Chapter 36 36

Chapter 36 36

VALERIA'S POV

My plan had gone down the drain as fast as it came as for one, Max returned, this time vicious and without his common sense, desperate to get me away from here even against my free will. And then the cherry on the damn cake was the arrival of Lucius and Axel a few minutes later.

When Max slipped back into my room, I was alone, the servant girl long gone. I tried to make him see reason, to understand that this is the life I've chosen for myself, so he would respect it, but he wouldn't buy that. He kept dragging me as I tried to pull myself out of his hold.

"I am pregnant! I can't go anywhere!" I wasnt planning on telling him that, but seeing how adamant he was that I leave, telling him about my pregnancy was my last option and so I did.

His tight gaze wavered for a split second. He stared at me, his eyes showing just how stunned he was. "You let that thing get you pregnant?" His voice was a mere whisper.

"He is my mate! Why is it so hard for you to understand! There is no way I can leave him even if I want to."

"You left the twin, so don't feed me with this bullshit of being attached to your mate like your life can't move on without him. You can..." He held my hand again. "And you will. Pregnant or not!" He sauntered toward the door, pulling me with him.

"Max!" I yelled and forcefully pulled my hand back. "I don't want to leave! When are you going to fucking respect that? My home is here. Go! Before you get yourself hurt!"

At that moment, I watched something die in his eyes, but that didn't stop him from moving forward again, toward me. "I don't know what the heck has gotten over you these past few months that you are here, but I am ready to help you get rid of whatever it is. You are not in the right state of mind. It is my responsibility to make sure you don't get yourself killed simply because you are what?" He scoffed. "Smitten. I will get you out of this place and you might hate me for it now but you are going to thank me when the time comes."

"I will warn you just once! Don't you dare come any closer to me!" I knew my threat was an empty one. He was far stronger than I was and he could drag me out of here without a doubt. The only thing I was counting on was for the guards or whoever was out there to come to my aid before he could manage to get away with me. Get me away from my peace.

He held my wrist tightly this time, not caring that he was going to leave a bruise as he began to drag me toward the door. When he reached the door, he stopped and turned back to me.

"I am going to give you a last chance to think things through before I do this forcefully. Let me take you out of here, away from this monster."

"If you dare take me away from my mate, you will forever be the monster in my eyes."

That doesn't move him. He sighed and I could see a trace of disappointment in his eyes as he looked away. "You have made your decision." and then he turned on the doorknob and pulled it open.

"I will advise you to let go of her."

I have never been this relieved from just hearing a voice.

"Lucius." I instinctively mumbled under my breath.

Max was taken by surprise by the sudden presence at the door. His tight hold wavered for a moment and I took that opportunity to pull my hand away from his, running toward Lucius who was quick to embrace me into his warm hands.

"Are you okay?" He looked down at my face, using his sword-free hand to scooped my cheek and search my eyes for an answer before I could respond.

"Am I okay?" I found myself asking inwardly. I wasnt hurt in any way but I couldn't bring myself to utter out the words. Mostly because I knew he was going to try and hurt Max now that he caught him, I don't want that. Even though Max is a little too stubborn and maybe foolish for my liking, I still don't want him to be hurt by Lucius. But could I tell him that?

I just swallowed deeply and shook my head, tears swirling in my eyes. I wasn't sure why I shook my head but he seemed to understand whatever emotions I couldn't comprehend on my own.

He looked toward Max, who already had his sword out and was ready to attack. I could tell the only thing stopping him from attacking Lucius was the fact that I was between them. Lucius looked back at me and sighed, then he mouthed toward Max.

"Get out of my space before others get to find you." It wasn't a warning. It sounded like a mere suggestion.

"You do not get to keep her for yourself."

"I am not keeping her." Lucius stalked toward him, leaving me behind. "I respect her, that alone is enough for her to fucking want to stay with me."

Max continued to move back slowly as Lucius stalked toward him, growling. I finally got to see the monster I heard rumors about. He looked merciless, ready to kill.

"Lucius please," I called, my voice too weak even to my own ears.

His head snapped toward me, shoulders slumped. That moment of distraction was what Max took advantage of to strike him on the upper arm with a sword before fleeing out of the room like a damn coward!

"Licius!" I yelled with urgency, running toward him.

Max will pay for this, he will fucking pay for touching my mate!