Chapter 128: Coward

With a groan, Luke had to wear his pants before he told his mate, “We will continue later, okay?” He leaned forward and gave her a long kiss.

Monica moaned, her thighs rubbing in anticipation but surely, she couldn’t force him to stay here and full her. That somehow made her feel so greedy and at the same time, she couldn’t stop smiling.

Luke draped a sheet over Monica since she was still bare before he moved toward the door.

Once he opened the door he found Ginna standing on the other side, “Sorry for disturbing but your friend came over.”

“Friend? You mean Dart?” That’s the only person he could think of.

Ginna nodded, “He looked a bit flustered.”

Luke frowned…did he find out about the fun he had with his mate behind his back? Well, he did leave Nadia in quite a compromising state this morning but Dart was supposed to return late.

Surely, she would have cleaned things up…

’Well, let’s see.’ He wasn’t going to run away or lie about it.

He glanced at his mother once, then stepped outside.

As he approached the dining hall, he found Dart standing at the doorway, neither fully inside nor outside, visibly unsure of what to do.

“Dart,” he called, “what happened?”

The brown-haired man turned toward him, relief washing over his face. “Oh, Luke.” The reaction confused him. He couldn’t be here to beat him up with such an easygoing expression.

Then…?

“Um… can you come out with me? I need to tell you something.” That… was alarming.

Was he planning to fight him outside? Well, Luke appreciated the thought.

Nodding, he followed Dart out. The two men stood face to face once again.

Luke closed the door behind him before asking, “So? What is it?”

Just to be sure, Luke checked his stats.

[Name: Dart]

[Race: Human]

[Str: 26]

[Spd: 18]

[Def: 21]

[Int: 13]

Yes, he was still stronger than him, but with his new tools and skills, Luke was confident he could fight him toe to toe and win.

However, unlike all the scenarios he had built in his head, Dart was here to deliver information.

“Umm, actually, when I was on my way back after patrolling, I saw a family member of yours. It was your elder sister.”

“…hmm? Laila?” Luke asked, surprised. “Where did you see her?” He hadn’t seen her in the house, but then again, he hadn’t seen anyone except Dalia, Ginna and Monica when he returned.

“Yes. She was heading toward the forest, outside the perimeter.”

Luke’s frown deepened. Why would she go there?

“Luke… I must warn you. The warriors have been given permission to hunt down any suspicious movement right now. Even if she isn’t harmful, your sister might get caught in something dangerous.”

Luke nodded in understanding. The chief wasn’t holding back in his preparations. Under such circumstances, if Laila got into trouble, the warriors might eliminate her along with the threat.

“Thanks, man. I owe you one.” He patted his shoulder.

Without wasting a second, he went back inside and headed straight for Laila’s room.

“Caleb?!” he called out, pushing the door open.

The man inside startled, nearly falling off the bed.

Dalia and Lex, who had just stepped out, heard the voice and moved toward it.

Ginna, standing nearby, was alerted as well.

“What happened between you two this time?” Luke asked, his brows drawing together.

Caleb wanted to snap back, but seeing Luke’s current demeanor, he could only force out, “N-Nothing. Why are you being so dramatic?”

“Luke? What is it?” Monica and Gustav soon entered, the latter asking with concern.

Luke crossed his arms. “He’s going to tell us exactly what happened between him and Laila, because right now she’s heading toward the forest.”

“…!!”

Everyone froze in shock. Monica covered her mouth with a gasp, while the color drained from Caleb’s face.

“W-What?”

“To the forest?”

“Caleb! What did you do this time?!” Lex roared, stomping closer.

Caleb flinched and shook his head. “It was nothing, just a normal argument like we always have. I didn’t think she’d run off to the forest out of anger.”

Luke growled, “So it was you after all. Then be a man and go after her before something happens.”

Lex was just as furious. If not for the crutches, he would have dragged Caleb off the bed himself.

Caleb raised a trembling hand. “B-But how can I in this condition? Shouldn’t you be the one to go and save her?”

The room fell into stunned silence. Even Monica, usually calm and understanding, couldn’t believe what she had just heard.

Gustav clenched his fist. “It’s your duty as her mate to protect her. How can you make such pitiful excuses?”

“Then why don’t you go yourself? At least you should understand my situation.” Caleb shot back, somehow regaining a sliver of confidence despite the entire house turning against him.

Just then, Luke stepped forward, grabbed Caleb by the collar, and lifted him off the bed.

“Ah, what—”

“Listen, you dimwit,” Luke muttered, his voice low, almost a whisper, yet edged with a dangerous growl. “If you can’t protect Laila or earn enough to support this family, then you have no place in this house.”

“…!!” Caleb’s eyes widened in shock.

“Father?! Did you hear that? Now he gets to decide who stays and who leaves?!” Caleb panicked, flailing in Luke’s grip as he turned to Gustav.

Gustav’s expression remained steady, but his thoughts were conflicted.

Yes, he was furious at Caleb, but he was still family. Throwing him out so suddenly felt too cruel.

Then Luke delivered his ultimatum. “If he stays, I won’t go look for Laila. And I’ll leave this house with mother for good today.”

The biggest shock of the evening didn’t come from Caleb, but from Luke.

Lex stepped back. “I have nothing to do with this mess. Do whatever you want.” With that, he turned and walked away, Ginna and Dalia following close behind.

Caleb reached out to stop him, but Lex was already gone.

Lost and cornered, he turned to the others. “Mother? Won’t you help me a little? Am I not a part of this family?”

Monica said nothing. She simply looked away, her fist clenched at her side.

Caleb turned to Gustav. “Father? Is this why you gave us your blessing? To let me be dragged out of the house like this? Was our relationship this shallow?”

Gustav let out a long breath before stepping closer to Luke.

Resting a hand on his son’s shoulder, he said, “Luke… I won’t stop you from doing what you feel is right. But before throwing him out, let Laila have the final say. If she chooses to leave with him, then we’ll let them.”

“Yes! I’ll talk to Laila. Only after that will I step out of this house.” Caleb pulled himself free from Luke’s grip, a sudden surge of confidence rising in his chest.

Luke’s eyes turned cold.

So, you want to hear from Laila?

He would make sure she leave this man today.

By any means necessary.

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A/N:- I hope you liked the Chapter. I haven’t decided on mass release this month but surely the next month

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