Chapter 55: His Proposition...
"Spend time with each of us at our packs," Lucien said, tone even, "one week with each mate. No distractions, no politics. Just... figuring it out."
Emerald’s eyes widened like Lucien had grown horns. "Lucien..."
He stood there, arms folded, as if he hadn’t just proposed complete insanity.
"You can’t be serious," she said.
"I am."
"You want me to take a vacation with each of you like this is some twisted dating show?"
"I want you to have clarity."
"That’s... that’s insane." She took a half-step back, like distance might help the logic sink in. "I’m an Alpha, Lucien. I have a pack to run. Responsibilities. The fact that I’m female doesn’t mean I’m just going to take a dating tour through the damn continent."
"It’s not about that..."
"No? Then what is it about?" she snapped. "You think if I stay with each of you, what, I’ll fall neatly into place and pick the right mate like some royal fairytale?"
Lucien’s face didn’t waver. "It’s not about making you choose. It’s about giving you space to feel. Right now, you’re surrounded by chaos. We all are. Everything we say, everything we do is watched. This gives you time, us time, away from all that noise."