Defying the Rogue Alpha
Chapter 44: Message

Chapter 44: Message

Lucas.

Ava’s heart hammered.

’You looked upset at dinner.’ The message read.

She didn’t respond. She set the phone back on the table and continued to look at the sky wondering what next the moon goddess had in store for her.

*****

Zari’s hands shook as she stared at the message.

Her stomach knotted with dread.

She had done so much already. She had passed on every bit of information this faceless stranger demanded. And yet, it had never been enough.

Not until now.

Not until...

’Poison Ava.’

Zari’s throat went dry. Her fingers clenched around her phone so tightly that her knuckles turned white.

She was the only one who handled Ava’s meals. If Ava died, the first suspect would be her.

Did this stranger expect her to sacrifice her own life just to keep her sister safe?

Her chest tightened.

She had no proof her sister was even alive. But how could she take that risk?

Tears burned her eyes.

She had never wanted to get involved in this mess.

She was a maid. She was supposed to serve, clean, fetch.

Not... this.

Not betrayal.

Not murder.

Her hands trembled as she set Ava’s tea tray, her heart hammering against her ribs. Could she really do this?

She swallowed hard, inhaling deeply. She just had to keep going. Just... bring the tea.

She could figure the rest out later.

Ava sat in the garden, trying to read the book on her lap.

She was avoiding Lucas but that didn’t necessarily mean she didn’t miss him.

She didn’t respond to his texts or calls.

The thought of Sarah in his bed haunted her. Would he tell Sarah how much he loved her just as he had told her?

Even if he had to be with Sarah, did they really have to schedule it in her presence?

The worst part?

Lucas hadn’t even tried to look for her.

And she had no right to be mad about it.

But she was.

"You’ve been avoiding me, Ava."

The deep rumble of his voice cut through her thoughts.

Ava’s heart lurched in her chest.

She forced herself to remain still, not even sparing him a glance.

Not today, Satan.

"You’re imagining things, Alpha."

Lucas arched a brow.

"Am I?"

His voice was calm.

Ava’s pulse spiked.

"I’ve been busy," she said coolly.

Lucas hummed, the sound low and knowing.

"Busy doing what, exactly?"

Before she could answer, Zari arrived with Ava’s tea, bowing slightly in the presence of the alpha.

Zari placed the tray carefully and rushed away.

Lucas moved even closer to Ava.

A slow, lazy smirk curled his lips.

"If you keep ignoring me, my little virgin..." he murmured, leaning in, his warm breath fanning her ear.

"...I will make you regret it."

Ava choked on her tea.

Lucas smirked.

The bastard.

Ava glared at him, coughing violently, her cheeks flaming.

He looked infuriatingly pleased.

And amused.

Why did he have to be so damn attractive while being an asshole?

"Choking already?" he murmured, tilting his head. "I haven’t even started yet."

Ava set her tea cup down very carefully.

And smiled sweetly.

"You seem to be insatiable, Alpha," she said, her tone saccharine. "Didn’t Sarah choke on you enough?"

Lucas’s smirk vanished.

His eyes darkened.

Ava had the insane urge to lean in, to push him further. To annoy him.

Then, before he could answer...

"Alpha! Lanaya has arrived!" Dorian shouted from across the garden.

*****

Ava changed into her training gear later that evening and headed to the training yard. For the first time since she started her training, the ground was filled with gammas training. She stood for a bit until Nolan noticed her presence and dispered everyone so he could attend to her.

"I heard you won a fight at the Crimson pack." Nolan chuckled.

"Not exactly. The bitch cheated, she shifted but yeah, I kinda won."

"Which brings me to today’s lesson. Teaching you to defend yourself against a shifted werewolf. The alpha wont always be there to save you."

"Don’t I know it?" Ava spat.

Nolan was about to say something when Lucas’s voice boomed through the yard. "Take a break, Nolan. She trains with me today."

Nolan smirked and took a step back, bowing.

"Lucas, what are you doing?" Ava rolled her eyes.

"What does it look like?" he took off his shirt. "I am giving you the opportunity to express your anger at me."

Ava chuckled. "Sweet."

Ava cracked her knuckles as she took her stance, rolling her shoulders.

She was furious with Lucas but she also couldn’t deny the thrill of excitement that shot through her veins at the prospect of fighting him.

Beating the crap out of him?

Yes, please. But they both knew that would never happen.

Lucas, meanwhile, stood relaxed, rolling his neck, his muscles flexing with each movement. His shirt was already discarded.

Did he have to look like a goddamn warrior king?

Ava narrowed her eyes.

"You sure you wanna do this, Alpha?" she taunted, bouncing lightly on the balls of her feet. "Might bruise that pretty face of yours."

Lucas smirked, the look in his eyes dangerous and amused.

"I’d like to see you try, my little virgin."

Ava lunged.

Lucas dodged.

Damn it.

Before she could pivot, Lucas was behind her, so close that his body heat pressed against her back.

"Too slow," he murmured, his breath ghosting over her ear.

Ava whirled, aiming a strike at his ribs.

Lucas caught her wrist mid-air.

His grip was firm, but not painful.

And his eyes... burned.

Ava yanked her hand back, resetting her stance.

Lucas let her go, but his smirk only deepened.

She hated that smirk.

And maybe also loved it a little.

Ava didn’t hold back.

She came at him with everything she had; fast strikes, sharp kicks, using every ounce of her training.

Lucas blocked every single one.

"You fight well," he admitted, catching her next strike. "But you rely too much on speed."

Ava twisted her body, using his grip against him.

She managed to break free, delivering a sharp kick to his side.

Lucas grunted, but it barely moved him.

Ava scowled.

Lucas grinned.

Then, suddenly he moved.

Before she could react, he grabbed her, spun her, and pulled her down to the ground.

Ava gasped.

Lucas hovered over her, pinning her wrists above her head.

Their bodies were too close.

Her breath came in short, sharp pants.

And Lucas?

He wasn’t even winded.

"Yield," he murmured.

Ava arched a brow.