The Lycan King and his Dark Temptation novel Chapter 151

VALERIA

The atmosphere was electric, the tension between them so thick it could be cut with a knife.

"Of course, you're right," she whispered, lowering her head, but I could see the conflict in her as she bit her lower lip.

I had never seen her so submissive before. I think she sensed that her mate’s patience was reaching its limit.

"I’ll go prepare my things," Quinn said, moving closer to talk with Aldric about their strategy. It was crucial to locate the werewolf camp, which, unsure of their next move, had only been holding their position at the borders.

I approached my mother and sat on a small corner of the couch, letting her rest against my chest. I stroked her slightly withered hair, so different from the incredible woman I once caught a glimpse of.

"Mother, I know you have your fears, your past, but I have to tell you—you’re making a mistake," I finally expressed what I had been thinking. It felt strange to be giving my mother relationship advice, but someone had to do it.

"It feels so good to have my daughter pamper me and talk to me with such trust," she responded, sinking deeper into my chest and squeezing my arm.

I kissed her hair, feeling the warmth of the connection between our hearts.

"Don't worry, sweetheart. Enough of me showing you my most pathetic side," she finally said, sighing and sitting up just as Quinn’s footsteps faded down the hall toward his room.

I turned my head to see Aldric watching us silently, leaning against a column leading to the kitchen hallway.

"Valeria, talk to the White Witch. Ask her to come tonight—we’ll need her. King Lycan, prepare everything for departure. We won’t need the ship; it’s too slow."

"Mother, it won’t be anything that puts you at risk, right?" I took her hands anxiously.

"You all are my priority. If it’s risky, then—"

"I’m the last person who would put my blood at risk. Valeria will be fine."

"It’s not Valeria I’m worried about, Selenia Gabrielle," Aldric’s voice came cold and dominant, their wills constantly clashing. In the end, they were both powerful beings. "It’s you. You have a tendency to sacrifice yourself for the cause. I think the solution is simpler, but you insist on taking the hardest path. Don’t underestimate the power of a lycan. We are the ultimate evolution of werewolves."

I thought my mother would snap back with a sharp reply, but she remained silent, only nodding with a sigh.

"Go talk to the White Witch. Everything will be fine. We’ll reach the werewolf camp tonight," she said, attempting to stand.

I helped her, stunned but without questioning anything. She walked alone toward her mate’s room.

Tonight? Aldric and I exchanged looks, both with the same question in our eyes.

Unless we suddenly grew wings and flew... well, Aldric did fly once, although he doesn’t like to be reminded of it.

*****

QUINN

"Reasons you don’t share with me, Gabrielle. You don’t even give me a chance or a shred of trust. Why should I keep trying with you?" I turned to face her, anger in my voice. She was looking in my direction, following the sound of my voice.

"I know you're upset about letting your sister go because of me. I’m really sorry. There’s a way you could be at the camp by tonight…" she takes a step forward, reaching out blindly.

Like a fool, I hold back the urge to touch her.

"I’m not upset about taking care of you. I’d never leave you behind because I love you. I have no regrets. But if there was a way to get to the camp, why didn’t you say so before?"

"Because I couldn’t! I was too weak, the wounds were too fresh, and Valeria was also too drained to control her magic properly. It would have been suicide to attempt it before. But now… we can try. I want to help you get your sister back. I won’t let you lose her, Quinn…"

"You’re still weak. Today you almost collapsed from a simple spell. Do you plan to die trying?" My canines bared in anger. I hated how she played with her life over and over again.

"No, no, I can do this. I just need… I need…" She started walking toward me slowly, but I noticed a fold in the rug that would make her trip.

I lunged forward, catching her in my arms just as she almost fell flat on her face.

Instantly, my cold, wet skin pressed against her warmer one, and it felt like sparks ignited between us.

She inhaled deeply against my chest, her nails digging into my pecs. My hands on her waist struggled not to pull her closer.

"What do you need, Gabrielle? Just tell me, for once in your damn life!" I gripped her shoulders, forcing her to face me.