chapter 23

I remain in a terrible mood for the rest of the afternoon—I can't concentrate or focus on anything. Two days in a row, I've seen Valen. The bond is buzzing, and it's making it increasingly difficult to function. On top of that, I have his lingering threat and the worry that came with it. He has the power to destroy the hotel we saved, the parting gift Valarie had given to Valarian and me. I feel protective of it; we built this place from its bare bones and gave it back life. I'm not about to stand by and let him take it from us. Yet, I would be powerless against him in a city where rogues mean nothing. I'd be lying if I said I'm not worried; I am. Macey, Zoe, and I have worked our asses off for years building this place back up. And for him to threaten to destroy it makes my blood boil. The question lingering in the back of my mind remains: would he really destroy this place—harm his own mate's business—all because I refuse to give in to him? “Uh, Mommy.…” Valarian's worried voice reac