Chapter 42: Caught in the Middle.
Leonardo’s POV
The early morning sun was just beginning to filter through the windshield, casting a soft glow on Aurora as we sat in my car, planning out our alibi.
It had been a perfect night, one I wasn’t ready to let go of, but reality was closing in. We’d have to come up with a good story for why we’d been gone if we didn’t want to raise suspicion back at the pack.
“So what if I say you went to a party?” I suggested, turning to her with a grin. “Called me this morning, and I came to pick you up?”
Aurora shook her head, a small smile tugging at the corner of her lips. “No way that’ll work. The pack guards would know you didn’t leave through the gate. They’d start asking questions.”
She was right, as usual. I’d forgotten how watchful the guards were at all hours, even when it seemed like they were half-asleep.
Aurora was quiet for a moment, then a spark of an idea flashed in her eyes.
“What if I call Annie?” she said, her voice picking up.
“I’ll tell her I’m coming over this morning. You can head back to the pack alone, say you went to chill at your hideout, and decided to come back early.”
I nodded, impressed. “That could work. If anyone asks, I’ll just say I wanted to clear my head for a bit.”
Aurora smiled, satisfied, and I turned the key, starting the engine. As we pulled out of the hotel’s parking lot, she dialed Annie’s number, holding the phone to her ear.
Ring!
Ring!!
Ring!!!
It rang a few times before a sleepy voice finally picked up on the other end.
“Hello?” came Annie’s groggy voice, barely awake.
“Hey, Annie, sorry for calling so early,” Aurora said smoothly, glancing over at me.
“I’m heading to your apartment.”
There was a pause, and then Annie’s surprised voice.
“You’re… where? Why are coming here so early?”
Aurora laughed, keeping it casual. “It’s a long story—I’ll explain when I get there.”
Annie yawned through the line, sounding too tired to press for details.
“Fine, I'll be waiting."she mumbled, before ending the call.
Aurora let out a relieved sigh, and I chuckled. “Nicely done,” I said. “Looks like we’re in the clear.”
She gave me a satisfied smile, and I couldn’t help but reach over and squeeze her hand before letting it go.
For a moment, as we drove back toward the city, I wished we didn’t have to pretend, that we could just be honest about what we had. But until that day came, this would have to do.
After a few more turns, we reached Annie’s street. I pulled over a little ways down, not wanting to draw attention. Aurora unbuckled her seatbelt and turned to me, her expression soft.
“I’ll see you back at the pack,” she said, squeezing my hand.
“See you soon,” I replied, trying not to let my reluctance show.
She gave me one last smile before slipping out of the car, and I watched as she walked down the street toward Annie’s building.
Taking a deep breath, I turned the car around and headed back to the pack, rehearsing the story we’d come up with in my mind.
If anyone asked, I’d been at my usual spot, just clearing my head. The perfect cover—thanks to her.
******
When I pulled up to the front gate, the pack guards immediately stopped me. One of them leaned down, squinting into the car to see who was inside. When they recognized me, I saw the surprise in their expressions.
One guard, unable to hold back his curiosity, asked, “Where were you? What are you doing out so early?”
Keeping my tone calm, I replied, “Went out last night to get some space, clear my head. Decided to head back this morning.”
The guard looked at me for a few seconds, as if weighing my words. Finally, he nodded, seeming satisfied, and motioned for the others to open the gate.
I drove through, breathing a sigh of relief as I entered. It actually worked. The alibi had held up without a hitch.
After parking, I got out, locked the car, and headed into the pack house. As I stepped inside, a loud growl from my stomach reminded me just how hungry I was.
I made my way to the kitchen, hoping to grab something quick.
But when I closed the fridge door, I froze.
Standing there, was someone I hadn’t expected to see.
“Rafael! What the hell, man!” I exclaimed, surprised to find him standing in front of me.
Rafael raised an eyebrow, his arms crossed, a look of suspicion written all over his face.
He was clearly sizing me up, trying to read between the lines.
“So… where were you last night, hmm?” he asked, his tone light but his eyes sharp.
I broke eye contact, feigning casualness as I rummaged through the fridge again for something to eat.
“I, uh… went to my hideout. Needed some space to think.”
“Really?” he asked, his gaze never leaving me.
“Because it’s not like you to just disappear for a whole night.”
I shrugged, pulling out a carton of orange juice and avoiding his probing look.
“It’s no big deal. Sometimes a guy just needs to clear his head, you know?”
Rafael studied me for a long moment, his eyes narrowing slightly.
“Alright, if you say so,” he replied, but I could tell he wasn’t entirely convinced.
He was too good at picking up on things; lying to him was like trying to hide from a bloodhound.
I poured myself a glass, trying to act as if everything was normal.
“So, what are you doing up this early, anyway?” I asked, hoping to steer the conversation away from me.
Rafael leaned against the counter, still watching me closely.
“Couldn’t sleep,” he replied. “Noticed you were gone when I did my rounds last night.” He paused, letting his words sink in.
“I wasn’t the only one who noticed.”
My stomach dropped, but I kept my expression neutral.
“Well, I’m back now,” I said casually, taking a sip of juice.
He sighed, finally looking away, though the suspicion hadn’t fully left his face.
“Just be careful, Leo,” he said quietly. “You know how people talk around here.”
I nodded, relieved he was letting it go. Then he turned, about to leave, when he suddenly stopped.
"Ah! Before I forget," he said, turning back to me.
"Alpha John met with Lena's father yesterday. Do you know what they discussed?"
Still sipping my juice, I shook my head.
"I heard her father is discussing your marriage to Lena," he revealed, his eyes locked on mine.
"And you know Alessandro heard about it and is furious, thinking Alpha John wants to make you the next Alpha."
My eyes widened, stunned by the news.
"What? That's absurd!"
He leaned in, lowering his voice.
"Alessandro thinks Alpha John is planning to bypass him and make you the next pack leader.
You need to be careful, Leonardo. Alessandro won't take this lying down."
I set my juice down, processing the information. This was a whole new level of pack politics.
I remembered my conversation with Father, where I'd asked him to make me Alpha. It was the only way I thought I could protect Aurora. But this? It was unexpected.
Raphael's question cut through my thoughts.
"What's your plan, Leonardo? Father still thinks you're meant to be with Lena."
I shrugged, unsure. "I'll talk to Alpha John, clear the air. Alessandro won't let this slide."
Raphael nodded. "Agreed. But what if Lena's behind this? Using her father's influence to get what she wants?"
I hesitated, considering the possibility. Lena's words echoed in my mind – 'it's not over.'
Was she trying to manipulate me? I clenched my jaw, resolute.
"I won't let that happen."