Alpha’s Regret: My Rejected Mate Is A Healer novel Chapter 86

The air around Valen’s manor was thick with tension as Derek stood at the massive iron gates. Two vampire guards flanked the entrance, their expressions cold and defensive. Their red eyes flickered with suspicion as they sized up the lone werewolf before them.

One of the guards narrowed his eyes, his sharp fangs peeking through his lips. “What business does a wolf have here?”

Leo, Derek’s wolf, growled low in his chest, irritated by the guard’s condescending tone. Let me loose. I’ll tear them apart and get our mate back.

Calm down, Derek murmured under his breath, fighting to keep Leo under control. We’re not here to pick a fight.

Derek raised his hands slowly, palms facing out, signaling he came in peace. “I’m not here to fight. I just need to see your Lord.

The second guard exchanged a look with his companion before turning back to Derek. “Wait here.” And with a speed that made Derek’s breath hitch, the vampire disappeared into the shadows.

Leo stirred again, a restless force inside him. I hate the smell of these leeches.

You’re not helping, Derek muttered under his breath. His jaw tightened as he reminded his wolf, We’re in enemy territory. Don’t do anything stupid.

We shouldn’t be standing here wasting time! Leo snarled. She’s in there with them! Who knows what they’ve done to her? “Quiet! Derek snapped softly. I can’t focus if you keep this up.”

The first guard watched him closely, as though waiting for any excuse to attack. But before long, the other vampire returned. He nodded sharply. “Follow me.”

Derek stepped forward cautiously. The manor loomed ahead, dark and imposing, with its high towers and sharp angles. As he walked through the gates, he couldn’t shake the feeling of being watched.

Inside the manor, Valen stood at the top of a grand staircase, looking every bit like a king surveying his domain. He radiated an aura of power that filled the room, making the guards and servants visibly straighten in his presence. His movements were calm and measured, but the sharp look in his crimson eyes betrayed his irritation.

Dorian, his right-hand man, stepped up to him and whispered, “A werewolf is here to see you. It’s Alpha Derek.”

Valen’s jaw tightened. He had been expecting this visit, but that didn’t make it any less infuriating. “Escort him to my study,” he commanded, his voice cold and unyielding. “Cancel all other engagements.”

Dorian inclined his head and turned to leave, but not before catching the faint flicker of something dangerous in Valen’s gaze.

***

Derek followed Dorian through the quiet halls of the manor. The silence was almost unbearable, broken only by the soft echo of their footsteps. Derek could feel the weight of Dorian’s distrust in every glance the vampire threw his way.

When they reached a set of heavy wooden doors, Dorian stopped and knocked once. “Lord Valen, the werewolf is here.” Valen’s voice came from inside, smooth but cold. “Let him in.”

Dorian stepped aside, and Derek walked into the study. The door closed behind him with a loud thud, leaving him alone with the vampire lord.

Valen leaned casually against his desk, his arms crossed over his chest. “Well, well, Alpha Derek,” he drawled. “I finally get to meet you in person.”

Derek’s eyes narrowed. “How do you know my name?”

Valen smirked, the amusement in his expression infuriating. “Oh, I know more than just your name.”

Had he gotten information from Ella? Did he torture her for it? He knows he had been very discreet since he arrived here. Derek’s heart raced, and a surge of panic hit him. “Where is she?” he demanded, his voice rough with emotion, Leo barely on the surface with the mere thought of his mate being mistreated. “Where’s Ella? What have you done to her?” He growled

Valen’s smirk vanished, replaced by a cold glare. “Watch your tone, wolf.”

Dorian’s jaw was tight as he listened to the sounds of the fight. “They need to settle this themselves,” he said grimly.

“This is madness,” Scottie muttered, pacing anxiously. “We have to stop them!”

Dorian’s expression was forbidden. “Its not our place to interfere. This is their fight.”

Scottie grabbed his arm. “Ella’s going to feel this, and when she does-“

A soft voice interrupted her. “Feel what?”

Scottie and Dorian turned to see Ella standing there, her expression a mix of confusion and concern.

Inside the study, the noise stopped abruptly.

Ella’s eyes widened. “What’s going on in there?”

Her question hung in the air as the tension thickened, and everyone knew this was far from over.