Mated to My Intended's Enemy novel Chapter 120

Chapter 120: Chapter 120 Samantha

Leo

The Mediterranean sun was just beginning to rise over the horizon as I stepped onto the terrace, watching Victoria’s sleeping form through the open doorway. Even in slumber, she captivated me—her chestnut hair splayed across the pillow, her lips slightly parted, her scent a bewitching mix of wildflowers and something uniquely hers that called to my wolf.

Ronan stirred restlessly within me. *She should not wander alone.*

*She’s not a prisoner,* I reminded my wolf, though I shared his protective instincts.

Yesterday had been torture. Every minute Victoria was away from the villa, Ronan had paced inside me, demanding we track her, ensure her safety. It had taken every ounce of my considerable self-control to give her the freedom she so desperately craved.

I ran a hand through my hair, the tension in my shoulders refusing to ease. Before Victoria had returned yesterday, I’d spent hours ensuring the island was secure. Every café she might visit, every beach she might explore—I’d had my security team assess them all, removing any potential threats.

Three rogue wolves with connections to the Crimson Claw Pack had been quietly escorted off the island. A human paparazzo who specialized in supernatural celebrity gossip had been persuaded to seek other targets. I’d even paid handsomely to have certain establishments closed for "private events" if they seemed too risky.

If Victoria knew the extent of my interference, she would be furious. 𝚏𝕣𝐞𝗲𝐰𝕖𝐛𝐧𝕠𝕧𝚎𝚕.𝐜𝚘𝗺

"Just let her enjoy this honeymoon," I muttered to myself, watching the sun cast golden light across the whitewashed buildings of the town below. "Without looking over her shoulder for once."

My phone vibrated in my pocket. Tiny’s name flashed on the screen.

"Report," I answered quietly, moving further from the bedroom.

"Everything’s clear, Alpha," my Beta’s deep voice rumbled. "The painter has been vetted. Former art professor, human, no connections to any packs or supernatural factions."

I stiffened. "What painter?"

There was a pause on the line. "The one your Luna sat for yesterday. On the south beach. I assumed you knew."

A growl built in my chest before I could suppress it. Victoria had sat for a portrait? With a strange man? And she hadn’t mentioned it?

"Continue surveillance," I ordered, my voice cold even to my own ears. "I want hourly updates on his movements."

"Yes, Alpha." Tiny hesitated. "He seems harmless, Leo. Just an artist who—"

"I’ll be the judge of that." I ended the call, my wolf clawing at my insides.

*She kept secrets,* Ronan snarled. *Our mate hides things.*

I closed my eyes, forcing my breathing to slow. This was exactly what I didn’t want—this possessiveness that threatened to suffocate what we were building together. Victoria deserved trust. She deserved to make her own choices without my surveillance or interference.

Even as these rational thoughts filled my mind, my wolf plotted ways to find this artist and make it clear that Victoria was claimed—that she was mine.

"Leo?"

Victoria’s sleepy voice pulled me from my darkening thoughts. I turned to find her standing in the doorway, wearing nothing but one of my shirts, her hair tousled from sleep and our lovemaking.

"Good morning, little wolf," I managed, keeping my tone light as I crossed to her. I pressed a kiss to her forehead, inhaling her scent to calm myself. "Sleep well?"

She nodded, leaning into me with a trust that made my chest ache. "Like the dead. Someone thoroughly wore me out last night."

I smiled despite my inner turmoil, remembering how she’d looked beneath me on the terrace lounger, moonlight silvering her skin as she came apart in my arms.

"No regrets, I hope?" I murmured against her hair.

"Never." She pulled back slightly to study my face. "Is everything okay? You seem tense."

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