Chapter 47 Desires
“Let’s go out for a walk,” Valen suggested, his voice gentle yet firm after making sure Ella had calmed down.
“I guess that’s what I need now,” Ella replied, her voice still slightly shaky but eager for a distraction.
Valen smiled faintly, relieved she agreed.
“I’d love to experience your speed,” Ella added, looking up at him with curiosity.
If only she knew the effect her smile had on him, especially those expressive eyes. Valen swallowed hard, trying to hold on to the last bit of control he had.
“Alright,” he said with a grin. “Though I’d have loved to race with you in your wolf form.”
At the mention of her wolf, Ella’s smile faded, and she looked downcast. Valen cursed himself silently. He had been told she lost her wolf before coming here—how foolish of him to bring it up now.
“I’m sorry,” he said quickly. “I shouldn’t have mentioned that.”
“No, it’s okay,” Ella replied softly. “I’m sure you must have heard I lost my wolf before being brought here.”
Her voice was steady, but Valen could see the pain in her eyes. Ella’s mind drifted back to the moon goddess’s realm and the weakened state of Lila. What does the moon goddess mean by Lila’s recovery is being tied to my new mate? she wondered.
Before she could dwell on it further, Valen scooped her into his arms, causing her to gasp in surprise.
“What are you doing?” she managed to ask, her voice laced with amusement.
“Hold on tightly,” Valen said, a playful smirk tugging at his lips as he sped off.
The wind rushed past her face, her hair flying wildly as she held onto him tightly. The sensation was exhilarating, like being on the edge of freedom. The world around her blurred into streaks of color, and for the first time in a long while, Ella let go of her worries. She closed her eyes, allowing the adrenaline and pure joy to wash over her.
When Valen finally slowed to a stop, Ella opened her eyes to a dazzling sight. They stood before a magnificent club, its exterior glowing with vibrant, pulsing lights that seemed to dance in rhythm with the faint music spilling out. The architecture was sleek, modern, and grand—like nothing Ella had ever seen before.
“This is… stunning,” Ella murmured, her eyes wide with awe.
“You like it?” Valen asked, his tone teasing as he watched her reaction.
“It’s beautiful,” she admitted, unable to tear her eyes away from the sight.
She noticed humans and vampires mingling freely, laughing and dancing together. It was a fascinating contrast to her pack’s conservative lifestyle.
“The humans… they aren’t afraid of the vampires?” she asked, turning to Valen.
“What’s there to fear when they know they’re safe?” Valen replied. “In Devil City, it’s a rule—no hunting or feeding on human blood.”
Ella raised a brow. “And I’m guessing you made that rule?”
“I did,” Valen confirmed. “It wasn’t easy, though. Many vampires opposed it and chose to live as rogues rather than adapt to animal blood.”
“Don’t you… thirst for human blood sometimes?” Ella asked cautiously.
Valen’s crimson eyes met hers. “We do. But we’ve learned to control it. Discipline always wins over instincts.”
Ella tilted her head, a playful glint in her eyes. “You thirst for my blood, don’t you?”
Valen’s lips twitched into a smirk. “Ever since the first day I saw you.”
“Doesn’t it torture you to hold back?” she asked, her voice soft yet probing.
Valen took a step closer, his voice dropping into a husky whisper. “I would never hurt you, Ella.”
“I know,” she replied, smiling up at him, placing a gentle hand on his cheek.
“Come on, let's go in” Valen said, breaking the moment. He reached for her hand, leading her inside the club.
The interior was even more breathtaking than the outside. Crystal chandeliers hung from the ceiling, casting shimmering light across the room. The walls were adorned with intricate designs that seemed to come alive under the neon lights. A massive dance floor stretched out in the center, filled with humans and vampires moving to the hypnotic beat of the music.
As they stepped in, Ella’s senses were overwhelmed. The music was a deep, pulsing rhythm that resonated through her chest. The air was thick with the scent of lust and desire, humans and vampires dancing together, their movements sensual and magnetic. She noticed couples entwined in corners, some boldly engaging in acts of intimacy right out in the open. The raw energy was intoxicating, even for her.
Ella couldn’t help but notice the humans’ fascination with the vampires. Despite their fears, they were undeniably drawn to them, just as she was drawn to Valen. Everything about vampires seemed designed to attract, from their otherworldly beauty to their magnetic charm.
“This place was built for a reason,” Valen whispered in her ear, his breath warm against her skin.
Ella turned to him, her curiosity piqued. “What reason?”
“To fulfill humans’ deepest, darkest fantasies,” he replied, his voice dropping to a seductive tone.
Ella’s breath hitched as his words lingered in the air. She felt her cheeks flush and quickly looked away, only to find her gaze landing on a couple in the corner. They were entwined in a heated embrace, their movements bold and unrestrained.
“Oh, look who’s here,” a voice interrupted.
Ella turned to see a handsome man approaching, his confident stride and charming smile making it clear he was used to attention.
“I knew I caught an unfamiliar scent,” the man said, taking Ella’s hand and kissing it lightly. “I’m Lucian, Valen’s friend.”
Before Ella could respond, she heard a low growl. Lucian immediately released her hand and stepped back, raising his hands in mock surrender.
“Relax, Valen,” Lucian said with a chuckle. “I was just saying hello.”
“Give us a moment,” Valen told Ella before dragging Lucian aside.
“Keep your hands to yourself,” Valen warned, his voice low and dangerous.
Lucian smirked. “Noted. But you’re lucky, my friend. She’s stunning. If I had a mate like her, I’d never look at another woman again.”
Valen narrowed his eyes. “You know I can read your mind, right?”
Lucian paled slightly. “Don’t.”
Valen let out a sigh, his focus shifting back to business. “Have you noticed any hunters around?”
Lucian’s expression turned serious. “Yes. Word is Victor Kane is back.
Valen nodded. “Have you seen any hunters around?”
“A few,” Lucian confirmed. “They’re not even trying to hide. I’ve tightened security, but we can’t let our guard down.”
“The shields are still intact?” Valen asked.
Lucian nodded. “For now. But if they figure out how to breach them, it’ll be chaos.”
Valen’s expression darkened. The shields were his creation, a barrier that protected vampires during the day. If the hunters destroyed them, his people would be vulnerable.
“I need you to stay vigilant,” Valen said. “You’re my eyes and ears here.”
“Always,” Lucian assured him.
Satisfied, Valen nodded. “I need to get back to Ella.”
In an instant, he was gone, reappearing beside Ella.
Ella didn't notice he had returned, she was observing a couple in a corner with wide eyes. “Enjoying the view?” he teased.
Ella jumped at the sound of his voice. “When did you get here?” she asked, placing a hand over her racing heart.
“Just now,” Valen replied, smirking at her reaction.
Ella’s cheeks flushed. The atmosphere of the club was getting to her. She couldn’t deny the heat building inside her, the undeniable pull toward Valen. Five years without intimacy had left her yearning, and being here wasn’t helping. Heat crept up her neck as she realized just how much the scene was affecting her.
She looked up at him, her lips parting slightly as she moistened them. The look in her eyes was enough to make Valen’s restraint waver. He cursed silently. Bringing her here had been a mistake. The club’s atmosphere was designed to stir emotions, and Ella’s gaze was doing things to him he could barely control.
“Ella,” he said, his voice strained. “We should leave.”
“Why?” she whispered, stepping closer. Her eyes searched his, and for a moment, the world around them disappeared.
Valen clenched his fists, his self-control hanging by a thread. “Because if we stay, I might not be able to stop myself.”
Ella’s heart raced as his words sank in. She didn’t reply, but the look in her eyes spoke volumes.
The night was far from over.