007 - Trapped

CHAPTER SEVEN

NYMERA POV 

I wiped the pathetic tears that wouldn't stop rolling down my eyes, sniffling like a hopeless child.

It would have been better if Dorian had told me the truth, but hearing it from Zephyros made me a total joke.

I maneuvered through different paths absentmindedly. Hundreds of thoughts spiraled through my head.

"Enough, Ophelia!" I heard someone whisper-yelled, disrupting my train of thought.

I looked around and realized I was close to Ophelia's chamber. How did I get here?

"Don't shut me up, Dorian," I heard Ophelia hiss.

Carefully, I tiptoed and hid in the dark and peeked through the crack of the door.

"Seriously, Dorian, you saw how that mad uncle of yours embarrassed me, and what did you do, huh?" She gritted, poking Dorian's arm.

Dorian heaved and brushed his hair backward. "And whose fault was that? It would have been better if you had obeyed immediately.”

Ophelia furrowed her brows, and neither of them said a word. Suddenly, she burst out laughing.

"So it wasn't enough I had to leave the chair for that wretched witch, you're blaming me for not doing it earlier?" She barked.

Dorian just stared at her, his arms crossed against his chest.

"Answer me, Dorian!" She ordered. "Wait.. have you fallen for her? Are you in love with Nymera now?" Ophelia asked in a low voice.

There was silence for a few seconds. Only the sound of breath could be heard. My heartbeat increased. My hands became sweaty.

Why was it taking so long for Dorian to answer? Has he really fallen in love with me? Has seeing Zephyros’ interest stirred something in him?

I swallowed the lump in my throat. Then he chuckled deeply.

Ophelia rolled her eyes. "Answer the damn question. Why wouldn't you give me a direct answer if you don't love Nymera?"

Dorian's eyes darkened. His fists were clenched. He took measured steps towards Ophelia.

"I do not love Nymera and never will. She's not worth an ounce of my affection!" He spat, like the words were bitter.

My heart clenched, and my vision became blurry again. Of course, he doesn't love me. What was I thinking?

"So why then did you side with her?" Ophelia pushed further.

"For fuck's sake, you embarrassed me in front of the king. You made me look incompetent. You know how much I hate that."

Dorian added. "And instead of running your mouth, you should be thankful His Majesty did not detach your head from your body for the disrespect."

Ophelia scoffed, "You wouldn't let that happen," she said confidently.

Dorian mumbled, "Whatever." He then turned and headed toward the door, and I hid properly.

"I'm retiring to my chambers. What happened today shouldn't repeat itself,” He commanded.

"Wait, there's something I must tell you," Ophelia said, subconsciously rubbing her stomach.

"I'm not in the mood. Tell me some other time. Just work on your character and don't do anything that will tarnish my reputation," he ordered and walked out.

Ophelia stood rooted, but her eyes blazed. "Is that how to treat a pregnant woman? Such a lunatic like his uncle," she seethed and stormed out.

The tears that threatened to spill earlier disappeared. Dorian doesn't know that she's pregnant with his child?

If he doesn't know, it's understandable why he didn't say a word to me, but how did Zephyros find out?

Goosebumps crept onto my skin. How does he know everything?

Ophelia wouldn't have an interior motive. They both love each other.

"Do they look like their love is unshakable?" My subconscious mocked.

Whatever. Their affairs are none of my business.

I sighed and headed to my room. The room was cold and everywhere was dark. I switched on the light, and I mistakenly hit my head on the wall.

I hissed in pain as I massaged the area. Dorian just told Ophelia that he was going to bed, so what in the hell was he doing in my room?

"A little attention from the King and you feel you don't have to respect me again, huh?" he said, his voice dangerously low and his eyes dark.

Regaining my senses, I bowed. "I.. I apologize Alpha. I was just surprised at your presence." I breathed.

"Mind telling me where you're coming from?" He strode towards me.

My mind went blank. I was out of ideas. How was I supposed to tell him everything that had happened with his uncle?

Why does he care, though? "I had to play longer for His Majesty as he wouldn't calm down easily," I lied through my teeth.

My conscience agreed with me as I didn't feel an ounce of guilt. He sent me to King after all, just to please him. So, I'm sure he wouldn't complain.

He opened his mouth to talk but closed it almost immediately. He nodded. "As long as you did a good job, it's fine. Come with me to my chambers," he ordered and turned to the door.

My breath hitched. His chambers at this ungodly hour? "Why Alpha? I can do whatever you want me to do tomorrow," I informed, and he snapped his head in my direction.

"How dare you question me? If you can serve the king, why can't you serve me?" He groaned.

"Come with me now unless you want to sleep in the dungeon!" He vented and left.

I wiped the tear that fell off my eyes. Dorian was acting suspiciously, like he's jealous. I shook my head. He doesn't love me, so he wouldn't be bothered.

I left my room with wobbly legs. I entered his chamber. He lay on the bed. Surrounded by alcoholic drinks and the floor was littered.

He gestured for me to walk closer, and I did. His eyes trailed my every move.

"Clean it up," he ordered, and I nodded. I knelt and started cleaning, ignoring my droopy eyes.

"What's going on between you and my uncle?" His voice rang out.

I froze. With my head hung low, I blinked rapidly, and my stomach back-flipped.

"Are you fucking him?" He asked further 

How dare he ask me such a ridiculous question? I breathed out and replied, "He is your uncle and my uncle in-law. Although fake, I dare not disregard our marriage," I gritted as I scrubbed the floor harder.

He laughed like a maniac. "Such a hypocrite. You talk as if another man hadn't seen your nakedness."

My hold on the cup tightened. Perfect, he just had to remind me. He already knows my deepest and dirtiest secret, so why?

"Why didn't you expose my secret to other pack members or even your family members?" I finally asked what had tugged on my chest for a while.

He shrugged, "Well, I couldn't let an insignificant urchin tarnish my image."

"Since you hate me so much and this union is a facade, let's sever our mate bond then," I blurted before I could stop myself.

He charged at me. My eyes dilated, and my stomach tied into knots. Before j could process what was going on, he threw me across the room. The cracking of my bone mixed with my cries filled the room.

The pain shot through my body as I sobbed.

He knelt before me and held my chin tightly, forcing me to look at him.

"You don't get to tell me what to do? I refuse to sever the mate bond, but you will be more useful as a slave!" He smirked evilly. His eyes were dark and without depth.

Tears rolled down my eyes. I am trapped between two monsters. Both claiming my body and soul. Will they ever let me go?