Chapter Forty Two
Chloe felt a lump form in her throat, “But at what cost? How much are we willing to sacrifice for the sake of duty?”
Liam sighed, “I don’t know, Chloe. I really don’t. But I do know that I’ll always be here for you, no matter what happens.”
Chloe felt tears well up in her eyes, “And what about Aiden? What happens to him?”
Liam’s expression hardened, “We’ll deal with him later. Right now, we have to focus on the ceremony.”
Chloe bit her lip, feeling torn between her duty and her heart. She knew that whatever decision she made would have far-reaching consequences, and she wasn’t sure if she was ready to face them.
Chloe’s heart was pounding as Liam leaned in to mark her, but suddenly the door burst open, and in walked Aiden with his guards. Chloe’s relief was palpable as she was quickly untied.
“What is the meaning of this?” Liam demanded, his face twisted with anger.
Aiden stepped forward, his eyes blazing. “I won’t let you mark her, Liam. Not when she doesn’t want it.”
Liam’s lip curled. “She’s my mate. I have every right to mark her.”
Chloe couldn’t believe what she was hearing. How could Liam be so blind to her feelings? She spoke up, her voice trembling. “I don’t want to be marked, Liam. I never have.”
Liam’s expression softened slightly. “Chloe, I understand that this may not be what you want, but as a Lycan, I have an obligation to my pack. And you, as my mate, have an obligation to me.”This belongs to NôvelDrama.Org - ©.
Aiden stepped forward, his hand on his sword hilt. “Her only obligation is to herself, Liam. You can’t force her to do something she doesn’t want to do.”
Liam narrowed his eyes. “And what do you propose we do then, Aiden?”
Aiden looked at Chloe, his eyes filled with determination. “We let her choose. We fight for her love, but we don’t force her hand. Whoever she chooses, in the end, is the one she will be with.”
Chloe’s heart swelled with love for Aiden. He was willing to fight for her, but not at the cost of her happiness. Liam looked hesitant, but then he nodded in agreement.
“Very well. May the best man win.”
As the tension rose in the throne room, Chloe couldn’t help but feel like a pawn in a game of chess. She watched as Aiden and Liam exchanged heated words, their faces contorted with anger and frustration. Suddenly, the Alpha King Aaron stepped in, his voice booming through the room.
“Gentlemen, let us remember that we are not enemies here. We must maintain the peace between our two packs,” he said, his eyes darting between the two men.
The Liam sneered, his eyes burning with fury. “And what of my claim to the Luna?” he spat. “Do I not have a right to fight for her?”
Aiden stepped forward, his own eyes blazing. “You may have a right to fight for her, but Chloe’s heart belongs to me. And I will not stand by and watch as you try to force her into a union that she does not want.”
The room fell silent as Aiden’s words hung in the air. Chloe’s heart swelled with love for Aiden, grateful that he was standing up for her. She watched as the Liam glared at Aiden, his body tensing with anger.
“You are a fool, Aiden,” he spat. “If you want her, then fight for her. But know that I will not back down so easily.”
Aiden’s eyes narrowed, his fists clenching at his sides. “I am done waiting and being a gentleman. I will claim Chloe as my own, and I will treat her as the precious mate that she is.”
Chloe felt a rush of emotions wash over her. She was scared, yet exhilarated at the same time. She knew that Aiden would do everything in his power to protect her, and that gave her strength.
The Alpha King stepped forward once again, his eyes flickering with a hint of amusement. “Well then, it seems we have quite the showdown on our hands,” he said. “May the best man win.”
Chloe watched in amazement as Aiden’s muscles rippled with each movement. She could feel her heart pounding in her chest as she realized that she had fallen in love with this fierce, strong man. The battle between Aiden and Liam was intense, and she could see that both men were fighting for her.
As they circled each other, Aiden taunted Liam. “You think you can take me down, boy? I’ve been training for this moment my entire life. I’ll be damned if I let you take what’s mine.”
Liam sneered in response. “She’s not a possession, Aiden. She’s a person. And she deserves to make her own choice.”
Aiden’s eyes flashed with anger. “She’s already made her choice, and it’s me. You’re just too blind to see it.”
Chloe could feel her heart swelling with pride as she watched Aiden fight for her. She knew that he was the only one she wanted, and she was determined to prove it.
As the battle continued, Chloe could see that Aiden was starting to tire. She knew she had to do something to help him. “Aiden!” she called out. “Take my hand!”
Chloe felt a sense of relief wash over her as Aiden pulled her close. She could feel his muscles tense as he faced off against Liam, and she knew that he was fighting for her.
“Are you okay?” Aiden asked, his voice laced with concern.
Chloe nodded, smiling up at him. “I’m okay now that you’re here,” she said, her heart racing.
Aiden smiled down at her, his eyes flickering with warmth. “I’ll always be here for you,” he said, his voice filled with conviction.
As the battle raged on, Chloe watched in awe as Aiden fought with all his might. She could see the determination in his eyes, and it gave her the strength to keep going.
Finally, after what seemed like an eternity, Liam and his men were defeated. Aiden emerged victorious, and Chloe knew that they were meant to be together.
As they walked out of the throne room, Chloe couldn’t help but feel a sense of contentment wash over her. She had found her mate, and she knew that they would be together forever.
“Thank you for saving me,” Chloe said, looking up at Aiden with gratitude.
Aiden smiled down at her, his eyes crinkling at the corners. “I’ll always protect you,” he said, his voice gentle.
Chloe leaned into him, feeling his warmth envelop her. “I love you,” she whispered.
Aiden pulled back slightly, his eyes locking onto hers. “I love you too,” he said, his voice strong and unwavering.
Then he pulled her in for a hug and whispered in her ear, “This was a plan with Liam, we knew that the Alpha won’t let you go like that”
She glared at him, as if what she just witnessed were all false, all a script being acted by both men.