Daphne's POV
I dragged Taylor into the room and slumped with him on the bed, before we got under the covers. We plopped on the pillows facing each other.
"Where did you go?" He asked curiously, pinning his serious big orbs on me. "I didn't see you at school in the afternoon and missed you." He pouted adorably.
"I wasn't feeling well, babe." It wasn't a complete lie. After that hard slap, I received from Kieran, my head has been throbbing since. "That's why I came home to rest." Taylor stretched his small hand and reached for my forehead. He furrowed his brows thoughtfully like a doctor would when examining me.
"You are a little warm." He uttered with concern. "I will tell grandma to come to make for you the soup she makes for me when I am sick." He attempted to get up, but I held him down.
"It's okay, babe. I already took some medicine." I lied. Truth was, I didn't know if I would be able to keep the truth from Amanda if she asked. I wonder how she would feel to know that her son is also an abuser on top of being a cheater.
I shook my head, willing the uncomfortable thoughts to disappear, and pulled Taylor in my arms. "Let's sleep for a little while." He nodded with a sweet smile, shifting closer so that I could cuddle him. I woke up hours later with Kieran towering over me.
I jerked back in alarm, clutching the duvet tightly around my waist. I am not sure if I imagined it, but I can easily swear that I saw Kieran flinch at my instinctive behavior. My eyes darted around the room looking for Taylor. "He got hungry," he explained and understood how the bastard had got into the room. I pushed myself up and leaned on the headboard, "what do you want?"
I couldn't mask my sneer even if I tried. He opened his mouth and closed it severally, and just when I was about to ask him to get lost he rasped. "I am sorry,"
I swallowed hard, glaring hatefully at him. I will never stop questioning the moon goddess for giving me Kieran as my mate. Why couldn't I get someone as loving, kind, and understanding as my best friend Sammy?
"Tomorrow, you will tell your pack who I am." I retorted instead. "I don't care who you bed, but if ever again any of your whores come after me, or you lay your filthy hands on me, it will be your funeral. Alpha or not!" I articulated coldly, stunning him momentarily. "Now get out." I pointed at the door. He was furious, I could see it. But he was smart enough not to try to argue with me. When he turned on his heels and left, I let out a relieved sigh I didn't know I was holding. I collapsed back in bed, wondering how much longer I could put on a brave face. Indeed, I am not going to grovel by his feet begging to be loved. But it doesn't mean I am not hurting, seeing him with other females.
I let out a shaky breath, sinking further under the covers, only leaving my head out. I stared at the ceiling, deep in thought. I couldn't help but dread my future. It will be a lonely one. No mate to pamper me, no kids to call me mama, just an old maid who happened to be the Alpha's mate once upon a time!
But it is a fate I would choose willingly over being abused by anyone.
I don't know just how long I lay there, but my stomach began growling. I hadn't eaten since the few bites I had taken at noon. I checked my bedside clock, and it was past midnight, which meant no one would be awake. Perfect! I thought, getting out of bed slowly and tiptoed to the kitchen. I let my wolf push forward so that I didn't need to switch on the lights just to see. I rummaged through the fridge looking for something edible. I took out a container with chunks of dry-fried beef and sniffed it. My mouth watered. I did not doubt that it was Amanda, my mate's mother, who had prepared it. I contemplated eating it cold so that I don't risk the pinging from the microwave to wake anyone up, but one bite and I knew I must heat it up. I stuck it into the microwave, sat on the marble counter, and patiently waited.
The timer couldn't have gone off faster. I hastily took the container out and sat back on the counter still, and dug in. I was halfway through when the kitchen lights were switched on. I smelt him even before I heard his annoying voice. "Is there any reason why you are eating in the dark?" His sleepy, husky tone was deep and alluring. I will be lying if I said it didn't send my needy body into a frenzy of emotional overload. I turned with a scowl in place, but ended up gasping instead. He didn't have a shirt on. It was my first time seeing my mate shirtless and wow! Those are some sculptured abs.
I dragged my eyes with much difficulty to his face. The bastard was smirking. Smugly. He had obviously noticed my not-so-subtle ogling. I scowled with a wrinkled forehead. "Why were you eating in the dark?" He repeated. With a certain gentleness this time.
"Because I can!" I snarled.
"Why must it always be a fight with you?" He muttered, grabbing a fistful of his hair in frustration. His question threw me off for a moment. What right did he have to behave like a victim? I got angry. Fast
"Don't you have a whore waiting for you in bed?" I snapped. His eyes flickered before they softened considerably.
"Janice is not here today." He whispered. "In fact, she is never coming back here again." He said the last part almost pleadingly. My breath hitched. His hot gaze didn't leave my face, and for a moment, I was sure he did it for me. But I would be a fool to just believe him. Who knows what he has up his sleeves!
"Good for you," I muttered, jumping off the counter, and dropped the now-empty bowl in the sink before washing my hands. "She was too loud anyway," I added, stepping past him. "I am sure your eardrums will appreciate."