Lucian's POV
*****
When Elian's scream tore through, the black veins sprouting like worms from the mark on his ankle, Lucian felt an odd sense of dread.
Everything was happening so fast and the so-called "Umbra Beast" seemed far too convenient.
That and the Dark Hand's potential involvement in this.
Earlier today when he walked into Axel cupping Elian's dick like it was a lollipop he couldn't wait to gobble, Lucian had made a mental vow to distance himself from him.
Seeing Axel touch their mate like that, knowing the Beta knotted in him first, was too much for his ego and his possessive instincts. Plus, the fact that the Eastern Wolves Council's message of marriage still loomed didn't help things.
But seconds ago, seeing Elian getting surrounded by those dark tendrils... Snapped something primal within him. The urge to protect him at all costs.
He told himself it was merely instinct... But he knew deep down it was more than that. And he loathed it.
