Alpha’s Regret: My Rejected Mate Is A Healer novel Chapter 80

Valen had been restless all day, pacing his office like a caged animal. Ella consumed his thoughts, her presence weaving through his mind in a way he couldn’t shake. The scent of her lingered everywhere, teasing him, taunting him, reminding him she was just within reach.

But he couldn’t go to her. Not yet.

He knew she wanted answers, and he wasn’t ready to give them. The truth was messy, dangerous, and he wasn’t sure how she’d react. Would she hate him? Look at him with disgust? The thought alone made his chest tighten.

He slammed his fist onto the desk, the sound reverberating through the empty office. Staying away from her wasn’t just hard -it was agony. The temptation to claim her was a constant ache in his soul, growing stronger with every passing moment. But she deserved better than half-truths and secrets.

His hand rubbed at his temples as he exhaled sharply. “Pull yourself together,” he muttered under his breath.

And then it hit him—an unease that wasn’t his own. Panic. Distress. It was sharp and jarring. He froze, his breath catching in his throat. His mind immediately went to her. Ella. Was she in trouble? He could feel her emotions as clearly as if they were his own. Something wasn’t right.

Without hesitation, Valen was out the door, his steps a blur, faster than human eyes could comprehend as he followed the source of the feeling. He reached her room, his heart pounding in his chest. The door was slightly ajar, an unusual sight that sent a fresh wave of worry through him. Pushing it open, he stepped inside.

The room was empty.

His chest constricted, the unease intensifying. “Ella?” he called, his voice low but urgent. There was no answer. His eyes scanned the room for any signs of a struggle, but everything seemed untouched. Still, the gnawing in his chest wouldn’t stop.

And then her scent hit him again, stronger this time. It was faintly mixed with earth and rain, leading away from the room. Without hesitation, he followed it, moving down the hallway.

That’s when he saw her.

She was sneaking back in, her bare feet silent against the floor. But that wasn’t what caught his attention—it was her state.

Ella was naked, her skin streaked with dirt, her hair a tangled mess. She looked like she’d just walked through a storm, and the sight of her sent a rush of conflicting emotions through him. Relief that she was unharmed. Rage at the thought of anyone else seeing her like this.

“Where are you coming from?” His voice was cold, sharper than he intended.

She froze, her eyes wide like a deer caught in headlights. Her cheeks flushed, and she opened her mouth to speak, but no words came out.

Before she could react, he was beside her, moving faster than she could track. Without a second thought, he scooped her up into his arms.

“Valen!” she yelped, her voice a mix of shock and embarrassment. “Put me down!”

“Not happening,” he replied, his tone firm.

She squirmed against him. Her small fists pounded against his chest, but it was like a butterfly trying to push against a mountain. “I mean it! Put me down, you jerk!”

He ignored her protests, his grip steady as he carried her back to her room. The scent of her, mixed with the warmth of her body, was almost too much to bear. His vampiric instincts screamed at him to hold her tighter, to never let go.

By the time they reached her room, her cheeks were flushed with anger and embarrassment. He set her down gently, stepping back to give her space, though his gaze remained steady on her.

“What happened to you?” he asked, his voice softer now, tinged with concern.

Ella crossed her arms over her chest, attempting to shield herself. Her glare could have burned holes through him. “Turn around,” she snapped, her tone sharp.

A chuckle escaped him before he could stop it, and she glared even harder. “Fine.” He turned his back, raising his hands in mock surrender.

“Valen,” she said again, her voice uncertain.

He took a step forward. She took a step back.

“Don’t,” she warned, her voice trembling, though whether from fear or something else, he couldn’t tell.

But he couldn’t stop himself. Another step. Her back hit the wall, and she gasped softly, her grip on the towel tightening. “Valen, stop,” she said, her voice barely above a whisper.

He was so close now, close enough to hear the rapid beat of her heart, to feel the heat radiating off her skin. His gaze dropped to her lips, then back to her wide eyes.

“Why were you outside?” he asked, his voice low, almost a growl.

Ella swallowed hard, her throat moving in a way that made his stomach tighten. “I-I needed air,” she stammered, her eyes darting to the side.

He didn’t believe her. Something had happened, but she wasn’t ready to tell him.

“Ella…” His voice softened, his hand lifting to brush a stray strand of wet hair from her face. His hand reached out, brushing against her cheek. She flinched, her wide eyes locking onto his as he leaned in, his breath warm against her skin.

“Ella,” he murmured, his voice thick with emotion. She swallowed hard, her throat tightening as he leaned closer. Her lips trembled, and just as he whispered, “You’re mine,” her scent spiked, sending his control spiraling.