Mates of a Werewolf Hunter

Chapter 14 Academic Alchemy

Valentine Winters P.O.V

I sat on the cold shower tiles, letting the water pour over me, trying to wash away the sting of betrayal. The reality of what had just happened hit me like a ton of bricks—I had almost given myself to him, to the very man who had just shattered my heart.

How could I have been so naive? How could I have believed that someone as cruel and heartless as Lucifer Argent could ever love me? He was a hunter, born and bred to hate beings like me. I should have never let my guard down.

Lesson learned: never trust Lucifer Argent ever again.

I wiped my tears away, my heart aching for something more than what I had just lost. I longed for a mate who would truly care for me, someone who would see beyond the surface and understand the depths of who I was. Someone who would love me, not just use me and then toss me aside like I was nothing.

I yearned for a future where I could be held in the arms of someone who would cherish me, someone who would protect me and make me feel safe. I dreamed of a life filled with love, warmth, and happiness—a life where I was valued and desired, not rejected and abandoned.

I wanted someone who would say those three simple yet powerful words: "I love you." Someone who would accept me for who I am, flaws and all. I craved that feeling of being truly loved, of being someone's everything. But now, that dream felt further away than ever.

Lucifer Argent P.O.V

The conflict inside me was like a storm, raging and relentless. Why did doing the right thing feel so wrong? And why did the wrong choices feel so disturbingly right?

Being with her felt like the most natural thing in the world, like she was the missing piece of a puzzle I didn't know I was putting together. But leaving her—it felt like a mistake I couldn't undo. It felt like I was ripping something vital out of myself, and yet, I had to do it.

Just yesterday, I had lied to my father about her, telling him that I had taken care of her, that she was gone. He believed me—or at least, he acted like he did. There was a flicker of doubt in his eyes as he muttered, "Proud." before walking away.

The truth was, I didn't love her. I couldn't. I had to reject her, to sever the bond that was tying me down. But then why did I feel so damn hollow?

Intrigued and unnerved, I reached into my mailbox and found a letter—a letter I hadn't expected. Ripping it open, I found a legal marriage certificate and a simple gold ring inside. The letter, signed by Zades, was chilling in its simplicity: 'I knew you would run away. Wear the ring.'

My eyes widened in shock. How could he have known? The ring felt heavy in my hand, an unwelcome weight I didn't want to bear. It had Valentine's name intricately carved into it, a stark reminder of the bond I was supposed to break.

I tried to put the ring back in the box, to rid myself of it, but it was as if something—some unseen force—compelled me to wear it. The thought of wearing this ring, of walking into school with this symbol of something I didn't even understand, filled me with dread.

What was happening? Why was I being forced down this path? The turmoil inside me grew, and I let out a groan of frustration, wishing I could just go back to being the cold, unfeeling monster everyone expected me to be.

But it was too late. The ring was on my finger, and I couldn't take it off.

Valentine Winters P.O.V

The relentless knocking on my door jolted me from my thoughts. It was Alpha Zades, his expression unreadable as he handed me a gold ring. "Wear this." he ordered. "You're going to a new school tomorrow."

Before I could protest or even ask why, he was gone, leaving me alone with the ring—a ring carved with the name Lucifer. I didn't want to wear it, didn't want to be reminded of him in any way, but what choice did I have?

The next morning, as I stepped into my new school, I felt a sense of dread settle over me. I wasn't ready for this—for the stares, the whispers, the inevitable confrontation that was sure to come.

At my locker, I fumbled with the password, frustration building with each failed attempt. Finally, it clicked open, and I let out a breath I didn't know I was holding.

But my relief was short-lived.

"What have we got here?" a sneering voice said behind me.

I turned to see a girl flanked by two friends, their expressions filled with contempt.

"Can I help you?" I asked, raising an eyebrow.

She shook her head, her lips curling into a smirk. "No, but plastic surgery might help you," she shot back, her friends snickering in agreement.

I stared at her, disbelief and anger mixing in my chest. Seriously? On my first day?

"Well, if I ever decide to go under the knife, I'll make sure to consult you first." I snapped, not letting her get the upper hand.

Her smirk faltered for a moment before she recovered, her eyes narrowing. "Do you know who my man is?" she asked, her tone dripping with arrogance.

"Should I?" I replied, refusing to be intimidated.

Her gaze shifted to someone behind me, and she let out a low chuckle. "You'll get it bad," she warned.

Curiosity and a growing sense of unease made me turn around, and my heart dropped.

There, standing in the hallway, was the last person I wanted to see—Lucifer.

Our eyes met, and I felt the blood drain from my face. This couldn't be happening. Not here, not now.

But there he was, and I had no idea what was coming next.