2.

It was noon, and I wandered out of my room in search of water, the house feeling unusually quiet. As I reached the kitchen, I slowed my steps, suddenly aware of the presence I had overlooked. Lucas, my stepfather’s son, was sitting at the kitchen table, finishing his meal. His posture was relaxed but exuded a natural authority that always seemed to make the air feel heavier around him. He was an Alpha, after all. Of course he’s handsome, I thought before immediately brushing the thought away.

His sharp blue eyes flicked up as I entered, watching me without saying a word. His gaze was too intense, as if he could see straight through my skin. My heart raced, but I quickly turned away, focusing on getting myself a glass of water. I was here for a drink, not to get distracted by Luca’s stupid presence.

The tension in the air grew as I could feel his eyes still on me, but I ignored it. As I sipped my water, the sound of footsteps filled the room. My mother and stepfather entered, their faces lit with excitement. Just great.

“Lyra!” my mother chirped, her voice far too enthusiastic for my liking. “We’re hosting a ball tonight!”

I groaned, setting the glass down with a thud. “A ball? Do I have to go?”

“Yes, you do.” My stepfather’s tone was firm but patient, his Alpha dominance just a whisper beneath his words. “It’ll be good for you.”

“I don’t see how it’s good to be trapped in those ridiculous ball gowns. They’re heavy, and I can barely breathe in them!” I complained, throwing my hands in the air, completely forgetting about Lucas, who was quietly observing the entire scene with an amused smirk on his face.

My mother sighed dramatically. “You’re so difficult, Lyra. But fine, if the gowns are such a problem, we’ll fix it.”

My stepfather turned to Luca, his eyes narrowing with an idea forming. “Lucas, take her to the boutique. Get her something suitable but light enough for her to tolerate.”

I froze, my mouth opening in disbelief. Lucas? Take me shopping for a dress? Was this a joke?

Lucas, however, didn’t seem surprised. He simply leaned back in his chair, his gaze still on me, a smirk tugging at the corner of his lips. “Of course. I’ll make sure she’s well taken care of.”

I felt heat rush to my face, not from embarrassment but from annoyance. Well taken care of? He was enjoying this far too much.

“Why him?” I blurted out, glaring at my stepfather. “I can go alone, you know.”

My stepfather raised an eyebrow. “You don’t have to worry about choosing. Lucas knows what’s best for you.”

I shot Lucas another glare, but he only chuckled under his breath, standing up from his chair. The room seemed to grow smaller as he approached me, his Alpha presence suddenly all too overwhelming. For the sake of God, I am the daughter.

“Shall we?” Lucas asked, his voice smooth and laced with a quiet authority that made my stomach flip despite myself.

I scowled, grabbing my bag. “Let’s just get this over with,” I muttered, brushing past him toward the door, determined not to let him see how much his presence unsettled me. I could feel him following behind me, his quiet amusement filling the space between us as we left the house.

As much as I hated it, this was going to be a long afternoon.

As I stormed out of the house, Lucas following silently behind, I couldn’t shake the feeling of his presence. It clung to me, pressing down like a weight I couldn’t escape. I kept my eyes forward, refusing to let him know how much it bothered me.

As soon as we were in the car, I pulled out my phone and texted Jenna, my best friend I just made after entering the pack.

Me: Help. Going dress shopping with Lucas. Kill me now.

A few seconds later, my phone buzzed with her reply.

Jenna: OMG! Seriously?! It is fine. He’s so hot, though.

I groaned and threw my head back, trying to focus on anything other than the fact that Lucas was sitting next to me, radiating an Alpha intensity that made my skin prickle.

As we arrived at the boutique, I knew I needed backup. “I’m calling Jenna,” I muttered, dialing her number before Luca could say anything.

"Hey, Lyra!" Jenna’s voice came through, cheerful as ever. "So, you're on a dress shopping trip with Lucas? Lucky you!" I could almost hear her grin through the phone.

“Jenna,” I whispered, turning slightly away from Luca as we entered the shop. “He’s intimidating. I feel like I’m suffocating around him.”

Jenna laughed softly. “Of course, you do. He’s an Alpha, Lyra. That’s kind of their thing. But come on, focus on the dresses! I’ll help you find something you like.”

I relaxed a little, grateful to have Jenna’s distraction. I held the phone closer to my ear as I wandered toward the rows of gowns, Lucas quietly trailing behind me. His eyes were on me again, but I tried to ignore it. Jenna started listing off ideas, guiding me through different styles.

“So, tell me,” Jenna said with a teasing tone, “since you’re spending so much time with Lucas… does this mean you're finally over your whole I’ve-never-had-a-boyfriend phase?”

Even in this little time, Jenna read me like a book and knows that I don't have any boyfriend.

I snorted, trying to cover up the awkwardness creeping into my voice. “I’ve never had a boyfriend,” I muttered, half-focused on the conversation and half on the rack of dresses in front of me.

There was a stunned silence on the other end of the line. “Wait. What? Never?”

“Nope,” I answered, keeping my eyes on the dresses, feeling a slight flush creep up my cheeks.

I could practically hear Jenna’s jaw drop. “But you're, like… gorgeous! How have you never had a boyfriend?”

“Just… haven’t,” I mumbled, not really wanting to get into it with Luca so close by. It was embarrassing enough to admit it. I could already feel Luca’s gaze boring into me, and I hoped to the stars that he wasn’t paying attention to this conversation.

“Okay, hold on,” Jenna finally said, snapping me back to the matter at hand. “Forget about boyfriends for a second—what about that light blue gown? It looks like it wouldn’t weigh you down, and it’s super elegant.”

I reached for the dress she mentioned, pulling it off the rack. It was simple, with delicate lace and a soft flow. Perfect. I held it up, turning to Lucas for the first time.

His eyes were unreadable as he glanced over the gown, then back at me. “It’ll suit you,” he said simply, his voice smooth but detached.

I rolled my eyes, more at myself than him, and held the phone closer. “Thanks, Jenna. I think we’re done here.”

"Good luck with Lucas!" she chirped before hanging up.

As I made my way to the dressing room, I couldn’t help but feel a weight lifted. Even though Lucas’s presence still loomed, at least Jenna had helped me find something I could tolerate for the ball—and had distracted me from the very confusing feelings his Alpha presence stirred in me.