Alpha’s Regret: My Rejected Mate Is A Healer novel Chapter 53

The grand hall buzzed with tension as the council of elders and clan lords assembled. The room was bathed in dim candlelight, the ancient walls echoing the voices of vampires who had gathered here for centuries to discuss matters of power, loyalty, and survival. At the head of the long table, Valen sat with an air of authority, his sharp gaze sweeping over the gathered vampires. Lords from distant clans, the elders of his own court, and members of his bloodline-all were present. The atmosphere was tense, the scent of blood faint but ever-present.

Dorian stood to Valen’s right, his expression stoic as he addressed the room. “A rogue vampire has crossed our borders, attacked a human, and violated our laws. This cannot be ignored.” Patrols have been strengthened, and investigations into how it entered our borders are ongoing.”

Murmurs spread across the room, some elders nodding in agreement, others exchanging skeptical glances.

Lord Kellan, an elder with a booming voice, broke the silence. “This isn’t just about one rogue. If one can infiltrate our territory, more will follow. We need to strengthen our defenses, not just patrols.”

“Agreed,” said Lady Vesper, her icy demeanor matching her tone. “This isn’t the first time our borders have been tested. Weakness invites attacks.”

Valen leaned forward, his piercing gaze sweeping the room. “There is no weakness in my leadership. The rogue’s presence was an anomaly, and it will not happen again.”

Morgana, sitting with calculated elegance near the center, smiled faintly. “An anomaly, perhaps, but an embarrassing one. For this to happen in your domain, Valen, questions will be raised about your control. And your… priorities.”

Valen’s jaw tightened, but he didn’t reply. Instead, his attention shifted back to Dorian, who nodded, signaling his support. “We will handle this swiftly,” Dorian said. “The guards have been doubled, and we’ve begun tracking any other signs of rogue activity. The council’s faith in Lord Valen’s leadership should remain unwavering.”

Lord Edrick, Morgana’s uncle, chuckled darkly. “Leadership, indeed. But leadership isn’t just about dealing with rogues. It’s about foresight, stability, and ensuring our kingdom thrives. Which brings me to a more… pressing matter.”

Valen’s eyes narrowed, sensing the shift in the room’s atmosphere.

Edrick rose from his seat, his tone heavy with implication. “Word has reached me and I believe others here—of Valen’s new mate.”

The hall fell silent, save for the flicker of flames casting shadows on the stone walls.

“What about it?” Valen asked, his voice sharp.

Edrick’s gaze was steely. “It’s true, then? You’ve chosen a werewolf as your mate?”

The uproar was immediate. Voices overlapped in disbelief and outrage.

“A werewolf?” one elder hissed, his face twisted in disgust.

“This is a mockery of our traditions!” another shouted.

“How can you consider a werewolf as our queen?”

Valen stood, his presence silencing the room. His tone was cold, commanding. “Who I choose as my mate is not up for debate.”

Sebastian, seated quietly until now, straightened in his chair. His eyebrows shot up in surprise, and then a slow, wicked smirk spread across his face. “A werewolf? Well, well, brother, you’ve certainly been keeping secrets; no wonder I can hear your heartbeat again.”

Valen glared at Sebastian before turning his attention back to the council. “My mate is not up for discussion.”

“It is up for discussion,” Edrick countered, his voice rising. “You are not just any vampire, Valen. You are our king. Your mate is not simply your personal choice; she is the face of our kingdom. A werewolf as queen would bring nothing but shame and division.

“She is not suitable to rule!” Gideon, another Lord exclaimed, slamming his hand on the table.” A werewolf as queen? It’s unthinkable!”

Morgana’s soft laugh cut through the noise. “Lord Gideon makes a valid point. A werewolf queen? It’s… unprecedented. But I suppose it makes sense why Valen might be distracted lately.”

Valen shot her a glare, his patience fraying. “Enough, Morgana.”

Morgana’s voice was calm, but her words cut like a blade. “Your Highness, the gods gave you strength and wisdom to lead us. They did not intend for you to dilute the purity of our bloodline by mating with an enemy.”

Valen stood abruptly, his chair scraping against the stone floor. “Enough! You question my decisions as if I am a lord to be guided, not your king. My mate is chosen by the gods themselves. She is mine. That is the end of it.”

The room fell into tense silence.

Edrick, however, was undeterred. “Your Highness, with all due respect, Morgana is the perfect choice to stand by your side. She is of noble blood, powerful, and loyal to the clans. With the threats we face, we need unity and strength. Morgana provides that.”

“You think stability comes from forcing a union I do not want?” Valen’s voice was sharp, his frustration evident. “What weakens us is petty politics like this.”

Lady Vesper rose, her voice calm but firm. “Valen, you must understand the implications. We face threats from within and beyond our borders. The council needs unity, and your choice divides us. Morgana, however, is an obvious solution. She comes from a noble line, she’s strong, capable, and has proven her loyalty.”

Morgana inclined her head graciously, though her eyes sparkled with triumph.

Valen clenched his fists, and his frustration was evident. “Morgana is not my mate. Ella is. I will not betray the bond I share with her for the sake of politics.”

“Scottie,” Gideon said with a patronizing tone, “this is not a family matter. It’s about the survival of our kind.”

Scottie’s glare was icy. “And what threatens our survival more-his mate or your arrogance?”

Valen raised a hand to stop her. “Scottie, enough.”

He turned back to the council, his voice firm. “This discussion is over. My focus remains on protecting our clans from threats like the rogues, not entertaining baseless arguments about my personal life. If you can’t support my leadership, I suggest you reconsider a new leader.”

One by one, the council members bowed their heads, though their expressions betrayed their dissatisfaction.

Morgana finally spoke, her voice deceptively sweet. “If this is the path you choose, Valen, I hope you’re prepared for the consequences. A divided kingdom is a vulnerable kingdom.”

Valen’s gaze hardened. “Then I suggest you start uniting behind your king. This meeting is over.”

With that, he turned and strode out of the hall, his cape billowing behind him.

Morgana’s eyes burned with barely concealed rage, but she remained silent.

The room remained silent for a moment before murmurs began to spread once more. Sebastian leaned back in his chair, his smirk still firmly in place. “This is going to be fun.”

As Valen exited the chamber, Scottie caught up to him, her voice low. “You handled that well.”

“They won’t stop,” Valen said grimly. “Not until they get what they want.”

Scottie placed a hand on his arm. “Then don’t let them. You’ve already chosen, Valen. Now you just have to fight for it.”

Valen nodded, his resolve hardening. He wasn’t just fighting for his mate-he was fighting for his future.

As he strode down the dark corridor, his thoughts returned to Ella. No matter what it took, he would protect her—against the rogues, the council, and even his own kind.