Lucian's POV
The moment we stepped out of the pack hall, I knew it was coming.
A slap, a punch.
Either or both.
Father's footsteps were heavy as I walked behind him, like thunder ready to strike. The night air outside was sharp and biting, but it didn't cool the fire radiating off him.
"Father, I can explain. It's not the—" I started, my voice steady but wary.
The slap came so fast I barely saw his hand move.
My head whipped to the side, the sting biting across my cheek. Pain flashed through my skull, and I tasted blood at the corner of my lip.
"You think she's your mate?" he snarled, his voice low and dangerous. "How far have you fallen, Nikandros? For a mere human?"
I clenched my fists, jaw tightening, but I didn't speak. I couldn't.
Not yet.
He stepped closer, towering over me, his eyes gleaming gold. His Lycan wanted to come out, I could tell.
From the way the atmosphere shifted and filled with oppressive authority.
