Chapter 5- His mistress

Kayla 

I closed my eyes, holding back the tears that yearned for freedom. I still couldn't believe that I had gotten married to Alpha Asher. I still couldn't believe everything had worked out so well

“ Kayla!” 

I turned around to find my entire family members behind us. I felt tears trickle down my cheek at the broken looks on their faces. Asher’s eyes narrowed. “Go say goodbye to them and make it quick.” Immediately I rushed toward Celia. Her hands were sprawled open in the air, gripping me in a tight hug.

“ I’m so sorry Kayla, this was all my fault. I didn't know the council elders would offer you instead. It hurts me so much that you are married to that monster.” her voice croaked and she sobbed quietly while holding me closer to her body. 

I shook my head “It's not your fault dear sister, I’m super glad that you made the right decision by staying with your mate. I will be fine, and don't ever blame yourself.”  I said, trying to wipe the tears that were streaming down my face. Maria moved over to us, joining in on the hug. After a while, we pulled away. I held both their hands, my blue eyes glistening. “ I will miss you, sisters. You guys have always been there for me and I will always cherish the memories we had together,” I said, smiling at them 

“ We will miss you too Kayla, If you need anything, please don't hesitate to reach out to us,” Davies promised with a deadly glare sent in Asher’s way. I nodded and after saying my goodbyes to everyone, I and Asher got into the carriage as the coachman opened the door for us. 

If the exterior of the carriage had been a sight to behold, the interior was plush too. It had soft cushions on either side, allowing passengers to be seated opposite each other. I sat on the opposite end of the seat while Asher was large enough to occupy the entirety of the right seat on his own. I observed the interiors. It has soft and comfortable padding throughout the ceiling and a small chandelier. There were small iron groves on all four sides in which small lanterns were placed. Lacy red curtains were covering the small windows on either side. The coachman began driving the carriage and soon we left the front porch of the council hall as the carriage trodded through the huge road. 

We drove in absolute silence on our way to Asher’s home. Even when I forced myself to say something, what greeted me was a brutal silence. So, I decided it was best to keep mute. I looked outside the window, my mind occupied by a lot of thoughts as the council disappeared behind the trees. My gaze flitted back to Asher, leaning back on the carriage with his eyes closed. Since he was not looking at me, I began observing his features. He looked way too troubled and his body posture was tense and rigid. I was about to look away but Asher’s eyes flew open and he stared at me for a while before shutting his eyes again. 

The uncomfortable silence lingered for hours as we drove past the mountains, to the other side of the East, into the capital which I heard was under his territory. After a while, we arrived at a humongous castle decorated with lights from the precinct to the garden to the rooftop. It was beautiful from the outside. Like nothing that I’ve seen before, it was truly a sight to behold. There were fountains and a beautiful flowery garden by the sides. The walls of the castle were adorned with the imposing visage of a wolf, fangs bared and eyes gleaming with an intense, almost human-like intelligence. The giant wolf’s face was intricately carved into the walls, with every hair on its fur and every detail of its features rendered in stunning realism.This wasn't exactly what I was expecting, It was far from it. It was an all-white castle that gave the illusion of a warm and serene abode. I kept observing the surroundings as if I were a young kid who had just stumbled upon a room full of chocolates. I watched as some warriors and omegas sauntered to us, bowing in respect to Asher. One of the warriors opened the door for us and I gently slid out, feeling everyone's curious eyes on me. 

“Alpha!” A voice called out and I jerked my head in the direction of the voice. It came from a woman around my age. She was a stunning beauty with red-curly hair. She moved with a kind of elegance that suited her beauty. 

She came to us, standing beside Asher. Her cold eyes were on me and there was a fire of rage flashing through her depths. I didn't need a soothsayer to know that she didn't like me. 

Her gaze lazily traveled to Asher and a wide smile formed on her face. “ Asher.” The way she called his name made my stomach churn and dread began to settle in my heart. 

I watched, as she leaned into his arms, placing a kiss on his lips, right before me, his lawful wife.I took an involuntary step back and it took me a moment to recover from what I had just seen. 

“ Who is she?” I asked him. 

Asher wrapped his hands around her waist, his eyes trailed from the woman, finding mine. “ She is Elena, my mistress.” 

I stood deathly still, it was as if my insides were frozen and the deadweight of his revelation came crashing down on my heart. His words hit me like a prickly shard of ice, digging painfully into my skin. My fingers were icy cold and my heart hammered against my chest. My eyes kept darting from Asher back to his whore. I tried to calm my raging heart. 

To say I was stunned would be an understatement. Of all the things I would have expected to hear, this was the most callous. If he had someone else, why did he accept me? Why then, did he get married to me?