THE ALPHA’S FORBIDDEN MISTRESS

THE LAST BLOODLINE

I enter the house. It is so quiet, too quiet. Not as warm, not as welcoming as Lucy’s. Guilt hits me instantly, crawling through my chest like wildfire. I hang my coat on the walk through the dim hallway, and step into our room.

Maya is lying on the bed. She smiles at me, but it doesn’t reach her eyes. A nearly empty wine bottle sits on the bedside table. Her eyes are tired. She’s trying to hide it, but I see everything.

“You’re home,” she says.

“Yes, darling. Are you drinking?”she nods.

“I thought you weren’t supposed to be drinking.”

“It doesn’t matter anymore,” she mumbles.

“How did your appointment go?” I ask walking closer.

She opens her arms. I learn down and hug her. She sobs quietly into my chest. The scent of wine clings to her breath. Her tangled hair spills across my shirt.

“ I am sorry Ethan. I failed you.”

“What are you talking about? Hey look at me.”

I try to pull back, but she holds me tighter.

“We’ve been trying, and I am scared. I think I want to give up.”

“Maybe it’s my fau___.”

“No. It can’t be you. The doctor said it countless times. I am the problem Ethan.”

“I hate it when you talk like that remember?” You promised you wouldn’t do this again.”

“I am sorry.”

“Maya stop.”

My voice rises. Not because I am angry but because I am exhausted. She’s getting under my skin, and I hate myself for letting that happen.

I love Maya. I married her. She was the woman of my dreams. When I told my family she was my fiancée. They lost it. They had plans, an arranged marriage, like tradition dedicated. But I didn’t care. I had made up my mind. The moment I met her, I fell hard. Her eyes. The way she laughed and threw her head back. She was sweet. Hopeful. Soft.

Since I was I was a boy, I have dreamed of having a family. During those first years of marriage, we distanced ourselves from everyone. It was our moment. Our sacred space. We wanted to raise our child that way from families. Away from pressure.

We tried for one year. Then another. And slowly hope faded. Faith bled out of the walls of our home. I began noticing other women. Not because I wanted them but because I needed something.

I know it’s selfish. But waiting every single day for a miracle that never comes it is a burden one carry alone.

“I have never realized how much this means to me,” she whispers.

I sigh.

“What if nothing changes Ethan? What if we keep waiting, but all we’re doing is losing time and energy?”

As a man, you’re expected to stay strong. Even when the woman beside you is falling apart. Even when she thinks it’s the end of the world. Sometimes..maybe it is. But you don’t let her think like that.

“It will change,” I say.” It’s just a matter of time.”

I learn down and kiss her forehead. A deep, tired sigh escapes my chest.

“Maya you know how much I love you right?” She nods.

“I could never leave you. Or get tired of trying. Dont lose hope. I am a man Maya. Your man. I am here to protect you.”

“You promised you wouldn’t leave me.”

“I promise.”

She inhaled deeply then looks up at me with glassy eyes.

“You’re….. smelling like flowers,” she says burying her face in my shirt.

My heart sinks.

I forgot to change when I came home. She too drunk to notice, I think.

Then she pulls back and asks,”Wait are you wearing my cologne?”

“No,” I say quickly “ I think it’s because I hugged you before I left.”

“A man like you smelling like flowers?”

“My wife is a flower.”

“I love you Ethan.”

“I love you Maya.”

MAYA’S POV

He stands up and walks into the bathroom. I watch him disappear.

My gut twists. I felt something. And when I feel something, it usually means something is wrong.

Guilt lingers in my chest, but not for what he might think. I just want to make him happy. I want to make his dreams come true. Ethan has to be mine and only mine. But I am tired, of waiting, tired of hurting, tired of trying. I came to this marriage young and beautiful, and I am not getting any younger. I have to do something whatever it takes before it is too late.

That wasn’t my cologne on him, he is hiding something. And whatever it is it could break me. Maya, you don’t have time for heart break . I rise slowly and step out onto the balcony. The night air hits my face, cool and sobering. I realize Ethan has been in the shower far too long. I pray I am wrong. But if I’m not , I still have one mission left. I have to get pregnant. I have to carry his child.

I learn on the railing and think of her… whoever she is she younger than me? Prettier? Fertile? A wave of shame and panic rushes over me. I think of jumping, just for a second. A million on questions go through my mind.

It’s it my fairly he is looking at other women? Or is it his fault that his eyes wander? He has been patient. So patient. And I understand. But I can’t let go. I head downstairs and pour myself a cup of coffee. I glanced at the mirror on the wall and free.

I don’t recognize the woman staring back. Wild hair. Puffy eyes. Fatigue painted across her face. When did i become this? This isn’t right this isn’t me.