CHAPTER 285

CHAPTER 285
Chapter 285

After what felt like forever, Haven’s eyes finally fluttered open. Her hands covered her mouth as she yawned, stretching her body, which felt sore. Another yawn, and she flipped over to her other side, a smile making its way to her lips. The smile soon disappeared as she noticed the empty bed beside her.

Lucious. Where was Lucious?

She sat up with a start, then sighed in relief when her eyes landed on the handsome man seated opposite her.

“Relax,” came his baritone voice as he sauntered toward her. “I’m here.” Lucious smirked, plopping down next to her. He had woken up early to get some work done and grabbed breakfast on his way back.

Haven had still been asleep when he returned, and he opted not to wake her up, choosing instead to sit down and admire his beautiful sleeping mate.

“I thought you left…”

“I would never.” Lucious cupped her face and kissed her forehead. “Especially after what happened last night,” he teased, watching Haven’s cheeks turn red immediately.

“Shameless!” she gasped and smacked his hands away. Lucious chuckled and leaned in. “I don’t think I’ll ever get enough of you.”

Haven’s eyes widened even more. Her hands covered her lips as heat crept up her face. Images of last night’s events replayed in her mind, and she wished the ground would open up and swallow her that instant. Pulling the duvet up to cover her red face, she pointed toward the door.

“Go away.”

“But why?” Lucious gave Haven’s flimsy protection a single tug, and it went right out of her hands, exposing her beautiful porcelain skin for him to see.

Haven gave a horrified gasp as her face turned beet red. She scrambled for the sheets to cover up.

“Don’t.” Her mate’s husky voice stopped her. “Let me see you.” The words sounded so powerful, Haven found herself forced to oblige. She felt vulnerable under his gaze and sucked in a sharp breath when his lips landed on her skin. He teased and nipped; his kisses robbed her of any resistance, and she found herself melting away.

“Lucious.” Her hands grasped his hair. “Not again,” she whispered, but deep down, she knew she wanted the same thing.

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The smile on Haven’s lips only grew bigger as she stood in front of the mirror. Her hands grazed what looked like a fresh tattoo wound on her neck, and she blushed even harder remembering the events that led to it.

Last night, her mate had finally marked and claimed her as his forever. They were now one, body and soul.

Lucious walked in at that moment. “Ready?” he asked when he saw his mate all dressed up. He stood behind her and wrapped his arms around her, breathing in her lovely scent.

“Yummy,” he whispered in her ear, causing her to giggle.

“I’m all set. I just need to grab my scarf on the bed,” she informed him, adjusting her hair.

“Scarf? Why?” Lucious asked as he helped her get it. “It’s a bit warm outside.”

Haven pointed to her neck shyly. “This.”

One look at Haven’s neck made Lucious’ lips curl into a smile. A sense of pride washed over him as he admired the countless hickeys lining her neck. His eyes fixed on the biggest mark there—his mark—boldly printed on her neck. The bite was still red and fresh, but in some days, it would have molded into a beautiful design befitting an Alpha’s mate.

“You don’t have to. You are my mate, everyone knows,” he said firmly, feeling slightly offended that she wanted to cover it up.

“I know… I just… I feel shy,” she blushed, and Lucious’ expression softened. She looked so cute.

“Fine, but only for today.” He wrapped the scarf carefully around her neck. “There, it’s done.”

“You’re so helpful.” Haven stood on her toes, planted a quick kiss on his lips, and ran off before he could do more.

“No fair,” he groaned and caught up to her soon enough.

“No, no,” she giggled. “The car is waiting,” she reminded him, and he groaned.

That was right—they were leaving. That didn’t stop him from stealing another kiss, though. He intertwined their fingers and smiled.

“Let’s go home.”

The couple walked out, all smiles, with Lucious leading Haven by the waist as they headed out front. The smile on his face dropped the moment he set eyes on Tristan.

Tristan stood in front of the house, Mika by his side alongside several other guards. The car was all set for the Supreme Alpha and Luna, and they were out front to bid them farewell and give their respects.

His fists clenched as he forced a smile and bowed, anger rippling through his veins. “It was an honor to have you grace us with your presence, Alpha. Thank you so much for coming,” he said through gritted teeth.

“Yes, Alpha. It was a real pleasure having you here. Do have a safe trip back home,” Mika smiled sweetly. One look at Mika and Haven could see how fake she was.

Lucious nodded as Tristan, Mika, and the others bowed before walking on, still holding onto Haven, who didn’t spare a glance at either of them.

Tristan watched with a broken heart as Haven snuggled closer to the Supreme Alpha the moment they got into their car. Their eyes met briefly, and she looked away, completely ignoring his existence.

And that was when Tristan realized—he had lost her forever.

“Such pride,” Mika hissed beside him. “Did you see that? Did you see how that Alpha treated us just now, huh? He barely even answered us and just walked away.”

“And that bitch,” she rambled on. “She must think she’s hit a jackpot or something. How dare she ignore all of us—don’t you walk away from me while I’m still talking!” she screeched behind Tristan, who barely heard her.

It was over. Everything was over now.

Haven was gone.

Haven was gone from his life for good now.

Everything.