SHE IS MY MATE ALDRIC When Larrived at that square and didnt see Valeria , my blood ran cold .
I immediately tried to call out to her through the bond , but she seemed too far away .
I followed her scent like a madman until we found the Alphas sons wheelchair abandoned in an inner courtyard .
Some people shared bits of what they had heard or seen .
She was in trouble again reckless , chasing after a stranger I knew she was doing it for the pup , but risking her life like this , exposing herself to danger , made my blood boll with the urge to bend her over my knee and spank her for her foolishness .
Valeria , I wont punish you if youre safe .
I swear I wont even scold you just please , stay alive .
I begged in my mind , running at full speed through the pack , nearly shifting into my beast , leaving the Alpha struggling to keep up behind me .
But when I reached that decrepit house , I could feel the rats escaping through the back .
I didnt have time for those men I would hunt them down later .
Right now , the overwhelming scent of Valerias blood made my soul tremble with a fear I knew all too well .
The terror of losing someone I loved .
VALERIA !! I roared , storming inside , searching for her only to see that dark hole where she lay dying at the bottom of the abyss .
I jumped without thinking , landing hard on the worn floor , which creaked under my weight .
I fell to my knees beside her immediately .
My trembling hands went to the wound in her chest , where a rusty iron rod protruded , impaling her body .
A__Aldric … Dont speak , little one .
Dont waste your energy .
Hold on , Im going to save you I will save you , even if it costs me my life , I promised her , though inside , I was cursing myself , sinking into despair .
If I removed the iron from her chest , the wound would worgen .
I was afraid it had punctured her heart .
I couldnt move her from this spot .
Valeria didnt heal like other wolves ; thats why she had those scars .
She was dying I could feel her pulse fading , her skin growing pale and cold .
My sanity was slipping away along with her life .
I was reliving the nightmare of holding the woman I cared for most as she slipped through my fingers .
No , no , you cant die , Valeria .
I cant lose you too .
I cant .
My chest tightened , my emotions spiraling into helplessness and rage .
Alpha Garret , WHERE THE HELL ARE YOU ?! I NEED YOU HERE , NOW !! I commanded him with all my power , but deep down , I kneww no matter how fast he came , it wouldnt be enough .
SHE BE MY MATI Not even if he sprouted wings .
His blood wouldnt reach Valeria in time to save her .
I leaned over her fragile body , wrapping my arms around her , eyes shut , my vision blurred with grief .
I could feel her slipping away in my arms .
My wolf , shackled deep inside me by countless chains , fought harder than ever , howling in agony , thrashing to break free as our bond with her weakened .
Wait .
If things were truly as I suspected it Valeria was my second chance mate then my blood shouldnt be toxic to her .
She had swallowed my essence before and only fainted , despite the dangers .
I had to take the risk .
This could either save her or send her straight to her death Please , Vale … Im begging you , dont leave me too , little one .
You have to survive .
You have to fight .
I whispered against her lips , giving her the softest kiss , pouring all my emotions into that touch , while my trembling fingers gently caressed her cheek .
Then , I tore open a deep wound in my neck , praying to the Goddess that Valeria was truly my mate .
If it meant sacrificing my life to save hers , I was ready to give her my soul .
I cradled the back of her head , pressing her lips to the bleeding wound on my neck .
Drink , Valeria , Youre not allowed to die .
Thats an order from your King , your Alpha … your male .
Youre mine .
My female .
You belong to me , and youre not leaving this world without me .
I held her tightly against me , desperate not to move her too roughly , demanding over and over that she drink .
The blood trickled down her chin , wasted , as she grew colder , stiffer with every passing second .
DRINK FROM ME , VALERIA ! FIGHT ! DONT GIVE UP ! DAMN IT , YOURE NOT ALLOWED TO GIVE UP ! DRINK MY BLOOD ! TAKE MY LIFE FORCE ! I went mad , roaring inside her mind , forcing her with all my Lycan power to obey .
Desperation crushed my soul , building to unbearable levels until , finally , when I was on the verge of losing her completely , I felt her lips begin to move against my skin .
My heart thundered wildly , more terrified than Id ever felt in my life .
1 was making her drink forcing the cure , or the poison , down her throat .
I stayed completely still while she fed from my vein , cradling her close , my body half draped over hers on the cold floor .
I closed my damp eyes , trying to suppress the knot tightening in my throat , overwhelmed by both fear and relief .
Pleasure coursed through my body despite the dire situation There was no longer any doubt in my mind- 23 SHE IS MY MATE Valeria was my mate .
My second chance at love .