Chapter 43: Three Words, Eight Letters

I went to visit the Porter estate to show my concern about the beaten Walter on that day. I ensured I showed my sincerity in visiting him, who was in a coma state.

"When is he going to wake up, Lady Porter?" I asked in my melancholy tone after I bestowed them a bouquet.

I wanted to show my sincerity and concern for this jerk even though I was already smiling inside.

"Our pack doctor said that it is uncertain when he is going to wake up," she said as she gently combed Walter's hair.

"I see... It is my fault that my pet has acted on his own accord... I should have been a better master."

A better killer, rather.

Walter should have died from that fatal blow.

But, of course, it would have been better if he remained in that present state. If Valerian killed Walter, I might not be able to see my honeydew forever. It would be a courtship of death for him, so no.

It was the best decision that we stopped them before the worst-case scenario happened.

"It is alright, Dominixe. It is your pet's fault, not you."

My ears panted from what she called me. She dared to call me by my name, not addressing me with honorifics?

Who did she think she was? A close relative of mine? My father? My siblings? My stepmothers?

She was neither of them all! So, how dare she call me that way!

"It is a good thing Papa has been punishing him. My pet would experience great hardships in Porter's underground arena." I looked at her back menacingly when she was not looking at me. I was close to pulling out my dagger from my thigh holster to bring out the best method of slaughtering her. But I stopped myself before I could do something I would certainly regret.

"Indeed. Your father adhered to our demands... Now, we can make that Alpha taste his own medicine." I could hear the anguish in her tone before she looked at me, softening. "Can you tend at him for a moment? I must get some fresh towels to bestow him some sponge bath."

I nodded. "Certainly, Lady Porter." I smiled sweetly. I watched her leave before I turned my attention to Walter.

Serves your right, Walter. That is what you get for almost r a p i n g me in my previous life.

I wanted to say those words, but I needed to be careful of uttering anything that might affect the relationship between Cantavalle and Porter.

I couldn't risk having Valerian in serious danger.

He already had enough. My honeydew shouldn't suffer anymore.

I looked at Walter's sleeping state. "I hope you will wake up soon, my lord," I said softly as I fixed the blanket covering him.

If ever I knew that he would do something nasty to me, I could have sworn to the Moon Goddess that I would kill him this time.

With no mercy.

This time, I would be the one who would handle his death. I wouldn't rely on anyone to take care of him. I would be certain that he would experience a slow death.

On the night Valerian would have to face five opponents he needed to defeat, this uneasiness lingered through my whole body. I felt like something might have gone wrong with him.

I had a feeling that I was missing something... something important that I needed to tend to.

"If it is Valerian... I have already taken care of him... I make sure that no one is going to approach him..." I murmured as I paced back and forth.

I couldn't be at ease... I couldn't...

What did I miss?

What was it, Dominixe?

Think, you reborn woman for revenge! Think!

But nothing had appeared in my mind. Everything had been running as smoothly as possible.

If this uneasiness came from Britanny that she would do something to Valerian, I knew that she was still here in the manor. She wouldn't go out, possibly.

I confirmed it when we met in the carriage with Britanny, Arthur and Lambert.

"Dominixe, who are you going to place your bet? Is it your pet again?" Lambert asked, grinning when the carriage had disembarked the moment Papa arrived.

"He is my pet, idiot. I am putting my bet on him."

Britanny chuckled. "She is betting on his death, Lambert, dear." She grinned and looked at me. "No matter if you help him drink some antidote for his wounds and internal wounds, his fate has been decided, Dominixe."

I almost stilled from her words. "How did you know I bestowed him one?" I arched my eyebrow.

Could she be behind that door that was eavesdropping on us yesterday?

Looks like it. I could see it based on how she was smiling meaningfully.

"It doesn't matter." She shrugged.

"Huh..." I let it go and didn't push further.

What bothered me the most was Papa was watching my movement even the moment we arrived at the underground arena. I had become aware of his stare since he came here in this carriage. It was as if he was scrutinizing me.

This was bad if he started noticing something in me. It would be hard to let go of the suspicion he had on his mind.

Could it be this uneasiness I felt came from Papa? Did he place a trap for me to get exposed?

Was that it?

Arriving there, we had to wear some masquerade masks as I roamed my eyes around the arena. I saw some noble people who had come to watch and place their bets.

I looked for Ismael but remembered that he was now dispatched to fulfill his next assignment. Now, I was left here with no allies to rely on.

I could only rely on myself tonight.

I turned at Papa. "Papa, I wish to see my pet tonight before his match." I just wanted to be at ease that Valerian would be alright before he would fight later.

I was expecting him to disagree, but he nodded. "Of course. See him."

"Thank you, Papa."

I went backstage, where they were holding the contenders in prison. I couldn't help looking Papa's way. I felt more anxious since I could tell that he had this meaningful stare.

I just hope that everything will be alright this time around.

I went to Valerian's prison cell and saw him sitting in the corner with a deadpan expression looking at nowhere. "Valerian," I called.

I watched how his eyes landed on me. My heart skipped a beat when his face brightened up when he saw me. "Dominixe..."

"I only come here to see you. Do not expect anything special," I said coldly.

