Beneath the Alpha's Moon

LUCIAN’S P.O.V.

The house was warm as we stepped inside, Teresa’s fingers brushed mine as she walked beside me, making me feel stronger in a way I couldn’t explain.

"I’m going to take a bath," she said softly, her voice like a soothing balm. "I need to soak for a while. My whole body feels sore."

I swallowed hard, imagining her submerged in warm water, steam curling around her. The thought alone was enough to ignite a fire in my chest. "Say it, Lucian," Ares teased in my head. "Suggest she use your bathtub. It’s bigger."

But I didn’t. Instead, I bit back the words, knowing I couldn’t risk making her uncomfortable. Not now. "That sounds like a good idea," I managed, keeping my voice neutral. "I should clean up too."

Her laughter was soft, like the chime of a bell. "I’d say that’s an understatement. You’re practically drenched in Maverick’s blood."

I smirked, even as a pang of guilt ran through me. "It’s not a good look?"

She didn’t answer, just squeezed my hand gently before slipping away toward her room. I stood there for a moment, listening to the sound of her retreating footsteps, then headed to my own room.

The shower was scalding hot, the water washing away the blood and grime that clung to my skin. I scrubbed furiously, letting the heat ease the tension in my muscles. But as the physical stains faded, my thoughts drifted elsewhere—straight to Teresa.