Chapter 434

Chapter 0434

We walk side by side and head down the winding stairs, only to spot Atticus waiting at the bottom of the

stairs, pacing restlessly.

“We’re not late, are we?” Valerie asks.

“No, not at all,” he answers, glancing behind us before he turns and leads the way out of the front doors

and takes a left, where I can see there’s a smaller side building.

“Has Zaia arrived?” Valerie asks Atticus.

“She has, about twenty minutes ago.” He now turns and smiles at Valerie. He seems a little more

relaxed than he was moments earlier.

What’s his issue? Is it because he’s housing me? Or is this meeting stressing him the fuck out? If it’s

the first issue, I would willingly stay elsewhere.

“Great, and Sebastian, he’s here too, isn’t he?”

“Yes, he is the head of the council, but we can both agree he wouldn’t allow Zaia to come here without

him. He’s insecure,” his whispered words are full of mockery, making Valerie

smile.

“You two still at it, it means? Why am I not surprised.” She shakes her head and looks at me. “Atticus

and Sebastian don’t see eye to eye.”

“And why is that?” I ask, not interested in them, but always willing to hear my Little Mate talking.

Valerie glances at Atticus. ‘Loving the same woman is hard.‘

Zaia?

Really?

‘She’s Sebastian’s fated though, right?”

‘Well, yes.

‘So really, your brother should back the fuck out.‘

‘It’s a long story that I will fill you in on tonight.‘ Valerie’s eyes meet mine.

‘I look forward to it.‘ I pull her close for a second, squeezing her waist. For her, I’d listen to anything she

wants to tell me. Watching her and hearing her voice is more than just

+15 BONUS

soothing. I kiss her forehead, relishing the feel of her skin against my lips.

I fucking love her.

As we approach that building, I can hear the hum of talking, but the moment we step into what is clearly

a hall used for business, it goes silent.

There are at least thirty men and women there. Every man is in a suit or, like Atticus, in pants and

shirts. I’m the only one here dressed down, but I don’t really care, as long as they pay attention.

All eyes are on us, and no one speaks until a certain redhead steps forward.

“Valerie…” Zaia’s vibrant redhead doesn’t go unnoticed as she hurries around the people * standing

around and comes over to us.

The entire hall has fallen so silent that I can hear them breathe in this quietness. The uneasy tension

settling amongst them is also glaringly obvious.

“Zaia!” Valerie steps forward, closing the gap between them as she hugs her. Zaia smiles, hugging her

back, but her eyes are trained on me.

I smoothly look away after a moment, my time as their prisoner rushes back and as much as I dealt

with it, it isn’t a memory I will ever forget.

“I missed you,” Zaia whispers. “How are you both?”

Valerie doesn’t reply and I can feel their eyes on me, and I turn to them, not missing how their hearts

are racing, waiting for an answer.

What do they want from me?

“Good,” I reply. That’s the best they’re getting.

“Good to hear… I’m so happy for you both,” Zaia says softly, as she takes Valerie’s hand and smiles at

me.

I hear a cold, deep scoff and know exactly who that fucking voice belongs to. My eyes turn cold as I

look at the dark–haired man who stands near the table, his eyes glimmering icily, his hand far too tight

on the glass he’s holding.

Sebastian King.

Our eyes meet and there’s nothing but hatred in his eyes, and I match it with my own hostility.

Traitor.

Because of him, I lost a lot, regardless of what his plan was…

+15 BONUS

“Umm, shall we take a seat?” Valerie suggests as Zaia instantly returns to her mate, sensing the rising

tension.

“It’s him.”

“The Sable member…”

“He’s here… I can’t believe he’s not in chains…”

So quiet, yet loud enough that I could hear. As if they had some sort of protection here… Delusional… I

doubt any of them would say that if we were alone.