Chapter 211 My Woman

Chapter 211: 211- My Woman

Lucien’s POV:

The next morning, Lilith stood beside me with one hand resting on my head. Her eyes were closed, and she was chanting something under her breath in the ancient language.

I sat quietly, letting her do whatever was needed. Every now and then, her fingers moved slightly against my scalp.

After a few minutes, she stopped chanting and stepped back, looking thoughtful.

"Well?" I asked impatiently. "What do you think?"

"I’m not entirely sure, Lucien." She pulled up a chair and sat across from me. "But from what you’ve told me, I think Zorro was trying to stop you from going after Jasmine... or your mother last night. That might explain why you felt him struggling inside your head."

I frowned. "And why would he do that? He never liked any of them. Not even Anika."

"Either he was trying to stop you from going after Jasmine and your mother, or..." Lilith trailed off, thinking hard.

"Or what?"

"He might have sensed his connection to Arabella’s wolf." She leaned back in her chair. "Astraea is slowly awakening, Lucien. I observed her when I met Arabella at the café. Some days, she’s unusually active, while on others, she seems to prefer sleeping. There is a possibility that Zorro felt her presence and tried to respond to her."

"So, you’re saying Zorro might be waking up because he sensed Astraea?"

"It’s possible, Lucien, but don’t get too excited. One little movement doesn’t mean he’s coming back." Lilith gave me a warning look. "And please don’t start doing foolish things just to get another reaction out of him."

I chuckled at that. "You know me too well, Lil."

I leaned back in my chair, thinking about what she’d said. For years, I’d tried everything to reach Zorro, and now, when I’d almost stopped expecting anything, he’d finally shown some sign of life.

I didn’t know whether it was because of Arabella or something else. But for the first time in years, I had a reason to hope.

***

"Miss Arabella is doing fine, Your Majesty. She’s been spending most of her time reviewing the pack’s records, and so far, nobody seems suspicious of her."

"Good. And what about her safety? Has Rick tried anything?"

"Not that I’ve noticed, Your Majesty. But there’s been a change in my assignment."

Chloe was one of the few royal warriors permitted to contact me directly. I’d made that exception because she was on a special mission, and I wanted to know immediately if anything threatened Arabella’s safety.

"What kind of change?" I asked, setting aside the document I’d been reading.

"Miss Vikki wants me to move to the Alpha’s residence to help with the preparations for her daughter’s delivery. Miss Arabella has already agreed."

"She agreed?" I snapped, sitting upright. "I sent you there to protect Arabella, Chloe, not to play nursemaid at Chris’s house!"

"Your Majesty, I understand, but Miss Arabella specifically instructed me to go. She said she could manage on her own."

"Of course she did," I muttered. "And you thought that was a good enough reason to leave her alone in Rick’s house?"

When she didn’t answer, I frowned and glanced at my phone to make sure the call hadn’t disconnected. "Chloe, is there something you’re not telling me?"

She paused briefly before replying, sounding hesitant. "Yes, Your Majesty. Miss Arabella has asked me to get into Alpha Chris’s study and look for a document about her mother, Angela Westwood. Once I’m there, I need to deliver the document to her."

I went quiet for a moment. I knew how badly she wanted to uncover the truth about her mother’s past. "Did she tell you what kind of document you’re looking for?"

"No, Your Majesty. She said she’d give me the details once I reached the Alpha’s residence."

I leaned back in my chair, considering that. "And how exactly does she expect you to get into Chris’s study?"

"Miss Arabella believes I’ll have a better chance of finding an opportunity if I’m working inside the house."

"Damn it..." I muttered, shaking my head. "She’s already planning three steps ahead, and I’m the last one to hear about it."

"Your Majesty, she specifically asked me not to trouble you with every little detail."

I gave a short laugh. "Of course she did. Because sneaking into Chris study is hardly worth mentioning to me."

Chloe stayed quiet. I couldn’t tell whether she was waiting for my orders or didn’t know what to say.

"Fine. Follow her instructions, but don’t take any unnecessary risks. And make sure someone trustworthy is looking after Arabella while you’re gone."

"Yes, Your Majesty. I’ll see to it."

I ended the call, still wondering what Arabella hoped to find in Chris’s study. I just wished she’d tell me what she was planning before I had to hear about it from someone else.

***

"You want me to go to Blackthorn Pack and stay there? Because of Arabella?" Bradley regarded me with a serious expression, clearly weighing the implications of my request.

"You’re the only one I trust with this, Brad," I told him. "Chloe’s being sent to Chris’s residence, and I’m not comfortable leaving Arabella alone in Rick’s house."

"Yeah, but Lucien..." He shifted in his chair, clearly not thrilled with the idea. "I’m your Beta. I have responsibilities here, and you know how much work we’ve got pending."

"Please don’t say no." I drummed my fingers on the desk. "Or stay here and take care of the palace while I go to Blackthorn myself."

That made him lean forward in his seat. "Absolutely not! You can’t just leave the palace like this, Lucien."

"Then go in my place."

Bradley remained quiet for a moment, considering my request. "Lucien, I understand you’re worried about her. But sending me to Blackthorn won’t necessarily make things easier. Chris and Rick know me well. They’ll wonder why your Beta has suddenly decided to stay in their pack."

"I know. That’s why I need you to find a reasonable excuse for being there. Something that won’t interfere with Arabella’s investigation."

He thought about it for a moment before nodding reluctantly. "I’ll see what I can do. But if either of them becomes suspicious, I’ll have to reconsider how long I can stay."

"That’s fair. Just let me know if things go south. I’ll handle everything from there."

"All right, Lucien. I’ll leave tomorrow morning."

I nodded, feeling a little relieved. With Bradley there, at least I’d know someone I trusted was close enough to step in if Arabella needed help.

Besides, I knew exactly how she’d react if I showed up at Blackthorn myself. She’d accuse me of interfering. And Goddess, I wasn’t in the mood for another argument with that stubborn woman.

Mystubborn woman!

I couldn’t help smiling at the thought.