Chapter 125

Harper’s POV

A thin layer of well-earned sweat coated my skin as Jaxon ran through the same combative drills with me for the seventh time that morning.

The training grounds were tense. Everyone was giving it their all, knowing that this upcoming mission was so vital. And it was.

Jax made it a point to go a bit harder on me this time around with the hopes of sharpening my agility and reflexes.

With every intended punch and jab, I was able to successfully dodge his advances. I never hesitated, and I never doubted my instincts.

“Nice, keep that form,” Jax told me breathlessly. “Come on, don’t get distracted now.”

Out of the corner of my vision, I knew that Lucas was there to keep an eye on things—mainly me.

I felt in the back of my mind that he was impressed with how far my training had come. His emotions had me and Erie swelling with pride and the kind of acceptance I never thought I’d get to experience.

“Alright, that’s enough for today!” Lucas called out. “Well done!”

Everyone began dispersing, a few men stayed behind to get a few words in with Lucas, whereas I snuck off to the lagoon for some much-needed alone time. It has become the perfect hidden spot for me to relax and gather my thoughts.

My aching muscles were grateful for the immediate relief as I slowly sank into the cool water. I rested my arms on a natural ledge nearby and allowed my feet to gently kick beneath me.

“We’re going to get through this,” Erie said through the bond.

An amused smile touched my lips. “Yes,” I responded.

Come hell or high water, we were going to make it through this mission. Dismantling the vile organization that was the Domain would mean eradicating a majority of the unseen crime that had been going on for countless decades.

I was both eager and intensely worried about it all. There were numerous things that could go wrong during the mission. Yet, I truly believed that Lucas’s team and I had a real chance of bringing the Domain down.

I believed in us.

It was unfathomable to think that this was what my life had become...One moment, I was a wolfless rogue, living amongst humans and working as a healer; and now I was fighting an underground evil operation alongside my wolf as well as my mate.

...My mate...

The mere notion alone still felt surreal to me at times, considering there were moments in which I firmly believed that I would never possess such a bond. Even though ours was scarcely completed.

Lucas had somehow weaseled his way into my life, my mind and my heart. He’d found a way to get past all of my defenses, rendering me vulnerable, and I wasn’t even sure how.

Yes, I did.

Beneath that icy exterior of his, Lucas had proven himself to be rather extraordinary. He turned out to be the kindest, strongest person I had ever met. I really didn’t think that I would be able to let him back in.

He remained patient and understanding toward me and respected my wishes when it came to needing space.

But the more I harped on the very thought, the more I realized that I didn’t want that same space between us anymore.

I wanted him. Part of me felt horribly foolish to wait to tell him until after the mission. Not that I believed anything bad was going to happen, it was just...I needed him to know I’d forgiven him.

A flutter of excitement sparked in my chest.

“We should tell him now!” Erie claimed eagerly.

“Alright,” I chuckled. “We’ll go see him now.”

Right as I lifted myself out of the water, I caught a glimpse of the very man poking out through the trees. Lucas’s wolf came stalking into the clearing before shifting back to his human form. His soft gaze swept over me like a warm caress.

The words I wanted to speak were on the very edge of my tongue. He stepped into my space and circled his arms around me, holding me flush against his chest. “We’re set to leave in the morning,” he murmured into the locks of my hair.

My heart flipped in my chest. That same feeling of anticipation came flooding back. I shouldn’t have been worried. It’s what we’ve all been training so hard for, after all. But the thoughts of actually going back inside that absolute hellscape of a place made my skin crawl.

It needed to be done.

“Alright,” I whispered back.

Lucas held me tighter, knowing he was likely sensing my slight agitation. I snaked my arms around his neck, wanting to embrace this moment just as us. He had become a constant warmth that my body was more than willing to cling to.

His hands slid down to cup the backs of my thighs. Before I knew it, I found myself being lifted off the ground. My legs wrapped around his hips as he came to rest his hands on my lower back.

Lucas’s features drew sharply with worry as he peered deep into my eyes. “You have to promise me...Promise me that you’ll be careful,” he said gruffly.

I cupped his cheek, wanting to ease his anxiety. “I will be.”

“I mean it, Harper.” His tone grew serious. “You won’t be several yards away from the building this time. You’ll be back inside of it.”

Considering my last encounter within the walls of the Domain nearly involved me getting auctioned off like some cheap antique, I easily understood his distress. I had no doubt that if Lucas found a chance to physically make me stay behind for this mission that he would take it.

“If we end up getting separated, somehow, I need you to do whatever it takes to keep yourself safe.”

“I know,” I told him calmly. “But you and Jaxon have made sure that I was well prepared to defend myself if need be. I’m going to be okay.”

The corners of his mouth pulled upward in a supportive smile. “You have made such amazing progress given such a short amount of time.” A small line formed between his brows. “Harper, if anything were to happen to you—”

I swiftly cut him off by pressing a chaste kiss to his lips. I was deeply touched by his sincere concern for my well-being. It was a feeling that I had yet to be fully used to.

I practically melted against him as soon as I felt his tongue run along the seam of my lips.

My hands sank into his hair, while I pulled him impossibly closer. A low hum of approval vibrated through his chest. His tense muscles gradually started to relax under my impassioned touch.

Lucas’s hands began to roam, causing a spark of heat to grow deep between my thighs. He led a trail of hot kisses down my chin and neck, stealing the very air from my lungs.

“Lucas...” I gasped longingly.

He captured my bottom lip in another searing kiss that nearly sent my head spinning. He pulled back to look at me; his eyes glowing golden with primal need.

“I trust you,” I told him earnestly. “And...I forgive you.”

Lucas’s eyes widened, but I closed the distance between us and pulled him in for another kiss.