CHAPTER 30

CHAPTER 30
VALERIA POV

I am not even sure if he looked at the back but I try not to breathe too loudly. I am afraid he will know I am there. And then, I heard his footsteps. He was coming towards us. I looked at Vance with my eyes wide in fear.

He smiled against my finger on his lips. His hand caught my waist and my heart jumped in my chest. My breast was pressing firmly against his broad chest. The walls of the muscles made me aware of the effort he put into acquiring that great body.

I almost forgot Lycan king Xyrus was actually on his way to us. I heard a ringing tone and he paused in his footsteps. At first, I thought it was my phone and panic surged through me until I heard the ringing tone again. It was coming from him.

“Yes. Wait there. I will be on my way.” I heard Lycan King Xyrus say it and he left, leaving us alone without coming my way.

Releasing the breath I had been holding, I moved my finger away from Vance but to my surprise, he suddenly changed our position and my back was pressed against the wall instead.

“What are you doing?” I asked in a whisper, still trying to calm my racing heart and this man is not even giving me a chance to do that.

Why does he have to step so close to me?

“Are you that afraid that he will catch us?” He asked and he looked so excited as if he was expecting that to happen.

Or was he already trying to locate me? Well, he did say he was looking for me and that is why he came here. For someone older than Xyrus, I am not so sure if he has to hang around like this as if he has nothing else to do.

I know there is more to the eyes but I can't just read this guy.

“Yes,” I replied. “Why wouldn't I be afraid? What if rumours spread in the castle?” I asked while he gently rubbed my wrist and I glared at him to just let me go.

“So you love Xyrus that much? Or this is just you trying to protect your reputation. You are quite a beauty and I mean that Val.” He said and that is actually too many questions.

How will I reply?

“Did you have to call me by my name again?” I asked instead and licked the inside of his left cheek.

“Because your name is cute.” He replied and smiled. “Just call me Vance.”

“Let me go, Vance,” I said and he let me go instantly as if he had been waiting for that simple command.

“Okay.” He said and stepped back

I rubbed my wrist gently and smoothed my dress.

“Where are you heading to?” He asked and I looked around before walking.

Vance followed right beside me. Thanks Goddess, the sitting room is actually vacant now.

“I want to breathe in some fresh air,” I confessed.

“Then come with me. I actually know the best sport.” Vance said and I looked at his face.

The seriousness in them made me realise he is not joking at all.

“Oh come on Val. There is CCTV everywhere and I am not the kind of man to force myself on a woman. I just admire you for being sincere.” He said and I don't know why he is chatty compared to the Lycan king.

Maybe it's because they are half-brothers. That is probably why they have different personalities.

“Is that a guilty conscience? Because I didn't say anything.” I said and continued walking.

“Well, that is just me trying to explain things to you. Just be free.” Vance said and we descended the stairs.

“Okay” I agree since I don't know anywhere, I will allow him to show me around.

It's not as if he can harm me. Not when he didn't know what I was. If he tries to do anything funny, I will just use my powers.

Vance and I stepped outside and I looked up to see that the sun was actually shining bright in the sky. There won't be rain for a while.

Somehow, I am already missing both Beatrice and Eleanor. Knowing that I will be seeing them in a few days actually brought a smile to my face.

So come with me, Val. There is this spot “where you can enjoy the fresh air and also listen to the sound of running water.” Vance suggested to me.

“Okay,” I said and followed him to where he was heading. On getting to the location, at first I was expecting a waterfall or something but this was different. This actually looks like a stream but it's not wide.

I have never come to this part of the castle. So Lady Eliona wasn't joking when she told me it's actually big and magnificent. I moved closer to the running water and touched it. It's actually cold and at the same time warm.

“Where does the water flow to?” I asked Vance.

“Towards the woods and some said it's beyond that but it somehow makes its way to the castle,” Vance replied m

“This is actually amazing. And the water is clean.” I said with excitement etched in my voice.

“Yes. Clean like you.” Vance said and we maintained eye contact for a while until I decided to break it.

“When are you planning to let things level up between you two?” Vance asked and the truth is, he is being nosy.

“What do you mean?” I asked, trying to act oblivious.

“I know you too are not in love. I know Xyrus that well to know he will never be committed to a woman.” Vance said and he nailed it right on the head as if he knew I and Xyrus are actually in a contract marriage.

“And what do you mean by that?” I asked Vance. Why does he know so much? I thought he didn't live in the castle.

“So you want to pretend that you didn't know anything? You should know who Adelina is…” I cut him off before he could complete his statement.

“I don't care about that. They can do whatever they want.” I said and brushed my hair back with the back of my hand.

“I still have a feeling that it's not true Val. Do you want me to help you out? He will look at you.” He said and I don't know why I had to do it like he said just because I needed to prove him wrong that Lycan king Xyrus might actually be in love with me.

“You think, I care about stuff like this. I didn't want to know what he was up to. I don't know why you keep telling me all this but I don't want to listen to you.” I told Vance that even though a part of me wants to learn more.

“Come on. Do you really think Adelina will just sit and watch you marry Xyrus?” Vance said and I want to ask him further what he meant by that.

However, I don't want to learn so many things when I know I will be leaving soon.

I tried to leave but Vance stopped me and stood in front of me. “I can make it work and he will have no choice but to come to you.” Vance Said and I want to tell him that I am actually not with Lycan King Xyrus because I was hoping that he would fall in love with me.

“Even now,” Vance said in a whisper and stepped closer to me.

He closed the rest of the distance between us when he drew me closer by my shoulder.

“He is watching us,” Vance said and I heard the flapping of wings.

A crow passed Vance’s head and he dodged which somehow created distance between us. He chuckled and raised his hand, one, two. Three and I heard the rustle of leaves followed by slow footsteps. I look behind me to see Lycan king Xyrus walking towards us.

“Xyrus. Didn't know you were coming. Well, I decided to just have some little…” he couldn't finish his statement.

Lycan king Xyrus' fist moved and a blow landed on Vance's jaw. You should have got the message now that I don't want you near her.

My heart jumped in my chest, watching the scene.

“Come on, relax. It's not as if I am going to eat her.” I heard Vance say before turning to me.

“Don't worry. It's just some brothers fighting. Nothing serious.” Vance said with a wink and he left z walking away from us

“Do you really have to hurt him in front of me? He was trying to keep me company.” My point came out defensive even though I wasn't planning to say it that way. The words just tumbled out of my lips.

Lycan King Xyrus tucked his hand inside his pocket with a poker face.

“If you crave a company that much, you can just call one of the maids to do that. It doesn't have to be Vance.” He said and for that reason, I actually want to dare him and go for his brother instead.

“You can't dictate what I need to do to you. I can stay with Vance.” I paused and continued.

“We both agreed not to pry into private matters” I reminded him.

“And this is no private matter, Valeria. Not when you almost al
lowed him to kiss you.” He said and his words felt like a blow to me.

Does he really have to say it that way?

Seriously?”