The Lycan King and His Dark Temptation Novel

---- ALDRIC Sigrid is resting in her room, sedated by her grandmothers magic.

---- My gaze drifts to the clouds in the sky, to the endless stretch of forest.

But my mind refuses to process what my eyes see.

My fists clench, claws extending and sinking into my palms, drops of blood falling onto the stone floor.

L almost lost her.

I almost lost my pup right before my eyes.

That feeling of powerlessness, the one I hadnt felt in years, coils around my heart again, pure fear suffocating me.

Im ashamed to even look at Valeria.

I promised to protect her, to protect our daughter...

and I failed.

I failed.

"No." Her soft voice pulls me from my storming thoughts.

Her small hand slips under my arm, resting against my chest.

"Dont you dare think that, Aldric.

Dont do that to yourself.

This was something no one could have stopped.

No one can fight against the whims of the Goddess." My mate whispers to me.

Her love flows through our bond, our unbreakable connection, which has overcome every obstacle.

Lift my hand and caress his.

My blood stains his skin.

---- "You know I would give my life for both of you," my voice comes out hoarse, exhausted.

"T know.

Ive never doubted it," her response warms my soul.

"Pve been thinking, Vale," I say suddenly, still gazing through the arched window.

"Work with your mother to create a safe place.

I want you to leave with our pup and her.

Ive already discussed it with Quinn and Zarek; we'll send Celine as well.

The rest of us will fight alone..." "NO!" She refuses outright.

I knew she would.

"Im not going anywhere without you!" "You will!" I turn to her, gripping her shoulders, our wills colliding.

"] always go along with you.

We do things your way because I love seeing you happy, but this time, I wont back down.

You are not sacrificing yourself in a losing battle.

LOOK AT HOW SIGRID CAME BACK! THE WORLD IS STILL THE SAME! THE THREAT IS STILL THERE! NOTHING HAS CHANGED!" Icant help but roar at her.

I regret it the second I do.

I hate raising my voice at her.

"Pm sorry, baby, damn it, forgive me," I pull her into a desperate embrace.

Azarot tries to convince her.

She needs to understand this time.

"Pm scared, Valeria.

Im terrified for both of you.

That feeling of almost losing Sigrid reminded me that Im not invincible, love.

I can feel fear too." ---- I confess something I only dare to say to herto my friend, my confidant, my mate.