Zara's POV
I glanced at the maid—hostile and disgusting eyes were the only welcome I got from her.
I know she doesn't like me. But using illusion magic? That's something else. She thinks she won. In a dream.
"Lucian," I whispered. "I'm sorry. I'm just tired. That's why I'm having illusions."
His eyes locked onto mine, like he could see through me. Then to my surprise, he smiled, gently touching my hand.
"It's okay, I understand," he reassured me. "Bring the steak for my girl now."
His orders made that maid even more jealous. She was burning in fire, seeing him so gentle with me.
Once our dinner was done, I stood up using the table for support. The steak was indeed more delicious than the soup. I didn't drink the soup, but its smell had told me enough.
"Babe, let's go," he said.
I went to him, wrapping my hands around his arm. That maid's eyes were on me—and mine were on her—because this arm hug was to show that I am the one he wants, not her.
I glanced up. His eyes were on me, and they looked different now. They were looking at me like he was hungry for me. In that moment, it clicked. An alpha's instincts are more dangerous than anything.
I felt goosebumps spread across my whole body. Every step we took upstairs gave me a reality check. My fingers were clenching into his skin.
"Are you okay?" he asked gently. "What happened, babe?"
"Nothing," I denied quickly, letting go of his arm. I ran upstairs. My heart was going crazy. If I hadn't let go of his arm, I might have had a heart attack—I'm sure.
When I opened the door and stepped inside, of course, he followed me. He closed the door behind us, and his eyes scanned me.
"Babe!" he called out, closing the distance between us instantly.
My wolf trembled, seeing his huge frame in front of me. I glanced up, catching him looking at me. His big body was proof—if he tried anything, he'd win.
His hands made their way to my cheeks. He caressed them gently.
"Don't worry," he said. "I'm not gonna eat you, am I?"
My eyes dropped to the ground on their own. I jolted when he suddenly picked me up in his arms. My hands rested on his shoulders. Gently, he laid me down on the bed.
I knew very well what was coming next. Accepting my fate, I clenched my eyes tightly.
I felt my back touch the bed—and realized, wait, did I just lie down? I opened my eyes slightly and noticed he had put me down, and he was also lying beside me.
"Sleep tight, babe," he said, lying down while facing the other side.
Oh gosh… I really thought something was going to happen to me just now. But nothing happened—and thank God for that. I grabbed the quilt and covered myself.
He must have been feeling cold too, so I covered him with the quilt as well and turned my back to him. It had been a hard day for me... I didn't know what would happen from tomorrow—because, after all, Lucian is Lyra's father.
But he doesn't seem to know much about me. Or who knows? He's behaving gently with me, so I'll take advantage of his gentleness. I'm going to become the Luna of this pack—and the stepmom of Lyra.
Because she stole my love, so I'll become the mate of her father.
I closed my eyes and fell asleep.
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The Next Day
When I woke up, I felt heavy—like a big burden was on me. When I opened my eyes, I saw that Lucian was in my arms.
His face looked handsome, even while sleeping.
And just then, he opened his eyes. As he did, I quickly closed mine because I didn't want him to know I was awake.
I felt him move and leave my arms. So I slightly opened my eyes and saw him sitting on the edge of the bed, his back facing me and legs dangling.
"If you're awake, then get up and help me take a bath."
Huh? What did he just say? Help him with what? Bathing? Is he out of his mind? Why would I help a grown-up alpha bathe?
"I don't understand what you mean, Lucian?"
As I asked, his face turned back—and our eyes met. I quickly sat up.
"Help me take a bath. You're my mate, so you will do it, won't you?"
Huh?! Wait—this is weird. Even if he wants to make me his mate, helping him bathe is out of bounds, I think.
He stood up, turning his face toward me—and he was already unbuttoning his shirt. Damn, he was seriously getting ready to bathe. I could see that clearly.
"Okay… I'll help you," I answered. I didn't want to offend him.
And it's just a bath. It's not like he asked me to have sex with him.
He threw his shirt on the bed and went into the bathroom. The door was open. I didn't want to go… but still, I stepped down from the bed and walked to the bathroom.
While grabbing the door, I peeked inside. He was standing there in front of the mirror. And through the mirror, he saw me too.
"What are you waiting for? Come in," he said.
I went inside, but didn't lock the door—just closed it.
He took off all his clothes. I clenched my eyes shut. I can't see him naked, can I? But when I opened my eyes, I saw him sitting in the bathtub. When did he get inside?
But thank God, he was inside the tub, and I couldn't see anything because of the foam on the water.
Still, his abs and chest… they were so fit. His muscular arms were resting on either side of the bathtub.
"Start," he said.
I glanced around to find the body wash and shampoo. Once I found them, I placed them on the holder.