Victoria's POV
I paced around my room in a panic as his words rang in my head. I couldn't believe that I was actually doing this—I was going to have sex with Bernard. I was going to be his sexual partner, and there was nothing I could do about it.With a sigh, I stood before the mirror and gently caressed the pendant on my necklace as my thoughts turned to Derick. I wondered what he must be thinking of me and the decisions I had made. Surely, he would be angry with me, but I hoped he understood the situation I was in.“What's wrong? You should be celebrating,” Jane spoke from behind me, causing me to startle. With a deep sigh, I sat on the bed and saw the worry etched on her face as she stared at me. “What's wrong? You won, you should be happy,” she asked. I gulped, knowing I had to tell her, I had to confide in someone.As Jane sat down next to me, concern evident on her face, I took a deep breath and collected my thoughts. Opening up to her was the only way to share the burden I carried.“Jane, there's something I need to tell you,” I began, my voice filled with a mix of hesitation and vulnerability. “Bernard… he approached me before the meeting, and we made a deal.”Jane's eyes widened with surprise. “A deal? What kind of deal?”I met her gaze, searching for understanding and support. “He offered his support and ensured that all the Alphas would vote for me to be the caretaker of the throne. In return, he asked that I become his sexual partner.”Jane's jaw dropped, and she stared at me in disbelief. “You… you agreed to that? Victoria, how could you?”Tears welled up in my eyes as guilt washed over me. “I know, Jane. I know it's a terrible decision, and I can't believe I've put myself in this situation. But I was desperate, and I thought it was the only way to secure Aidan's future and protect our pack.”Jane shook her head, a mix of disappointment and concern on her face. “Victoria, you're sacrificing yourself for the pack, but at what cost? This isn't right. You deserve better than this.”I gulped and stood up, pacing around as I thought of ways to get out of this mess, but I knew it wasn't possible. I had to go through with it.“Bernard is married, and you just lost your mate and husband barely two weeks ago. Why would he make such demands on you?” Jane spoke, confused, and I couldn't give her an answer. I was confused, worried, and scared.Anxiously, I rubbed my hand over the pendant on my neck as I continued pacing around my room. I wished this were all a nightmare, that I would wake up in Derick's arms, and he would tell me it was just a dream. But deep down, I knew the truth. This wasn't a nightmare; it was my reality, and I would have to face it.“So, are you going to do it?” Jane asked, and I didn't give an answer, but I knew I was going to do it. I couldn't dare go back on my words, not when I knew the kind of person and influence Bernard had as the lord of the Hybrids.Jane's eyes filled with concern as she realized my silence meant acceptance. “Victoria, you can't possibly go through with this. There has to be another way, another solution.”I stopped pacing and turned to face her, my voice filled with a mix of pain and resignation. “Jane, I've thought about it. I've weighed the options, and this is the only way to ensure Aidan's safety and the future of our pack. I don't like it, but I have to do what's necessary.”Jane stood up, her eyes pleading with me. “But what about you? What about your happiness? Is it worth sacrificing your own well-being?”Tears streamed down my face as I struggled to find an answer. “I don't know, Jane. I don't know if I'll ever be happy again. All I want is to protect my son and honor Derick’s memory. If this is what it takes, then I'll bear the burden.”Jane reached out and pulled me into a tight embrace, her voice filled with compassion. “Victoria, you're stronger than you realize. I'll stand by your side, regardless of what decision you make. But please remember that you deserve happiness too.”I clung to her, seeking comfort in her words. “Thank you, Jane. Your support means the world to me. I don't know how I would have made it this far without you.”We stayed locked in that embrace, finding comfort in each other's presence. Deep down, I knew the path ahead would be filled with challenges and sacrifices. But I had made my decision, and I would face the consequences with as much strength as I could muster.As we finally pulled away from each other, I wiped away my tears and straightened my posture.“You should go to bed, it’s getting late,” she said, and I nodded and watched her teleport away.With a deep breath, I lay on the bed and forcefully shut my eyes, hoping that when I woke up, everything would be a dream.I woke up in the morning to the sound of my alarm. Slowly and with my eyes closed, I moved my hand to the side of the bed to get a touch of Alpha Derick, like I would always do. But then I realized… the bed was empty; he was gone.I opened my eyes and stared at the empty space that belonged to Derick. Tears welled up in my eyes as I realized he was gone and everything wasn't a dream.Taking a deep breath, I sat on the bed and stared at the empty room where I had shared memorable moments with Derick. But now, the room felt colder, emptier without him. The memories flooded back, reminding me