"It was planned right after you came back." Alpha Evan replied softly, patting her hand.
Isabella's eyes widened.
"And you have discussed this with him all this while?" She questioned further.
"Yes, my dear." The old man nodded gently.
Isabella turned to look at Lucas, but his expression remained unreadable. She let out a disgusted scoff.
"Two-faced bastard." She mumbled under her breath and clenched her fists.
Looking at how relaxed Lucas was, everything suddenly clicked. His posture was casual, almost lazy, as he leaned back in his seat.
"Of course, he had known about this arrangement all along. That is why he had been acting the way he did." Isabella observed.
"Isabella, I chose Lucas because I trust him completely. He is more than capable of taking care of you and the pack. He has proven himself time and time again." The old man explained.
"No. I'm sorry, grandfather, I really am, but I can't marry him. This is... this is insane!" Isabella shook her head vigorously, taking a step back.
The old man wheeled himself closer to her, reaching for her hand again.
"Why not, my dear? You know, back in our time, we had fated mates. Now, werewolves choose their mates. So, why won't you give Lucas a chance?" He asked gently.
"I just can't. I can't marry him. Not him. Anyone but him." Isabella maintained firmly.
"This is getting better by the minute." Damien chuckled again from his corner.
"Shut up, Damien!" Liam snapped at his brother.
Alpha Evan sighed then squeezed her hand, drawing her attention back to him.
"That is what I want for you, my dear. Just... try to get to know him better. You might understand him more. There is more to Lucas than meets the eye." He told her.
Then, Lucas stood up and stepped forward, his movements graceful and measured.
"Don't worry, grandfather. We will work everything out." He assured him.
"Here comes the pretense again. You are so good at this, aren't you?" Isabella couldn't help but scoffed again.
Lucas turned to her, his voice gentle.
"Let me escort you back to your room. You need rest. You just recovered from being sick."
"Speaking of which..." Alpha Evan interjected, his expression growing serious.
"Don't worry about the poisoning incident. We will find whoever did this and they will be severely punished. I'm also increasing security around the house. No one will harm you again under my roof." He assured her.
"I will protect her, grandfather." Lucas told him confidently, reaching for Isabella's arm.
"Get your hands off me! Don't you dare touch me!" Isabella said after yanking her arm away from his reach as if his touch burned.
Then she balanced on her feet and looked him in the eyes;
"I will find evidence against you, and when I do, that perfect mask of yours will slip right in front of everyone. They will all see what kind of monster you really are." She told him lowly but determinedly.
In response, Lucas just smiled.
"Come on, you need to rest." He told her.
"I can take care of myself." She snapped at him before walking away. Yet, Lucas followed her.
~~~~~~~~~~
Later that evening, Isabella found herself taking a stroll in the massive backyard, lost in her thoughts.
"If it wasn't Lucas, then who poisoned me?" Isabella wondered inwardly as she walked.
And that was when she spotted Lucas, helping some pack members tend to the flower garden. He had rolled up his sleeves, and his hands were covered in dirt as he worked alongside the servants.
"Sir, please, you don't have to help us!This isn't work for someone of your status!" One of the servants protested, looking mortified.
"It is no trouble at all. These roses need special care, and I enjoy gardening." Lucas insisted and continued to dig into the soil.
"But sir..." The other servant tried to argue.
"I want to help so let me. Please?" Lucas smiled at them warmly.
Isabella couldn't help but laugh to herself.
"What an effort! Doesn't he ever get tired of this act? Playing the perfect, humble Alpha heir?" She grumbled.
Lucas looked up at that moment, then he saw her. A warm smile spread across his face, and Isabella's stomach tumbled at how genuine it looked.
"Only if I didn't know better..." Isabella muttered, scrunching up her nose in disgust.
"Isabella!" He called out.
His overly sweet tone made her scoff.
She was about to throw back a sharp retort when their interaction was interrupted by the arrival of a middle-aged man.
The servants immediately straightened up at his presence and Isabella knew he was someone important.
Lucas stood up, brushing dirt from his hands.
"Good evening, Elder Lorenzo." He greeted the man.
"Always so respectful and kind. You will definitely make an excellent Alpha one day, Lucas." Lorenzo said warmly.
Lucas smiled then glanced at Isabella who was still glaring at him.
"Elder Lorenzo, I'd like you to meet Isabella, the Alpha's lost granddaughter... and my fiancée." He introduced Isabella to the man.
Isabella couldn't stop herself from scoffing again. The word 'fiancée' made her want to throw up.
"Ah!" Lorenzo's eyes lit up with interest.
"I have heard so much about your arrival. I am the head of the pack's council. It's wonderful to finally meet you. The whole pack has been buzzing with excitement since you returned." He said to her.
"Well, I don't know what you have heard but thank you, sir." Isabella replied.
After exchanging pleasantries, Lorenzo's expression turned serious, his eyes darting briefly to Isabella before settling back on Lucas.
"Lucas, may I have a word? In private." He requested.
Lucas nodded, and they started walking away from the garden, leaving the servants to their work.
"What could the head of the pack's council want to discuss with Lucas in private? Is this finally my chance to expose him?" Isabella wondered curiously as she watched them go.
Without really thinking about it, she found herself following them discreetly.