023 - A safe option?

CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE

NYMERA POV

I let out a shaky breath the moment I knew it was Zephyros. Right on time as usual.

My lips tugged into a small smile. I could get used to Zephyros saving me every time, not that I'm complaining though.

I watched the scene unfold before me. Dorian was trembling like a chicken that had been drenched by rain.

Zephyros walked majestically and sat on the chair opposite my bed.

He folded his tense muscles against his chest. His eyes glaring daggers at Dorian, who kept his head low.

Not once did he look at me, but I could tell he was trying his best to keep his cool.

"Do you usually hit her?" Zephyros questioned.

My heartbeat quickened as Dorian fell to his knees at the question.

"No.. no, uncle. I would never!" Dorian stuttered, shaking his head. 

I swallowed the lump in my throat and bit my inner cheek. I was helpless.

Dorian was lying, but there was nothing I could do about it because my mother may lose her life over my impatience.

Besides, Dorian may not know what that so-called family of mine is up to.

Tears stung my eyes. Patience, Nymera.

"Uncle?" Zephyros asked, and Dorian just nodded.

"I am your king, and you address me as properly." Zephyros demanded.

"If you've never hit her, why start now?"

Dorian glanced at me over his shoulder. Before gritting out, "This bitc..."

Before he could complete his words, Dorian was slammed against the wall, and I gasped at the brute force and speed.

Zephyros was choking Dorian, and his eyes blazed.

Dorian's legs dangled above the ground. His eyes were half closed as he coughed.

Zephyros was in his beast mood. I never imagined that he would treat his own nephew with so much contempt.

Neither did I believe he would treat Dorian the same way he would treat outsiders.

"Bitch? Who gave you the right to undermine her like that?" Zephyros growled.

"You don't deserve to be her mate. Neither do you deserve to be the Alpha of a pack."

I fiddled with my dress. Zephyros was obviously consumed by anger, and I would definitely bear the consequences of his actions.

"Please let him go," I pleaded. Not because I was worried about Dorian but because of me.

Zephyros’ gaze finally shifted to me for the first time since he stepped into the room.

I gave him a pleading look. He clenched and unclenched his jaw. I could see it in his eyes - he didn't want to.

Then I mouthed, "Please.”

Without warning, he let go of Dorian, who fell to the ground coughing.

I gave Zephyros a tight lipped smile before looking at Dorian, who was still gasping for air.

"Dorian? I'll ask you for the last time, why would you stoop so low to hurt your... Nymera?" Zephyros asked.

Dorian shook his head. “I didn't want to. I had no choice. It's her…” he spat and pointed at me

My forehead creased. Me? What did I do?

"She has been cheating on me with other men. Countless times, she had disrespected me," he accused with venom-laced voice.

Zephyros smirked and ordered, "A woman doesn't disrespect a man who treats her with respect"

Dorian snapped his head to look at Zephyros but diverted his gaze almost immediately. He clenched his hands.

Dorian wasn't pleased with Zephyros reply.

"But you're right. No matter what happens, a Luna must remain loyal at all times," Zephyros added, and Dorian nodded his head.

What game was Zephyros trying to play? One minute he was defending me, another minute he spoke in favor of my oppressor.

"I have a plan. The men who had sexual relations with your wife should be punished, to serve as a warning to all.”

Thousands of thoughts ran through my head. Zephyros was that man. Does he want to expose himself? 

If not, what tangible explanation does he want to give to Dorian?

"Everyone who dares their superior should be dealt with, scared for life. They messed with the wrong woman. Would you like me to handle it?"

It seemed like Zephyros was giving Dorian a choice, but he wasn't. Yes, Zephyros is that sinister and calculating.

He knows that Dorian dared not refuse him.

"Of course. Thank you so much, Your Majesty," Dorian replied hesitantly.

"Bu.. but what about her?" Dorian urged. He wants Zephyros to punish me. He wasn't satisfied with letting me off the hook.

"I'll handle her too," Zephyros added.

This time, a satisfied and triumphant glint danced in his eyes. How was it possible that Dorian could lie and get away with it easily?

He actually believed what Ophelia told him about me sleeping around. 

I knew he would use it against me someday, but I didn't expect that day to come so soon. But I wasn't too disappointed. Dorian would do anything for his reputation.

"Why are you still here?" Zephyros' voice disrupted my thoughts.

"I'll take my leave now," Dorian bowed and scurried away like the coward he is, closing the door behind him.

The room fell silent. Only glances were exchanged. I was confused, and he knew that.

I hung my head low, breaking eye contact and bit my lower lip.

"Will you really punish me?" I blurted out before I could stop myself.

I squeezed my eyes shut. Why did I ask such a dumb question? I already knew the answer to that question.

He remained silent, but his gaze was focused on me. All my brain screamed for me to do was change the topic.

"Uhm, I thought you had left," I said in a low voice.

"Has that fool ever hit you?" He growled.

My heartbeat increased.

I thought we'd gone past that topic? Shouldn't he be more concerned that our secret was on the verge of blowing up?

Saying the truth would do more harm than good.

I cleared my throat. Dorian has never hit me. He just got angry this time out of jealousy," I lied.

I peered at him from underneath my lashes, composed. Yet, scared he might see through my lies.

"Hmm," he strode toward the window and faced it. "The day he hits you is the day he dies."

I pinched myself. No, he wouldn't. I shook my head, trying to convince myself that he was just bluffing.

Tears stung my eyes. My heart ached because what would happen if he finally found out that I lied?

He may be a king, but he's also Dorian's uncle. They are family. What would the world think of me if he hurts his nephew?

A witch? A curse?

What have I gotten myself into? Should I have never gotten involved with Zephyros? Did I allow myself to fall helplessly for my mate's uncle?

I palmed my face to hide my tears. I felt the side of the bed sink, and I sniffled and wiped my tears.

His eyes were no longer cold. It was replaced by a strange emotion - guilt.

"I'm sorry," he groaned and loosened his clenched fist.

What was he sorry about?

"For what?"

"What I would do if I found out the truth"

Unable to look at him any longer, I turned away from him. I thought I could handle this monster. Was I wrong all along?

I could handle Zephyros killing outsiders, but family? Did he really kill his previous wives?

"So the rumors are true? That you killed your previous wives. They were not your destined mates, but still..." My voice trailed off.

"They betrayed me!" he growled.

I chuckled bitterly. "Does that mean you would kill me one day if I made a mistake?"

Silence.

Right. What was I expecting from a mad king? That he would pamper me forever? That he was a safe and better option?

"I'm disappointed that you think I'll ever hurt you," he said.

He stood up and headed to the door.

"My madness is incurable. It is part of me. I may destroy the world, but never the woman I've given my dark heart to," he continued.

"I killed them because they wanted to kill me. Besides, family may be more vicious than strangers. Do not give up your life just to please because they don't care."

Without sparing me a glance, he walked out.

I gasped as his words struck me like a dagger.

Why would I doubt him? But I couldn't shake off the dread that comes with his obsession and possessiveness.

Am I doomed to have toxic relationships?