LOVING IN THE QUEST

Episode 4

ANASTASIA'S POV

Why the hell was Darius here?

I glared at Hazel who stared at me with an amused expression. I wanted to tear out her eyes so bad but I ignored her. The person I needed to talk to was none other than my husband.

"What are you doing here?" I asked through my teeth, trying my best to maintain a steady heartbeat.

"You work here?" He questioned, staring at me in shock and as always a hint of disgust. I ignored his question, holding onto his arm.

"Why are you here and why are you with her?" I asked with a smile, tugging on his arm.

"You know what? How about we go have a private chat over why you stood me up but you're about to have dinner with another woman," I whispered, hoping that for once he'd listen and come with me.

"Don't touch me with those filthy hands!" Darius yelled, swatting my hands off. This earned a snicker from Hazel and I felt a growl crawl up my throat. I never stood for bullying but she had too much guts for a lowly omega.

"Let's go," Darius said and I blinked repeatedly.

"Wait! What?!" I yelled, exchanging glances between them.

"You're actually going to leave with her?" I asked, pointing at Hazel and the restaurant filled with whispers. A sense of deja vu hit me but I ignored it, desperate for some kind of change.

To my surprise, Darius rolled his eyes, walking out with her and I stood there in shock. "You can't just leave like this!" I yelled, dragging him back. Before I could blink, Hazel turned, slapping me across the face.

I stepped back in shock, my eyes blurry with tears. Anger filled every part of me and I lunged at her. But Darius pushed me back, his eyes glowing.

“You're making a mockery of yourself again,” he said and I stared at him with pain. Instead of him to stand up for me he held her hand, walking out with her.

Did he just pick her over me?

Emily came over, grabbing my hand and I stared at her with wide eyes. "Common, let's clean this up before the manager finds out," she muttered and I nodded, dressing up the tables.

For the next three hours, I waited, packed used plates and took orders in a daze. The fact that most of the customers seemed to be on a date and looked so in love only made me feel like I was drowning a little faster.

My shift finally came to an end and I took my food for the day, walking out of the restaurant. I could feel their sympathetic stares, burning to the back of my head and it only made me walk faster.

Yes, I was probably depressed.

Yes, my marriage was probably falling apart but nobody needed to see that.

I took a walk home, enjoying the breeze and the subtle crunch of dry leaves underneath my feet. The sun was slowly setting, giving the sky a pinkish glow. I turned towards my house, staring at it with scorn.

For some reason my life seemed to have grown sour since I moved in. I shook my head, chasing such negative thoughts as I pushed the door open, stepping in. The warmth of the house engulfed me but I still felt so cold and lonely.

I leaned against the door,taking in deep breaths. Like always the house was a mess and I was positive Darius had done nothing to help.

I peeled my eyes open to find him staring at me. After the stunt he pulled today, I decided it was best to ignore him but he seemed to have other options in mind.

"Why are you coming back by this time?" He questioned but I walked towards the couch, picking up his pants and the beer bottles that laid on the floor.

"Ana," he called but I ignored him, saying a silent prayer to the goddess for strength.

"Talk to me!" he yelled but I headed to the kitchen, dropping the beer bottles in the sink.

"Ana!" Darius exclaimed and I turned to him, losing my patience.

"What?!" I yelled, my chest heaving in anger. "What the f**k do you want?"

He stared at me taken aback but I resumed working, not interested in whatever he was about to say.

"How long have you been working there?" He asked in a low voice and I stared at him. He had a distressed look on him but I could bet he was only acting.

Don't think like that, he really cares.

"Why are you asking? Worried I've been aware of your dates?" I asked and he scoffed.

I paused turning to face him. "You know it would actually feel nice if you cared about me the same way you care about that woman today," I said and he stared at me like I had just slapped him but I didn't regret a word I said.

"Why won't you believe me?" He asked and I stared at him, my face etched with boredom.

There was no way he just asked me that.

"I was actually busy today. I swear it, you think I'd actually want to leave you at the cemetery?" He asked with a sad face.

"I thought that was the restaurant,” he added.

"Oh? And what was she doing there? You just happened to run into her?" I asked and he nodded.

His stupid lies made me feel sick to my stomach but I ignored him, resuming the dishes.

"Common, you know I'm telling the truth. There is really no dirty physical relationship between us. She is innocent," he assured and I tried to ignore how it still sounded like he was defending her.

I stared at him, too exhausted to say anything. He stepped closer and I studied his movements, my expression twisting to one of confusion.

"I'm really sorry, love. Common, can we just celebrate?" he asked and I stared at him in shock. He hardly ever used pet names.

Slowly, he leaned down and I felt his lips touch mine. He claimed my lips in a rough kiss and his hands trailed my body.

"What are you doing?" I asked, breaking the kiss.

"It's a gift," he said, claiming my lips again as he led me out of the kitchen.

Darous lifted me off the ground, wrapping my legs around his waist as he feasted on my lips like there was no tomorrow.

He pushed the door open and I felt my back make contact with the bed. Slowly, he pulled my dress over my head and I laid on the bed in my underwear, our lips not breaking.

I felt his hands slide to my breast and a needy moan left my lips as he kneaded them. I arched my back trying to grind into him when an image appeared at the back of my head.

Squeezing my eyes shut, I tried to concentrate on Darius. On how he made me feel but I only grew disgusted.

His hands slipped into my panties and before I could control myself, I pushed him away.

Darius stumbled back in shock, almost losing his footing.

“And what the f**k was that for?" He asked, wiping his lips with his arm. I looked away, unable to say a word and he cursed under his breath.

“It's so hard for you to even want me?" He asked and I jerked up at how harsh he sounded.

His face grew red and I couldn't tell if it was out of anger or humiliation but it wasn't a good look on him.

"It's my fault for initiating s*x with someone as horrible looking as you, take a look at you. Even your underwear stinks," he said and I quickly took a blanket, covering myself up.

He walked out of the room and soon I heard the main door slam; a sign that he had left the house.

I let out a shaky sigh, picking up my dress. Putting it on, I headed for the kitchen. I picked up the food I was given at work, placing it in the microwave.

I could feel the numbness slowly spreading and I tried to ignore it. “He still loves me," I whispered to myself, watching the food turn.

He had not slept with Hazel yet, so obviously he was still interested in me.

"It's all my fault," I lamented, trying to ignore the tears that pricked at the corner of my eyes.

I had ruined a good time with my mood and now I was alone again.