Bound to the dying lycan king

Vaelora’s POV I woke up smiling. For a few seconds I forgot all that had become my life. I don't remember the cold house, the isolation, or the many nights I cried myself to sleep while my husband was out until morning. Today was important. I had an ultrasound today. I covered my abdomen with my hand and I smiled gently. “Morning” I whispered, “little one.” I had begun talking to my baby at four months pregnant, when I was alone, which was quite a bit of the time. Very often. A smile fell from my face as I walked over to the other side of the bed. Empty. Again. The other papers by my side were left undisturbed. Last night Kaiven didn't come home. There was a familiar pain that settled in my chest. If I would have seen an empty bed 3 years ago, it would have scared me. Now that wasn't really surprising to me. I began to sit up slowly and rubbed my lower abdomen. My pregnancy was not an easy one. My healers gave me a lot of advice to not put myself in stressful situations and to not use my body too much. Sadly, there was only stress in my life. Slowly I got out of bed and looked at the clock. Eight o’clock. I was to be seen at eleven. Kaiven had promised me—promised, sworn he would take me. I straight away picked up my phone and called him. The bell went aaaahhhh!The bell went aaaahhhh! No answer. I frowned. Perhaps he was taking a nap. I tried again. Nothing. I sent a message. Please don’t forget today. After a couple of minutes, a second one. The appointment is crucial. Still nothing. I didn't want to let my anxiety get to me so I made myself breakfast—or at least I tried to. Eggs smelled, and made me sick. I became ill to the smell of coffee. I couldn't even get toast down. After awhile I had to content myself with tea and dry crackers. I was sitting by myself at the kitchen table, and my memories that I have been trying to suppress came again. Three years ago, I was the next in line to be the future Luna (kingdom leader) of one of the strongest packs in the kingdom, the Nightbane Pack. I had servants, security, a family and a future. Then Kaiven Drax smiled at me, and promised me forever. I selected him over all else. I ran away. I married him. I lost my parents, my inheritance, my title and my home. But somehow, despite all those sacrifices, I had convinced myself that it was worth it. I loved him, and that's why! At least, I had. I didn't know what was left to be said between us. Eleven o’clock came. Then passed. No Kaiven. No phone call. No message. Nothing. I sat by the window of the living room and watched each vehicle pass by. Whenever an engine was heard outside, my hope was raised within me. Every time it was not him, disappointment reigned. My appointment was over by 12 Noon. I called again. No answer. One o’clock—no answer. Two o’clock—no answer. Three o’clock—no answer. At that time, all my excitement was gone. I wasn't mad now. I was simply tired. Annoyed with him for excusing himself. Tired of hoping. Tired of waiting. But the baby moved slightly in my womb. I put my hand to my belly. I could only muster a quiet “I am sorry”, and the tears were in my eyes. “This is not the way I had envisioned. A child had parents that loved him. A child had the right to a father who cared enough to show up. I was lost in my thoughts until I heard the sound of a car that had finally entered the driveway. I rose to my feet, my relief overwhelming me. He was finally here. I peered out at the window and my relief went down with a thud. A woman was sitting in the passenger seat. Not just sitting, but comfortable, relaxed, as if she belonged there. My tummy clenched up tight. The door for the passengers opened. The first one to come out was a tall red haired woman. I recognized her. One of Kaiven's favorite recent films is Nysera. Before she laughed at what Kaiven said, she wrapped her arm around his. I didn't feel well seeing that. Not because it was new. Because it wasn’t. It was the worst thing. A year ago I would have shrieked. Today I was just numb. The front door opened up. Kaiven went first, then Nysera came in, her hand resting possessively on his chest. The two of them appeared so comfortable, it was like I was the outcast. Kaiven looked at me for a split-second. Why don't you run away? I stared at him. “You were not at the appointment.” He frowned slightly. “What appointment?” I got a slap on my face about the question. I laughed bitterly. “The ultrasound.” Silence. Then he saw the light on his face. “Oh.” That was it. Just one word. Oh. My chest tightened. You said you would take me.” Kaiven shrugged. “I forgot.” “You forgot?” I