A few days had passed since Luca arrived, and things had started to shift in ways I hadn't expected.
At first, I thought he'd be a problemâthe kind of problem that made my life harder. But the more time we spent together, the more I realized that wasn't entirely true.
Luca wasn't here to play politics. He wasn't trying to win over Damon's pack or integrate himself into their ranks. He didn't *need* to.
Because unlike Damon, Luca already had a pack of his own.
A rogue pack.
One that answered to no one but him.
And yet, he still spent most of his time with *me*.
Not because he had to.
Because he *wanted* to. **---**
I leaned against the hood of my car, watching as Luca paced beside me, phone pressed to his ear. His expression was sharp, controlledâbut I could tell from the tension in his jaw that something wasn't right.
"I don't care what they say," he muttered, voice low. "If they want protection, they follow *our* rules. I'm not handing out safe haven to a bunch of rogues who don't respect our laws."
I raised a brow. *Our* laws.
It was a reminder that, no matter how much time he spent here, Luca had his own responsibilities. His own world outside of this.
One I knew very little about.
When he finally hung up, he exhaled sharply, running a hand through his hair. "Sorry about that."
I shrugged. "Trouble?"
"Nothing I can't handle." He smirked, but it didn't quite reach his eyes.
I didn't push. If he wanted to talk about it, he would.
Instead, I turned my attention back to the field where Kian and Nova were sparring. Training had become a daily thing again, and even though Luca wasn't officially part of *my* pack, he still showed up.
Not to train with Damon's wolves.
To train *with us*.
My pack had accepted him quicker than I expected. They didn't see him as an outsider, even if he technically was. Maybe it was because they recognized the same thing I didâLuca wasn't just *any* rogue.
He was something *more.* And I was starting to think he might be something *to me.* Not that I was ready to admit that. Luca followed my gaze. "They're impressive." I smirked. "Of course they are." "I mean it," he said, turning to face me fully. "You don't just lead them. You *built* this." Something in his tone made my breath catch. I wasn't sure why, but hearing him acknowledge itâreally *see* what I had createdâmeant more than I expected. Luca studied me for a long moment. Then, with a knowing smirk, he said, "You know, for someone who pretends to keep people at a distance, you've let me in pretty easily." I scoffed. "You're annoying. It was either let you stick around or deal with you constantly showing up uninvited." His smirk widened. "So you *like* having me around." I rolled my eyes. "I tolerate you." He chuckled but didn't push it further. And for once, I was grateful. Because as much as I *did* like having him around, I wasn't ready to admit why. **---** That night, as I sat in my room, I caught myself thinking about him again. About how easy it was to talk to him. About how he never treated me like I was *less*ânever questioned my place as Alpha, never looked at me the way Damon did. Like I wasn't *enough.* With Luca, it was different. And maybe... that scared me more than anything else.