Chapter 39

“This is more of a curse than a blessing” Valen muttered under his breath. Being mated to your enemy and, worst of all, the very kind you detest was so much to bear.

He paced his study restlessly, the weight of it pressing down on him. How could fate be so cruel? To be cursed with a bond like this-it was unthinkable.

The sharp sound of his door creaking open interrupted his thoughts. Valen glanced over to see his best friend Lucian staggering in, obviously drunk. He rolled his eyes as he watched him stagger to his desk with this familiar smile of “I just had the best sex of my life” plastered on his face. Valen was already used to it.

But just as Lucian got to Valen’s desk, he stopped on his track, the smile on his face disappeared immediately, replaced by wide -eyed shock, then an amused smirk.

“You are Mated”. Lucian said, his silver-gray eyes glittering with humor.

Valen stiffened. “I’m not mated; I just met her.” He growled defensively.

Lucian laughed softly. “Don’t lie to me, Valen. I can feel it. And if I can, so can others.”

“Shit!”. Valen’s jaw tightened as he suddenly came to another realization. “If Lucian could tell that he has found his soul mate, then so could others. That’s the last thing he wants now; he doesn’t want others to know about his business.

“So,” Lucian began, leaning in with a playful glint in his eyes, “who’s the lucky girl?”

“None of your business Lucian,” Valen replied, ignoring his look.

Lucian raised an eyebrow, his smirk widening. “Don’t tell me it’s the healer.”

Valen’s head sprung up to see the smug look on Lucian’s face. A snarl escapes his lips. “How do you know?”

Lucian shrugged casually, clearly enjoying himself. “Oh, come on. Isn’t it obvious? She’s the only new person around here today. So….” He let the word drag out teasingly.

Valen glared at Lucian, a growing irritation bubbling up from within. Lucian’s striking silver-gray eyes, framed by thick lashes, always seemed to sparkle with mischief. His pale, flawless skin, sharp cheekbones, and perfectly chiseled jawline made him effortlessly attractive. With his messy black hair and tall, lean build, Lucian had an aura that women found irresistible. All these attributes give him an irresistible dangerous charm.

Valen had yet to meet a woman who could resist Lucian’s charms. His expression darkened and a low growl rumbled up his chest. “Stay away from her”.

Lucian let out a low laugh as he raised his hands in surrender. “Don’t worry, I’m not interested”.

“You’re always interested in anything as long as it’s a woman”. Valen shit back scowling. Lucian’s reputation with women was legendary. He doesn’t care if it’s a vampire, werewolf, human, or any creature at all; as long as it’s a beautiful woman, he’s always interested.

“Fair point,” Lucian clicked his tongue. “But not when I risk losing a few body parts. No woman is worth that effort”. He said trying to calm Valen down because he knows better than anyone what Valen’s temper looks like. He leaned back, as he watched Valen, clearly enjoying the tension he was stirring.

Valen’s growl deepened. The thought of another man even looking at his mate made his blood boil. Though Valen had no desire to claim his mate, if another male neared her, he might lose it. It was already difficult enough to be subjected to a bond to claim her, a bond he had little or no control over. He needed no one to push him over the edge.

Lucian sensed Valen’s simmering anger and added quickly, “Don’t worry. I already promised not to touch your woman.”

“It’s good you’re well enlightened,” Valen said.

Lucian chuckled. “You don’t have to swallow me; I already promised not to touch her.”

“But come to think of it; I’m not the threat here,” Lucian said as he sprawled comfortably on the sofa.

Valen raised a brow. “Get to the point”.

“The Elders”. Lucian said, his voice suddenly serious.

“If they find out you’re mated to a werewolf, what do you think would happen? And what about Morgana? The elders already chose her for you as your queen ་་

At the mention of Morgana, Valen’s face twisted in disgust. Morgana was the lady the elders deemed fit to be his Queen, no one had expected he would get another mate since after the death of Lydia, hence Morgana had been handpicked to rule by his side. She’s the niece to one of the elders; she’s strong and talented, and she’s one of the fastest vampires in their rank. On paper, she’s perfect, but Valen doesn’t have any feelings for her.

His mind once again drifts to his mate downstairs, her fiery spirit, the fire she had ignited in him since she came into his city, it was unlike anything he’d ever felt. Just the mere thought of her sets his heart racing.

Lucian watched him closely, his smirk returning. “You’re thinking about her, aren’t you?”

“Shut up, Lucian,” Valen snapped, but his tone lacked its usual bite.

“You’ve got it bad, my friend,” Lucian teased. “But seriously, what’s your plan? Because this isn’t going to stay hidden for long.”

Valen didn’t answer. His thoughts were a whirlwind of confusion and frustration. How was he supposed to navigate this mess? The bond was undeniable, pulling at him with a force he couldn’t resist, yet the consequences of acting on it were unthinkable.

Lucian stood, brushing off his jacket. “Well, good luck with all that. I’ll be here if you need me. Just don’t let the elders catch wind of this-or Morgana, for that matter.”

With that, he sauntered out, leaving Valen alone with his turmoil.

Valen sank into his chair, his head in his hands. How was he supposed to handle this? The mate bond was like a storm raging inside him, and no matter how much he tried to fight it, he was losing ground.

For now, he could only hope to keep it a secret. But deep down, he knew it was only a matter of time before the truth came to light-and when it did, all hell would break loose.

Shit! How’s he supposed to handle this?