Chapter 8

Elena's POV

Back in my locked-up room, Varlok entered, walking slowly toward me. I cringed as usual when he started staring at my chest as though he had lost something there and was about to reach his hand inside.

I tried to cover myself tightly, but he quickly pulled my arms apart, exposing my chest in the process.

He seemed to be examining the wounds on my arms and neck. But how was I supposed to believe that was all he was looking at? I didn't think he was that kind of man.

After studying me for a long moment, he suddenly turned around and walked away.

The whole house remained quiet for a while before I heard Varlok moving around again. Not long afterward, he hurried out with his car. I guessed he had received a phone call.

Some time later, I noticed Varlok had returned. I overheard him talking to someone, and when the other person spoke, I realized it was a woman's voice. They continued talking as they walked upstairs along the usual route Varlok took to his room.

I'm sure she must be his girlfriend. If that was true, then I didn't understand why he had kept me here in the first place. Men could be so unpredictable.

Even if I accepted being his mate, was this how I'd have to compete with other women?

I was still wondering what kind of future awaited me here when I suddenly heard the loud sound of someone hitting the floor—someone being slammed to the ground.

A moment later, I heard hurried footsteps racing downstairs. It was her. I only caught sight of her legs as she rushed past my door. Blood dripped onto the floor behind her.

After witnessing that, I realized the rumors were true. Everything people had said about Varlok's brutality, especially during intimate moments, wasn't just gossip.

Was he possessed?

My fear grew even stronger.

Varlok's mother rushed out as well.

"Wait! Wait!" she shouted, but the woman didn't stop until I heard the front door slam shut. Then Mother hurried upstairs to Varlok's room. She was probably going to see how her son was doing.

Varlok was screaming like a man in unbearable pain.

Varlok's POV

I quickly called off the meeting between Harla and me and headed home.

She was the girl I had met during one of my border patrols. I never thought she'd actually find my house. But she did, and I was ready to enjoy myself.

We walked into my home with our arms around each other.

She was truly beautiful.

We began with passionate kisses, and she was incredibly good at it.

I was deep inside her when, without warning, I dug my claws into her neck and arms.

She instantly sprang up, grabbed me by the throat, and slammed me onto the floor.

It happened again.

I could have killed her too, just like Ruse.

This was a problem I'd been struggling with for years. Countless times, I'd wished someone could explain why I always ended up tearing apart the flesh of the women I mated with. It remained a mystery even to me.

I've promised myself over and over again that I wouldn't do it to another woman, yet I always ended up breaking that promise.

Mum rushed into my room. Seeing me overcome with grief and pain, she slowly shook her head.

"This again, Varlok?" she muttered after seeing the guilt on my face before glancing around the room as though searching for something.

Tears filled my eyes.

"Mum... yes. It happened again. Every time I meet someone new, I hope this curse won't repeat itself. But I always end up disappointing myself," I admitted with a trembling voice.

"I think it's time we consulted someone who can truly understand what's happening to you," Mother said.

"But until we find that person, you have to try harder to control yourself next time. That's all I can say."

With that, she turned and left my room.

I gathered myself and went into the bathroom to clean up.

After getting some rest, my thoughts returned to Gamma's family—especially the report about Mila.

As I lay staring at the ceiling, Mother entered again.

"The mating run is almost here. Today marks the first day of the waxing crescent. Will you be attending?" she asked.

"I don't really have any reason not to. Golden has already chosen Mila, and Elena is still under my protection as my potential Luna," I replied.

"Still, I'll attend and see how everything unfolds. I also want Elena to come with me."

After saying that, I got dressed. I was on my way to supervise Gamma and the detas during training. We'd all meet at the training grounds.

By the time I arrived, Gamma and the detas were already training. My Beta, Harla, was there as well.

I decided to use the opportunity to call Gad and ask about Mila's behavior after the report I'd received.

We sat on top of two large boulders, facing each other.

"What can you tell me about Mila's behavior when she confronted Elena at the healer's house?" I asked.

Judging by his expression, he clearly hadn't expected the question. Earlier, I had wondered whether asking would be interfering in family matters. But Elena was under my protection now. That made her part of the royal household.