Chapter 134
Chapter 133 Closer Than Before Lucien held my hand. His movement to leave froze in place, as if nailed to the ground. I could clearly feel the sudden tension in his knuckles, though it quickly loosened again. Claim He slowly turned around, and a faint smile flickered through his eyes. It was alarming, and I was thankful it wasn’t guided to me. “Matthew, recently, while sorting through my mother’s belongings, I happened to find a journal p> My entire body jolted violently. I snapped my head up to stare at Lucien’s profile, my heart pounding so hard it nearly burst out of my chest. A Journal? His mother had left behind a Journal? Lucien had started to reinvestigate the truth of those years, just as he said he would. No wonder his attitude toward me and Matthew had shifted in such a subtle way. Now it made sense. The contents of his mother’s journal must have contradicted the story Matthew had once told him, but aligned with things that I had said. I felt his knuckles tighten again, the grip so strong it nearly crushed my fingers. “As for my mating,” Lucien spoke in a low but distinct voice, “my mother only mentioned it once in her journal. She said she only wished for me to find my true mate one day and live in peace and happiness. Never once did she mention any arranged childhood betrothal. In fact, she seemed against the idea p> He paused for a moment, “But you, Matthew, repeatedly told me that I was promised since childhood to your close friend’s daughter, Yvonne. Could it be that you have remembered wrong p> Although Lucien’s tone carried a suppressed anger, I could sense that he was still holding himself back. Lucien had always treated Matthew as both benefactor and family, showing him far more respect than anyone else. When he returned, Matthew managed to turn Lucien against his own father and many members of the pack, taking on the fatherly role for him. Even now, though he had clearly sensed something was wrong, he still refrained from exploding on the spot out of respect. Matthew’s facial muscles stiffened instantly, every fine wrinkle around his eyes frozen in place. “Th-this is impossible. I was there when the mating agreement was arranged before birth. What journal? Where is it? Let me see it. It is most likely fake, and has been planted by a conspiring pack member loyal to your father and his filandering ways p> Matthew forced out a few words from his throat. “Matthew,” Lucien’s voice was as distant as though he were speaking to a stranger, “I remember my 1/3 < Chapter 133 Closer Than Before Claim mother journaling in my youth. These are my mother’s most private thoughts, and I believe she would not have wanted anyone else to glimpse her deepest secrets. I must respect her wishes. Besides, my mating decisions will remain my own affair. I appreciate your concerns, but this matter ends here. Goodbye p> With that, he gave no chance for anyone to respond. He seized my hand, turned with finality, and strode away with long, decisive steps. I followed closely at Lucien’s side and got into the car with him. Inside the car, Lucien sat with a heavy expression, his entire being shrouded in a suffocating pressure. I sat quietly beside him, not daring to speak or disturb him. After what felt like an eternity, Lucien finally spoke, his voice hoarse. “Matthew-aside from my mother, has been the one who treated me the best in this world. He was the only one to visit me after I was found again. My father was too lost in his own problems to see me. You know that, don’t you p> I nodded. “Yes p> How could I not know? Since the age of seven, when I moved with my mother to the Crown of Thornes pack and into the small white house near the packhouse, I had witnessed the bond between Lucien and Matthew, closer than father and son. It seemed Matthew was playing the long waiting game, building that relationship with Lucien early on. Lucien’s horseback riding, archery, and sports had all been taught by Matthew, hand in hand. That trust ran deep, deeply rooted in his heart. Even Emeric did not compare to Matthew’s place in Lucien’s life. If Emeric had been a more involved father, less focused on his Alpha studies and mate, and with Lucien’s nature, he never would have allowed Matthew to grow so influential right under his nose. Lucien completely trusted Matthew, as any lost pup would towards a fatherly figure. While I was still lost in my thoughts, Lucien suddenly leaned in, closing the distance between us. “If one day I discover that all your accusations against him were fabricated-” His eyes gleamed with a chilling light, sharp enough to pierce right through me. “I will personally tear your lying tongue and tainted heart p> The crushing Alpha aura nearly stopped my heart from beating. My eyes widened in terror. Lucien’s hand closed around my throat. Lucia Morh Lucia Morh is a passionate storyteller who brings emotions to life through her words. When she’s not writing, she finds peace nurturing her garden.