Chapter 5
1001 Words
"Call me Lola. If you're too formal I'll feel awkward." I told him.
Having him call me Miss Reid felt strange. I preferred my first name.
"Sure. And you can call me Valen. Just Valen. Let's forget about titles tonight and enjoy the dance," Valen proposed and I nodded in agreement. He was easygoing, I could see that.
We danced, and although my skills were rusty, I managed to keep up with him. As we continued swaying to the music, I felt a piercing glare directed my way. I turned to look but saw nothing. Everyone was busy doing their own thing. Shrugging the feeling off, I decided to concentrate on the man before me.
It was easy enough, maybe more than I thought.
I simply followed his lead and found myself actually enjoying it. He had a great body, I was surprised I hadn't noticed sooner. He did not look like a gym rat or some freaking body builder but he looked like someone who spent a lot of time on his feet. He was an Alpha after all, so I hadn't expected any less.
"Do you have a mate?" Valen asked, and I tensed for a moment.
I shook my head. "No and yes," I answered, and I caught the confusion that crossed his face, which made me smile.
"I have a mate, but he rejected me and said I wasn't worthy. He hasn't made it official, but I plan on putting an end to the bond soon," I replied.
"Whoever your mate is, I have to say, he's stupid," Valen said, making me arch a brow at him.
"I mean, what man wouldn't want you as a partner? You're beautiful, intelligent, and I heard you're a doctor," he added.
"Apparently, that wasn't enough for him," I replied. As much as I tried to conceal the sadness in my voice, it still came through.
"So what's your plan?" Valen asked.
My plan? I didn't know either.
"Honestly, I'm still figuring that out. But one thing is certain, I'm breaking off this cursed bond. I want to focus on my career. Saving lives is what I love most and that's where I intend to dedicate my time," I replied.
To me, that was the only way I could feel truly alive.
"That's good to hear," Valen said with a smile.
"Don't let bitterness and hatred consume you. Life is beautiful, and there are countless men out there willing to love you and make you happy," he said and I couldn't shake the feeling that he was talking about himself.
Well, there was only one way to find out. If Chloe believed I could find a good man to take as a chosen mate, why should I let this chance slip by?
After being rejected by my mate, one thing had become clear, love alone wasn't enough to hold a relationship together. If love were all that mattered, my mate would never have rejected me so ruthlessly. Feelings could be cultivated. With time, I could learn to love someone new. And if love never came, we could at least learn to live peacefully together.
"Are you one of those men, Valen?" I asked, keeping my expression calm. The truth was, my heart was racing as I waited for his answer.
"Yes, Lola. If you would allow me, I want to make you the happiest woman. I will give you the title and position you deserve… as my wife and the Luna of Midnight Pack. I will give you whatever you desire and love you more than any man ever has. If that's enough, then I'm your man," he said with a sincerity that was difficult to resist.
"Don't be so serious, Valen, you're scaring me," I managed with a nervous smile.
I had never expected that from him.
"I'm not forcing you into anything, Lola. Take all the time you need. I'll see you soon." With that, Valen pulled me into his arms, holding me close just as the music drew to a stop.
Then with a smile, he walked away.
I decided to slip away to the washroom to freshen up and breathe some air.
I made my way through the front door and headed in the direction of the washroom.
The feeling of being watched crept over me again, but this time it felt like someone was following me.
I spun around abruptly. Nothing.
The party was being held in the pack's hall, and although it had been five years since I had set foot there, I found my way without thinking. The hallways, the turns…I knew them by heart. This was where Gael, Hunter, Chloe and I had spent countless hours playing hide and seek.
Taking one final turn, I stepped into the washroom.
It was eerily quiet and I was the only one inside.
I leaned against the basin and studied my reflection.
I was beautiful, oval faced, hazel eyed. Chloe had always said my eyes looked sexy.
If Valen could see that I was beautiful and exceptional, why couldn't my mate?
I knew I was being pathetic, entertaining those thoughts, but I couldn't stop myself. My wolf, Haven, whimpered in pain at the memory of watching our mate being intimate with another woman.
Why? Why wouldn't he accept us? Was I really the curse he had called me when he rejected me?
Was I not worthy of his love?
Tears began rolling down my face as those thoughts crowded my mind.
Was this truly the end for us?
I might have said I wanted to move on, but a small part of me still longed for him. Was it wrong to hope that the person you loved would one day love you back?
Was I doomed to be unhappy forever?
"Hello, mate."
A voice so deep and unsettlingly familiar came from behind me.
Slowly, I lifted my head.
The face reflected in the mirror made my blood run cold and my heart slam against my ribs.
- Writer
