Chapter 5: Rowan Trick Arielle

I couldn't believe that Robin said that. How could he? 

Sure, we are mates but we just met! There are still no deep feelings between us and it's still not too late if we reject each other now. 

It'll be painful to cut off the bond but it was worth the pain than being with him full of uncertainty in the future. 

With him already having a fiance and his future Luna was a blow to my pride and mental state. 

If I had to choose my mate, I wouldn't choose Robin. Instead, I would choose an ordinary person. 

All I want is to live a normal life away from the chaotic lives of the power-hungry werewolves. 

However, fate was playing with me. 

Why did I end up with a ruthless and egoistic Robin Golden? 

Being the future Alpha of the pack has many responsibilities and if I choose to be with him, he might neglect me. 

I frowned and tried to push Robin away but he's so strong. I gritted my teeth and said, "Robin! Let go of me!"

My wrist was hurting from Robin's tight hold. I'm sure it will leave a bruise. 

Still, he didn't let go and only glared daggers at me. 

What's wrong with him?!

He treated me differently earlier like I didn't exist and now he looks so possessive. 

I'm only his? What a territorial man! 

"You're so ruthless! Why don't you just reject me when you have already chosen your bride?! What do you think of me?" I said while my voice cracked a little. I was holding back my tears from pouring out. 

Robin chuckled sarcastically and looked at me with disgust in his eyes. "What do I think of you? Let me tell you this... You are nothing but a slave! And you are not worthy to be my future Luna!" 

My body trembles as I hear his words. My heart shattered into a million pieces and it's so painful. The last restraint I put on myself crumbled completely and tears streamed down my face nonstop. 

I glared at him, full of resentment. "Yes, I was just a slave! But do I want to be a slave?! I'm f*cking forced to be here! And to hell with being your Luna?! I don't want it at all! You can give it to Ericka all you want! I don't care!" I shouted full of venom. My chest heaving furiously. 

My emotions were in turmoil. All the emotions I held back since the death of my parents poured out of me like a river. 

I couldn't stop myself from crying. My chest feels so heavy like I lift an enormous barrel of water. "I just want to get out of here..." I murmured while sobbing my heart out. 

I yanked my arms away forcefully even though it stung and ran as fast as I could away from him. 

I don't want to see his face. 

Instead of getting out of the maze, I lost my way out again and reached a dead-end. 

My knees gave out, and I sat on the ground while breathing heavily. 

For some reason, no matter what I did, I couldn't stop the tears from streaming down my face. 

The excruciating pain in my chest was unbearable. 

I feel like I'm unwanted and being scorned by the universe. 

Why should I suffer in this life? 

I hated being so weak. I don't want to keep a low profile anymore but what about my future vengeance? 

I still have to avenge the death of my parents! 

Mother... father... Tell me... what should I do?

Please guide me...

Maybe I should... escape? 

But the only way out of here is through the western gate. Although it's dangerous, I think the western gate was safest if I wanted to escape this territory. They won't suspect me for escaping through that side. 

When I was talking with the guards at the western gate, I didn't forget to examine the area. 

I could escape from there if there's an attack from the beast! 

That's right. 

But for now... I have to bear with my unfair situation with Robin. 

He can treat me anything he wants. I don't care about that. 

My number one priority is to escape, anyway. 

With that resolve, I stopped crying and composed myself. Then I stood up and looked for the way out. 

After walking around like a headless chicken, I finally found the exit. 

I sighed in relief and immediately ran back to the servants' quarter for fear that Robin was still around. 

When I entered the room, I slipped back to my bed and lay down.

I can't help but think of the scene with Robin earlier. 

I still don't get him. He doesn't want to reject me but keeps me to himself and at the same time, treats me coldly like a slave. 

Also, he already has Ericka but he still wants me? 

What is he? A scumbag? 

Yeah! He's a possessive scumbag! 

Ugh, I hate him! 

Dammit! I don't want to think about that devil!

I should get some sleep and deal with it tomorrow.

...

The next day...

Rosie and the other maidservants laugh while looking at me.

"You look like you didn't sleep at all, Arielle! Your eyes were so swollen!" Mina pointed out while stifling a laugh.

However, Rosie frowned and looked at me intently. "Arielle, were you crying?" she said with a hint of worry in her voice.

"It's nothing. I just miss my parents." I said, but only half-truth.

Rosie gave me a side hug and said, "I don't know what happened, but whenever you miss them, I can be your shoulder to cry on."

My throat and nose soured. "Thank you, Rosie. You are so good to me. I don't think I deserve your kindness." I said as my eyes watered.

"Arielle, we're here for you. Most of us here also miss our parents. But we had each other here, and we treated each other's family."

I hug Rosie while sobbing.

The others give me a warm smile.

Rosie was the only one who looked after my well-being. I can talk to her easily like a real sister. But I still couldn't trust anyone in this territory.

