Viya's POV
"I already have plans with a friend."
Simple. Direct. No room for negotiation.
I glanced at Julian. "Let's go."
We'd barely taken two steps when Lucius moved to block our path, his larger frame suddenly an obstacle I couldn't simply walk around. I could see him fighting some internal battle, wrestling with impulses I didn't want to understand.
"Viya, please." His voice dropped, taking on a pleading quality that made my skin crawl. "I've never celebrated your birthday with you. Not once. Just... give me one chance. That's all I'm asking."
"Alpha Wilde—"
Before I could get another word out, the sharp click of heels against marble cut through the tension. Sophia appeared from around the corner like some kind of avenging angel in Louboutins, her presence comma
