9
At the hospital, Julian addressed Chloe with a hint of reproach. His Lycan instincts pulsed, the protectiveness he felt for her due to her pregnancy competing with the cold, hard reality of his actions.
‘You’re pregnant. Why did you go out? What if something happened to the pup?”
Chloe hugged his waist.
“Okay, I know. I went out only because I didn’t see you, and I thought you didn’t want me anymore…”
Her eyes welled up, but Julian wasn’t swayed.His lycan was still present, a silent growl echoing in his chest, but he pushed Chloe away, gripping her chin tightly, his gaze hardening. The Lycan dominance surged, his Alpha nature refusing to let her have the upper hand. “As I said, I won’t leave you as long as Sera doesn’t know about you and me. And you’re carrying my child. Don’t overthink. Get some rest. I’m going home.”
He released her and headed for the door.
A flash of resentment crossed Chloe’s eyes. She grabbed his arm, pleading.
“Must you leave now? The baby needs his father…”
Her fingers trailed down his chest, her eyes full of allure.
Julian swallowed hard. His body reacted despite his mind’s protests. Her allure was strong, but his bond to Sera–the woman he had marked–was stronger. Still, he caught the back of her head, pulling her into a passionate kiss.
Their moans were barely muffled by the door, causing a passing nurse to blush.
Late that night, Julian changed clothes and left the hospital. As he approached the mansion, guilt gnawed at him. He’d called Sera earlier and promised to return soon. But he didn’t. She must be heartbroken. And she’d mentioned a surprise for him.
He ran a hand through his hair, his gaze falling on a gift bag on the passenger seat. It was a new watch- she’d mentioned about wanting it. It was a belated birthday gift and an apology for his recent behavior.
He stared at the gift, lost in thought until he pulled up to the mansion. He rushed inside with the gift without even closing the car door.
“Sera!”
The lights flickered on, revealing an empty house. Only the ticking clock and his own racing heart filled the silence.
He stood frozen for a moment before moving into the living room. A flash of crimson caught his eye.
He remembered Sera’s words and approached the table.
The sight of the papers from the ritual challenging their bonds sent the gift tumbling from his hands. The delicate box shattered, shards of glass scratching the watch face.
His vision swam. He tried to steady his trembling hands and picked up the ritual papers. The embossed seal confirmed his worst fears. He lost his mate.
For the first time felt utterly helpless.
“King Julian?”
The butler’s voice jolted him back to reality. He shoved the papers in his pocket. Then, he saw the butler and several maids standing there with a lot of things.
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“When Luna Sera left this afternoon, she gave us some gifts. She said she wanted to share her joy. But the gifts are too valuable, so we’re here to return them.”
Julian heard nothing, his eyes fixated on the gifts. They were all gifts he’d meticulously chosen for Sera. She used to treasure them, why would she suddenly give them away?
He touched the divorce papers in his pocket, his hand shaking. Yet, his voice remained eerily calm.
Edward, you said she went out this afternoon. Do you know where she went?”
He had to find her! Why would she divorce her when things were going so well? Why would she suddenly dump him?
The maids glanced at each other.
“We don’t know, sir. She looked very happy when she left, so we didn’t ask.”
< 10
