Fated reborn - Chapter 227: Chapter 227

Victor's pov.
The morning came too soon. My body was heavy with sleep, but the light filtering through the curtains was enough to pull me out of it. I blinked a few times, adjusting to the dim glow in my room before sighing and pushing myself up.
Another day. Another routine.
I ran a hand through my hair, still groggy, then swung my legs over the edge of the bed. My muscles were stiff, but I rolled my shoulders, shaking off the lingering exhaustion.
Getting up, I moved to the bathroom, turning on the sink and splashing cold water on my face. It did little to wake me up, but it was a start. I brushed my teeth, the minty taste fresh on my tongue, then stepped into the shower. The water was warm, not as hot as last night, but enough to relax my body.
Once I was done, I dried off, wrapping a towel around my waist as I walked back into my room. The house was already alive outside—muffled voices, footsteps, the faint clatter of dishes from the kitchen.
I went straight to my closet, pulling out my usual—black pants, a fitted dark button-up, polished shoes. Simple but sharp. I fastened my watch, ran a hand through my hair one last time, then stepped out.
Breakfast was waiting downstairs, but I wasn’t in a rush. I made my way through the halls, nodding at a few passing attendants before stepping into the dining room.
The scent of fresh bread, eggs, and spiced meat filled the air. A few ranked members were already seated, quietly eating as they prepared for the day ahead. I grabbed a plate, loading it with enough food to hold me over for the morning, then took a seat near the window.
The first bite was good, and I ate in silence, letting the warmth of the meal settle into me.
Halfway through, Luciano walked in. His hair was damp, towel draped around his neck, meaning he had just finished his own morning routine. He caught my eye and smirked.
“You’re up early,” he noted, grabbing a plate for himself.
“Didn’t have a choice,” I muttered, taking another bite. “Long night.”
He chuckled, sitting down across from me. “Same.”
We ate in silence for a bit, the sounds of the house filling the space between us. Eventually, I set my fork down, leaning back in my chair. “What’s the plan for today?”
Luciano wiped his mouth with a napkin before leaning on the table. “Actually, not much for us. We’re focusing on the visitors today. Marcus and his beta are staying, remember?”
I nodded. “Right. The mate thing.”
“Exactly.” He smirked. “They need time, so we’re going to make sure they get it.”
I didn’t argue. If anything, it made sense. A mate bond wasn’t something to rush.
Finishing the last of my drink, I stood up, stretching slightly before gesturing for him to hurry. “Come on. Let’s check on them.”
Luciano groaned but stood, following me out of the dining hall.
As we made our way down the corridor toward the guest rooms, the sound of a door opening caught my attention.
Marcus and Dorian stepped out, both looking well-rested. Dorian, however, had a sharpness in his expression—like a man chasing something just out of reach.
I nodded in greeting. “Morning.”
Marcus returned the nod, his stance easy. “Victor.”
Dorian, on the other hand, was distracted. His eyes flicked around subtly, his jaw tight.
I raised a brow. “Still scenting her?”
He exhaled sharply. “Yeah. But I can’t piece it together.”
That was frustrating, I was sure. Finding your mate by scent alone was supposed to be instant, but sometimes, the process wasn’t that easy.
I glanced at Luciano, who gave me a knowing look before gesturing toward the sitting room. “Come on. No need to stand in the hallway.”
We all moved to the sitting area, settling in as attendants came in to serve drinks. The atmosphere was lighter than yesterday, but there was still an underlying tension—mostly from Dorian.
Luciano leaned back, crossing his arms. “The maids will bring food shortly. In the meantime, relax.”
Marcus nodded in thanks while Dorian still looked half-absent, like his mind was elsewhere.
“You’ll find her,” I assured him, taking a sip of my drink. “It’s just a matter of time.”
He grunted in acknowledgment, though he still seemed restless.
As the food arrived, the air in the room shifted slightly. Conversations picked up, the scents of warm dishes filling the space. The visitors ate, settling in more, though Dorian barely touched his food. His focus was elsewhere.
Luciano and I fell into easy conversation about work, going over a few things we’d usually discuss on a normal day.
At one point, though, he shook his head with a smirk. “Actually, forget work for now.”
I raised a brow. “Why?”
He leaned in slightly, dropping his voice just enough. “Today isn’t about business. It’s about making sure our guests are taken care of. That includes helping Dorian find his mate.”
I glanced at Dorian, who was still subtly scanning the space around him.
Luciano had a point.
“Fine,” I muttered, setting my drink down. “Then what do you suggest?”
“Just let the day flow. The less pressure, the better.”
I didn’t argue.
The conversation drifted after that, and as the minutes passed, the tension in the room lessened.
Then, finally, Matteo arrived.
He strode in casually, looking as composed as ever. “Missed anything?”
Luciano smirked. “Just breakfast. But you’re just in time for the fun part.”
Matteo raised a brow, looking between Dorian and the rest of us. “Ah. The mate situation.”
Dorian exhaled, running a hand through his hair. “Yeah.”
Matteo took a seat, resting his arms on his knees. “So? Any luck?”
Dorian shook his head. “Not yet.”
“Well,” Matteo shrugged. “We’ll make sure you do.”
And with that, the day truly began.