My Cheating Mate (Emma and Jeremy) novel Chapter 103

Chapter 103

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“It’s a reminder.” His expression softened slightly. “Emma, I actually don’t want to harm you or your pack. You’re more valuable to me as stable, functional’allies than as enemies or victims. But I need to know–are you committed to Jeremy? Really committed? Or are you going to break him again just when he’s becoming interesting?

“I love him.” The words came out fierce, protective. “I’m hurt and angry and we have a long way to go in healing. But I love him. And I’m not going anywhere.”

“Good.” Lord Castellan smiled, genuine this time. “That’s what I needed to hear. Because Emma, your mate has potential. Real potential to be a great Alpha. But only if he has you. Only if he’s whole.”

“Why do you care if he’s whole?”

“Because broken tools are useless. And I’ve invested too much in Jeremy Trent to have him shatter before I’ve gotten proper use from him.” He stepped back, giving me space again. “Consider this our first meeting. A warning, perhaps, of things to come. When I call in my debt, you’ll be part of it–whether directly or indirectly. You should be prepared for that.”

“Prepared how?”

“Prepared to support your mate. To help him fulfill whatever obligation I assign. To be strong when he needs strength.” His voice turned serious. “Jeremy will face difficult choices because of me. Choices that may challenge his morals or his loyalty. When that time comes, Emma, I need to know you’ll stand with him. Not abandon him when things get hard.”

“I stood with him through his betrayal. Through therapy and pain and rebuilding trust.” I met his eyes directly, refusing to be intimidated. “I’m not going anywhere, Lord Castellan. Whatever you ask of Jeremy, we’ll face it together.”

“Excellent.” He moved toward the exit. “One more thing, Emma. Your mate is currently planning to shield you from the full details of his debt to me. To protect you from worry. I’d encourage you to not let him. You’re stronger than he gives you credit for, and he’ll need that strength.”

“How do you—”

“I know many things. It’s what I do.” He paused at the door. “Enjoy your reunion. You’ve both earned some happiness after all this drama. But remember–debts come due. Eventually.”

Then he was gone, disappeared so quickly I wasn’t sure if he’d walked or simply vanished.

I stood in the hallway, processing everything he’d said. The vampire lord who owned my mate’s future had just warned me that I’d be part of whatever he eventually demanded. That Jeremy would face difficult choices. That I needed to be prepared to stand

with him.

“Emma?”

I turned to find Jeremy in the doorway, covered in dried blood and dirt, exhausted beyond belief, but alive. So beautifully alive.

“Jeremy.” I crossed the distance between us in seconds, throwing myself into his arms. “You’re okay. You’re really okay.”

“I promised I’d come back.” His arms wrapped around me, holding tight. “Emma, I—”

“I know. Lord Castellan found me. Warned me. Threatened me, maybe, in that polite vampire way.” I pulled back to look at his face. “Jeremy, whatever debt you owe him–we face it together. Okay? No trying to protect me from the details.”

He looked surprised. “He told you?”

“He told me enough.” I touched his face gently, mindful of his injuries. “You made deals with vampires to save lives. To save your father. I’m not angry. I’m terrified, but I’m not angry.”

“I added conditions. Made the debt bigger.” The guilt in his voice was clear. “Emma, when he calls it in-”

“We’ll handle it. Together.” I kissed him softly. “But right now, you need medical attention and sleep. Come on. Let’s get you

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checked out.”

“I need to talk to the families of the wolves we lost. Need to coordinate—”

“You need to take care of yourself first.” I took his hand firmly. “Your father can handle pack business for a few hours. You handled the war. Now let someone else handle the peace.”

He looked like he wanted to argue. Then exhaustion won and he nodded. “Okay. But Emma—”

“Whatever you need to tell me, you can tell me after you’ve slept.” I led him toward the medical wing. “For now, just let me take care of you.”

As we walked through the pack house, wolves stopped to nod at Jeremy, to offer thanks, to show respect. He’d led them to victory. Saved lives. Made the hard choices.

And yes, he’d put himself in debt to a vampire lord in the process.

But we were alive. The pack was safe. My father was unharmed. Jeremy’s father was healing.

The cost was high. But we’d survived to pay it.

And whatever Lord Castellan eventually demanded, we’d face it together.

For better or worse.

For vampire debts and mercenary wars and all the chaos that came with being mated to a future Alpha who made deals with supernatural creatures.

I’d meant what I told the vampire lord. I wasn’t going anywhere.

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