Tonia's POV
Luckily, Lucien had time to spare when I reached out to him. Soon, he arrived at Shadowpeak and joined Ryder and me at the small outdoor café inside the Pack grounds.
Lucien froze the moment he spotted Ryder seated across from me. I had mentioned he would be meeting someone, but I kept Ryder's identity a secret.
"What the hell is he doing here?" Lucien demanded, his face twisting with disgust. "Did he kidnap you or something, Tonia? Or is this another one of his pathetic attempts to get under my skin?"
I watched Ryder's jaw clench, his fists tightening beneath the table as he held back whatever sharp response was building inside him.
"Lucien, please. Just sit down," I pleaded, gesturing toward the vacant chair.
He shot Ryder a withering glare before reluctantly taking his seat.
Within seconds, realization dawned on his face before I could explain.
His hands flew up in exasperation. "Wait, don't tell me this bastard is the 'someone' I'm supposed to meet?"
