Forbidden Mate

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 t

e, as if he could see straight through my skin. My heart raced, but I quickly turned away, focusing on

nored it. As I sipped my water, the sound of footsteps filled the room. My

ce far too enthusiastic for my lik

lass down with a thud. "

but patient, his Alpha dominance just a whisp

I can barely breathe in them!" I complained, throwing my hands in the air, completely forget

so difficult, Lyra. But fine, if the

idea forming. "Lucas, take her to the boutique. Get her

sbelief. Lucas? Take me shoppin

his chair, his gaze still on me, a smirk tugging at the corner o

rrassment but from annoyance. Well taken c

glaring at my stepfather.

ou don't have to worry about choosi

from his chair. The room seemed to grow smaller as he approached me, his Alpha

oth and laced with a quiet authority t

ard the door, determined not to let him see how much his presence unsettled me. I could feel h

t, this was going to

he feeling of his presence. It clung to me, pressing down like a weight I couldn't

out my phone and texted Jenna, my best f

ess shopping with

er, my phone buzz

ly?! It is fine. He

hing other than the fact that Lucas was sitting next to m

backup. "I'm calling Jenna," I muttered, dial

er. "So, you're on a dress shopping trip with Lucas? Lu

om Luca as we entered the shop. "He's intimida

, Lyra. That's kind of their thing. But come on, focus

wandered toward the rows of gowns, Lucas quietly trailing behind me. His eyes were on me again,

e spending so much time with Lucas... does this mean you're

read me like a book and knows

oice. "I've never had a boyfriend," I muttered, half-focused on

e on the other end of the

eyes on the dresses, feeling a

drop. "But you're, like... gorgeous

y. It was embarrassing enough to admit it. I could already feel Luca's gaze boring i

hand. "Forget about boyfriends for a second-what about that light blue

rack. It was simple, with delicate lace and a soft flow. P

he gown, then back at me. "It'll suit you," h

him, and held the phone closer. "Tha

cas!" she chirped

cas's presence still loomed, at least Jenna had helped me find something I could tolerate for t