Chapter 39. My Queen

Ella woke up to a bright sunny morning. She looked at the round clock that hung on the wall across the room and groaned. She had overslept, but it was worth it, this was the most peaceful night she’d had in a long time. Ever since the day she was humiliated, rejected, and scorned, Ella hadn’t experienced such restful sleep until last night. It felt like the long embrace she shared in the garden with Valen had soothed something deep inside her she hadn’t even realized was aching.

She couldn’t stop the smile that crept onto her face as she remembered the night before.

What an irony.

Valen hadn’t rejected her. Though they hadn’t spoken about their mate bond, his actions made it clear he wasn’t planning to reject her either. He seemed just as drawn to her as she was to him. Unlike Derek, Valen hadn’t taken advantage of their bond.

A jolt of anger and regret shot through Ella as she remembered her humiliating experience with Derek. She quickly brushes it off as he