Chapter 123
Harper’s POV
The tension that radiated from Lucas after the meeting yesterday was intense and heavy. It was stronger than anything I’ve felt through our bond before. His worry, anticipation, and… something stronger flowed freely into me.
His touch didn’t help, either. The way his warm hand cupped my cheek, the way his chest brushed mine, and the way his free hand settled gently on my hip; the memory of it sends shots of desire through my veins.
“Focus, Luna,” Jaxon barks just before a fist slams into my shoulder.
My attention is yanked back to reality as I tumble to the ground. Crap. I need to get my head in the game. I can’t keep thinking of and staring at Lucas, no matter how much I want to.
But even as I remind myself to focus, my eyes stray to the other side of the field where Lucas and Mason spar with several men from the mission team. Some are Council warriors and others are our pack members.
Lucas glances my way, as well. A flicker of concern reaches his eyes when he sees me on the ground, but I smile and push myself up.
“I’m fine,” I mouth. He stares for a moment then nods and turns back to his group. Though, I notice that his eyes never stay off me for long. He sneaks glances at me just as much as I sneak peeks at him.
“Luna,” Jax growls, and I duck instinctively. A fist flies past where my head had been as I roll across the grass. Jax doesn’t let up. He stays on me, forcing my attention on him and away from my mate. I strike back with all my strength, not holding back as I kick him in the side.
Our movements blur together in a dangerous dance. Feet and fists fly, landing blow after blow, but I don’t let the pain stop me. I push through, ignoring the protesting screams from my muscles and the burning of my lungs.
I plant my foot in Jax’s chest and push as hard as I can. He flies back and hits the ground with a grunt while I jump back a few steps.
Again, I catch Lucas’s gaze. This time, though, there’s a glint of irritation in his eyes.
“Don’t stop moving!” Lucas shouts.
Before I can respond or really think about Lucas’s words, Jax is on me again. He wraps me in a headlock, his arm cutting off my air supply, but I quickly jam my elbows back into Jax’s ribs to get free. I take a deep breath as I whirl around and swing at my trainer.
“Woah!” Jax cries, unexpectantly stumbling back. Jax’s eyes grow comically wide as his butt hits the ground again. With an impressive twist, Jax gets back to his feet and kicks out, pushing me back this time.
“Harper, stay on him!”
“I’ve got this, Lucas,” I shout back, feeling my irritation rise.
“I know you do,” he calls back, and this time I do turn to glare at him.
“Then why are you coaching me? Why do you keep telling me what to do? Do you not trust that I can win this fight without your instruction?”
The field goes quiet, and Jax coughs awkwardly. I don’t take my attention off my mate, though. My irritating and handsome mate who is smiling at me despite my snappy questions. I didn’t mean for my words to come out so rude, but I thought he believed in me.
Lucas clearly senses my irritation and crosses the field in a few strides.
Before I know it, he’s in front of me, staring down at me. “I don’t mean to condescend, Harper. I just want to offer my support any chance I get because I’m proud of you.”
My heart thumps louder in my chest.
“Every day, you’re out here, pushing yourself to become better and I love that. I want you to feel supported in everything you do.”
Our bond pulses with that warm, affectionate feeling I’ve noticed before. I swallow down the emotions that try to rise within me as Erie stirs beneath my skin. His words, the way he’s watching me with such sincerity makes me want to reach for him.
“I…”
Lucas takes my hand, curling his fingers around mine. My eyes move to our hands, taking in the slow, teasing stroke of his thumb across my palm. I try to take a breath, but it gets caught in my chest. It sticks there, swirling around my thundering heart.
What is wrong with me? Why is it so hard to breathe?
His thumb again brushes a tantalizing path across my palm, sending millions of goosebumps along my arms.
“I’m n-not weak,” I mutter, my voice contrasting my words.
Lucas smiles, pulls me closer by my waist, and whispers, “Harper, you’re the strongest person I know.”
My heart lurches again, and this time, when he leans in, I don’t pull back. In fact, I raise up and meet his lips. Soft warmth instantly spreads through my body, and I melt into the kiss, letting Lucas take control and lead.
But our moment is broken when cheers and howls of excitement break out around us.
Gasping, I pull back and bury my burning face to Lucas’s chest with a groan. I did not just kiss him where everyone could see…
But I did. I kissed Lucas.
Back in Lucas’s office, warriors and I gather around Lucas. “We need more intel on the Domain before we can attack, which leaves us with one option,” Lucas announces. “We’ll send a reconnaissance team to gather intel on patrols, guard posts, possible entrances, and anything that could pose as a danger when we infiltrate.”
Almost before he’s done, three men step forward. Two of them are from the Council and the other is Mason. My stepbrother nods to the two men who volunteered with him, and I feel a pull in my chest.
Lucas’s eyes scan the room, landing on me briefly before he continues to look at everyone. “Anyone else?”
At his words, I feel another pull, and I realize it’s Erie. She’s urging me to step forward, to volunteer, and to show our loyalty through this mission.
Not that our loyalty is in question anymore.
Nevertheless, I step forward. “I’ll go.”
The hushed whispers fall silent, and all eyes turn on me, all seeming surprised at my declaration. Lucas is the only one I focus on, though, and his green eyes brighten to a radiant gold.
“Harper, this could be dangerous. It could—”
“I want to help,” I add. “If I’m going to be part of this mission, you can’t keep me tucked under your wing the entire time.”
He watches me carefully, studying my face while everyone else stays silent. I don’t dare look away from Lucas, even as he responds.
“But if I let you fly, will you return?”
Murmurs fill the air around us as he stares down at me. My mind screams to tell him yes, that I’m not leaving him, and for once, my heart is in complete agreement.
“I’ll return,” I whisper. “And with my return, I’ll bring you enough intel to crush the Domain.”
