dropped my hand. Touching her would make the bond stronger, harder to resist. "The full moon's coming. You'll feel it then."

She rubbed her arms, looking overwhelmed. "This terrifies me, Lucas. If it's true... what does that make me?"

Her vulnerability punched me in the gut. I wanted to protect her, pull her close. But my walls held firm. "It makes you powerful. But dangerous too."

"Dangerous how?" she pressed, her voice rising. "Tell me everything."

I shook my head. "Not yet. You need to see it first."

She glared. "See what? You're hiding stuff. If we're 'fated,' why act closed off?"

Because I lost one mate already. Because Julian shattered my trust. The thoughts screamed inside, but I locked them down. "To keep you safe."

"Safe from what? You?" She stepped forward, challenging me. Our faces inches apart now. Heat built between us, the bond humming.

"From my world," I muttered. "It's not pretty."

She didn't back off. "Then why come here? Why tell me any of this?"

I ran my hand through my hair again, conflicted. "Because I can't fight it anymore. The bond wins."

Her eyes softened for a second, but doubt lingered. "I don't believe you. Prove it."

I looked at her with an intense gaze. "I’m not joking, Emma. You’ll see the truthsoon enough. The full moon is coming. You will just have to meet me out here tomorrow night.”