Billionaire Alpha's 99 Deadly Games

Chapter 6

Dr. Hawthorne visibly wilted under Lucas's scorching glare, stammering an incoherent apology before practically fleeing the room.

Lucas stalked to Aria's bedside, his face twisted with barely contained rage: "When some random guy hits on you like that, you're supposed to tell him I'm your mate. Is that so fucking hard? Or were you enjoying the attention?"

Aria stared at him, finding his reaction darkly comical.

Just hours ago he'd sworn to his friends he'd never have feelings for her and never let her be his Luna "in this lifetime," yet here he was, bristling with jealousy like she was his prized possession. The hypocrisy was breathtaking.

When had he ever cared before? All those times she'd desperately wanted his attention, he'd been cold and distant. Now that she no longer cared, suddenly he was staking his claim? Too little, too late.

A few days after her discharge, Lucas unexpectedly suggested they attend a pack gathering at The Night.

She knew he typically avoided such events, dismissing them as "pathetic nostalgia fests for wolves who peaked in Elite Academy." His sudden interest was transparent-this wasn't about reconnecting with old friends.

Sure enough, the moment they arrived, Aria spotted Leila Blackwood across the

room.

There she was-Miss Perfect herself. Designer dress, effortless beauty, commanding the attention of everyone around her without even trying. The woman Aria had spent years unknowingly competing against, and losing to, all along.

On the surface, Lucas maintained a cool distance from Leila, acting as if they barely knew each other.

But Aria recognized that look in his eyes now-the same one she'd given him for years. No matter how hard he tried to hide it, his gaze followed Leila across the room, lingering a moment too long whenever she laughed or spoke. Love was impossible to disguise, especially when it was real.

Halfway through the evening, Aria excused herself to use the restroom.

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Chapter 6

game of Truth or

and was being pressured to answer what appeared to be an embarrassing

uncomfortable, she hesitated, when suddenly Lucas stepped forward, snatching the card. from the holder.

the card dramatically, reading with exaggerated flair: "Who's your ultimate mate fantasy? Not a celebrity-someone you actually know.

in

"But easy for you, right?

about Aria!" Josh called out, winking at

silent for a moment, then spoke clearly, not looking in Aria's direction:

seemed to disappear from Aria's lungs, her fingers going

L.B.- Leila Blackwood.

shocking-she'd known the truth for days now-but hearing him announce it publicly,

second of this farce. Without a word,

Lucas: "Not feeling

at the curb, phone in hand to call an Uber, when footsteps pounded behind

"Aria! Wait!"

see Lucas jogging toward her,

leave?" she asked, genuinely

remarkably like genuine worry: "You said you weren't feeling well. What's wrong? Do you need to go

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Chapter 6

concern in his eyes made her heart flutter traitorously. It looked so real-was it possible he actually cared? But then

keeping her voice level: "I'm fine, just a headache. Shouldn't you

in the world. "If you're sick and leaving, why the hell

had she dreamed of him caring for her like this? And now that he was finally doing it, it was