5. She's Barren!

Chapter 5. She's Barren!

AQUAMARINE'S POV

Lycan Alexander's gaze never moved as he asked, "What's your name?"

My voice trembled, "A-Aquamarine."

Suddenly, someone came from behind and gave Lycan Alexander a dark cloak. He then took it and wrapped it around me swiftly.

A moment later, he swung me onto his shoulder, leaving me breathless. I yelped, startled by the sudden movement.

With his free hand, Lycan Alexander grasped Clinton's leg, dragging him along as he walked through the woods and back to the market. People scattered, terrified, slamming shut their stalls and locking their shops. But I don't blame them, Lycan Alexander's presence was terrifying.

Even for me.

"P-please, put me down," I whispered, trembling. I didn't want to go back there, I didn't want to see their faces. Not after what they did to me.

But I got no response from him.

I'm very sure the news has spread. I saw people rush towards the palace and I wondered why Lycan Alexander and his guard were also walking in that direction.

Lycan Alexander quickened his pace, not caring about the commotion he was causing. His grip on me tightened with each step while Clinton groaned weakly as he was still dragged on the floor.

As we entered the palace, the grand hall fell silent. Everyone's eyes were fixed on us, fear and terror written all over their faces.

Before the throne, Alpha Felix stood, his eyes widening in terror as Lycan Alexander approached. His usual composure crumbled, replaced by fear.

"So foolish of you to assume I'd forget about the debt you owe my kingdom, Felix," he stated.

Lycan Alexander released Clinton's leg, letting his body crash to the floor with a loud thud. He then went ahead to switch me from his shoulder to his arms.

The Alpha's gaze darted to Clinton, then back to Alexander, his lips parted in silent terror.

I've never seen Alpha Felix shake before, now that I looked at him. He looked pathetic. Was this how I looked when I was begging for mercy?

"L-lycan A-alexander," Alpha Felix stammered, moistening his lips.

Just then, Fiona rushed in behind Alpha Felix, her hands slapped over her mouth and her eyes widened as she took in the sight.

Then she stared at Lycan Alexander. Her eyes lingered on his body, I knew what she was thinking and it made my stomach churn.

Then her face twisted in disgust when she noticed I was the one he was carrying.

"Unfortunately, he isn't dead yet. Nobody heals him till I leave. He should know better than forcing himself on my mate." Lycan Alexander kicked him forward to Alpha Felix.

The Alpha Felix's eyes flicked to me, wrapped in the cloak on Alexander's shoulder, and his face paled further.

"Y-your mate?" Alpha Felix stuttered. "How can this be? She's…”

“S-she's cursed L-lycan Alexander," Fiona interrupted, drawing Lycan Alexander's attention.

"A-as for the debt. I'm more than willing to be used as payment….. I-I am stronger, more worthy, and more capable of being your mate and Luna," she said, feigning innocence as she took slow steps toward Lycan Alexander.

"Unlike her who is weak, wolfless, and unworthy of your status." She said looking at me in spite.

“I'm not wolf-less,” I murmured. I felt annoyed at her statement; using herself as payment and calling me wolfless. I've already awakened my wolf so why does nobody believe me?

"C-choose me, and I will stand by your side, support your rule, and help you achieve greatness," she promised.

This was it, Lycan Alexander would definitely pick her over me. After all, I'm an abomination and she's the lady every man in our land desired.

Just when I prepared myself for another round of painful rejection phase, I heard Lycan Alexander speak.

"You think you can handle me and replace my mate by my side?" Lycan Alexander growled,

Fiona's smile faltered. "B-but… I..."

Lycan Alexander's laughter sent shivers through the hall. Its deep, rumbling sound scared me.

"Aquamarine is mine, My Mate," he declared, his deep voice echoing through the grand hall.

"My Luna and no one will take her place," he continued, his eyes flashing the same deadly golden hue they did when he attacked Clinton.

No, this was even deadlier.

My heart skipped a beat at his words, nobody had ever supported me or defended me before. I released a breath I didn't know I was holding. I stared at him, with wide eyes as he continued speaking.

"From this day forward, she will be treated with respect, reverence, and fear due to her position as my partner and companion."

His gaze swept over my family, his eyes burning with warning. "Remember, I will not tolerate disrespect, disobedience, or harm toward my mate." he cautioned.

Sarah stepped out, trembling as she spoke. "L-lycan Alexander. She's known to sleep around with men, and just last night, she was caught seducing Clinton."

My face twisted in disgust as I heard Sarah's lies. I should have known she wouldn't give up easily, but now, I wouldn't either.

"That's a lie! I never slept with anybody and I never seduced Clinton. He was my mate but he slept with her!" I spat, pointing at Fiona. My voice echoed through the hall and my whole body trembled.

"E-everyone knows the truth," Fiona continued, her voice masked with innocence. " What's worse is that she gets rid of her babies in her w-womb and now she's unable to bear children. She's barren."

Rage rushed through my veins like liquid fire. How dare she spit such lies about me when she's the one who has been fooling around with men for years?

I struggled free from Lycan Alexander's grip and took a step forward, but he still held me as my eyes locked on Fiona.

"I'll prove you wrong, Fiona. All of you." I vowed, memories of my torture flooding in.

"I'll show you my worth and strength. I'll bear Lycan Alexander, a strong, healthy child, one who will thrive and flourish under our Kingdom's legacy."

The hall fell silent. Fiona's face paled, and I swore I could feel her heartbeat accelerate.

As I stood, I sensed Lycan Alexander's gaze on me. But I didn't dare look at him, my focus was fixed on Fiona's pale face.

Lycan Alexander's deep voice broke the silence, "Felix. I'll take my payment by force, blood or no blood."

Lycan Alexander turned, his arm wrapping around my waist. "Come, Aquamarine. We have urgent matters to attend to."

As he swept me into his arms and as we exited, I caught a glimpse of Clinton's battered form, still lying on the floor.

Lycan Alexander kept walking and I was unsure where he was taking me or what was happening as the palace guards stumbled backwards, overpowered by a few of Lycan Alexander's men.

"Are you ready to keep the promise you made earlier, Aquamarine?" he asked, his voice low and husky.

I trembled, confused. "W-what promise?"

Lycan Alexander's gaze locked onto mine, his eyes flashing with golden intensity. "An heir, Aquamarine. I need an heir.”