An Accounting in the Shadows
960 Words
Our home was tucked away in the shade of tall trees on the outskirts of Blackwood Forest. This was how it had always been: isolated, out of sight. With their lives entwined with the vast, dense environment, the Fenrir Kin flourished in seclusion.
I gripped my phone tighter as I watched the treetops sway through the window. The voice at the other end, Beatrice's, cracked.
Eloise, are you certain about this? Reginald would lose his mind.
I released my breath sharply. "Beatrice, I no longer care." I'm tired of being handled like a throwaway object. I tried to maintain my firmness even though my voice faltered.
A pause. Just... exercise caution. Call me if something goes wrong. Make me a promise.
"I will."
I ended the call and set the phone down, my gaze locked on the driveway. Any minute now.
Tires screeched against the pavement. My pulse jumped.
Reginald was home.
The weight of the divorce papers in my hands was heavier than I expected, a concrete reminder of the end of whatever we ever were. The lawyer sent them over this morning. There will be no more delays. There were no more reasons to delay. This was happening.
The door creaked open, and Reginald lurched in, emanating a scent of alcohol and cheap perfume. He hadn’t even changed out of yesterday’s suit. The stench of betrayal clung to him like a second skin.
Lipstick stains—bright, sloppy smears—stood out against the pristine white of his shirt. A familiar rush of nausea surged through me. I felt nauseous at the sight of him.
He drawled, looking at me with bloodshot eyes. "Well, well, well," he said. "Look, who's waiting for her husband, acting like the obedient wife. How charming.
I took a big breath while maintaining a level voice. "We need to talk."
He shook his head and laughed. "Oh, I think we’ve said plenty."
"Have we?" I coiled my fingers around the pages. "Because I don’t think I ever agreed to be a doormat."
His face grew serious. "You ought to feel thankful." Did I not pick you? Do you have any idea how many women would kill to be in your position? You're only upset with me because I enjoyed myself a little."
"Fun?" My stomach rumbled. Do you mean infidelity? Throwing away our vows like they meant nothing?
Reginald scoffed, rolling his eyes. "Vows? Did you think I would ever follow those? Take it seriously, Eloise. I wanted a woman who understood her role, and you needed stability. That was all there was to it.
His remarks hurt harder than I expected. I clenched my jaw. "You’re wrong. I did love you once. But now? I recognize you for what you are—a liar. A coward. A man who can’t stand on his own without utilizing others."
He sneered more deeply. "You believe you're superior to me? You're not strong, Eloise. You were and always were. Even the Fenrir Kin despises you. You are nothing without me."
My chest became slow and visibly angry, but I kept it hidden from him. "Then I suppose I’ll be nothing." I threw the divorce papers in his direction. "I don't want you as my partner. I'm going to file for divorce. I'm also bringing Rosalind along."
His hand suddenly sprang out and clamped around my wrist as I turned to face the corridor.
"You believe it's that simple? "That I'll let you go simply because you want to?" He clenched his fingers. "You ungrateful little—" His whiskey-laced breath was scorching as he pulled me in closer. My money was all you ever wanted. Don't act like you don't.
I pushed him away as I yanked my arm free. Your funds? I would sooner go hungry than pay you another dime. It's unbelievable that I ever loved you.
Reginald's expression twisted in rage. Eloise, you are mine. "MINE!" Before I could respond, he grabbed my hair and jerked my head back as his voice echoed through the room.
A piercing gasp escaped my mouth. His other hand, rough and possessive, groped down my side. I was filled with panic.
Reginald, halt! "Leave me alone!"
However, he continued. His breath was labored, and his fingers dug into my flesh as he shoved me up against the wall.
You can't abandon me. You have no say in the matter.
Pain blossomed over my cheek as a stinging smack shattered the air. My breath caught. Tears clouded my vision. He was too strong, even though I tried. Too irate.
"Please…" I rarely spoke louder than a whisper.
Reginald's fingers trailed lower as he grinned. Do you recall what I said? I own you.
A shiver ran up my back. He intended to—
"Reginald, what the hell do you think you’re doing?" From the threshold came a thundering voice.
Reginald tensed. He jerked his head toward the door. He turned pale.
"Sebastian?"
I hardly noticed the name. Shock had frozen my body, making me immobile.
As a storm approaching, the man in the doorway moved forward. He stared at Reginald, angry and black.
"Ten years have passed," Reginald stumbled. "What are you doing here?"
Sebastian brushed the question aside. "The first thing I came home to is you forcing yourself on your mate?" His tone was piercing. "Are you no longer sane?"
Reginald's fists clenched. "Sebastian, know your position. You are unrelated to this."
A menacing smile tugged at Sebastian's lips. "Oh, but it does."
The tension between them was heavy and oppressive as they gazed at one another.
I was having trouble breathing.
It was the first time Reginald had looked scared in years.
And I was aware that everything was about to change right then.
- Writer