of the love and happiness we had shared. But now, he was gone, taken from me too soon. The pain in my chest was unbearable, and the weight of my decision pressed down on me even harder.I reached for the pendant on my necklace, holding it tightly as if it could provide some solace. It was a symbol of our love, a reminder of the bond we had shared. But now, it also represented the sacrifice I had made and the uncertain future that lay ahead.The room felt suffocating, and I needed to escape, if only for a moment. I got up and walked over to the window, opening it to let in some fresh air. The cool breeze brushed against my face, offering a small respite from the turmoil within.As I stood there, staring out into the world beyond, I couldn't help but wonder what Derick would think of my decision. Would he understand why I had made this choice? Would he be disappointed in me? The questions gnawed at me, filling me with guilt and uncertainty.“Don't do it,” Beatrice, my wolf, urged. “Once you do, you will never forgive yourself for it.” She said, and all I could do was gulp and begin taking off my clothes.I freshened up and got dressed in a well-fitted dress before leaving my room. Firstly, I went to check on Aidan and realized he was still asleep. So, I kissed him and left his room.As I descended the stairs, I nodded my head in response to the greetings of the servants. When I reached the sitting room, I found Tony waiting for me.The moment he saw me, he stood to his feet and marched up to me. “You! What deal did you strike with Lord Bernard?” he yelled, while I scoffed and took a seat.He turned and held my gaze, anger burning in his eyes. “What did you offer?” he asked, but I didn't give him a response. Instead, I signaled a servant to get me a glass of drink.“You…”“Be careful, Beta Tony. Remember who you are talking to. I'm no longer Luna Victoria; I'm now your acting Alpha, and you won't speak to your Alpha in such a manner.”Tony struggled to control his anger. He clenched his fists by his sides, his knuckles turning white. “It's not over, it is not…” he tried speaking, but I cut him off. “You will do nothing, Tony. It's over for you,” I said while getting on my feet. “I will make sure that you pay for what you did. You planned my husband's death and think you will go scot-free?” I scoffed bitterly. “Never! I'm going to make sure you pay for it, so sit tight and wait for me.” With that, I took the glass of wine from the servant and walked away.I strolled to the garden and inhaled deeply while taking a sip of my drink. On my shoulders, I bear so many responsibilities and tasks, and I worry about how I am going to accomplish them all.Bernard's POVI paced around the living room, feeling tense and anxious. Victoria was on her way, and I couldn't help but be nervous. All these years, I have wanted her. I have craved to hold her in my arms, and now, as if it's a dream, it's about to happen.“I'm against this, Bernard,” my wolf spoke angrily, but I shut him away and suppressed him from talking to me. Nervous and curious, I checked my wristwatch and realized it was almost 8 PM, with no sign of her yet. I knew she was avoiding being seen by anyone, so she decided to come in the dark. Not that I cared if anyone saw her. It's not like we were doing anything wrong, right?“I'm at your gate,” she announced through telepathy, and my heart skipped a beat. “Come in and lock the gate,” I spoke firmly, trying to hide the uneasiness in my voice.She closed the mind link without saying a word. “You can do this. Don't let her see that you're nervous,” I mumbled to myself and sat on the one-seater couch. I rested my back on the couc
Bernard’s POVIf eyes could kill, I should probably be dead, but all that did not matter to me. All that mattered was that she was mine tonight."Bernard!" she called out impatiently when she realized I was just staring at her naked body. "You didn't tell me that you wanted to sit and drool," she spoke, fuming with anger. "I'm not a..." she tried to speak, but I cut her off. "Get down on your knees," I said and saw her furrow her brow, confused at my words. "You heard me right. Get down on your knees," I repeated my words and saw her gulp before she slowly fell to her knees, and this time a droplet of tears fell on her cheek.Her tears hit me, but I sucked in a deep breath and gestured for her to come closer to me. Without hesitating, she crawled to me and stopped a few inches away from me.She lowered her gaze, unable to meet mine. With a sigh, I lifted her chin with my index finger and held her gaze. Her eyes were filled with pain, and I couldn't stop myself from slamming my lips ag
Victoria's POVI pushed him away and got off the bed. My heart was clenching with pain, and tears threatened to spill from my eyes, but I refused to let him see me cry. I walked over to where my clothes were scattered and picked them up, ignoring his gaze fixed on me.After dressing up, I grabbed my bag and made my way towards the door, but he stepped down from the bed, blocking my path, still naked. Anger surged within me, and my rage started to boil over. “And what is the meaning of this?” I asked angrily.“You're not leaving,” he stated firmly, causing my brow to furrow. “Are you serious?” I retorted with frustration, and he nodded.“You're not a whore that I would let leave after making love. I want you in my arms tonight,” he said, and I scoffed in disbelief. How dare he? How dare he think I would spend the night with him? Having sex with him was already torturous enough, and now this?Taking a deep breath, I composed myself and locked eyes with him. “I'm not spending the night h
