<h4>Chapter 364: Lucian’s Unspoken Feelings- II</h4>


    <strong>Lucian’s POV</strong>


    For a second, I could not meet his eyes.


    Because if I had, he would have seen everything that I was trying to hide.


    So I pulled back first.


    I tightened my jaw, forcing control back into my body, forcing distance between us, as though another moment would have undone mepletely.


    I didn’t want to see him acting like this kiss, this closeness, meant nothing to him. That once more I was an idiot to go for it.


    "You got your drug, now let’s get back home," I said, turning to look at the cliff, trying to sound casual. I could feel his gaze at me, but I had no courage to look back at him. "I wonder we can get back there. My car is parked beyond the woods up there."


    "There’s a way," I heard him say behind me, "You don’t have to climb back to get to your car."


    "Lead the way then," I said normally, finally looking into his eyes.


    He stared at me for a moment, before turning to lead the way, "This way."


    He looked normal as well. <i>Thank god. </i>


    But inside I couldn’t help but wonder what must go in his mind at the moment. But, at this moment not talking about that kiss felt much better choice to not make things awkward.


    If we were to talk about it, he should be the one to begin it.


    We walked in silence for a while before we began talking normally, and the talk involved the preparation for the morning to leave for Alpha Gerald’s pack.


    Soon we reached the boundary of the woods and there I spotted my car. I settled in the driver seat, with him in the seat next to me.


    I pressed the button to move the roof of the cabriolet. "Our clothes will dry quickly this way."


    He hummed.


    But I knew better. I needed to this cold air to calm my heated body. It wasn’t yet calm after that kiss.


    The cold air on the way continued to dry our clothes, as well wiping away the traces of what we did.


    The journey continued in silence, none of us talking. My gaze was fixed on the road, while he leaned back in the seat and had his eyes closed.


    We reached home after half an hour. Jason was waiting for us outisde. Rafe offered him a nod and already headed inside the home.


    Outside, standing by my car, I was looking at the syringe box in my hands. It still had two syringe left out of three.


    "He had it again?" Jason asked, sounding worried. "You let him?"


    "Happened that way," I said, letting out a helpless sigh, my gaze still on the two syringe.


    "What do you n to do?" Jason asked, "We can’t let him...."


    "I know," I interrupted and looked at him, "Did you keep what I had asked youst time?"


    His expressions hardened, but he said, "I did."


    "I will need that," I said, my expressions utterly serious.


    "If he gets to know it, he will never forgive you, Lucian," Jason warned me, "he will hate you. He might run away for real and you won’t be able to find him."


    "I won’t let him know. Just do as I say," I assured him. "That’s the only way to protect him."


    Jason let out an helpless sigh as he offered me a nod. "I had stored it in yourb already. You can use it when you want."


    "Thank you."


    To save that bastard and to keep him with me... with us, I was ready to anything. Even if it meant he hated me for it. I will ept anything for his sake.


    ----


    <strong>Jason’s POV</strong>


    The next morning, everyone was gathered at the breakfast table except Lucian.


    "Where’s Lucian?" Kael asked, ncing toward the empty seat.


    "In hisb sincest night," I replied, setting the dishes in ce with quiet efficiency. "He’ll be here before we’re ready to leave."


    Kael gave a low hum in acknowledgment and reached for his coffee.


    I felt Eira’s gaze settle on me. When I looked up, she seemed as though she wanted to ask something, her lips parting slightly. But after a brief pause, she lowered her eyes and focused on her te instead.


    My eyes shifted to Rafe. He continued eating as if nothing had happened, his expression unreadable, movements calm. He did not offer a word, nor did he react to Lucian’s absence.


    As we had to leave for HollowCrest pack, we made sure everything was in order.


    The security arrangements had been finalized ording to the instructions Lucian had given the previous day. In his absence, I personally oversaw every detail, ensuring nothing was overlooked. This was not an ordinary outing. It was a small vacation for the family, and I intended to make it as seamless as possible.


    Instead of separate cars, we had arranged a caravanrge enough for all seven of us. It was a long journey, and Eira neededfort during her pregnancy. Traveling together would allow us to keep her under constant watch and care.


    The double-story caravan was designed like a miniature home. Separate sleeping areas, a spacious lounge with a television, a fully equipped kitchen,pact gaming space, storagepartments, and all the amenities one would require for extended travel. Itcked nothing.


    I had already stocked the pantry with everything necessary. Fresh produce. Whole grains. Ingredients for bnced, homemade meals. Eira needed proper nutrition, and I intended to handle the cooking, as usual. The rest of us would take turns driving, while at least one of us stayed with Eira and Raven at all times.


    "We’re going by this?" Eira asked when she saw the vehicle, her eyes widening slightly. "Such a big...."


    "Caravan," Kael named it for her. "You can take a look."


    I stood by the door and offered her my hand as she approached the steps. She epted it without hesitation, her fingers warm and light in my grasp as I helped her climb up.


    I followed her inside, with Kael carrying Raven close behind.


    Raven’s curiosity mirrored his mother’s perfectly. Their expressions were nearly identical, wide-eyed and quietly observant. The only difference was that Raven did not voice his thoughts.


    The moment Eira stepped inside, surprise softened her features.


    "It’s like a mini luxury home," she said, turning to Raven, who had already slipped from Kael’s arms and crouched on the floor, examining everything with keen interest. "Do you like it?"


    Raven nodded eagerly, his bright gaze roaming over the vast interior, taking in every corner.


    Eira moved toward the lounge area and settled onto the sofa. Sunlight streamed through therge ss windows, falling across her skin and illuminating her face with a gentle glow. She looked peaceful. Happy.


    Beautiful.


    For a fleeting moment, I found myself wishing I could simply stand there and look at her longer.