Lucas's heart was pounding as he stepped into his father's office.
The air was thick, heavy with the smell of expensive leather and polished wood. Alexander sat behind a large mahogany desk, his eyes narrowed slightly. Paul followed behind, wary, while Brock, Lucas's oldest brother, stood near the door, tall and formidable, his face hard to read but clearly alert.
Alexander: "Lucas… sit down. There's something we need to discuss."
Lucas lowered himself into the chair, his fingers clenched tightly. He already knew his father had learned the truth about Erven. The investigation into Erven's background through the family spies had come back with… less than pleasant results.
Lucas (thinking): God… don't let Dad explode. Not in front of Paul… not here…
Alexander's voice broke the silence.
Alexander: "So… it's Erven. Your imprint. Explain?"
Lucas straightened, jaw clenched.
Lucas: "Dad… I told you. I can't choose Nathan. I can't… imprinting isn't a choice it's instinct, destiny."
Alexander's reflection was sharp, cold, calculated.
Alexander: "Fate, hmm? But your little omega has… a messy history. Our spies confirmed it all. Tell me, Lucas… the boy's father was a gambler? And his biological father left him as an illegitimate child?"
Lucas swallowed, his jaw clenched. Anger and shame crept in not because of Erven, but because his father had the nerve to say such a thing.
Lucas: "Yes, Erven's family… is complicated. But that doesn't make him unworthy. He's mine. I imprinted him. That's all that matters."
Paul, who had been sitting quietly, finally spoke, his tone calm.
Paul: "Dad… Lucas knows what he's doing. Erven may have had a difficult past, but he's a good person. You have no right to decide who Lucas can love."
Alexander's face hardened.
Alexander: "Okay? Lucas, you are the heir to this family. You can't choose anyone, especially someone whose family could become a scandal at any moment. And what about Nathan?"
At that moment, Nathan, who had come under the pretext of a family meeting, tensed up. His usually calm and charming face changed, trembling between surprise and anger.
Nathan (tight voice): "You… you imprinted him? But… we should have"
Lucas: "Nathan. Enough. I didn't choose you. My choice is clear. Him, Erven. I won't… I can't be with anyone else."
Nathan's fists clenched at his sides, his eyes darting towards Brock who stood silently at the door. Brock's presence alone was threatening enough; his brother's calm but firm gaze seemed to be a warning.
Finally Brock spoke, his voice deep, steady, full of calm authority.
Brock: "Nathan… if you try anything against Lucas or his partner, you have to face me first. Understand? Don't look down on us."
Nathan's eyes turned to Brock, clearly troubled, but his smile remained etched, full of malicious intent.
Nathan: "So the omega... is better than me? Stronger than me? Do you think your father would allow all of this?"
Alexander: "Nathan, calm down. This is about Lucas's choice but remember, this is not just about love. The family's reputation, the relationship between the families... everything is at stake. We have planned a meeting between the family and your family. How do you want to explain this imprinting?"
Lucas ignored the sarcasm, defying his father's reflections.
Lucas: "Dad, Erven is my partner. That's all that matters. The rest... is irrelevant. Dad can't force it. Dad can't manipulate my destiny."
Alexander leaned back, watching his son for a long time. A moment passed, then he nodded slowly.
Alexander: "Okay. You stand by your decision. So... we will attend the family meeting as usual. But remember my words, Lucas... every choice has consequences."
Paul placed a hand on Lucas' shoulder, supporting him. Lucas took a deep breath.
Nathan trembled not out of fear, but anger.
Nathan (grinding his teeth): "I can't believe it… He chose her over me. He chose that omega over me!"
Lucas's gaze darkened.
Lucas: "Nathan. Don't. If you try to touch Erven even a little, you'll regret it."
Brock took a step forward, his body radiating warning.
Brock: "Let me explain again, Nathan. One wrong move against Lucas or Erven, and your life will never be the same. I've dealt with threats before. I'm not afraid to face you."
Nathan's venomous smile didn't fade, but he was clearly threatened.
Nathan: "You think this is the end of it? You don't know what I'm capable of, Lucas."
Lucas: "I don't care what you're planning. Erven is mine. You're not going to touch him. Understand?"
A dangerous light flashed in Nathan's eyes.
Nathan: "Oh, I understand… and believe me, Lucas… I will make him pay for taking what is rightfully mine."
Lucas's fist clenched, but Brock's presence gave him strength.
Lucas (slowly, almost whispering to himself): "I can't let him… I won't let him… not Erven."
Paul nodded from the side.
Paul: "Lucas, I'll protect him. Nathan won't be able to get close to him as long as I'm here."
Lucas exhaled, calming down a bit.
Lucas: "Thank you… I can't do this alone. If Dad sends me abroad… I need you to take care of Erven. He's more than just my omega… he's my life."
Paul nodded without hesitation.
Paul: "I'm here for him. Don't worry. Nathan's anger… could be really bad."
Brock finally nodded slightly, his voice calm but firm.
Brock: "No matter what happens… Lucas, you're not alone in this family. I have your back. Always."
Nathan continued to stare with a hateful gaze as he stepped back. The threat was still there, but the united presence of Lucas and his brothers clearly sent a message: no one could touch Erven as long as they stood together.
Erven, who had entered quietly behind him, finally approached Lucas. Lucas leaned down slightly, whispering softly:
Lucas: "I will not let anything happen to you, Erven. Not Nathan. Not anyone. You are mine."
Brock remained silent but alert, like a shield standing firm by Lucas's side.