Mated to My Intended's Enemy novel Chapter 69

Chapter 69: Chapter 69 I Need You

Leo

Steam billowed from the bathroom as I adjusted the shower temperature, creating a warm mist that filled the marble-tiled space. Victoria stood in the center of the room, looking small and vulnerable despite the incredible power she’d demonstrated today. The dichotomy fascinated me—how someone so delicate could harbor such ancient, formidable strength.

"Come here," I said softly, reaching for her.

She moved toward me without hesitation, a trust in her eyes that made my chest tighten. I gently peeled away her clothes, revealing inch by inch the body I’d come to worship. Every curve, every freckle was familiar to me now, yet I never tired of looking at her. As I removed her shirt, I noticed the faint green glow beneath her skin—a telltale sign of her Forest heritage awakening.

"The plants," I murmured, running a finger along the glowing veins on her wrist. "What was it like? Connecting with them?"

Victoria leaned into my touch, her exhaustion evident in the droop of her shoulders. "It was... overwhelming. Beautiful. Like suddenly discovering you understand a language you’ve heard all your life but never comprehended."

I helped her into the massive shower, the hot water immediately bringing color back to her pale cheeks. "Tell me more," I urged, genuinely curious about this ability that had saved us precious days of searching.

"The plants don’t think like we do," she explained, eyes closing as water cascaded over her face. "They don’t have concepts of time or individuality the way animals do. They exist as part of a vast network, constantly sharing information through their roots and chemical signals."

I picked up a bottle of her favorite jasmine shampoo, working it into her damp hair. "And you can tap into this network?"

"Yes. It’s like... slipping into a river of consciousness. I can follow the current to specific locations, ask questions in a way they understand." She sighed as my fingers massaged her scalp. "But it’s exhausting. Like trying to hold a conversation in a foreign language while swimming upstream."

I rinsed the shampoo from her hair, watching the suds swirl away. My mate was more extraordinary than I’d ever imagined. The Alpha in me swelled with pride, but another part—the man who had fought his way through blood and betrayal to his position—felt a flicker of unease.

"Marcus wants this power," I stated flatly. "The binding ritual he’s planning—it’s to access your Forest abilities."

Victoria turned to face me, her brown eyes troubled. "Yes. The ancient texts mention fairiesbeing bound to powerful Alphas, forced to use their abilities for the pack’s benefit."

"Like weapons," I growled, anger surging at the thought.

"Or tools," she said softly. "Living, breathing resources to be exploited."

I cupped her face in my hands, forcing her to meet my gaze. "That will never happen to you. Do you understand? I would burn down every forest in this territory before I let Marcus or anyone else use you like that."

A small smile curved her lips. "That would be counterproductive, considering my connection to plants."

I couldn’t help but chuckle at her dry humor. "You know what I mean, little wolf. I protect what’s mine."

"I’m not worried about myself," she admitted, her smile fading. "I’m worried about my brother. About Aurora. About what Marcus might do to them if we don’t reach them in time."

"We will," I promised, though we both knew such guarantees were dangerous in our world. "And when this is over, I want to learn more about your Forest heritage. Your mother’s people—there must be others like you out there."

Her eyes widened. "You’d... you’d help me find them?"

"Of course," I said, surprised she would question it. "They’re your family, Victoria. And family is everything in our world."

Tears welled in her eyes. "Even though they’re not werewolves? Even though connections to them might be seen as... politically problematic for an Alpha of your standing?"

I pulled her against me, feeling her heart beat against my chest. "Do you really think I give a damn about political appearances at this point? You are my mate, Victoria. Your people are my people now."

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