chapter 5
639 Words
In the dead of night, I lay drowsy and feverish, kicking off the covers in discomfort as the symptoms of my heat cycle tormented me.
I accidentally brushed against a cool sensation, instinctively wanting to draw nearer, ever closer.
To my surprise, that coolness drew itself towards me, enveloping me in an utterly intoxicating scent that made me cry out involuntarily.
Sweat soaked the sheets as waves of unprecedented pleasure washed over me like a heatwave, one after another, until dawn began to break.
Opening my eyes again, I found myself staring at an unfamiliar face. I gasped.
But then, from the sofa opposite the bed, came the most familiar voice I knew—
"Aria, how are you feeling? Any better? I told you you needed to sort out this heat issue."
"Too bad I promised Selena I wouldn't touch any female werewolves but her for the next six months—including you."
My body shook uncontrollably, tears streaming down my face as I clenched my fists. "You gave me heat induction medication?"
Alpha Marcus sighed softly. "It's merely medication to help you through the heat cycle. It's harmless to your body. I consulted the doctors at Silver Moon Hospital."
"Besides, Selena and I use it regularly. She's never shown any adverse effects. She explained that your emotional volatility stems from your wolf spirit stirring due to unfulfilled heat urges."
I stared at Alpha Marcus, still unable to believe it. "Do you truly care nothing for my feelings? Could you remain utterly indifferent even if I mated with another male werewolf?"
I strained to detect any flicker of emotion in his expression.
Alpha Marcus pulled me close with a broad smile. His eyes were filled with deep affection, yet to me, it felt utterly ironic.
"Aria, I only feared you might be truly lonely. I don't mind—even if I regard Selena as a sister and you mate with another werewolf."
"I suppose, since I'm not always by your side, you need a brother to look after you."
Alpha Marcus grew up in a werewolf city overseas. I knew he was open-minded, but I never imagined his thinking could be so twisted!
What bloody family ties? It's all just an excuse for his own philandering!
To satisfy his desires, to keep me under his thumb, he dragged me down to hell with him.
I stared at his face and laughed. Laughed until my eyes grew wet and red, stinging and swollen as if weighed down by a thousand pounds.
Layer upon layer of disappointment accumulated, eventually crystallising into an irredeemable despair.
I stared blankly at the moon outside the window.
"Aria, I've had our marital home thoroughly cleaned and all the furniture replaced. You can move back in as soon as your injuries heal and you're discharged from hospital!"
"As for Grandmother's painting, I'm terribly sorry it can't be restored to its original state, but I've already begun seeking out specialists in that field!"
"Selena's parents suffered a shock that triggered their old ailments, so they couldn't visit you or apologise in person. I know how magnanimous you always are—you wouldn't hold it against them, would you? So I've forgiven them on your behalf, and all past grievances are now forgotten."
"I know you're feeling low. I've told Selena I'll be staying home with you for the time being. As long as I—"
"Who said I was going home?" I cut him off.
He looked at me in surprise. "Not going home? Are you planning to stay in hospital?"
I turned my gaze towards the male werewolf who'd been hiding under the covers, eavesdropping on the commotion.
I extended my hand, pointing slowly in his direction, yet my gaze remained fixed on Alpha Marcus, dripping with scorn. "I'll be staying at his bloody place!"
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