Chapter 93

Harper’s POV

Following Lucas into the forest alone is probably not the greatest idea I’ve had, but he seemed so hopeful when he told me he wanted to show me something. I just couldn’t make myself say no.

The last time I wandered into the forest, I was alone. This time it feels different.

After being cooped up in the pack house for so long, it’s like coming home. The air is crisp and cool with the light morning air, and I take a deep breath. For the first time since Lucas brought me back, I don’t feel suffocated.

“Watch out for that root,” Lucas warns. I step over it, my boots crunching the leaves on the ground as I follow him down a winding trail that I’ve never seen before. He only speaks to warn me of something that could hurt me or to tell me directions, but I don’t speak.

The silence lets me think, not that thinking has done me much good lately. My thoughts are a mess, tangled and confused—especially when it comes to Lucas. He’s been extra considerate lately, and patient. The calm and kind gestures didn’t stop with the sweater and tea last week.

I don’t know if I can trust it.

He wasn’t kind when I really needed him, when it really mattered. Instead, he was accusing and furious, shattering everything that was between us. Not that it was much. Though, I’ll admit that it could have been more if he hadn’t listened to Logan.

Now, his gentleness feels like a plethora of apologies wrapped in gifts and attempts to win me over.

Part of me is glad he feels guilty, and that he should continue to feel guilty, while another part of me feels like he’s been through enough. It’s not like I’m the only one who was wronged in this whole situation, but I do feel like he hurt me more than he should have.

I’m not one for revenge, but making him wonder if I’ll ever forgive him, is my only defense.

As we continue to walk, we move deeper into the forest. The path grows narrower until it begins to slope downward. I use the trees to steady myself as I walk down the slope. Low hanging branches brush across my head and shoulders, and for a moment, I wonder if we’re going too far.

But then, the ground becomes flat again, and Lucas moves to the side. The sight before me steals my breath away.

A hidden clearing stretches out before me, covered in soft moss and surrounded by a circle of drooping trees that hide it from the outside world. At the center of the clearing is a small lagoon. The blue-green water glitters in the sunlight that seeps through the trees. Flowers bloom along the lagoon’s banks, their colors popping just as vivid as the beautiful water.

This place feels private, like a sacred, magical place that shouldn’t be disturbed by anyone.

I take a step back.

“No one else knows about this place,” Lucas says from beside me. His voice is low, like he’s also trying not to disturb the peace. “Just me. The path we just took is the only way here, and you can come anytime you want.”

I look up at him, “And… you’re just sharing it with me?”

He nods, a small smile pulling at the corners of his mouth. “I come here to clear my mind and thought you might like it too.”

An unwelcome warmth starts up in my chest, and I resist the urge to rub at it. It pushes against the walls I’ve been building and working so hard to keep between me and Lucas.

Turning away, I pretend to study the water. I step closer to it, taking in the way it practically sparkles. A few chirps from birds, the soft swish of the wind through the trees, and the shuffling of mine and Lucas’s feet is the only sound in the clearing.

It’s peaceful and more beautiful than anywhere I’ve ever been.

“You like it.”

It’s not a question, and I can’t deny it because he’s right. I do like it.

“Why?” I ask, thinking I might know his answer. “Why bring me here if it’s your special place?”

When I turn to look at him, Lucas is already watching me. He’s quiet for a second, then he steps closer. So close that I can feel the warmth of his body, and damn it, I want to lean in. I don’t, though. I firmly plant my feet and wait for his response…

Which traps my breath in my chest.

My pulse jumps and my heart flutters as he reaches out, his fingers brushing against my hair. He slowly tucks a stray strand behind my ear, sending a shiver down my spine.

“Because,” he whispers, holding my gaze, “I want you to have somewhere you can get away that is safe.”

His fingers trail down the side of my neck, lingering for a second too long where his mark is hidden, and I hold my breath. My heart speeds up, racing just from his light touch, and Lucas’s eyes dip to my neck.

Can he feel my racing pulse beneath his fingers?

The bond unfurls in my chest, coming to life and doing it’s best to pull me toward him even as my sanity screams to stay away.

I stumble back, breaking the contact between us. His hand falls to his side, and I stutter over my words, “You—” I swallow the unsteady shake to my voice before trying again. “You can’t just say things like that.”

Amusement flickers in Lucas’s eyes as he responds, “Why not? It’s true. I want you to have a safe space.”

“Because,” I snap. Crossing my arms over my chest, I glare at him, “You don’t get to be the protector like nothing has happened between us. You don’t get to—” I sweep my arm out around me, then toward him and wave it between us with a huff. “You don’t get to make it this hard to stay mad at you!”

That puts a smirk on his face, and it twists my insides. Does he think this is funny?

“So, you admit that I’m making this hard for you.”

I narrow my eyes at him, “Don’t push your luck.”

Lucas’s smirk melts into something more sincere, something that makes my stomach flips with nerves even more than when he teases. He doesn’t say anything, doesn’t argue, doesn’t defend himself when I push his chest.

Instead, he just watches me and takes the step back. Like he promised, he’s giving me space when I need it.

And damn it, standing here with him looking at me like I’m the only important thing in the world has my heart fluttering again. I want to believe him.

Can I let myself fall?

Turning, I face the lagoon again and worry my bottom lip between my teeth. I don’t think I can trust him again yet, but maybe I will someday.

“It’s nice,” I murmur, looking out at the water. “But I still need time, and I don’t know if I can trust you yet. Don’t think that this means I forgive you.”

“I wouldn’t dream of it,” he says, his voice steady, but I can hear the hint of hope in his words. As much as I want to keep my anger, the truth is still there. I feel safe with him, and it terrifies me.

I feel Lucas step closer to my back, but he doesn’t touch me. He hovers right behind me, close enough to feel his breath on my neck as he whispers, “I’ll wait, Harper. As long as it takes, I’ll wait for you.”

His words sink into my chest and burn themselves into my heart, making me wonder again, what am I supposed to do?

Stay angry or forgive him?