Chapter 168
Lucas POV
The quiet hum of the library’s air conditioning system provided a soothing backdrop as I browsed through the shelves, feigning interest in the endless rows of human literature. I’d never had much patience for their writing—too simplistic, too far from the realities of our world—but the library served its purpose as a secure meeting place. Cameras monitored most areas, yes, but their very presence meant people kept to themselves, heads down, avoiding eye contact. Perfect for anonymity.
Two weeks have passed since my fight with Kai. Two weeks of hiding in the human world, severing ties with my pack, erasing my presence from the supernatural community. To everyone who mattered, Lucas, Alpha of the Golden Moon pack, was missing —
Only Kevin knew the truth, of course. Kevin, who had proven himself invaluable these past weeks.
I pulled a random book from the shelf, pretending to examine its cover when a familiar scent caught my attention—pine and citrus with an underlying note of tobacco. Kevin had arrived. I glanced through the gap in the bookshelf, meeting his eyes across the aisle. He gave a subtle nod toward the back of the library before turning away.
I returned the book to its shelf and waited, counting to one hundred before following. The restroom at the back of the library was the one place without surveillance cameras—a fact Kevin had discovered during his meticulous planning of our meeting locations.
After ensuring no one was watching, I pushed open the restroom door. Kevin leaned against the sink, a cigarette dangling from his lips despite the prominent “No Smoking” sign. His casual disregard for rules always amused me—a trait unexpected in the cousin of such a rigid, self-righteous Alpha.
“You’re going to set off the smoke detectors,” I remarked, letting the door swing shut behind me.
Kevin shrugged, taking another drag. “Disabled them twenty minutes ago. We’ve got fifteen before the system resets itself p>
Efficient as always. “Did you bring the documents p>
“Money first,” he replied, exhaling a stream of smoke. “As agreed p>
I rolled my eyes. “You’re getting expensive, you know that? Cut me some slack—I’m practically in exile here p>
A dry chuckle escaped him. “Exile in a beachfront property with a private chef. How tragic.” His expression hardened. “The transfer, Lucas. Now p>
I pulled out my phone, made the transaction to his offshore account, and showed him the confirmation screen. “There. Another ten thousand. Happy p>
Only after verifying the transfer did Kevin reach into his coat, extracting a sealed Manila envelope. “Everything you need to prove your innocence is here. I’ve forged your attendance at the Annual Foreign Pack Summit that ended yesterday—paid a hefty sum to have you appear on their security footage too, in case anyone checks p>
I took the envelope, opening it carefully. Inside were flight confirmations, hotel bookings, photographs of me supposedly at the summit—all expertly fabricated.
“The flight records show you leaving Golden Moon territory three days before Lily was kidnapped,” Kevin continued. “Hotel staff will confirm your presence throughout the summit. I even arranged for a few werewolves from distant packs to swear they spoke with you p>
I nodded approvingly, thumbing through the documents. With this evidence, I could return to Golden Moon and claim I’d been framed—that someone had impersonated me, used my scent to kidnap Lily while I was away on diplomatic business. The Alpha Council would have no choice but to let the matter die, especially with witnesses backing my story.
“Good work,” I said, patting Kevin’s shoulder. “Very thorough p>
He tensed slightly at my touch before relaxing. Always so guarded, this one. I’d often wondered what drove Kevin’s hatred for his cousin. What had Kai done to inspire such dedicated betrayal? But I knew better than to ask. Kevin’s motives were his own, and so long as they aligned with my interests, I didn’t need to understand them.
“I can’t wait to go home,” I said, carefully tucking the documents into my jacket. “Playing human is exhausting p>
Kevin flicked his cigarette into the sink, dousing it under the faucet. “The Alpha Council will be waiting. They’re actively searching for you—or rather, for Lily’s kidnapper. Your Luna has been quite vocal about finding the ’real culprit’ since your disappearance. I don’t think she’s happy too p>
“Don’t worry about Vanessa, she’ll come around. She’ll be shocked to see me of course but eventually, she’ll come around.
“Hmm Kevin shrugged.
“What about Kai?” I asked, trying to keep my tone casual despite the hatred that surged at the mere mention of his name. “Any lasting damage from our little encounter p>
“He’ll survive,” Kevin said, his expression neutral. “Silver wounds take time to heal, but he’s strong. Too strong,” he added, almost to himself.
“And Lily?” I couldn’t help asking, the memory of her defiance still burning in my mind. She had been so close to becoming mine—so close to accepting her place by my side. If Kai hadn’t interfered p>
“Being discharged today. She’s fine.” Kevin’s clipped tone suggested he wasn’t interested in discussing her further.
A silence fell between us, filled only by the soft drip of the leaking faucet. There was one more question I needed to ask, though I already suspected the answer.
“Does Kai suspect you? After the assassins p>
Kevin moved toward the door, his hand resting on the knob. He turned back, his eyes meeting mine with cold confidence. “You should bother about convincing the Alpha Council that you had nothing to do with Lily’s kidnapping. Those people are thorough and they all love Kai, practically his puppet. In whatever you do, do not mention my name. Also, I can take care of myself. Don’t concern yourself with my situation p>
The finality in his tone told me our meeting was over. We had what we needed from each other—he had his money, I had my ticket back to Golden Moon. Our arrangement had always been transactional, nothing more.
As the door closed behind him, I pulled out my phone again, sending a quick text to my driver: Front entrance. Five minutes.
I studied my reflection in the bathroom mirror, adjusting my appearance slightly. Human clothes still felt strange against my skin—too soft, too artificial. Soon I’d be back in my territory, reclaiming my position, my pack, my dignity.
And as for Kai and Lily… Their happiness would be short-lived. Very short-lived indeed. Because while Kevin might have his own agenda for betraying his cousin, mine was crystal clear.
Lily belonged to me. Had always belonged to me, from the moment I first saw her. The mate bond Kai claimed to share with her was nothing compared to the obsession that had driven me for years. I’d lost this round, perhaps, but the game was far from over.
I straightened my jacket, tucked the precious documents securely into an inner pocket, and headed for the library exit. My resurrection was about to begin, and with it, a new Chapter in my pursuit of what was rightfully mine.
Let Kai enjoy his victory while he could. Let Lily believe herself free of me.
They would learn soon enough how mistaken they both were.