Mated to My Intended's Enemy novel Chapter 24

Chapter 24: Chapter 24 Ava&Ronan

Victoria

His lips lingered against mine, warm and possessive, stirring something deep within me that hadn’t been there before. When we finally separated, I felt different—more complete somehow, like a puzzle piece that had found its matching edge after years of searching.

"Close your eyes," Leo murmured, his forehead pressed against mine. "Focus inward. Try to find her."

I nodded, letting my eyelids flutter closed. I took a deep breath, imagining my consciousness sinking deeper within myself, past the surface thoughts and immediate sensations.

*Hello? Are you there?* I called into the void within me, expecting the same hollow emptiness that had greeted me every time before.

*Well, it’s about time you properly looked for me!*

The voice—distinctly feminine, vibrant and somehow familiar—echoed through my mind with such clarity that I gasped aloud. My eyes flew open, meeting Leo’s concerned gaze.

"Victoria? What is it?" His hands gripped my shoulders.

"I heard her," I whispered, tears springing to my eyes. "Leo, I heard her!"

His amber eyes widened, something like vindication flashing in their depths. "I told you she was there."

Impatient to reconnect, I closed my eyes again, diving back into that internal space with newfound purpose. This time, I could almost see her—a sleek wolf with fur the color of burnished copper, her intelligent eyes regarding me with what could only be described as amused affection.

*I’ve been waiting forever for you to finally tune in,* she teased, her mental voice carrying notes of playfulness I rarely allowed myself to express. *I was beginning to think you’d never notice me.*

*You’ve been here all along?* I asked, incredulous.

*Every step of the way,* she confirmed, her presence wrapping around my consciousness like a warm embrace. *Through everything with Enzo, the night at the club, meeting our mate... all of it. I’m Ava, by the way. Nice to finally meet you face to face—well, mind to mind.*

Tears streamed down my cheeks as the implications hit me. I hadn’t been incomplete or broken. She’d been with me through every hardship, every moment of loneliness when I’d felt utterly abandoned.

*Why couldn’t I feel you before?* I questioned, desperate to understand.

*You weren’t ready,* Ava explained gently. *And honestly, neither was I. We needed him—* An impression of Leo flashed between us. *—to help complete the bond. His presence strengthened me enough to finally reach you.*

"She says her name is Ava," I told Leo, opening my eyes but maintaining that precious internal connection. "She says she’s been with me all along, but we weren’t strong enough to connect until..." I blushed. "Until you."

Leo’s expression softened with pride. "Wolves need pack to thrive. You were isolated too long."

*Ask him if Ronan wants to say hello!* Ava urged excitedly.

"She wants to know if... Ronan... wants to talk?" I repeated, testing the unfamiliar name on my tongue.

Leo’s eyes flashed amber, a slow smile spreading across his face. "Ronan’s been impatient to meet her properly. Though I should warn you—my wolf isn’t quite as civilized as I am."

*Tell him to quit stalling and let Ronan say hi!* Ava practically bounced within my consciousness.

I laughed, the sound surprising me with its lightness. "Ava says to quit stalling."

Leo’s expression changed subtly, his posture shifting as his wolf rose closer to the surface. When he spoke again, his voice carried a deeper, more primal edge.

"She’s beautiful," he—or rather Ronan—growled. "We’ve been waiting for you both. For too long."

I felt Ava’s delight surge through me, a bubbling excitement that was almost overwhelming. It felt like being caught in the undertow of someone else’s emotions—exhilarating and disorienting at once.

*Oh, he’s magnificent!* Ava gushed. *Strong and protective. Perfect for us.*

"Ava thinks you’re... magnificent," I translated, feeling heat rise to my cheeks at her enthusiasm.

Leo’s—no, Ronan’s—grin was all predator. "And we’ve barely begun to show her what we can do."

The promise in those words sent a shiver down my spine. Leo blinked, and I could tell he had reasserted control, though the amber glow lingered in his eyes.

"What else is she telling you?" he asked, guiding me to the plush sofa. We sat together, his arm draped possessively around my shoulders.

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