~ Lucian’s POV

I turned the gun on my Beta, eyes narrowing as I aimed right at his chest. The air between us crackled with tension, my pulse thundering in my ears. He didn’t flinch, but I could see the way his jaw clenched, his fists curling at his sides. He knew better than anyone how far I was willing to go when I was in this state.

“Step back,” I said, my voice low, barely more than a growl. “Don’t get in my way again.”

He held my gaze for a moment longer, then exhaled slowly. ...