repeated in disbelief. “Yes.” There was no emotion in his voice. “This was your child's appointment.” His expression hardened. Then he said something that broke whatever was left of my heart. “I don’t care.” The room was silent. I blinked. “What?” “It’s no appointment,” he said impatiently. Then he turned his piercing gaze on me. “It doesn't matter to me if the child is a child or not.” I felt like it was a nightmare, the words felt strange. I couldn't breathe, couldn't think, just looked at him. “How can you say that?” I finally whispered. “Because it’s true.” Nysera grinned at him. I said to myself, “Is this a joke? Is it a joke? Is it a joke?” and then I looked at Kaiven. Nobody did. I am sure there was a tipping point inside of me. “Why am I still alive?” I asked. Kaiven wrapped his arms around his chest. “What?” “Why am I here? If you don't care about me… you don't care about our child…?” He laughed. Actually laughed. “You tell me.” “I could leave.” I threatened. “Then leave.” He replied. There was no hesitation, no regret, the answer came instantly. He gestured with his finger towards the door. “I’d be grateful.” The room spun. I felt dizzy. “Grateful?” “You’re useless, Vaelora.” Nysera chuckled softly as Kaiven went on. “You don't deserve any love from me and I've given up. I physically flinched. For several seconds, I couldn’t speak. Then all that I had buried spouted out. Everything I gave up, I gave to you, I said, my voice breaking. My title. My inheritance. My parents. My future.” I cried and cried, and cried. Kaiven's face remained expressionless. I never asked you to, I never asked you to.” The quiet that ensued was palpable. The period of three years, now shortened to one sentence. I never requested you to. Then Kaiven glanced at the hall. “Move your things.” I frowned. “What?” “The master bedroom, Nysera,” he said nodding toward Nysera. “Tonight we're going to be using it.” I thought I must have been mistaken in my interpretation. Surely not. Then Nysera smiled, and I knew that he could. “No.” I blurted out left. Kaiven’s eyes narrowed. “No?” I said, “Please, my voice shaking.” “Don’t do this.” Nysera rolled her eyes. “Oh, here we go.” I pretended not to hear her, and instead, I looked directly at Kaiven. Our wolves are mated.” He understood what I was saying. When two wolves cheated on each other, they suffered emotional and even physical wounds. The bond suffered. The wolf suffered. “Yes, I will feel it,” I replied. “I don’t care.” Nysera raised her hand, her face growing darker. “Do you want him to feel bad about himself?” “I'm talking to my husband.” I hissed at her. “You think you are better than others.” Nysera spat back. “I didn't talk to you!” I screamed in her face. “The attitude speaks for itself, you don't have to.” Came her curt reply. I shook my head. “Just do not want another woman sleeping in my bedroom – our bedroom.” Nysera scoffed. “You’re pathetic.” “No,” I replied to her, looking into her eyes. “It is pathetic to follow a married man.” Her face went as dark as pitch. “What did you say?” “You heard me.” She stepped closer. I should've turned around and walked away. I didn’t. Perhaps it was because I was tired. Perhaps it was because I was at my breaking point. Kaiven was the one Nysera turned to. “May I teach her a lesson?” I knew that he should have tried to stop her. To remind her that I am pregnant. To remind her I was his wife, his mate! Instead, he shrugged. “Make any decision you wish.” My heart stopped. Nysera smiled and then she hit me. The slap hit me on the face, making me stagger back. The pain shot through my cheek. Before I could get up, she pushed me, and I fell into a chair. “Nysera!” I cried, with my arms raised to protect myself. “I’m pregnant!” She didn’t care. Another slap. Then another. I didn't want them to see my stomach, I didn't want them to see my baby, I didn't want them to see me dying. Kaiven was standing there watching, doing nothing. The blows did not hurt as much as the realization. So I was pushed again, harder this time, by Nysera. I slipped and fell on the edge of a rug. As I fell, terror filled me. I landed on the ground. Suddenly I felt a sharp pain in my abdomen. All seemed to stand still, and I breathed in with a gasp. The pain worsened and then something even worse. Warm liquid. Slowly spreading. I looked down. Blood. There was blood running down my legs. I started to get a shaky breath. “No,” I whispered weakly. “No…” My hands trembled and the pain intensified. My eyes were clouded with tears. I turned my gaze toward Kaiven, my face aghast and panicked. “Help me.” He didn’t move. Not even an inch.