Chapter 5

Nathan had never been afraid of mornings, until he woke up knowing his fated mate was somewhere beyond the door.

Nathan stirred, blinking against the morning light filtering through the windows. He was still on the floor. His gaze dropped to his wrist.

Valentino was still here.

He frowned, his hands curling against the cold floor. He'd expected Valentino to storm in last night.

It was why he'd spent the night guarding the door. And sometime before dawn, exhaustion had taken over.

He rose to his feet, wincing slightly from lightheadedness, and pressed his ear against the door.

It was quiet.

His heart pounded as he contemplated on staying in or going out where he'd have to face Valentino.

He knew he'd eventually have to leave the room.

His stomach growled, pain twisting through it, forcing him to double over. He hadn't eaten since the night of his birthday.

He had no reason to remain inside, at least now that he might collapse from hunger anytime soon.

He stood upright, breathing through the pain as he reached for the door handle. His hand stilled on it for a moment, before he turned it.

The door opened with a click and swung inward to reveal a woman standing outside. She had her hand out, like she was about opening the door, too.

He flinched, startled, and backed away.

She was dark-skinned, with a coat hugging her frame and a stethoscope hanging loosely around her neck.

The woman was shocked, too, but she simply stared at him, her dark-green eyes scanning him from head to toe.

After a few seconds, she turned and left.

"No!" She shouted.

"He'll fucking die!"

Nathan froze, his heart racing as he backed away even further.

Who was she?

And what did she mean... he'd die?

Just as he was about moving to close the door, heavy steps approached and Nathan's blood ran cold.

He panicked, slamming the door shut. He stayed behind it, pushing as hard as he could, scrambling to lock it.

But it was futile.

The door exploded inward almost instantly, throwing Nathan backwards. Valentino hadn't even needed a second hit.

He winced as a sharp pain shot through his shoulder. Valentino walked up to him and he backed away.

The man's blue eyes burned with rage and contempt. His jaw and fist were clenched, as he loomed before Nathan.

He grabbed the boy by his collar, pulled him up harshly, and dragged him out. Nathan clawed at his wrist as he was dragged across the polished floor.

Tears formed in his eyes, his breaths reducing to ragged gasps, but it was of no use.

The man was much stronger.

"He won't die!" Valentino announced, his voice thick, to which the woman from earlier replied with a scoff.

They got to the living room where she was and the moment her eyes landed on the duo, she turned pale.

She leapt towards them and pushed Valentino to the side, forcing him to release the boy.

Nathan collapsed onto the ground, his hands moving to his neck as he coughed and gasped for air.

His heart thumped rapidly against his ribs.

Valentino would hurt him.

"Are you insane?!"

The man didn't speak; he simply gritted his teeth as their eyes locked. Then, he looked away and ran a hand through his hair.

The green-eyed woman muttered a curse and dropped onto one of the couches in the living room, staring blankly at the wall.

"I can't cut the string, he won't make it."

Nathan's head snapped up, a cold realization settling in his bones.

Valentino would rather risk his life than remain tied to him.