Valerian looked surprised and hurt at the same time. But he smiled bitterly when he knew that I had to do this act. It pained me that he was hurting like this to me.

I felt like I was returned to the day I had to fool and take his feelings for granted. I was still the same... when I promised I would not let Valerian be in pain because of me.

"Worry not. I am ensuring I am attending my five matches tonight." His sinful lips formed into a big smirk. "If only my master would motivate me to fight more, I would give my all. I promise."

My clit throbbed at his words. I knew what he was saying, so I knew there was no way I would let this go.

I turned to one of the prison guards. "Take me to a private room. Drag my pet there." They all nodded and opened the prison cell for Valerian.

I could feel my wolf squirm when we were led to a room that would give us privacy. I could feel Valerian's stare on my back while I could feel my body ignite.

They shoved Valerian to the floor once we were in the room and left us.

Valerian snorted, staring on the wooden floor. "Damn it..." He cussed before he raised his glance at me. "I must be rewarded..." He couldn't continue his words when I let my dress fall on the floor.

He held his breath, jaw-dropping. I even removed the chemise and untied my corset, exposing my naked body before him.

"Come, my wolf." I beckoned my hand so he would come straight at me.

Valerian smirked and ignored that he was being treated poorly. He stood up and reached for my legs to let them wrap around his waist. I even felt my behind being leaned on the desk while hearing his ragged breath sending shivers down my spine.

"Dominixe... You really have a very sinful body..." He used his knuckles to caress it on my arm down to the back of my hand.

I licked my lips and locked him more by tightening the wrap of my legs around him. "Take me now, Valerian..." I drew closer and licked his earlobe. "I want you to fuck me so hard... so rough... so—Moon Goddess!" I screamed out of nowhere when Valerian shoved his cock inside me.

I couldn't help moaning so loud at how Valerian was fucking me. It was fast... hard... and rough.

"Honeydew... You are so fucking bold..." He was panting before he held my nape and smashed his lips into mine.

I responded with the same intensity and tempo while I closed my eyes, feeling his cock brushing inside me. It was incredible that Valerian knew very well what could have pleased me.

"Am I doing good, honeydew?" he whispered huskily, pounding inside me.

"Yes... Yes... Fucking good, honeydew..." I moaned so loud when he came to hit the right spot. I couldn't help being loud since Valerian was making everything feel good. "I am going to cum..." I bit my lower lip before I opened my eyes and saw the lust, desire, and love written in his eyes. "Val... Please..." I did not know why I was begging him.

All I wanted was for him to reach what I wanted, which he did not fail as I convulsed inside his arms while I felt his hot seeds fill me. Valerian groaned and hugged me so tight.

"I love you, Dominixe..." he whispered, making me still.

My heart raced rapidly upon hearing those three words, eight letters that I had wanted to hear. I looked at him, feeling emotional that he had finally said it.

"Val..." My voice almost croaked.

Moon Goddess... He had finally said those words to me again. It felt so good to hear that I was being loved by Valerian again. My wolf and I were delighted upon hearing this.

Valerian softened and placed his forehead on mine. "I am going to win this. For us." He pecked my lips before he looked at me lovingly. "Marry me after everything, Lilith." With that, he showed a wire that was shaped into a ring. "I know this is not an engagement ring, but please endure this for a while."

My jaw dropped when he inserted it into my ring finger on my left hand. "Valerian..." I couldn't help shedding tears. My hands fidgeted as I looked at him, biting my lower lip before I nodded. "Yes... Yes. I am going to marry you."

Valerian's face brightened more. "After this, you will become Dominixe Lilith Cantavalle-Leveaux... Ah... Your name suits with my surname attached with yours." He bit his lower lip before he planted a soft kiss on my forehead again. "I love you... forever and ever, Lilith." He placed his hand on my cheek after that.

I leaned on it and looked at him lovingly. "I love you more, Valerian..."

I fell for him more. That was also the time when we both marked each other, accepting that we were each other's mates.

We had created a deep bond before I returned. I hid my smile under the mask I wore while ensuring that my markings wouldn't be shown to anyone.

As I returned to my seat, I couldn't help glancing at the ring I wore. Even though it was not a diamond ring, it was important that this had become special.

"Papa, I have returned."

I turned to Britanny, who had just arrived and had a bright smile on her lips. She was not even wearing her mask, so I could see she was smiling. I creased my forehead since I did not notice that she was not in her seat earlier.

"Papa, they informed me that they have agreed with your proposal," she said as she glanced my way.

I straightened my back, not liking what was happening. "What proposal?" I asked, couldn't help my mouth from asking. "Did something happen while I was away?" I did not know why but the loud pounding of my heart indicated something was not right.

Was this the part that had made me anxious now? Was this it?

Britanny smiled meaningfully. "Indeed, 1st sister. I am certain that you are going to like it."

"What do you mean?" I secretly clutched my skirt, not liking what was happening right now.

Papa raised his cane and pointed to the arena. "You are going to be your pet's last opponent. I want to witness how you shall kill him tonight, Dominixe."

What Papa said had suddenly crumbled my whole world. I could have sworn the world had turned upside down.