Chapter 42

Chapter 42:

JARIS

I was on my sixth bottle.

It was infuriating because I hated drinking this much. I was always in control of how much alcohol I took into my system, but tonight, I wanted it all.

I stayed in my office for hours, replaying everything in my head. Drinking made me feel slightly better.

Nerion came in to remind me that it was too late and I probably should get some sleep.

Ugh. The good guy. It was in moments like these that I missed Kael. He would have drunk with me, knowing I needed the sensation.

Unfortunately, he was out executing a task.

But Nerion was right. I was tired and could use some sleep.

I left the office for my room, and right there, on the bed, was Marta.

She was wearing a red, transparent nightdress. I could see the small red bra she had on and the tiny red panties. The dress was practically useless since it was see-through.

Her hair was styled, flowing to one side, and a red tint colored her lips.

Right then, she looked like a seductress.

“Fuck, Marta. What did I tell you?” My voice lacked its usual harshness.

“I’m sorry,” she said, her tone dripping with seduction as she slowly sat up, both hands resting on the bed beside her waist. “I’ve been waiting for quite a while p>

My head was a little woozy. All I wanted to do was get out of this stupid suit and crash into bed.

Facing my dresser, I took off my jacket and started undoing the buttons of my black shirt.

Marta stood up. “I was worried and wanted to check on you.” She walked toward me, taking slow, enticing steps. “I don’t really know what happened, but I know you’re not someone who acts out without a reason. I need you to know I’m here, and I’m sorry for what happened p>

Her face appeared in the mirror. She was standing behind me, watching p>

I kept my eyes on her as I removed my tie, tossed it onto the bed, and then unbuttoned my shirt.

“Everything will be fine,” she said in hushed tones, placing her hand on my bare shoulder.

Anger and desire flooded me.

Without hesitation, I spun around, grabbed her, and pulled her in, locking my lips on hers. She threw her arms around me, returning the kiss better than I was. I turned us around so her back was against the dresser. My hand angrily fisted her hair.

I needed to take this out on someone.

Yet, as I held and kissed Marta, all I could think about were forbidden images.

Wet hair. Unclothed body. Full breasts. Hot legs.

The memory sent a painful throb to my cock.

Marta was not her. They were not the same.

With a hard shove, I pulled away from Marta. She was confused and hurt.

“Jaris p>

“Get out.” I turned away from her, my head pounding.

She came closer. “Is there p>

“I told you to leave!” I snarled at her, my iris flashing red.

Fuck. What the hell?

That was my wolf, wanting her gone as well.

It was strange.

Marta recoiled in horror. But she didn’t waste any further time. She hurriedly left the room.

I took a deep breath, gripping the dresser for support.

After regaining a little composure, I pulled my phone from my pocket and sat on the bed as I replayed the video.

There she was, holding and kissing Zarek.

She looked so horny, so desperate for him.

Anger and irritation flooded me.

I thought she was different. She had this beautiful smile, a pretty face, and a sharp mouth. And the way she cared for my kids… I didn’t think someone like her would be so cheap.

Zarek’s text was lying just below the video. “Told you I could get her in a week. She’s quite cheap—just like Chloe p>

My anger flared up again, even stronger than before. I groaned and threw the phone against the wall.

She had made a mockery of me—in a way I’d never been mocked before! How dare she p>

I rubbed the heels of my palms against my eyes.

Once I was calmer, I reached for the picture in my pocket and breathed a sigh of relief. Finally, something to keep me sane.

I ran my fingers along the surface of the picture. My heart ached, just as much as it calmed at the sight of her.

I never believed in love at first sight. Until I met her.

“I wish you were here. It’d make a lot of difference,” I mumbled, staring wistfully at the image.

LYRIC

For four days, I stayed indoors.

The only people I saw were the maids who brought me my meals, and Xylon and Xyla, who came to check on me.

They didn’t know what was going on. They were just surprised that I hadn’t come to see them the whole time.

I was too ashamed to go out, too ashamed to face the people.

I imagined what the rumors would be:

“The Alpha left her standing at the altar until all the guests got tired and left p>

“I think he almost changed his mind, which is why he must have arrived late p>

“It’s really sad. A lady as pretty as her almost being rejected p>

However, by the fifth day, I was done feeling embarrassed and came out of my shell.

Today, I had something important to do.

I found something corporate to wear and kept my eyes low as I walked to my car.

I wanted to be strong enough to ignore what people thought about me, but it was difficult being in my shoes. Every eye felt judgy at this point.

I was so relieved when I got into my car, and even more pleased that the windows were tinted. At least they wouldn’t be able to see me anymore.

As I was driving, I received a call from the manager of the garden Marta and I had used that night. It brought me even more relief.

“Yes?” I put the call on hands-free.

“Good morning, Mrs. Dreadmoor. I’m calling regarding your request. We’ve finally received approval to give you the CCTV footage you asked for p>

My eyes widened in surprised relief. “Really p>

“Yes. And you were right. Someone else had entered the garden that night p>