Chapter 40 Chapter 40 Dantes POV 10071 The weight in my chest grew heavier as I walked along the corridor of the third floor. Our living quarters were on the floors above but I stopped right before the stairs . What exactly was I going to say to her ? My hands curled into fists , trembling with suppressed anger and sadness , I didnt want this . I didnt want to be like him . Like Jaxon I didnt want to force her . The thought of Valencia locked away in her rooms , crying , filled me with dread . At the beginning I had chosen to marry her because I had thought she was interested in me , there was no mistaking the desire in her eyes when she looked at me . Additionally , it was clear that she didnt want to marry Jaxon , and I wasnt the least bit interested in Celeste . I knew I had been enamoured with her the moment I laid eyes on Valencia . So it would have worked in both our favors if we got married . I had seen the hesitation in her eyes . But was it wrong for me to have thought that hesitation was about something else ? I had selfishly assumed her fear stemmed from the Wolfe pack , from Jaxon , that they would hurt her in some way . But now it was quite clear that she had actually run away . Not from Wolfe pack . But from …. That realization made something in my chest ache . I knew my emotions these past weeks had been erratic . With all the nightmares I had been having , the strange voices in my head and the confusion of reality from dreams was making me go mad . Now that I thought about it , I had calmed down significantly the second I took Valencia in my arms . 1 let out a deep sigh , turning around to head to my office . If she didnt want to marry me , I couldnt force her . I wouldnt . But this wasnt just about us anymore . It was about the tiny life resting in that egg . A fragile bond connected us both to it , its emotional tugs a constant whisper in my heart . I could feel its sadness , the way it pulsed softly , calling for comfort . I knew what I had to do now . I couldnt force her . But I could convince her . I pressed my finger on the scanner and the double floors to my office opened . I inhaled sharply , shoving down the instinct to rush to Valencia , Instead , I grabbed my laptop and began to type . A contract . If she didnt want to marry me willingly , Id propose à compromise . Shed stay as my wife for one year . Long enough for the egg to hatch safely , for our child to grow strong . And also enough to establish the alliance between the Wolfe and Steele pack . The terms would be clear : she wouldnt owe me anything aher the year was over . I typed quickly , the words flowing out of me . My mind buzzed with tension , the idea both a solution and a reminder of how much distance still lay between us . 1/4 ||| Chapter 40 Just as I printed and stapled the finished contract together , the dior to my office burst open . Alphal A guards voice was sharp with urgency . He was panting as if he had run up all three floors . The young master is fighting with a captive in the main hallr What the hell ? 1 growled , rising to my feet . Without waiting for a reply , I stormed out , my footsteps echoing flown the halls . My wolf bristled under my skin , its growls mixing with my own as I descended the grand staircase . The scene in the main hall was pure chaos . Caius , in his sleek silver wolf form , darted around the room , his aws sliding against the polished marble . Opposite him , at fiery red wolf snarled , baring its teeth . Broken shards of a shattered vase littered the ground , along with the remains of an antique wooden chair . Enough ! Raidens commanding voice thundered through the hall as he stepped forward , his Alpha aura crashing over everyone . Caius paused mid charge , skidding to a halt . The red wolf growled low in its throat but didnt lunge again . Before anyone could take another breath , another voice pierced the tension . MARGY Iturned , my heart clenching as , Valencia rushed into the room , clutching the egg protectively against her chest . Her wide eyes were fixed on the red wolf , and her voice cracked with relief and disbelief . The red wolf huffed , stepping back before shifting In an instant , Marcelene stood there , her wild red hair framing her face , which was flushed with exertion . Valencia ! The two women collided in a tight embrace , clutching each other as though they hadnt seen each other in years . Valencia sobbed into Marcys shoulder , murmuring something I couldnt hear , while Marcys hands gripped her arms tightly as if ensuring she was real . The rest of us stood there awkwardly , watching the emotional reunion . Even Caius , who had been bristling moments before , looked mildly sheepish . Marcy , are you okay ? Valencia asked , pulling back to look at her What happened ? How did you- Im fine . Marcy interrupted , her voice hardened as she glared at Caius , That brute captured me when I was leaving the hospital . Caius pulled his hands up in mock surrender when Valencia started glaring at him too . But Im glad I could see you again . Marcelene turned around looking at Valencia again . Their whispered conversation continued as though the rest of us didnt exist . My chest tightened at the sight of Valencias tear streaked face , the raw relief in her expression . Raiden cleared his throat loudly . Perhaps we should move this conversation somewhere less..destroyed . The two women broke apart , finally acknowledging the mess Valencia clutched the egg tighter , her expression wary as she glanced at Raiden . Marcelene shot Caius a glare , but she nodded reluctantly . We moved to one of the smaller halls , a room with tall windows overlooking the sprawling gardens . The air felt tense , thick with unspoken questions . 2/4 3 E Chapter 10 Raiden wasted no time . He turned to Marcelene , his voice firm . Youll need to sign a non disclosure agreement . What youve seen and learned here cannot leave these walls . Marcelenes eyes narrowed , her defiance flaring . Are you kidding me ? First , you kidnap my friend . Then you kidnap me and try to force Valencia into a marriage she doesnt want . And now you expect me to keep your dirty little secrets Her words were like a slap . I flinched , my gaze snapping to Valencia , She was staring at me , with countless emotions fitting across her face . Enough , I said , my voice sharper than I intended . Marcelenes fiery gaze swung to me , but I held up a hand . I understand your anger . But this isnt about control or secrecy . This is about safety Valencias and our childs . Her brows furrowed in confusion , and I took a deep breath , willing her to listen . That egg . I began , nodding toward the small life Valencia held so protectively , is a dragon . A baby dragon . Do you understand what that means ? Marcelenes lips parted , but no sound came out . Thats right . If word gets out about this , the danger will be immeasurable , 1 continued . The enemy packs would stop at nothing to take it and Valencia away . Not to mention what would happen if other shifters discovered its existence . A baby dragon is more than rare . Its a miracle . Father added , his voice softening . many dragons cant survive to term without both parents nearby . The connection to both of them is what keeps it stable . My eyes widened I hadnt known that .. But now that I think about it . I could tell he was right . Our child could feel our emotions even inside the egg . It would start feeling distress when either of us are under stress . The weight of his words seemed to sink in . Marcelenes fiery defiance dimmed slightly , replaced by wary confusion . She glanced at Valencia who seemed to also be surprised but not too much . As though she could tell , like me , that he was right . Valencia nodded , and Marcelene seemed to sigh with understanding . So whats your solution ? she asked , her tone less sharp but still guarded . I turned to Valencia , meeting her gaze for the first time since entering the room . Her tear filled eyes made my chest ache , I propose a contract , I said quietly . A one year marriage . Not permanent . Not binding beyond that . Just long enough to ensure the child hatches safely and that the alliance between our packs becomes stable . The room was silent , the tension palpable . Valencias lips parted as if to argue , but no words care . Instead , she clutched the egg tighter , her gaze flicking between me and Marcelene . Marcelene crossed her arms, her gaze sharp . And what happens after the year ? I met her stare evenly . After the year , Valencia can leave . No strings attached . But until then My voice faltered slightly as 1 both safe . turned back to Valencia . 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