Defying the Rogue Alpha
Chapter 76: Camp

Chapter 76: Camp

The fire crackled in the middle of the camp, the warm glow casting flickering shadows over the victorious warriors who sat around, drinking and laughing. They had survived another battle. They had won. And they celebrated.

Ava sat comfortably among them, her legs tucked beneath her as she listened to the men share exaggerated battle stories, each one trying to outdo the other.

She laughed, shaking her head.

The camaraderie among them was strong, and though she wasn’t technically one of them, they had accepted her presence with ease. But someone was missing.

Her gaze drifted across the camp to where he sat alone, a beer bottle clutched loosely in his grip.

Ava frowned.

This was supposed to be a night of unity. A night to show appreciation, to remind the pack that their sacrifices mattered. But Lucas, in his infinite stubbornness, was sitting apart.

She sighed. Typical.

Pushing herself up, she made her way over to him.

"You should join them," she said, stopping beside him.

Lucas barely glanced at her, his lips tilting into a smirk as he took another sip of his drink. "They are my men."

Ava rolled her eyes. "Lucas, these men just bled for you. They should know their Alpha appreciates them."

Lucas snorted. "I am their Alpha. That’s what they should do."

Oh, for the love of...

Ava resisted the urge to smack him.

Instead, she crossed her arms and arched a brow. "Lucas... come on."

His jaw tightened, and for a moment, she thought he would argue again. But she wasn’t going to let him sit here in his self-imposed isolation just because he thought it was beneath him to engage with his warriors.

So she grabbed his arm and pulled.

Lucas barely budged.

He looked down at her hand on his arm, then back at her, amused. "You do realize I’m twice your size, right?"

Ava scowled and pulled again, this time using her full weight. "Move, you big baby."

Lucas’ eyes darkened slightly at that. "Oh, you’re going to pay for that."

Ava scoffed. "What are you gonna do? Spank me?"

A slow, devilish smirk spread across Lucas’ face, his grip tightening around her waist.

Shit.

The look in his eyes was entirely too pleased. And entirely too dangerous.

He leaned in, his breath warm against her ear. "Don’t tempt me, darling."

Ava swallowed. "For God’s sake, grow up." She quickly nudged him forward before he could turn the tables on her.

Lucas let out a low chuckle but allowed her to guide him toward the fire.

As they approached, the laughter and chatter among the men quieted. They turned to their Alpha, watching as he stepped into the light, beer still in hand.

Lucas cleared his throat.

Ava braced herself.

"I... uh..." He rubbed the back of his neck. "You all did good out there today."

The men exchanged glances. A few looked like they were seeing and hearing things.

Lucas raised his beer bottle. "To victory."

Ava groaned internally.

That’s it?

That was the speech?

The men stared for a beat before letting out a collective cheer, raising their bottles. "To victory!"

Ava facepalmed.

This was by far the worst post-battle speech she had ever heard. No inspirational words, no heartfelt appreciation, just a half-assed toast.

Lucas, seemingly satisfied with himself, turned to leave.

Ava gawked at him. "That’s it?" she whispered harshly.

Lucas shrugged. "I said what needed to be said."

Before Ava could throttle him, Nolan called out.

"Alpha?"

Lucas paused, turning back.

Nolan shifted on his feet, then met Lucas’ gaze with open curiosity. "Is Ava going to be our Luna?"

The men suddenly went silent, all attention fixed on Lucas.

Lucas shifted slightly, running a hand through his hair. "It’s not official yet," he admitted. "But yes."

Ava exhaled, stepping forward quickly. "If you all will have me, of course."

The reaction was instant.

The men erupted into cheers, howls, and whistles, raising their drinks in approval.

Ava chuckled, feeling warmth flood her chest. She hadn’t realized how nervous she was until now.

She turned to Lucas, only to find him already looking at her.

"I guess you stole their hearts too," he murmured.

Before she could respond, he pulled her close and crashed his lips onto hers.

The kiss was filled with a silent declaration.

She was his.

The cheers grew louder, some men whistling, others clapping.

When Lucas finally pulled away, Ava smirked. "I think you just wanted an excuse to kiss me in front of everyone."

Lucas grinned and winked. "Damn right."

*****

Lucas stood at the entrance of the concubines’ quarters, rolling his shoulders as if preparing for battle.

He had been dreading this moment not because he feared the confrontation, but because emotions, particularly messy emotions, weren’t exactly his strong suit. He’d rather fight an entire army than navigate the emotional minefield that was about to unfold.

Taking a deep breath, he pushed open the doors and strode in.

Seated on one of the elegant lounges were Nelly, Lily, and Sarah.

Sarah, ever the dramatic temptress, sat with her legs crossed in a way that screamed pick me. Her long nails trailed absentmindedly over the fabric of her dress, a slow, deliberate movement meant to draw his attention.

Lucas ignored it.

He cleared his throat. "I am marrying Ava."

There. No sugarcoating.

Just the truth.

Nelly merely nodded. Lily hummed as if she had already accepted this outcome weeks ago.

Sarah, however...

Oh, Sarah.

Her eyes darkened, and though her face remained composed, Lucas caught the subtle twitch of her fingers.

He could see the war brewing behind her eyes, the desperate attempt to process the words he had just uttered. She had always been the most competitive, the most sure that if she played her cards right, she would eventually end up at his side permanently.

Lucas exhaled slowly.

"I know you must be wondering what happens to you now," he continued, his voice steady. "It’s your choice, really. If you choose to stay, you’re welcome to. If you choose to leave, you’ll be supported for the rest of your life. You will always have my protection."

He turned to Nelly first.

"You can do anything you want."