Chapter 194 Hi, Mate Snatcher

Chapter 194 Hi, Mate Snatcher
Chapter 194

RAVENNA

Richard's voice sent shivers down my spine despite how hard I tried not to feel it.

He grinned widely, his eyes gleaming with something dark and cruel. "I can see you're looking comfortable with the fact you got mated to my son."

I lifted my chin, refusing to let him see my fear. "Shouldn't I be? It's not every day a beautiful girl meets a beautiful man and ends up getting tied in a bond."

He laughed, but there was no warmth in it. "You're really funny. But this isn't becoming funny to me anymore. I'm beginning to think you used a spell on him."

I raised an eyebrow. "Why would I need a spell when I'm already enchanting?"

His smile vanished immediately.

The cold facade slipped back into place, and his expression hardened into something dangerous.

He dropped his glass on a nearby table and stepped closer to me.

Martina moved between us immediately, her hand pressing against his chest. "This is your son's mate. We're at the pack festival with lots of people who could be watching. Don't try anything stupid."

Richard's eyes flashed with fury. "Anything stupid was bringing her to me in the first place. What did you think I was going to do? Open my arms wide, kiss her forehead, and welcome her?"

Martina's voice was firm. "I didn't expect you to do that. But you need to be nice to her and keep your hostility in check."

He ignored her completely and turned back to me, his jaw tight. "I don't know what the hell you're doing in this pack, allowing my wife to parade you among her friends and making you feel welcomed."

He paused, his voice dropping lower, colder. "Let me make this clear. You are not welcomed here. I will never accept you into this pack as my son's mate."

The words hit like a slap.

But I refused to flinch.

I met his gaze evenly, my voice steady. "It's normal for you not to accept me. But you should speak for yourself and not other people."

Richard's hand clenched into a fist at his side, and for a moment, I thought he was going to strike me.

Darius appeared out of nowhere, stepping between us with a casual ease that didn't match the tension in his eyes.

"Hey, old man," he greeted, his tone light. "How are you doing?"

Richard glared at him. "What the hell were you thinking bringing her here?"

Darius leaned against the wall, his posture relaxed but his gaze sharp. "It's come to my notice that our lives are now openly targeted by your rivals and family enemies."

Richard's expression shifted slightly, suspicion flickering across his face.

"We nearly got poisoned through an ice cream a few days back," Darius continued, his voice hardening. "And Selina rammed into me on my return to school the night you sent for me. She openly threatened that she's not done with me."

Martina gasped, her hand flying to her mouth. "Are you both truly going to be okay?"

She turned to Richard, her voice rising. "Do something about their safety!"

Richard refused, crossing his arms. "I won't do anything."

I smiled sweetly, tilting my head. "Father-in-law, right now, since Darius and I have completed the mate bond by marking each other, it means our lives are tied together."

Richard's eyes narrowed. "What do you mean?"

I stepped closer, keeping my voice calm and clear. "If eventually someone gets to me and kills me, your precious son and heir won't survive it."

Richard's entire body went rigid.

"And if it's the other way around," I continued, my smile never wavering, "I'll lose my life. Not that I'm important to you."

Richard glared at me so hard that if looks could kill, I would have been dead on the spot.

Martina turned to him, her voice pleading now. "You have to do something."

He grumbled under his breath. "Fine. I will."

Then he turned back to me, his voice sharp. "But I want you to stay far away from me."

I smiled and bowed slightly. "As you wish, Father-in-law."

His face reddened immediately. "Don't call me that, or I'll throw you out."

I giggled, clearly enjoying his anger.

Martina left to calm her husband down, leaving just me and Darius standing together.

He turned to me, his expression softening. "Are you okay?"

I nodded. "I'm fine."

He extended his hand. "Dance with me?"

I smiled and let him lead me to the dancing floor.

We moved slowly, swaying to the music, but I couldn't stop myself from looking around constantly, scanning the crowd for anything suspicious.

"Eyes on me," Darius murmured, his hand tightening on my waist. "Stop looking around."

I forced myself to focus on him. "I'm sorry."

He leaned down and kissed me gently.

I kissed him back, needing him more than ever, trying to ground myself in the feel of him.

When we pulled apart, he smiled. "We can have fun after the party."

I nodded, even though I knew it wouldn't happen.

I couldn't afford to go into one of my seizures while being with him.

After the dance, Richard called Darius over to meet some of the guests who were business partners.

Darius squeezed my hand. "I'll be back soon."

I nodded. "I'm going to use the bathroom."

I needed a breathing space from everything.

I walked to the bathroom, locked the door behind me, and leaned against the sink.

My hands were shaking.

I turned on the tap and splashed cold water on my face, washing away the makeup.

When I looked up, I was staring at my natural face—bare, vulnerable.

I took a deep breath and turned to leave but a foot blocked the path.

I looked up slowly.

Selina was standing there, grinning down at me like a predator who had just cornered her prey.

"Well, well, well," she purred, her voice dripping with mockery. "Whom do we have here? If it isn't Ravenna! Hi, mate snatcher."