BAD WINE
1354 Words
ELLA’S POV
A loud thud echoed across the room.
It was a resounding slap courtesy of Nickson.
The slap was loud, heavy like a gunshot.
My eyes widened in disbelief as I clung to my injured forehead.
Did Nickson just slap his mate for me?
Anastasia staggered sideways, her hand flying to her cheek.
Her eyes widened as she looked up at Nickson. Disbelief etched on her pale face.
“You slapped me?"
Nickson stood frozen for a second.
His chest rising and falling like he had just run miles.
He stared at his hands, shocked at his own limb,
Then— his expression hardened into something cold.
“Yes I did," he declared coldly. “You have absolutely no right to waltz in her and hurt my guest any reason."
My breath hitched.
He really did that for me?
A spark of excitement blossomed in my chest— one I couldn't bring myself to suppress.
Anastasia's brows furrowed in disbelief.
“You slapped me for her?" she asked, pointing her index finger at me.
Nickson didn't respond.
His silence seemed like fuel to her anger, cause immediately after that, she jumped towards me.
Fortunately Nickson grabbed her just in time.
“Let go of me," she yelled, her eyes blood red. “I am going to kill that witch."
Her body vibrated with anger. I could practically see her wolf shimmering just below the surface.
My heart skipped.
I scrambled backward with fear.
Yes, I wanted to see her in pain, but I wasn't going to let myself be killed by a raging wolf.
“Stop this madness," Nickson roared, throwing her to the floor.
That didn't dampen Anastasia's anger in the slightest.
She rose to her feet, the hate in her eyes soring higher.
“Madness?" she let out a cold, broken chuckle.
“You called over to humiliate me infront of this ugly slut, and I am the one being mad?"
“My gosh, Nickson you are an ingrate, I give you everything, my body, my soul, my life, and what do I get in return? betrayal," she staged being innocent, tears pricking her eyes.
She looked so innocent and wronged.
A cold shiver kissed my skin.
Anastasia was an Oscar winning actress. If I didn't see her with my two eyes, I would have believed every single word she just spat.
I glanced up at Nickson and his expression softened.
My heart sank, was that really all it took for Anastasia to change things back to her direction?
Just when the feeling of defeat began to envelope in its cold embrace, Nickson broke into a hellish laugh.
“Wow, you're such a good actress. You should give acting a try," Nickson said casually and she became immovable.
Her eyes interchanging between disbelief and shock.
“Do I look stupid to you Anastasia?"
“First, you humiliated me,” he said, voice low and shaking with fury. “Then you lied to me. You cheated on me. And now you walked in here like you owned me. Pretending to be the victim,”
“I didn't... I..." Anastasia tried to defend herself but was cut off by Nick.
“Anastasia stop lying. I know you are sleeping with David."
David? how did he know that name, I don't remember telling him what my ex's name was.
Anastasia's mouth fell open.
“How... how did you..."
“How did I know?" Nick asked rhetorically. “I know everything Anastasia. I am alpha heir for a reason."
Anastasia feel to her knees, tears practically pouring down her cheeks. “I am sorry babe, it was a moment of weakness..."
“Moment of weakness? How convenient," Nick said with an abject laugh. “I had asked about him in the past, and what was your response? he is just my friend"
Anastasia's sobs grew even louder.
“Nickson I am truly sorry. It's just... you became so boring. You were adamant to change, predictable and I got tired. I wanted someone wild, someone free, and David just happened to be there."
Nickson stared down at her, then something feral flashed across his face.
“That is no excuse Anastasia."
“I know, that is why I am so sorry," Anastasia sobbed onto his feet.
“Enough Anastasia. I don't want to hear it," Nick said pulling away from her torch. “You know what? Get out.”
She glanced up at him once more, her eyes pleading. “Nickson please let's just talk things over.”
“We have nothing to talk about."
Nickson stepped forward, towering over her, eyes glowing with Alpha authority.
“Gat out of my room now.
Nickson's tone was cold, his teeth clenched as he spoke.
The command vibrated through the air.
For a moment she hesitated.
Her feet unwilling to go, but fear got the better part of her.
Quickly she grabbed her purse, shot me a murderous glare before storming out and slamming the door.
The room fell into a deafening silence.
The air felt heavy, and suffocating.
The tension in the atmosphere was so high that I forgot to breathe.
My body felt bone chilling cold.
I glanced down to my bosom, only to remember I was in nothing.
I immediately grabbed the duvet, draping it over my chest.
I had been too engulfed in my their little drama to notice my own vulnerability.
Nickson dragged a hand over his face, then turned to me — his gaze landing on the blood at my temple.
“Come here," he commanded calmly as though talking to a puppy. “Sit.”
I flinched, skeptical about his sudden kindness.
Still, I let out a sigh and obeyed automatically.
Quickly, he headed to his closet, grabbed the first aid kit.
He began cleaning my wound with tough, efficient movements — but his touch on my skin was careful. Focused. Like hurting me further would break something inside him.
This was the first time someone order than my dad had taken care of me.
In that moment, I my he's sored.
He continued cleaning me, while I continued staring.
When he finished, he cleaned the floor, grabbed a bottle of wine and poured.
“Share a drink with me," he offered, his eyes pleading.
Normally I wasn't a fan of alcohol, but the desperation in his eyes, said it all— he needed a friend, a confidant.
I flashed a smile at him, and took the wine, with a little thank you.
Then we gulped it down drank.
We drank, and drank.
Trying to push some of the sorrow away.
Nickson's body swayed uncontrollably and I immediately knew he drank.
“Nickson, you have had even…” I politely explained, trying to grab the glass from his grip but the sound of his voice stopped me.
“I loved her, you know," he laughed bitterly. “She was my mate.”
His laugh was broken— humorless.
The pain in his voice sliced through me like a sharp knife through butter..
“I gave her everything. My life, my time, my loyalty," Nickson said through tears. “I was going to make her my wife, but apparently I am not man enough for anyone."
Something inside me cracked.
I leaned closer, taking his hands in mine.
“Nickson, look at me,” I beseeched him. “Don't say that about yourself. You're a great man, strong and reliable. And if Anastasia can't bring herself to see that, then she doesn't deserve you."
He looked at me— really looked.
Like he was seeing me for the first time.
“Are you sure?" ha asked, a hint of tone sincere.
I nodded enthusiastically.
“Definitely. Nickson , you are an amazing man and any woman would be fortunat to be called your wife."
When I was don, something in his eyes shifted.
His gaze was darkened.
Hunger replacing heartbreak.
Before I could breathe—
He grabbed my jaw and kissed me fiercely.
What was happening?
Why did he kiss me?
Was letting him even touch me the right thing to do?
- Writer
