Chapter 0018 Chapter 0018 Violet The tension in my body slowly ebbed away as I let him hold me . I wanted to relax , but I couldnt let myself forget that he was still an arrogant jerk . Thank you , I said , all the same . Youre welcome , he said softly . I meant what I said before . Youre safe with me . If I could believe that , I dont think Id be here He chuckled . Is that a jab at me as a man or an alpha ? I snorted , feeling the tension start to drain out of me . A person . Id never compare you to Lucas on either front . No ? Iscoffed . Not to inflate your ego , but you and I both know that theres no competition in either avenue . why dont you just formally challenge him ? While suffering from the mark ? You dont think you could take him ? I scoffed . I think it would be foolish to take the chance to leave myself open to such a large handicap . How about challenge by proxy ? I laughed . And what ? Call you ? Your brother would never sanction that . He grinned at me . You really … are the brightest alpha of your generation . My eyes widened . It had been … ages since anyone had mentioned that particular epithet . Something warm and uncomfortable tumbled through me . I turned away . You seem rather experienced in dealing with bond sickness … How ? He chuckled . How else ? Experience . He paused , twining a finger around one of my curls . To be betrayed by someone whos supposed to love you … It takes a toll on you and those who love you … My mother was forcibly marked . My stomach plummeted , and I went still . I shuddered at the thought . How was she still … alive ? Forced markings were … horrifying to experience as Id been told , and often led to death . +25 BONUS The pain drained her day by day . I used to sit with her , let her lean on me , just like this , hoping that maybe she would live a little longer He sighed . But the Goddess took her home despite my efforts . My heart clenched in grief . Then , I looked up at him , confused . The former kings luna is still alive . She was luna regent alongside his brother . What was he talking about ? Theres no way that overly proud woman could have been forcibly marked. His lips curved into a bitter smile , though I couldnt see it from this angle . Most people dont know my mother ever existed . They were fated . My eyes widened in shock . Everyone believed Theodore was the true born son of the former Alpha King, and the royal Luna had never refuted it . Though , why would she admit she wasnt the former alpha kings fated mate ? Is that why you renounced your claim ? Because Im a bastard ? Because of your mother . His eyes flickered with light . He looked so vulnerable for a moment , but he looked away and said nothing . He tugged me back to lay against his chest . His fingers carded through my hair gently . The rhythmic motion was oddly soothing despite everything . You remind me of her , he said . She was pretty stubborn , too . She wouldnt let herself cry around me … She said that having me near was a happy thing . My heart clenched with sympathy . Im sorry about your mother … This must be harder than I can imagine . He let out a huff of laughter . Maybe , but maybe its worse … There was nothing I could have done to save her , and thats my fathers fault . The same isnt true for you . You should I said no I heard what you said , he said and sighed . And I understand why youre saying it , but youre saying this now when youre not tearing your hair out and clawing at yourself from the pain . I shuddered , imagining it . My hand twitched . Im telling you this while youre still … sane , for lack of a better word . Overwriting the old one is the only way to block out the pain until you can get through a formal severance ceremony . If you dont , it will kill you . Or Id kill myself … 2/3 I didnt need him to say it The logical part of me knew all of this already . How much time do you … think I have ? Without a new bond ? It could be weeks … It could be years . Youd have to be seen by a priest to know one way or another . I scoffed at that . Priests were overworked , scarce , and highly controlled . I didnt have the time to lobby with the alpha king for access . I sighed , shaking my head . +25 DONUS Chapter 0019 Title: Assigned A Billionaire Husband By The Nation In CrushReel's ongoing romance novel, "Assigned A Billionaire Husband By The Nation," a young woman finds herself without a home after a heart-wrenching breakup with her boyfriend of four years. Following state policy, she is unexpectedly matched with a billionaire spouse, forever altering the course of her life. Amidst themes of love, resilience, and newfound wealth, readers are drawn into a world where the ordinary meets the extraordinary. As the protagonist navigates her new reality alongside her billionaire partner, the complexities of their relationship unfold against the backdrop of opulent mansions and hidden secrets waiting to be revealed. What sets this modern romance apart is its unique blend of sweet romance and the intriguing dynamics between contract lovers in a contemporary setting. Fans of CEO romances will find themselves captivated by the unfolding tale that promises unexpected twists and heartfelt moments. Dive into this enchanting story, available to read at CrushReel, and discover a world where love knows no bounds.