After some words of comfort from the girls, I bid goodbye to start my job as Ericka's attendant. 

Holding a tray with a teapot and a teacup, I reluctantly made my way to Ericka's chamber. For some reason, I dreaded being her attendant. Because it means that I could see Robin again when she wanted to see him.

As much as possible, I don't want to be near Robin's presence. It's suffocating.

What he said last night still lingers in my mind like a virus.

He said that I was nothing but a slave and not worthy to be his future Luna.

If so, why doesn't Robin reject me at once?

A low life like me doesn't deserve a noble like him.

So why keep me?

Wait... if he doesn't want to acknowledge we were mates in public, does that mean he wanted to hide me?

Hah, that's ridiculous!

But on second thought, being Robin's hidden mate has an advantage. I don't have to pretend like Ericka did!

Well, I hate dealing with pretentious people like the pack members. They were all hypocrites, and all they cared about were benefits.

Even if Robin acknowledged me, the pack members would be divided. Of course, they would probably choose Ericka since they already acknowledged her as their future Luna in their hearts.

My existence as Robin's mate was just a mistake for them.

Who am I but a slave?

Just like Robin said, I am not worthy.

And just like what my deceased mother Helen said, I will only be a slave in this life.

Fate is so cruel, isn't it?

Sigh...

I stopped in front of Ericka's room and knocked twice.

I turned the doorknob and entered.

"Miss Ericka, I brought you tea," I said as I announced my arrival. 

Ericka was sitting near the window while scrolling through her mobile phone and with a thick book on the table. She just looked at me coldly and turned her attention back to her mobile. 

I put the teapot and teacup on the table and then poured her tea.

Without a word, she sipped on the tea and frowned. "It's bitter," she said and before I knew it, she splashed the piping hot tea on my face.

I gasped and grunted in pain. Good thing I reflexively put my hands to cover my face. In the end, my hands down to my arms were scalded, and it burned painfully.

I gritted my teeth to endure the pain. My lips twitched when she said, "Get out and get me another set of tea!"

"Yes, Miss Ericka..." I said against my will and left her room bringing the teapot filled with hot tea with me.

I was nearly out of patience just now and almost strangled her to death.

Mina made this tea and I think it's not bitter. I tasted it earlier, and it was delicious.

I think Ericka just wanted to keep my hands full.

However, when I came back to her room again, she wasn't there anymore.

I let out a sigh and put the teapot aside.

Then I cleaned the room and put the dirty clothes in the basket. It took me a few hours to clean the room.

I brought the dirty laundry when I went out and left it to the other maidservants who were assigned to do the laundry.

All day, I keep myself busy to avoid thinking about a certain devil.

It was nice not seeing his face at all.

I hummed as I made my way toward the western gate while bringing some snacks. This time, I didn't lose my way and kept walking.

The guards were happy to see me bringing some snacks. I distributed the snacks one by one and while doing so; I chatted with them while asking about the situation here.

"There were sightings of a few vampires lately. Although they didn't make a move, we are still vigilant."

"Ah, I see. Well, wish you good luck!" I said and looked at the dark forest beyond the gate.

Oddly enough, I felt like the forest was calling me, or rather, something in there drew me in.

I shook my head and bid goodbye to the guards after talking to them.

As I was walking, a plan was devised in my head.

It won't be long before I can escape from this place.

If vampires or any beast made a surprise attack, it would be my chance to implement my plan.

Robin, I will make you regret your choice!

Ah!

I gasped when someone dragged me into the dark corner. I was about to strangle the person to death when I realized who the person was in front of me.

"Rowan?!"

"Ah, I mean—Young Master Rowan? W- What do you want?!" 

He smirked and leaned closer. I could feel his hot breath on my face. He whispered, "Tell me... what are you to Robin?"

My eyes widened slightly, and my heart thumped in nervousness. "W-What do you mean?"

He chuckled and squinted his eyes, "I saw how you two reacted. I never saw Robin act that way toward a slave."

I didn't respond. Should I tell him that I'm Robin's mate? Or should I say, I'm Robin's hidden mate?

"Ah, I think I know!"

I swallowed nervously while watching his lips curve into a wicked smile.

He leaned more closely and whispered in my ears while emphasizing each word that tickled my ear a bit. "You. Are. His. Mate!"

"I... I'm not!" I strongly denied it.

Rowan narrowed his eyes and smirked. "You are interesting. I wonder what Robin would do if he found out you just denied him!"

I keep my mouth shut. I don't want to talk to this devil anymore.

He shook his head in amusement and said, "Poor little slave was not being acknowledged by her mate. How pitiful."

I clenched my fist tightly and composed myself not to blow off the handle. I said, "Young Master Rowan, it's not your business whether I was being acknowledged by my mate or not."

"I knew it! You two are mates!" Rowan exclaimed and laughed wickedly.

My eyes widened slightly. Did he just trick me?

Ah! Rowan, you little devil!!!