Chapter 35: Chapter 35

Nivaan’s POV

“Why did you bring me here?” I snapped as my eyes darted around the ruins of the dilapidated building.

“I wanted to talk to you. Why else would I call you here?” Valence said, drawing a bit too close for my liking.

“Did something happen?” I asked as I tapped my foot impatiently. Emilia was still in labor. I had to return as soon as possible.

Valence placed her hand against my chest and pouted, “Can’t I even talk to you without any reason?”

“Vally, please don’t make things difficult for me. You know that Emilia is in the hospital. She needs me.”

She gripped my collar and breathed, “I need you too…”

I gripped her wrist and flung her hand away, “If there is nothing, I will go back to the hospital.”

I had barely trotted to the exit when she popped in front of me and blocked my way, “Have you decided to spend the rest of your life with me?”

My eyebrows knit together, “Can’t we have this discussion later?”

She narrowed her eyes and her nails dug into my shoulder, “I want to know your answer this very moment, Nivaan.”

I let out a deep sigh, “ I am grateful for everything you have done for me, Valence. But, I am sorry. I can’t abandon my mate and son. They deserve a happy life.”

“What about me, Nivaan? What am I supposed to do? I gave up everything for you. Yet, you chose that useless bitch over me.”

I lowered my gaze unable to come up with an appropriate answer. Life had brought me to such a crossroad that I couldn’t move further without hurting someone.

“I am sure you will find someone a hundred times better than me. It is time to move forward, Vally,” I made a feeble attempt at consoling. However, it didn’t go well with her.

She crossed her arms over her chest; her expression turned frosty, “I can’t let that bitch win against me, Nivaan.” She took a step away and snapped, “You are the one responsible for whatever happens next.”

My heart skipped a beat hearing her words. What was she going to do? Before I could ask her anything, she disappeared. I ran after her but she was nowhere. All I could see were the broken walls and shattered pieces of glass. I walked through a gap in the wall to reach another room full of broken tiles and wooden planks. Where in the world had she brought me?

“Hello? Is anyone here?” I called out loudly but the only reply I got was the resounding echo of my own voice. The place was dark and dingy making it difficult to navigate. After scouring through the debris for about ten minutes, I found an old door. Mould and mushrooms covered its damp surface. With a powerful kick, the door crashed against the floor.

Sunlight streamed inside making me flinch. I had to blink several times before my eyes finally adjusted.

Brambles and bushes surrounded the building till my eyes could follow. It was practically in the center of nowhere. Why did Valence bring me to such a desolated place that too when Emilia was in labor? My heart sank. Would she really go as far as hurting my mate and son?

I thrust my hand into the pocket to fish for my phone but my fingers only grasped the fabric of my pockets. I couldn’t even call and warn Kiara. A sense of impending doom gripped me. I had to reach the hospital before Valence did anything to harm them. But, how?

Then it struck me; I could use the golden bracelet. I rubbed the bracelet softly and closed my eyes. The attraction was so faint that I almost missed it. A sigh of relief escaped my lips as I felt it, like a faint wisp of smoke.

I shifted to my wolf form and sprinted in the general direction of the attraction. Please God, please keep my mate and son safe. I sent a silent prayer as I weaved my way through the overgrown bushes and thorns.

My heartbeat accelerated and the apprehension mounted with every leap I took. Emilia always warned me about Valence but I never listened to her. If only I had been more skeptical and made arrangements for better protection, I could have been at ease.

A deep, agonized howl escaped my lips. It reverberated several times before fading into nothingness. I didn’t get a single reply shattering my hopes of getting any kind of help. My lungs had started burning and my muscles ached but I clenched my jaws and pushed myself to keep running.

After running for about an hour the marshy landscape thinned and the path to the city was finally visible. A relieved howl escaped my lips as I proceeded to run among the trees lining the road.

It took another hour to reach the hospital; draining me completely. I staggered to the back of the parking lot and leaned against the wall. I drew in deep bouts of air in an attempt to slow down my painting.

The moment I felt better, I shifted back and ran into the hospital; bumping into several people. They cursed and called out to me but I ignored them, moving as fast as I could.

My steps faltered and I slowed down as I neared the ward. Through the glass pane of the door, I caught a glimpse of Emilia. She was holding a small bundle. Tears brimmed in my eyes and I felt the intense urge to hold my son.

The initial joy was replaced with worry when Emilia’s horrified expression registered in my mind. It was then I noticed that someone else was standing beside her.

I made a move to break into a sprint but a sudden surge of power hit me. It was so intense that it burned me from the inside. My knees buckled and my legs gave way.

A loud scream escaped my lips. I stretched my hand in the direction of the door and raised my hand to find that Emilia had vanished. Before I got a chance to do anything, darkness engulfed me and I dropped to the floor.