Chapter 42 42

Chapter 42 42
VALERIA'S POV

I was never one of those attention-seeking bitches. Heck, I prefer to silently watch away from the spotlight. But having just one person in the spotlight, to the point where even my mate acts all giddy around her, I wasnt sure if I was okay with being away from the spotlight anymore.

I watched in utter annoyance as he beamed excitedly at her. He had hugged her once, nothing suspicious in the hug. But the way she left her hand lingering on his bicep, the seductive smile, the way she moved her eyes shamelessly across his entire form? Yeah, I have had more than enough reason to despise her even more.

Axel har walked her into the throne room, where Lucius was having a meeting with his council. It wasnt news anymore that Lucius had forbidden anyone from interrupting him in moments like this. Not even I, as his mate, was allowed to just barge into his meeting chamber announced.

That was exactly what Axel did. And Lucius had no problem with it. In fact, his neutral mood heightened when he saw her. He was all smiley like he had seen a missing part of him. I know I was being a bitter bitch and all, but I won't take any blame for that. From where I stood by the door, watching, they fucking look good together. Like a God and his goddess.

Accidentally, Lucius' eyes wandered away from hers and somehow landed on mine. His smile didn't falter as he ushered me forward. I could have turned around and walked out immediately but the bitch was quick to notice his distraction. She veered around quicker than a normal person would. And when her eyes landed on mine, her smile faltered for a heartbeat before she masked it off almost immediately.

My life might not be all perfect, but the one thing I am super grounded in, would he my ability to take my own share of aura anywhere I find myself. She might be flawless and all, but I know very well who I am, and I am not going to get intimidated by a mere woman with two boobs just like mine.

“Vi….” Lucius stepped aside and opened both his hands in a welcoming manner. That simple movement sprang my confidence up to a new level. She should know that he has a woman in his life and learn not to cross that boundary with him. With how she was staring and moving her hand all over him, I had a feeling she wouldn't think twice before crossing.

I covered the distance between us, feeling her heavy gaze trying to figure me out. I paid not a single attention to her. Instead, I focused on trying to establish my dominance with my man. I hugged him, longer than I would have in the presence of council members at the other end of the room. I put my hand on his chin and let him softly place a kiss on my forehead all the while she watched silently.

“Vi, this is a very good friend of mine, Camilla.” He introduced, refusing to tear his gaze away from mine even after he introduced me to her. “And Camilla, this is Valeria, my mate and future Luna.”

Axel has mentioned the name “Camilla.” a few times. So this was Camilla. I started straight into her eyes, still tucked under his arm, and nodded politely, a soft smile playing on my lips. She beamed with her lips though her eyes were telling an entirely different tale. “It is very nice of you.” She extended her hand.

I took it firmly and shook. “Thank you.”

One of the elders called on Lucius and he excused himself, leaving me with her.

“Luna huh?” She gave me a once-over, placing her hand firmly on her waist.

“He never mentioned you until now.” I offered, wanting her to understand just what little regard he had for her.

“No one loved to mention their past lovers. Especially not if the love still lingers.” She dropped the bomb on me like it was just another day. “And it’s an utter disgrace to see that he ended up settling for someone like you. A mere…..” She shook her head as though she couldn't believe he actually did choose me. “What are you even? I expect Lucius to do better when it comes to choosing a Luna, at least for the sake of the pack we spent decades building. Thankfully, he hasn't finalized it yet, I need to look into this.”

I wanted to ask who she thinks she was? How dare she belittle me that way? But my tongue seemed to be tied, o couldn't get it to form any coherent word without risking the tears in my eyes slipping out. She was once his lover? The perfect-looking woman with no sign of flaws was once the lover of my mate. They have shared the same bed, and he has treated her like he does me.

These thoughts kept flowing into my head even though I tried as much as I could to block them out. My eyes tingled and I instantly knew I had to leave. Not unless I wanted to make the absolute fool of myself in front of this bitch, then I had to turn around and move as far away from her as the palace may permit.

She smiled knowingly at me, as though this was the exact reaction she sought. Her honey coloured silky hair danced around as she moved her fingers through it, seeming to be super satisfied with whatever she just did to me. My eyes moved toward Lucius. He has his back to us and he was in a deep conversation with someone.

That was the opportunity I had. I could leave silently right now and save myself from other humiliations. And so I did just that.

I forced my stiff muscles to turn and around and off toward the door I went. Away from them.