“Juste with me,” I said, my tone low as I turned away and started to walk in a more secluded area.


    I tell Lukas behind me, and I also could sense his anxiety; it was bringing me joy, and I had to stifle augh.


    I also felt Judy’s curiosity and worry; she noticed me taking Lukas way, and I knew it wouldn’t be long before she followed us.


    Once we were far enough away, I turned to look at him.


    “I swear, nothing happened between Judy and me… neither of us would cross that line and-”


    I held up my hand to silence him.


    “Let me speak,” I said, my eyes narrowed. “I know we didn’t get off on the right foot, and I’m aware that it’s mainly my fault. I reacted before asking questions… even before I realized Judy was my mate, I was possessive over her. I thought of her as mine before I could admit to myself, and seeing you make her smile made something break inside of me… I took it out on you, and for that, I apologize.”


    Lukas opened his mouth to say something, but then closed it, his eyes wide with rm. He was waiting for the other shoe to drop.


    “Uh… thank you?” He said, his brows furrowed. “I appreciate the apology, Alpha. But it’s not necessary. I understand, and I will keep my distance.”


    “Normally, I would have agreed with you about keeping your distance, but sadly, you are Judy’s friend, and she’s been upset about losing you from her small circle. I just ask that you aren’t alone with her and you keep your hands to yourself,” I warned, my eyes narrowed.


    His eyes grew wide.


    “Y<i>…</i>yes, Alpha. I promise, I won’t touch her. T… thank you,” he stammered, bowing his head to me.


    “That is, if you even have time for a friendship,” I stated casually. There is something else I’d like to discuss with you.”


    He looked confused and was about to reply, but Judy’s voice cut through; her panicked sound made me turn to look at her, my wolf on edge as her anxiety grew even more.


    “Please don’t hurt him,” Judy said, rushing towards us, her heart beating so loudly that I could hear it without being near her.” Nothing happened between us, Gavin, and I’m not sure how many times I have to tell you.”


    She had tears in her eyes; her hormones had been all over the ce today, and it made me smile. I loved my pregnant mate, and I wanted to pull her into my arms and tell her just how much I loved her, but that was going to have to wait for right now.


    “Actually, he told me that we can be friends. I just can’t be alone with you, and I have to keep my hands to myself, which ispletely understandable,” Lukas said, giving a nervousugh.


    Judy’s eyes widened.


    “Wait, you told him we can be friends?” Judy asked, amazed in her tone. “Seriously?”


    I nodded.


    “Yes,” I replied. “Your friendships are important, and for reasons don’t know, Lukas is important to you. I don’t want to take that away or be the reason for your tears.”


    Her eyes welled up with even more tears, proving my point. She wrapped her arms around me, hugging me close.


    <b>“</b>I love you,” she whispered. “Thank you.”


    I held her tightly in return, not wanting to let her go; she smelled so good, and my wolf was inplete bliss being in her presence.


    “Alpha, you said there was more you wanted to discuss?” Lukas asked, taking me out of my thoughts.


    “Oh yes,<b>” </b>I said, turning to look at him. “There was something I wanted ot discuss with you, Lukas. Your uncle and I have been talking”


    “<b>If </b>this is about school, I have been working hard. Please don’t get my schrship revoked…” Lukas rambled nervously.


    I remembered my earlier threat to get his schrship revoked if he continued to hang around Judy. I stifled a smile as I shook my head.


    “You misunderstand; this isn’t about your schrship. As you know, Levi is in prison until the unforeseen future<b>, </b>and his territory is without a Lycan… After a back and forth, your uncle suggested perhaps you would make a good fit. You are majoring in politics after all, and apparently you’ve always shown interest in your uncle’s career.”


    Judy gasped, her eyes wide as she stared between me and Lukas.


    “W…what?” Lukas asked, his eyes wide and his expression just as shocked.


    “I’m asking… would you want to take over Levi’s spot as a Lycan chairman, and take over his territory?”