Mates of a Werewolf Hunter

Chapter 40 Wrong Move

Valentine Winters P.O.V

I pulled back from him, my gaze a mix of uncertainty and curiosity as I searched his azure eyes for any hint of deception. Was he speaking from the heart or merely caught up in the heat of the moment?

"It's true," he confessed with a groan of frustration, his frown deepening, revealing his inner turmoil.

As he enveloped my waist and effortlessly lifted me onto the bed, I folded my legs and settled cross-legged, trying to make sense of his revelation. He left a lingering kiss on my left cheek, igniting a blush, before beginning to pace slowly around my room.

His voice cut through the silence. "How does this work, though?"

Confusion clouded my mind. I raised an eyebrow, seeking clarity on the matter he was grappling with.

"I can't give you everything. It's best you stay here where you're safe." he declared, gesturing with emphasis. His concern was evident, but so was his frustration.

"You're the rightful Alpha," I responded, pondering the complexities of our situation. The weight of the pack's leadership rested heavily on his shoulders, whether he was ready for it or not.

He frowned. "And if I refuse?"

"The pack will be without a leader." I replied, sadness coloring my words. The idea of a power vacuum was unsettling, a chasm that could tear us all apart.

Drawing closer, he urged, "Don't be like that. I know nothing about leading a pack; be rational, Val."

"Why not let Gabriel lead?" he suggested, his face etched with curiosity.

"He can't. He's not from this pack." I clarified, my voice tinged with frustration over the limitations of our situation.

"Right." he murmured, processing the implications.

"Maybe my dad can help you." I proposed, breaking the thoughtful silence. The idea of blending my father's wisdom with Lucifer's newfound role seemed like a possible solution.

His skepticism was palpable. "Your dad?"

I nodded slowly, envisioning a unique alliance between my father's experience and Lucifer's responsibility.

He sighed deeply, the weight of the situation settling heavily between us, signaling the start of a daunting journey toward alpha leadership.

Lucifer grasped my right hand, forging a silent pact with his grip. He then guided me out the door, leaving me to wonder about the mysterious destination he had in mind.

Descending the stairs, we encountered my father orchestrating a nightly patrol. His stern expression darkened further as he saw Lucifer holding my hand, an unmistakable snarl forming on his lips. The tension was palpable, thickening with every step.

Growling, my father demanded, "What is it?"

"I'm staying with her." Lucifer declared, the air charged with hostility.

A sarcastic chuckle escaped my father. "Why? So you can wound her further?"

"I'll never—" Lucifer began, but my father cut him off.

"Please, there's proof on her body." my father interrupted sharply, pointing out the scars of past conflicts.

"I've changed." Lucifer asserted, his voice ringing with determination.

"How can I be sure? If anything, you'd want to be Alpha to easily take the whole pack down." my father retorted, his skepticism palpable.

"I keep my word." Lucifer promised, his eyes unwavering in their sincerity.