Chapter 427: Chapter 427

VALERIE.

Sleep comes and goes as we travel towards the Whispering Mountain Pack. It’s a long drive, and we’ll be there in another three hours. Damien and Anthony stayed behind to keep an eye on things, and I did manage to check Anthony’s injuries before we left. He’ll be ok with some rest.

Adriana has a fever, and she’s fallen unconscious again, something that happened pretty soon after she was initiated into our little pack.

I stare out at the passing scenery, wondering why the Whispering Mountain Pack? I mean, that’s where Zaia had messaged us to go. Is it because Zade is with me? I wonder if Sebastian didn’t want him on his pack grounds… I’m itching to ask Zaia, but that’s something I’ll hold off on and ask her in person.

But it did add an extra hour to our journey. I sigh heavily as I adjust my position in my seat, feeling Zade’s eyes on me.

“Want me to drive?” I ask. I still haven’t had a look at his wounds. I mean, he was covered in blood in that house.

“No, I’m good,” he answers, although I know for a fact he isn’t. “What’s on your mind, baby girl?”

I sigh softly. “Everything,” I say, looking over at him. Why does he look crazily sexy in that hoodie?

He watches me from under the shadow of his cap, making my heart flutter.

“Don’t stress, we have enough proof to deal with this,” he replies. For a moment I feel his aura ripple around him, his hand tightening ever so slightly on the steering wheel.

‘But how do you feel about seeing them all again?‘ I ask softly through the mind–link. He’s worrying about me, and yeah, I’m worried, but I’m more worried about how he’ll be treated.

‘I didn’t really see anyone much in prison.‘

My heart squeezes when I look at him sharply.

He spent so many years in isolation…

– For years…

“Tell me something, Zade. I have seen what you are capable of. You could have escaped if you wanted to, correct?‘ I ask softly, my stomach fluttering as I await his answer.

He didn’t eat because it was the only way he’d catch a glimpse of me… but did he stay there…

for me?

Maybe I’m being a bit obnoxious, but…

There’s a long stretch of silence. Almost as if he’s trying to ponder over his words.

Tell me I’m wrong, my Sexy Stallion…

‘Maybe if I tried, I could have,‘ he murmurs quietly.

My heart skips a beat, and I reach over, placing my hand on his thigh.

“Zade?” I whisper, unable to calm my nerves.

“Valerie,” he whispers back, leaning over and kissing my lips softly.

I fall silent, my chest heaving as I try to calm my emotions.

“Hey, don’t overthink it,” he says, taking my hand and threading his fingers with mine, pressing his lips against my hand.

“I love you… and I wish that I realised that sooner-

His lips collide with mine, cutting me off as they ignite a rivet of pleasure through me.

“You really do talk too much,” he murmurs, making my heart flutter. “What matters is we’ve got each other now.‘

“Eyes on the road,” I whisper weakly, forcing him back, although I just want to pull him close.

“Don’t underestimate my driving skills, I’m not you Little Mate,” he smirks slightly as he sits back.

Scoffing, I roll my eyes. “I won’t, but I assure you, even if my driving skills aren’t on par with yours;

when you see my riding skills, you will be impressed,” I mutter, before I blush, realising what I just said.

I don’t dare look over at him, feeling his eyes burning into me, and instead, toss my hair over my shoulder.

“Oh, yeah?” he whispers huskily.

“Drive,” I say with a pout.

“Sure then, later. Maybe you can ride me so I can judge exactly how good you are.

“Zade!” I blush.

He smirks, his dimple flashing, and I can’t help but smile back.

Goddess, my man is perfect.

“Doctor Scott, welcome.” Atticus‘ beta, Patrick says as we finally park up after being let through the guards and I step out at the same time as Zade. “Everyone, welcome…”

“This is a pretty decent location for a pack.‘ Zade remarks, his sharp eyes scanning the surroundings.

“It is, with very few entrance points.‘ I answer.

“The very reason the Sable chose to take the battle to the Kings‘ Pack.‘

I can see why they did that.

“Is Atticus here?” I ask It’s the middle of the night and we’re all exhausted, but I was certain he would be waiting for us. He was super stressed earlier.

“He’s right on his way. His mother’s not been feeling well as of late.”