Chapter 83 A New Werewolf In Town
Valen slammed the door shut as he entered his study, his breathing ragged and his heart pounding. He leaned against the door, his eyes shut tightly as he tried to compose himself. His body was still reeling from the intimacy he had shared with Ella. Every moment in her presence was like standing at the edge of a cliff, teetering between restraint and giving in to the bond that tugged relentlessly at him.
He raked his fingers through his hair in frustration. Why does it have to be this hard? The thought of claiming her was a constant whisper in his mind, but he held back. Ella deserved more than being caught in the heat of the moment. Her past was already riddled with betrayal and pain. She needed trust, stability, and openness—things he hadn’t fully given her yet.
“If I hadn’t left...” he muttered under his breath. The thought alone made his chest tighten. He wanted her—god, how he wanted her—but he couldn’t afford to let the bond dictate his actions. She deserved more than just being claimed because of instinct. He couldn’t rush this. Not with her. Not after everything she’d endured.
His fists clenched at the memory of her past mates, men who had broken her. He couldn’t be another name on that list, especially not as someone from an enemy clan. The thought sent a chill down his spine. He would wait, no matter how much it hurt, until the time was right. Until he has made things right.
The knock at the door broke through his thoughts. Valen pushed off the door, his expression tightening. "Come in," he called.
Lucian stepped inside, his usual casual demeanor replaced with something more serious. His sharp eyes studied Valen, and an amused smirk tugged at his lips. "From the scent clinging to you, I can tell you’ve been busy," Lucian said, his tone teasing but his expression unreadable.
Valen’s jaw tightened as he turned to pour himself a drink, downing it at a go. "What do you want, Lucian?" he asked, ignoring the jab.
Lucian leaned against the wall, his arms crossed. "Oh, nothing much. Just checking if my last advice went in one ear and out the other."
Valen glared at him over his glass. "What are you talking about?”
Lucian smirked, though it didn’t reach his eyes. “Don’t play dumb, Valen. You’ve been fighting yourself, haven’t you? Which means you haven’t claimed her yet. And knowing you, that also means you haven’t told her the truth.”
Valen turned away, brushing off the accusation. He moved to pour himself another drink, though this time, he didn’t down it as quickly. “Why are you here, Lucian? What’s so important that it couldn’t wait until morning?”
Lucian crossed his arms, his tone hardening. “You can dodge the topic all you want, but let me tell you something. If you keep holding back, you might lose her.”
Valen froze mid-sip. The words struck deeper than he cared to admit. He set the glass down, his jaw tightening as he finally turned to face his friend. “What are you talking about?”
Lucian didn’t back down. “I mean exactly what I said. If you don’t act soon, someone else might.”
Valen’s brows furrowed, irritation flickering in his eyes. “What are you implying?”
Lucian leaned forward, his expression serious now. “There’s a new werewolf in town.”
Valen frowned. "And?” his patience wearing thin. "Werewolves come and go. As long as they don’t pose a threat, it’s none of my concern.”
Lucian smirked, shaking his head. "What if I told you this one might be a threat?"
Valen’s brow furrowed as he crossed his arms. "Spit it out, Lucian. I don’t have time for your games."
Lucian leaned forward, his expression turning serious. "This werewolf—an alpha, by the way—has been asking around about someone. Specifically, a woman."
Valen’s chest tightened, though he kept his face neutral. "And what does that have to do with me?”
“And he’s asking around for your mate,” Lucian said bluntly, watching for Valen’s reaction.
The words hit Valen like a punch to the gut. His entire body went rigid as his mind raced. "What the hell are you talking about?" he asked, his voice dangerously low.
Lucian shrugged again, but his expression was sharp. "You know my club. I hear things. See things. This wolf’s been asking a lot of questions. About Ella. Seems pretty determined to find her.”
Valen’s mind raced. Who was this wolf, and why was he looking for Ella? The thought of anyone else being near her—let alone searching for her—sent a wave of possessiveness coursing through him. His fangs itched to extend, his vampire instincts roaring to life.
The very idea of someone trying to take what was his, sent a wave of anger coursing through him.
Valen’s fists clenched, the glass in his hand cracking under the pressure. "Who is he?" he demanded, his voice low and dangerous.
Lucian sighed, standing up and heading for the door. "I don’t know much yet, but he’s definitely not here for a friendly visit. Just thought you should know. Consider it a friendly warning.”
Valen growled low in his throat, his possessiveness flaring. "Ella is mine," he muttered.
"Then maybe you should tell her that," Lucian said pointedly. "Before someone else tries to take her away."
Valen shot him a warning look, but Lucian didn’t back down. "I’m just saying," Lucian continued, "You’ve been dancing around this mate bond, trying to be noble or whatever. But noble doesn’t keep threats away, Valen. If this wolf is here for Ella, you need to act fast."
Valen poured himself another drink, the liquid swirling as his hand trembled slightly. "I’m not taking advantage of the bond," he said firmly. "I want her to choose me because she trusts me, not because she’s bound to me.”
“I know,” Lucian interrupted as he reached the door. He paused, glancing back at Valen. "You better act fast, Valen. You might not be the only one who wants to claim her."
With that, Lucian left, the door clicking shut behind him.
Valen sat there frozen, Lucian’s words echoing in his mind.
He stood abruptly, his chair scraping against the floor. Could it be…?
His mind flashed back to the moment he first held Ella’s hand, the strange vision of an alpha wolf pursuing her, trying to reclaim her. A low growl rumbled in his chest as he slammed the cracked glass onto the desk, shattering it completely.