The Lycan's Forbidden Mate novel Chapter 213

“Not mine.” A faint flicker passed through Nikolai’s eyes. His focus remained firmly on Ophelia, who appeared more resilient than before. His veins

continued to pound with relief.

“Not yours?” Ophelia questioned, putting her arms across her chest. “Where is Lev?”

“Somewhere.” Nikolai wrenched his eyes away from her, back to the

mansion. His eyes grew glum. “There are many dragons in there who have their minds manipulated.”

“You killed them?” Ophelia tugged at his shirt.

“Yes?” Nikolai asked in a tone that mirrored hers before turning back to face her. A calm softness came over his gaze.

Ophelia sucked in a breath. “Why?”

“They attempted to kill me. It was self–defense.” Nikolai murmured dryly.

Ophelia released his shirt and approached Rhaziel to see if Esmeralda had regained consciousness. “Is it possible to reverse the manipulation?”

“I will make an effort.” Rhaziel nodded.

Ophelia gave a faint smile. His remarks from their previous meeting kept coming to mind. Honestly, a lot has happened since then. However,

Nikolai….

She took another look at her husband.

It was still evident to her that he preferred to proceed independently.

Her face was creased with a frown.

She was going to prove to him that she shared his stubbornness. Perhaps

12:55

16

213 Doubt

even more.

“I am going to find my brother.” She stepped back from the demon, her eyes turning into their golden reptile form.

Nikolai shifted his gaze to her. “Those dragons are still there in greater numbers. They were mostly attacking the area I was heading. The west wing.”

“So we head to the west wing.” Ophelia hissed, gold scales forming beneath her eyes.

Nikolai squinted at her, offended by her sudden resolve. He approached her and snatched her arm. “You are not going in there.”

Ophelia stared at him, her dark slits sharpening furiously. “Why? We are speaking about my brother.”

“Ophelia, what specifically do you think is happening here? It was your brother who brought us here in the first place.”

“He must have been manipulated like Esme.” Ophelia snarled, glaring at his hold over her. It was growing stronger. She shot him a second glance, her rage growing. “Release me.”

Nikolai remained silent. His hold only tightened.

“Nikolai!” Ophelia growled, her golden eyes glinting a deep scarlet.

Nikolai cocked his head to the side, his crimson eyes darkening. What was

that?

“I do not think now is the time for a couple’s quarrel.” Rhaziel abruptly stated and walked away without further comment. It was best to find a way to undo the manipulation on Esmeralda.

When Nikolai relaxed his hold on Ophelia’s arm, she instantly pulled free and turned to face him, her eyes darkening.

12:55

245

213 Doubl

“The guardian is an evil spirit. Esmeralda’s actions provided the ideal disclosure. She must have done the same to Lev.” She said this firmly, approaching the mansion. Her heart was racing. This was the kind of trouble she detested having with Nikolai.

She stopped and peered up at the window above. “Are you expecting me to give up on my brother?”

Clanging his hands into fists, Nikolai felt his claws pierce his skin. “I refuse to accompany you.” His deep voice carried a rumbling frustration.

Ophelia could not believe her ears. She was tempted to turn to him, but she decided against it. Did he really think she would leave her brother behind? “You stated that you will investigate the situation. What did you find,

Nikolai?”

Nikolai took an impulsive step forward. But he did not go any further. His lips twisted in intense hesitation, his eyes flared. Blood flowing out of his hand. “You also mentioned that you will follow suit.”

“What do you think I am going to do?” Ophelia asked, her voice rising in rage. “Why are you not able to tell me if you saw something?”

“Because you will be heartbroken!” Nikolai screamed, veins visible on his neck, his crimson eyes dilating.

“Heartbroken?” Those were unexpected remarks, and Ophelia looked at her husband in shock. His eyes were wide, his fists were dripping blood, and his face was red with rage and pain. She still did not understand why she had

her doubts about him.

Yes, she did believe what he had said earlier about Lev referring to the guardian spirit as an acquaintance. However, she felt that Ley had also been manipulated in some way now that she was aware of the spirit’s ability to

control minds.

12:56

76

213 Doubt

“Heartbroken?” With a more composed tone, her golden eyes flickered with curiosity and doubt as she asked again.

Nikolai stepped back. Holding his ground. Scoffing in disbelief, he released his bloodied hands. “You doubt me? Do you really believe I am lying to you?”

“N..” Ophelia took a step towards him, parting her lips. But she paused, both her steps and her words. Not going any further. Was she seriously doubting him?

Just then, Nikolai laughed. A deep, dark laugh that made her spine tingle.

“Nikolai.” She called with a low, hesitant voice.

Nikolai hesitated, his face growing serious. “You do not believe I am lying; you simply do not want to believe me.”

Those words broke her heart. She shook her head slowly. “No I…”

“No?” He cocked his head to the side, his eyes wide with pain and disappointment. “Then come to me.”

Ophelia shook her head, gritting her teeths. “Nik. Stop.”

VERIFYCAPTCHA_LABELVerify