Bernard's POVI opened my eyes with a smile on my face. I sat on the bed and checked the clock, realizing it was already 8 in the morning, and I haven't slept this long in a while.Memories of last night flooded my head, causing a big smile to appear on my face. I could still perceive her scent lingering around, and I couldn't help but take a deep sniff. A smile of satisfaction appeared on my face, and I couldn't wait to have her in my arms again.“What you are doing is wrong,” my wolf grunted. I sighed and got off the bed. “You have a mate…"“She doesn't bear my mark,” I responded. “Cora is my mate, but she doesn't bear my mark, and I believe you know why.” I snapped at him and left the bed.“Just because she doesn't have a good personality doesn't mean she won't change, Bernard,” my wolf argued, and I groaned. “You are just so obsessed with Victoria that every woman seems imperfect to you.” My wolf spat and shut himself away from me before I could even respond.With a grunt, I took
Victoria's POVI held his gaze, waiting for him to joke and say it was a joke, but he didn't. Instead, he began unbuttoning his shirt while I just stood and stared.I watched him unbutton all the buttons on his shirt, take it off, and reveal his well-muscled chest and abs. Despite how much I hated this, I couldn't deny the fact that he had a hot, sexy body that would make anybody drool, regardless of gender.His body was impressive, with well-defined muscles on his chest and abs. His chest showed strength and athleticism. His stomach had a tight and toned six-pack, and a bit of hair trailed down. Veins could be seen on his arms and chest, showing that he had been doing lots of workouts.He had broad shoulders that showed his strength. His arms were muscular, and for ridiculous reasons, I wished to hold them.“Stop it, you are drooling over him,” Beatrice growled, and I frowned and composed myself.I watched him go for the zipper of his pants, zip it down, and pull the pants to his kne
Bernard's POV “Hell no! I'm leaving this very minute,” she spat at my face, but I didn't respond. Instead, I walked to my closet, grabbed a sweatpants, and put them on. I turned to face her and could see that she was fuming with anger. It wouldn't take long before she’ll explode.“Listen, this was not the deal. The deal was to be your fuck buddy and nothing else,” she yelled, but I shook my head and stood before her. “You are wrong, Victoria. The deal is to be my lover, and I spend the nights with my lovers,” I explained firmly, seeing her groan with anger, revealing her fangs, which would have scared anyone else, but not me.“I'm leaving this minute. It's either you let me go or I'll burn down the door,” she threatened, but her threats didn't frighten me. Instead, I sat and watched her boil with anger as she turned red.“You…" she paused, took a deep breath to control her emotions, and closed her eyes momentarily. After a while, she opened them and shot me a death glare before lookin
Victoria’s POVI blinked my eyes repeatedly as the sunlight from the window flashed in my eyes. With a frown, I slowly opened my eyes and squinted against the bright light. Groaning annoying, I closed my eyes and rubbed them with my hands before sitting up in bed.I opened my eyes again and glanced around the room, realizing that this was not the room I shared with Derick. It was Bernard's room. All that had happened the night before played back in my head, causing a frown to appear on my face. I hated how vulnerable I had made myself look before him, but I couldn't deny the fact that it was relieving to pour out all my sorrow and pain.Just as I was about to leave the bed, the door opened and Bernard walked in with a tray of breakfast in his hands. He smiled and placed the tray of food on the bed in front of me before sitting down. “Good morning. How was your night?” He asked, but I just rolled my eyes and reached for my phone. I picked it up and realized it was already 10 am, and I
Victoria's POVWhen I walked into the sitting room, I met Jane waiting for me. She held my gaze and shot me a suspicious glance. Without saying a word, I knew she knew where I was coming from.“Jane, you're here,” I greeted while taking a seat. Just then, Aidan’s nanny walked up to me. “Where is he?” I asked, worriedly.“He is in school, and I did as you instructed. Four-armed security guards are with him,” she said. I nodded and flashed her a grateful smile as she bowed and left.Jane and I remained silent. Jane didn't want to say a word, but I knew she had a lot of things to say. “Just spill it out,” I murmured and saw her shrug her shoulders. “What do you want me to say?” she asked. I rolled my eyes and got up on my feet.I took the stairs to my room, and when I arrived, I saw Jane already seated on one of the couches.“Damn your abilities!” I grumbled and sat on the bed. As I took off my shoes, I could feel Jane's suspicious glance on me, but I ignored it and began taking off my c