SHE IS MY MATE ALDRIC When Larrived at that square and didnt see Valeria , my blood ran cold .


    I immediately tried to call out to her through the bond , but she seemed too far away .


    I followed her scent like a madman until we found the Alphas sons wheelchair abandoned in an inner courtyard .


    Some people shared bits of what they had heard or seen .


    She was in trouble again reckless , chasing after a stranger I knew she was doing it for the pup , but risking her life like this , exposing herself to danger , made my blood boll with the urge to bend her over my knee and spank her for her foolishness .


    Valeria , I wont punish you if youre safe .


    I swear I wont even scold you just please , stay alive .


    I begged in my mind , running at full speed through the pack , nearly shifting into my beast , leaving the Alpha struggling to keep up behind me .


    But when I reached that decrepit house , I could feel the rats escaping through the back .


    I didnt have time for those men I would hunt them downter .


    Right now , the overwhelming scent of Valerias blood made my soul tremble with a fear I knew all too well .


    The terror of losing someone I loved .


    VALERIA !! I roared , storming inside , searching for her only to see that dark hole where shey dying at the bottom of the abyss .


    I jumped without thinking ,nding hard on the worn floor , which creaked under my weight .


    I fell to my knees beside her immediately .


    My trembling hands went to the wound in her chest , where a rusty iron rod protruded , impaling her body .


    A__Aldric … Dont speak , little one .


    Dont waste your energy .


    Hold on , Im going to save you I will save you , even if it costs me my life , I promised her , though inside , I was cursing myself , sinking into despair .


    If I removed the iron from her chest , the wound would worgen .


    I was afraid it had punctured her heart .


    I couldnt move her from this spot .


    Valeria didnt heal like other wolves ; thats why she had those scars .


    She was dying I could feel her pulse fading , her skin growing pale and cold .


    My sanity was slipping away along with her life .


    I was reliving the nightmare of holding the woman I cared for most as she slipped through my fingers .


    No , no , you cant die , Valeria .


    I cant lose you too .


    I cant .


    My chest tightened , my emotions spiraling into helplessness and rage .


    Alpha Garret , WHERE THE HELL ARE YOU ?! I NEED YOU HERE , NOW !! Imanded him with all my power , but deep down , I kneww no matter how fast he came , it wouldnt be enough .


    SHE BE MY MATI  Not even if he sprouted wings .


    His blood wouldnt reach Valeria in time to save her .


    I leaned over her fragile body , wrapping my arms around her , eyes shut , my vision blurred with grief .


    I could feel her slipping away in my arms .


    My wolf , shackled deep inside me by countless chains , fought harder than ever , howling in agony , thrashing to break free as our bond with her weakened .


    Wait .


    If things were truly as I suspected it Valeria was my second chance mate then my blood shouldnt be toxic to her .


    She had swallowed my essence before and only fainted , despite the dangers .


    I had to take the risk .


    This could either save her or send her straight to her death Please , Vale … Im begging you , dont leave me too , little one .


    You have to survive .


    You have to fight .


    I whispered against her lips , giving her the softest kiss , pouring all my emotions into that touch , while my trembling fingers gently caressed her cheek .


    Then , I tore open a deep wound in my neck , praying to the Goddess that Valeria was truly my mate .


    If it meant sacrificing my life to save hers , I was ready to give her my soul .


    I cradled the back of her head , pressing her lips to the bleeding wound on my neck .


    Drink , Valeria , Youre not allowed to die .


    Thats an order from your King , your Alpha … your male .


    Youre mine .


    My female .


    You belong to me , and youre not leaving this world without me .


    I held her tightly against me , desperate not to move her too roughly , demanding over and over that she drink .


    The blood trickled down her chin , wasted , as she grew colder , stiffer with every passing second .


    DRINK FROM ME , VALERIA ! FIGHT ! DONT GIVE UP ! DAMN IT , YOURE NOT ALLOWED TO GIVE UP ! DRINK MY BLOOD ! TAKE MY LIFE FORCE ! I went mad , roaring inside her mind , forcing her with all my Lycan power to obey .


    Desperation crushed my soul , building to unbearable levels until , finally , when I was on the verge of losing herpletely , I felt her lips begin to move against my skin .


    My heart thundered wildly , more terrified than Id ever felt in my life .


    1 was making her drink forcing the cure , or the poison , down her throat .


    I stayedpletely still while she fed from my vein , cradling her close , my body half draped over hers on the cold floor .


    I closed my damp eyes , trying to suppress the knot tightening in my throat , overwhelmed by both fear and relief .


    Pleasure coursed through my body despite the dire situation There was no longer any doubt in my mind- 23 SHE IS MY MATE Valeria was my mate .


    My second chance at love .