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.