The Villain Alpha's Cursed Mate-Chapter 145: Her Security

As they approached Fang Fortress, Esme’s gaze swept over the gathering crowd assembled outside. The fortress itself lay in ruins, and the once formidable walls had crumbled. The main gate had been torn from its hinges, and it was a haunting reminder of what they overcame the night before.

The moment she and Donovan came into view, all eyes turned to them, though it was Donovan by her side who held their attention more.

Lennox’s golden eyes burned with unrestrained hatred, and it darkened further by revulsion as he noticed their hands entwined. His expression twisted as though he just witnessed something abhorrent, and murmurs rippled through the guests, their voices filled with evident disbelief.

Esme had braced herself for these scornful glances, and their palpable contempt made her slightly uneasy. However, she reminded herself to focus on the most important thing, and that was her reason for coming here.

Before Esme could speak, Lennox stormed towards them, his gaze searing into their clasped hands with a dangerous intensity. In an instant, Donovan sensed Lennox’s intent and, with a deft motion, pulled Esme firmly to his side.

The movement brought her close to his chest, shielding her from Lennox’s anger and making a silent, unmistakable claim that left the crowd stunned.

"Let go of her!" Lennox warned, but Donovan was more concerned about Esme, since he was aware that Lennox’s reaction might have startled her. His demeanor shifted, and he bit back.

"You have a bone to pick with me, which is fine, but mind how you approach my mate, cause that is the only thing I won’t tolerate from you, Lennox." He used his name, his disrespect for Lennox as clear as day.

The chill in his tone seemed to seep into the onlookers’ bones, leaving them silent, hence, Esme felt an unexpected thrill at the fierceness in Donovan’s words.

Quickly, she laid a gentle hand on Donovan’s arm, assuring him she was unharmed before turning to face Lennox. Lennox scoffed at Donovan’s words, his fingers running through his hair in evident disbelief, his expression twisted between anger and mockery.

"Mate?" he sneered, barely containing a derisive laugh. "An apple truly doesn’t fall far from the tree. A demon such as yourself has no need for a mate. You’ve already poisoned Esme’s mind once, and you’re doing it again!" His eyes narrowed with a deadly seriousness that sent a shiver down Esme’s spine. "Hand Esme back to me, and I’ll make your end swifter."

The veiled menace in his gaze was bone-chilling, and Esme felt compelled to step between them, unwilling to let the hatred between them escalate further.

"I didn’t come here to witness another fueling fight," Esme said, her tone sharp as she addressed Lennox. "And stop speaking as if I’m incapable of making my own choices. I chose to be with Donovan, and I assure you, I’m not under any spell."

"The Esme I know doesn’t talk like this," Lennox pointed out, meeting her steady gaze. "She would never side with someone who is cursed. He’s manipulating you— I know it. This isn’t the first time he’s used his powers on you...and those eyes of his... one look at them and he’ll have you spellbind."

Esme’s eyes narrowed, and memories of his own past manipulation resurfaced. "That’s quite rich, coming from you," she retorted. "Between the two of you, I’d say you have perfected the art of controlling others for your own benefit, your Majesty. But I am not here to point fingers."

Drawing a steady breath, Esme turned to the assembled guests, her voice ringing with authority. "As the new Luna of the North, I respectfully ask that everyone of you vacate my territory. Thadius no longer holds sway here, and I trust someone has already informed you of the events from last night. I’ll personally address the court to explain in greater detail. For now, I need all of you to return to your own lands."

"But how could you do this?" A female from the crowd voiced out. "Standing with the enemy, and in front of your king– this is beyond betrayal. Do you realize the only reason we’re allowing you a chance to explain yourself is because you’re Alpha Damon’s daughter? How dare you act so brazenly?! And calling your king a liar as well! Without a doubt, you’re certainly under his spell!"

Another voice broke through the rumble of disapproval. "A disgrace to your lineage! Do you comprehend the atrocity you’ve committed by aligning yourself with that... that creature?! We never anticipated such a dishonorable act from a montague’s daughter. Absolutely shameful!" He spat his words, his disgust plain for all to hear.

Their resentful murmurings filled the air, angering both Althea, Orion and Atticus who were eagerly waiting for some kind of order from their Alpha or Esme to beat the crap out of these people. However, Esme remained unshaken by their bitter comments and simply turned to them.

"Yes... even I didn’t expect this behavior from myself," Esme replied, taking in their astonishment. "But that doesn’t change the truth, which is the fact that Donovan is ten times better than all of you combined in this space. You can despise me for it, I don’t know you enough to care."

Her voice remained steady, and Donovan was genuinely taken aback when she praised him before everyone.

"Not once have I regret choosing him," Esme continued. "And for your information, he’s the reason you’re all still breathing today, and that is the only explanation you’re owed."

Refusing to let them see the anger or disappointment she had for them, she then faced Lennox. "I lived in the palace under your rules, and I learned well how Illyria operated. As Luna of the North, I hold the authority to dismiss any guest I deem a threat to my lands. Right now, every one of you threatens my security. If you leave now, I give you my word that I’ll meet with you formally at the Palace to address this issue properly— without bloodshed."

A thick silence settled over them, and she continued, her tone sharpening. "But if you choose to stay, don’t hold me accountable for the consequences. The North is fortified on all sides; if you force a confrontation, none of you will survive it. I suggest you listen and kindly take your leave."

"This little—!!" fгeewёbnoѵel.cσm

Before anyone could utter a word against Esme, the defiant expression on Donovan’s face silenced them all. It was a strange sight, standing helplessly in the presence of a man they had despised for years, yet unable to lift a finger in protest.

Lennox looked at Esme, and his voice mellowed down as he asked, "Is this really what you want?"

"Yes," came her swift reply. The crowd behind Lennox stirred, but he raised his hand, silencing any objection before they could spill forth. His focus was solely on Esme, and for a heartbeat, his resolve faltered as he took in her determined expression, an unanticipated charm in her steadfastness that made his pulse quicken.

"When can I expect you in the Palace?" He asked.

"In a week’s time," she replied, and to the crowd’s shock, Lennox nodded in acceptance.

"Fine," he said, "Within the week, I expect you at the palace with more than enough thorough explanation of all that’s happened here."

His fist clenched at his side as Donovan, unfazed, reached for Esme’s hand, gently entwining his fingers with hers. A spark of irritation flared in Lennox’s eyes, but he forced himself to remain composed.

Unable to bear the sight of them together any longer, he turned abruptly, "Let’s go."

With their belongings already packed, Lennox mounted his horse, a weight settling over him that he couldn’t shake. A shadow of an old, piercing sorrow gnawed at him, and he wondered if this was what his father had felt all those years ago when Donovan’s mother had left.