Their Hidden Princess (Zora and Maximus) novel Chapter 283

Chapter 283

Even if that meant he had to physically insert himself between Neo and Zora to force their relationship to slow down.

“We’re in agreement then,” Max said. “We have to keep the two of them from being alone. At least until we can get a better feel for Neo.”

“Good,” Kairos said.

With the three of them accepting the plan, they turned and shifting, raced back toward the house where Zora was waiting.

As they drew closer, Max sensed an approaching car with a familiar person inside. 

They stopped and shifted as Valentin parked his car and exited it.

Valentin looked tired, with dark bags under his eyes. His hair and clothes were still immaculate, but he was carrying himself differently, like there was a weight to his shoulders that no one could see and only he could feel.

“Thank the Goddess you’re back,” Thorne said.

Valentin immediately straightened as he took in their faces. “What’s going on?”

“Zora has found her fifth mate,” Max said. “Neo.”

Briefly, Max, Thorne, and Kairos filled him in on the events of the past few days and everything they knew about Neo.

“He’s very strong,” Max said.

“Too strong,” Kairos chimed in.

“And fast,” Max said.

“Too fast,” Kairos added.

“We don’t trust him,” Max said. “Especially if he can’t tell us who he is.”

Max had every expectation that Valentin would be on their side, but the more he talked, the more Valentin seemed conflicted, his brow furrowing.

Kairos called him out first, “You can’t be on that asshole’s side.”

“The only side I’m on is Zora’s,” Valentin said, even as he clenched his hand into a fist. “Of course I don’t want to share her. I never wanted to share her with anyone, but a stranger is worse. But our duty to our kingdom… She needs to be with all of her five mates.”

“You never acted like sharing has bothered you,” Max said.

“Because I’m better at hiding it,” Valentin said. “The cost of age and experience. But that doesn’t mean I’ve ever been happy

“None of us are,” Thorne said. “But for Zora… we tolerate each other.”

“You said he ran off?” Valentin asked.

“Yes,” Max said. “He said he didn’t need to sleep.”

Valentin nodded. “Then I’ll speak with him in the morning. Maybe I can uncover some truths. I can at least attempt to inspect his curse. For now though…”

“If I asked, would you allow me to have privacy with Zora tonight? I have not seen her for a time, and I…” He sighed, unable or unwilling to continue.

VERIFYCAPTCHA_LABELVerify