Mated to My Intended's Enemy novel Chapter 79

Chapter 79: Chapter 79 Gambit of Blood

Victoria

The convoy of black SUVs moved silently through the dense forest as twilight settled around us. I sat beside Leo in the lead vehicle, my mind racing through every possible scenario that might unfold when we reached the River Valley Pack border. The weight of my silver dagger pressed against my thigh beneath my clothes—a comforting presence despite my racing heart.

"You’re thinking too loudly," Leo murmured, his deep voice cutting through my thoughts. His warm hand covered mine where it rested between us, his thumb tracing circles on my skin that sent tingles up my arm despite the gravity of our situation.

I met his amber gaze, those eyes that seemed to see straight through me. "I can’t stop thinking about Enzo," I admitted quietly. "After everything he’s done, everything he put me through... he’s still my brother."

Leo’s expression remained steady, but I could sense Ronan’s restlessness beneath his carefully controlled exterior. "Blood ties are complicated," he said finally. "But remember, Victoria—Marcus isn’t just holding your brother. He’s using him to get to you."

Tiny cleared his throat from the driver’s seat, his massive shoulders filling the space. "Five minutes to the drop point, Alpha."

Leo’s voice tight with restraint. "We’ll be positioned in the trees within striking distance. At the first sign of danger—"

"You’ll come charging in like the overprotective Alpha you are," I finished for him, a small smile touching my lips despite the situation.

His hand moved to my face, cupping my cheek with a gentleness that belied his strength. "You have no idea what you do to me," he murmured, his voice husky. "The thought of you in danger..."

"I know," I said softly, turning my face into his palm. "I feel the same way about you."

The SUV slowed to a stop in a small clearing half a mile from our destination. As I prepared to step out, Leo caught my wrist, pulling me back for a kiss that was both tender and fierce—a promise and a warning wrapped into one.

"Two minutes," he repeated against my lips.

I nodded, then slipped out into the gathering darkness, feeling the weight of his gaze follow me as I disappeared among the trees.

---

The border of River Valley Pack territory was marked by a small stream that glinted silver in the moonlight. As I approached alone, I could feel Ava stirring inside me, more alert than I’d ever sensed her before. The forest seemed to whisper around me—a new sensation I was still getting accustomed to since discovering my Fae heritage.

*Be careful,* the rustling leaves seemed to caution. *Death waits beneath.*

I paused, scanning the ground carefully before continuing forward. My mixed blood—once a source of shame—now gave me advantages pure wolves like Marcus would never understand.

"Right on time," a deep voice echoed across the clearing. "And alone. How... trusting."

A shimmering blue light appeared before me, coalescing into the holographic image of Marcus Grimwood. Even as a projection, he cut an imposing figure—tall and broad-shouldered, with silver streaking his dark hair and a black patch covering his right eye. His remaining eye assessed me with clinical detachment.

"Where’s my brother?" I demanded, keeping my voice steady despite the fear churning in my stomach.

Marcus’s lip curled in amusement. "Straight to business. No wonder Moretti finds you fascinating." He gestured, and the hologram expanded to show another scene—Enzo suspended over what appeared to be a pool of dark liquid, chains binding his wrists and ankles. His face was bruised, one eye swollen shut.

"Enzo!" I couldn’t stop the cry that escaped me.

"Vic..." My brother’s voice was weak, barely audible. "Don’t... trust..."

"Enough," Marcus cut him off, the image shifting to show another figure huddled in a corner—a woman with matted blonde hair and bloodstained clothes.

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