Four:MARISSA'S POV
1199 Words
The atmosphere in the mansion had changed since the scare with the baby. Donovan’s behavior softened—he wasn’t the distant, guarded man I was used to. Now, he made sure to check in, whether it was asking how I was feeling or making sure I ate my meals.
I appreciated his concern, but it didn’t erase the tension. Elena was still here, her presence like a thorn in my side. She moved through the house like she belonged, her sharp eyes always watching, waiting. And Marco? He was a storm waiting to explode.
One thing was clear: I couldn’t trust anyone.
I was in the library, flipping through a book, when Donovan walked in. He wasn’t wearing his usual guarded expression; instead, he looked… thoughtful.
“Marissa,” he greeted, taking a seat across from me.
“You seem serious,” I said, closing the book.
“I’ve been thinking about everything,” he said, his voice low. “The stress, the danger you’ve been in... It’s my fault.”
I frowned. “Your fault? Donovan, I’m the one who chose this path.”
He leaned forward, his elbows resting on his knees. “But I brought you into my world, Marissa. I should have done more to protect you.”
“You have protected me,” I argued.
“Not enough,” he said firmly. His eyes locked on mine. “From now on, things are going to be different.”
I didn’t know what he meant, but there was a promise in his tone that sent a shiver down my spine.
I was in the garden, enjoying the cool breeze, when I heard footsteps behind me. I turned to see Sasha walking toward me, her expression smug.
“You look too comfortable,” she said, her voice dripping with sarcasm.
“What do you want, Sasha?” I asked, not in the mood for her games.
She crossed her arms, tilting her head. “I came to remind you of something.”
“Remind me of what?”
“You don’t belong here,” she said bluntly. “Donovan is only keeping you around because of the baby. Once you’ve served your purpose, you’ll be gone.”
I felt a flash of anger but kept my voice steady. “You’re wrong, Sasha. I’m not going anywhere.”
She smirked, leaning closer. “You think you’re so untouchable, don’t you? But you have no idea what’s coming.”
Before I could respond, she turned and walked away, leaving her words hanging in the air like a threat.
That night, I couldn’t sleep. Sasha’s words replayed in my mind, twisting into something darker with each repetition.
I got out of bed and walked to the window. The garden below was quiet, the moonlight casting long shadows over the trees. For a moment, I felt a strange sense of calm.
Then I heard it—a faint noise outside my door.
“Who’s there?” I called, my voice trembling.
The door creaked open, and Marco stepped inside.
“What are you doing?” I demanded, backing away.
“I needed to see you,” he said, his voice unsteady.
“You can’t be here,” I said firmly. “Get out.”
“Please, Marissa,” he said, stepping closer. “Just listen to me.”
“I have nothing to say to you,” I snapped.
“You don’t understand,” he said, desperation creeping into his voice. “I’ve lost everything. You’re the only thing I have left.”
I stared at him, stunned. “What are you talking about? You threw me away, Marco. You chose Vivian. You have her now. You have your child. Isn’t that what you wanted?”
“No,” he said, shaking his head. “I thought it was, but I was wrong. Marissa, I love you. I always have.”
“Stop,” I said, my voice cold. “You don’t love me. You love the idea of me. You love the fact that you can’t control me anymore.”
“That’s not true,” he protested, his eyes pleading.
“Get out,” I said, pointing to the door.
“Marissa, please—”
“Get out!” I shouted, my voice echoing through the room.
Marco froze, his expression a mix of anger and heartbreak. Without another word, he turned and left, slamming the door behind him.
The next morning, I found Donovan in his office. He was standing by the window, his back to me.
“Marco came to my room last night,” I said, closing the door behind me.
He turned, his expression darkening. “Did he hurt you?”
“No,” I said quickly. “But he’s… he’s not letting go, Donovan.”
His jaw tightened. “I’ll deal with him.”
“You don’t have to,” I began, but he cut me off.
“Yes, I do,” he said firmly. “He crossed a line, and I won’t let him do it again.”
I nodded, unsure of what else to say.
Donovan called a meeting in the main hall. He didn’t tell me why, but the look on his face told me it was important.
The room was packed with pack leaders and their families. Donovan stood at the front, his expression calm but commanding.
“Thank you all for coming,” he began, his voice carrying through the room. “I’ve called you here to address a growing issue in this pack.”
The room buzzed with whispers, but Donovan raised a hand, silencing them.
“Elena and Marco have been causing unrest,” he said, his tone sharp. “Their actions have put this pack at risk, and I will not allow it to continue.”
Elena, who was standing near the back, stepped forward. “Donovan, you’re overreacting,” she said, her voice smooth.
“No, I’m not,” he replied, his eyes narrowing. “You betrayed me once, Elena. I won’t give you the chance to do it again.”
Her smile faltered, but she didn’t back down. “I came back to make things right.”
“By plotting against Marissa?” Donovan shot back.
The room fell silent, all eyes on Elena.
“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” she said, her voice tight.
“Yes, you do,” Donovan said coldly. “And you’re done here, Elena. You’re no longer welcome in this pack.”
The room erupted in whispers again, but Donovan ignored them.
“Marco,” he continued, turning to his son. “Your behavior has been unacceptable. You’ve disrespected this pack, your position, and Marissa. You are no longer my son.”
The room fell silent once more, the weight of his words hanging in the air.
“You can’t do this,” Marco said, his voice trembling with rage.
“I just did,” Donovan replied, his tone final.
Marco turned to me, his eyes desperate. “Marissa, please. Say something.”
I shook my head, tears streaming down my face. “You made your choices, Marco. Now you have to live with them.”
- Writer
