Page 116 of Lavender and Honey

"A lawyer," I echo, trying to process this new dimension of him. "That's... unexpected."

Lucian raises an eyebrow. "Is it? What did you think I did?"

I wave a hand vaguely. "I don't know. Something... Alpha-ish."

"Alpha-ish," Elias repeats with another laugh. "Very specific."

I shoot him a look, though there's no real heat behind it. "You know what I mean. I thought maybe he was in business or finance or... I don't know, professional intimidation."

Lucian's laugh is unexpected—a deep, rich sound that transforms his face, softening the sharp edges and making him appear suddenly, startlingly approachable. "Professional intimidation," he says, shaking his head. "I'll have to add that to my business cards."

I'm struck by the change in him when he laughs—how the austere authority gives way to something warmer, more human. It's like watching ice melt to reveal clear water beneath, and I find myself captivated by the transformation.

"Though I suppose there is an element of intimidation in what I do," he continues, his amusement fading into something more reflective. "Particularly when I'm representing Omegas against traditional packs in rights disputes. The system isn't designed to favor the vulnerable."

The passion underlying his words catches my attention. This isn't just a job to him; it's a calling. "Is that what you usually do? Represent Omegas?"

He nods, his expression serious again. "Among other things. My firm handles various types of pack law, but Omega rights cases are my personal specialty."

I absorb this information, turning it over in my mind like a strange new object I'm trying to understand. "So you... fight for Omegas. Professionally."

"When necessary," he confirms. "Though I prefer to think of it as ensuring the law protects everyone equally, regardless of designation." His eyes hold mine, something intense flickering in their depths. "The law doesn't always work that way in practice, but that's the ideal I strive for."

An Alpha who specializes in defending Omegas. The concept feels almost revolutionary, considering the world I grew up in—where Alphas were the natural leaders, Betas the reliable supporters, and Omegas the valuable but ultimately subordinate members of pack hierarchy. Where my own Alpha father used his position and connections to arrange my future without my consent, as was his "right" under traditional pack law.

"That's why you have all these connections," I say slowly, the pieces continuing to fall into place. "You know people at the hotel. You know how to arrange surveillance. You probably even know the local police."

"I do," Lucian acknowledges with a slight incline of his head. "Being good at my job means cultivating relationships with people in various positions. Information is power, and in my line of work, power is often the only currency that matters when facing entrenched opposition."

I stare at him, really seeing him for perhaps the first time. Not just as the intimidating Alpha who came to my apartment yesterday, or the pack leader who welcomed me into his home, but as someone who has dedicated his professional life to fighting the very system that I fled from.

"Why didn't you mention this before?" I ask, genuinely curious.

Lucian shrugs, the gesture graceful despite its casualness. "It didn't seem relevant to the immediate situation. You needed safety and support, not my resume." There's a simplicity to his answer that I find disarming. No hidden agenda, no attempt to impress me with his credentials—just a practical assessment of what I needed most in the moment.

"Besides," Elias adds, his voice warm with obvious affection, "Lucian isn't one to lead with his professional accomplishments. He prefers to let his actions speak for themselves."

The admiration in Elias's tone makes me glance between them, noting the way Lucian's expression softens almost imperceptibly when he looks at his packmate. There's a history there, a depth of connection that I can only glimpse the surface of.

"Well," I say, attempting to gather my scattered thoughts, "I suppose it's good to know we have legal expertise on our side if my mother decides to escalate things."

"Precisely," Lucian says, his tone shifting to something more practical. "Which is why I wanted to know exactly what happened during your encounter with her. The more information I have, the better prepared we can be for any potential legal maneuvers."

"Legal maneuvers," I repeat, the words tasting sour in my mouth. "You think it might come to that?"

Lucian's expression turns thoughtful. "I think it's best to be prepared for all possibilities. Some traditional packs have been known to use legal channels to try to reclaim Omegas they consider 'theirs'—especially if there's a potential mating arrangement involved."

A chill runs through me at his words, at the clinical way he outlines a possibility I've feared since the day I fled. "Could they do that? Legally force me to return?"

"No," Lucian says firmly, his tone leaving no room for doubt. "You're an adult, Lydia. You have the right to make your own decisions about where you live and who you associate with. But that doesn't mean they can't try to make things difficult."

The confidence in his voice, the absolute certainty with which he speaks of my rights, sends an unexpected wave of warmth through me. This is what he does, I realize. This is who he is—someone who knows exactly how the system works and uses that knowledge to protect those who need it most. I feel my cheeks heating as I look at him, seeing the sharp intelligence behindthose gray eyes, the quiet competence in his bearing. He's not just an Alpha; he's a protector by profession and, it seems, by nature. The realization stirs something in me that I'm not quite ready to examine.

Elias must notice my flushed cheeks, because his eyes dance with knowing amusement. "I see you're finally appreciating Lucian's particular skill set," he teases gently. "Took you long enough."

I duck my head, embarrassed at being so transparent. "I just didn't expect... I mean, I didn't realize..."

"That you had legal counsel at your disposal?" Lucian suggests, his own amusement evident in the slight curl of his lips. "Consider it another benefit of pack connection, Lydia."

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