Beneath the Alpha's Moon
Chapter 101: A Suggestion

Chapter 101: A Suggestion

ADRIAN’S P.O.V.

The moment we entered Lucian’s office, Teresa led Lucian to settle onto a couch, his movements deliberate yet laced with a kind of vulnerability I wasn’t used to seeing in any Alpha. Teresa, ever the kind-hearted one, perched by his side, cradling little Ollie while Mai rested against her father’s chest. It was a picture of fragile unity, one I couldn’t bring myself to shatter immediately.

I crossed the room with the type of ease a person who’d been here far too many times would use, lowering myself gracefully into an armchair across from them. Juliette found refuge near the window cradling our demon baby, her gaze distant yet piercing when it landed on me. I allowed myself a brief, private smirk before turning my attention to Lucian.

I leaned forward slightly, resting my elbows on my knees. "Lucian, we need to address the obvious." My tone was gentle but firm, the kind of voice you’d use when trying to calm a storm.

Lucian’s lips twitched, a hint of sarcasm creeping into his expression. "Oh, by all means, Adrian. Enlighten me."

I smirked. "You’re blind. Not just that, you’re a blind Alpha."

The air crackled with unspoken tension. Teresa’s sharp intake of breath was audible, her eyes darting to Lucian as if expecting him to lash out. But he didn’t. He simply sat there, his jaw tightening as he waited for me to continue.

"Once your enemies get wind of this," I said slowly, "you’ll lose the fear you command. Respect will waver. Challenges will rise. And trust me, Lucian, you don’t want that kind of heat right now."

Lucian’s jaw clenched, his hand tightening protectively around Mai. Teresa’s gaze darted between us, confusion clouding her expression. She wasn’t used to this side of Lucian—or me, for that matter.

"What do you suggest I do?" Lucian asked, his voice steady but low. "I didn’t plan for this. I don’t regret the decision that led me here, but... I won’t pretend I know how to handle the fallout."

His voice cracked slightly at the end, and for a moment, I saw the weight he carried—the fear, the frustration, the regret. But like the typical Alpha he was, he masked it quickly, his face settling into a familiar stoic expression.

Teresa, bless her soul, spoke up hesitantly. "I’m sorry, but... what exactly does being an Alpha mean?"

Lucian turned toward her, his features softening in a way that made me almost envious. He held her hand, his touch tender despite the storm raging inside him. "An Alpha," he began, his voice taking on that rich, commanding tone he was known for, "is the leader of a pack. But it’s more than that. It’s about responsibility, protection, and loyalty. My pack isn’t just a group of wolves; they’re my family. Over 7,000 souls—werewolves, humans and vampires alike—depend on me for safety, guidance, and support."

Teresa’s eyes widened, a mix of shock and, dare I say, admiration flashing across her face. "Seven thousand?" she repeated, her voice barely above a whisper.

Lucian nodded, a small smile tugging at his lips. "Yes. Everything I’ve built—my businesses, my empire—it’s all for them. To ensure they have everything they need."

She looked down at Ollie, her brows furrowed as if trying to process the weight of his words. Then, almost shyly, she asked, "And what does... Luna mean? People keep calling me that."

Lucian’s smile deepened, his voice dropping into a softer, more intimate tone. "I’ll explain that to you in private."

Teresa’s brows furrowed in confusion, but she didn’t press further. I watched the interaction with a faint smile, amused by the subtle tension between them. Lucian might be blind, but he was far from helpless.

My gaze drifted to Juliette by the window. She was staring out, her profile illuminated by the fading light. Even after centuries of trying to control my feelings, I couldn’t quite describe the way she made me feel. My dead heart seemed to leap at the sight of her, but as always, she turned away the moment our eyes met. I smirked, letting it go for now.

"Lucian," I said, steering the conversation back to its course. "I have a solution for you. But it’s going to require effort—significant effort."

He tilted his head slightly, his curiosity piqued. "And what might that be?"

I stood, walking to the fireplace as I spoke, letting the suspense build just a little. "Come with me to my mountain valley. Stay there for three months."

The room fell silent, the weight of my words sinking in.

"What?" Lucian finally said, his voice filled with disbelief.

I turned back to face him, my expression serious. "I’m offering to train you, Lucian. To make you the best blind Alpha this world has ever seen. In those three months, you’ll learn to mask your weakness, to adapt in ways no one will expect. Your enemies won’t know what hit. When you return, you’ll be stronger than ever—ready to face anything."

Teresa’s lips parted in surprise, Juliette’s head snapped toward me, and even Elizabeth, who’d been silent until now, seemed taken aback. But it was Lucian’s reaction that mattered most.

Lucian stood, his movements deliberate as he placed Mai gently in Teresa’s lap. His voice, when he spoke, was heavy with emotion. "You’d do that for me?"

His question hung in the air, raw and vulnerable.

I rose to my feet, meeting his gaze even though I knew he couldn’t see me. "I would. Because I care about Mai, Ollie, and Teresa with all my heart. And I won’t leave them until I know they’re in safe hands."

Lucian’s throat worked as he swallowed hard, his voice barely above a whisper. "Thank you, Adrian."

I nodded, my usual smirk replaced by a genuine smile. "Don’t thank me yet. You’re not going to enjoy this training, Blackwood. But by the end of it, you’ll thank yourself."

"Let’s see if I survive your training first," he muttered.

"Oh, you will," I said with a wink. "Whether you like it or not."

Lucian laughed softly, the sound carrying a hint of relief. Teresa’s gaze lingered on me, gratitude shining in her eyes. And Juliette... well, she looked away again, but I caught the faintest hint of a smile.

This, I thought, was the beginning of something extraordinary.