4. Odette

odette

. . .

"My name is Valek Villainous, and I'm your mate." The infamous brother of the King of Demons sweeps me off my feet and slings me over his broad shoulder. Before I can address his strange declaration, he marches toward the exit, his gravelly voice calm but urgent. "Please, don't be frightened. I am incapable of harming you. Destiny has decreed our union, and fate has granted me my fondest wish." His words are edged with a hint of danger, his powerful presence radiating from every inch of his being. As we move through the dimly lit corridor, the air grows heavy, filling me with a palpable mix of fear and excitement—too much to think clearly.

"I don't have a mate, Valek," I protest, my heart racing in my chest.

His arms tighten around me, and the heat from his body seeps through my clothes. My blood boils with an intense desire to strike him down for his insolence, to turn him into a lowly toad beneath my feet. But amidst the anger, a flicker of excitement dances within me. Adrenaline courses through my veins, urging me to keep playing this game as long as I can bear it or until I figure out how to turn him down.

"Put me down this instant. Even if I am who or what you believe I am, this is not how you should do it." Although my body still tingles at his touch, this is not the impression I want to make on my new clients, pressed against this rugged male in the middle of my morning rush. I have a reputation to maintain.

Valek sets me down with a sheepish grin as if he'd only just realized that his display of hypermasculinity might not be well-received. "Apologies," he says, his voice a rich baritone that seems to rumble straight into my bones. "Old habits die hard. But let's start anew, shall we?"

I study Valek for a moment and my initial irritation transforms into amusement. Here is a male—or rather, an ancient demon—who is used to being in control and having others bend to his will. And yet, there is something oddly endearing about him, a sincerity that can't be faked.

"Very well," I reply, extending my hand as if we were at a formal gathering rather than in a crowded hallway adjacent to the restrooms. "I'm Odette."

"Valek," he says again, then gently takes my hand. His touch sends shivers up my spine—not of fear, but an unexpected thrill.

"So, Valek," I begin, drawing back my hand and putting a bit of distance between us. "You seem to have decided that I'm your 'mate.' Care to explain why you'd say something so outlandish? Witches are not bound by fate. We can reject our mates and choose our own life partners."

Valek looks immediately taken aback, seemingly confused that I'm not taking his word for it. "It means that everything changed for me the moment I scented you. You became the center of my universe. My everything." He pauses, then searches my face for any sign of reciprocation.

"Do you realize how insane that sounds? Some people may experience instant attraction, but that doesn't mean fate has chosen them for one another. I was raised to believe in it but despite the folklore and those who swear it's true, I believe in a more practical way of mating," I say, half joking, but also curiously piqued by his intense declaration.

Valek chuckles—a sound that seems too light for his imposing frame—and nods. "Earlier today, I didn't believe in fate either. Demons rarely find their mate. But now I know how foolish I've been. Finding you is the single most significant event of my life. It feels like I've found the other half of my soul."

I feel an unfamiliar warmth blossom in my chest. The idea is ludicrous, fantastical even, and yet…my beloved niece recently found her fated mate, a bloodthirsty vampire who stole her heart the moment they met. How she described the primal urge, the visceral calling that overtook her senses, sounded impossible at the time. But now that I'm here, standing before Valek, something about her words rings true.

Is it possible that this male—no, this demon—is somehow meant to be the love of my life? Is Valek Villainous fate's gift to me? The logical part of me wants to deny the possibility, but I can't ignore the intense physical attraction I feel.

"You have an appointment?" I brush off my dress, pretending to smooth out wrinkles that aren't there, and pivot toward my office. Although I expect him to give me a difficult time, I'm hoping to change the trajectory of our conversation to business. There's no sense in discussing what may or may not be true. Valek came here to combat his negative emotions and reclaim his center. As a professional, it's my duty to guide him onto that path.

"I do," Valek replies with a quick nod, practically leaping before me to open my door. He stands idle and turns to me, seeking direction on what happens next.

"Please take a seat, and we can begin." I extend my hand, offering him the largest chair in the room, hoping it's strong enough to hold him.

Valek settles into the plush seat and momentarily fidgets while trying to find a comfortable position. It's a tight fit but he makes it work. His obsidian eyes flutter closed with a sigh of relief, their intensity softened by long lashes. The dim lighting casts shadows across his sharp features, enhancing the dangerous allure that clings to him like a second skin. He is undeniably beautiful, in a way that seems more suited to causing havoc than sitting quietly in my tranquil office. His presence makes my skin heat with latent desire, but I need to move past my emotions and tend to his needs professionally.

Heat spreads through my body as I pass him on my way to my desk. "I know we've had an odd beginning, but it's a pleasure finally meeting you, Valek. Your brother mentioned you needed my services." I slide my behind onto my desk and sit before him, crossing my legs to keep him from peeking under my dress. I'm not sure what's gotten into me. I never sit this way.

"What is your current relaxation routine?" I ask, genuinely interested in his response. Leaning forward, my posture reveals a hint of cleavage, and I can't help but feel satisfied when his gaze follows the trail downwards without hesitation. His eyes linger, and I momentarily revel in his attention before refocusing on our conversation.

Valek's lips curl into a playful smile, revealing his sharp, ivory teeth as he tilts his horned head back to meet my gaze. "Relaxation? That concept eludes me," he confesses with a gentle rumble.

Squaring my shoulders, I cautiously approach the side of my desk. My fingers grip the edge of my chair, thankful for the distance it provides between us. "Are you certain this is where you want to be?" I eye him warily. It would be best if he were to leave, his lingering presence only adding to the turmoil within me. My nerves are on edge, like a tightly coiled spring ready to snap at any moment. I can practically feel the weight of his gaze on me, making it impossible for me to relax. Yes, it's definitely better if he leaves soon.

"This is where I want to be. By your side is the only place I'm meant to be." The words roll off Valek's tongue, dripping with confidence and certainty. His unwavering gaze locks onto mine, sending a jolt of electricity through my body.

I can't deny how he makes my heart flutter and my mind spin. There's a magnetic pull between us that I couldn't explain, a feeling. No male has ever affected me in this way before. I pride myself on being immune to their charms, but this male seems to unravel every defense I've ever built. I'm not thrilled by this sudden turn of events, but something is bubbling up deep inside that demands to learn more.

I gaze deeply into Valek's ebony eyes, struggling to maintain my composure as his intense stare bores into me. He dominates the room with his presence, and I realize that getting rid of him will not be simple. As I struggle to form words, I feel utterly shocked by the ones that emerge. "You seem tense," I whisper, my voice dripping with seduction.

Valek rolls his shoulders, and a slight smile plays at the corners of his lips. "I could use some relief."

"I believe I can help you."