CARRISA'S POV
I wake up slowly, feeling a painful ache all over my body. For a moment, I lay there, staring up at the ceiling as I try to piece together how I ended up here.
The strong scent of antiseptic tells me I'm in an infirmary. The events of the night come rushing back — the man who cornered me, his rough hands on me and his sick smile. My pulse quickens, and I grip the blanket tightly, feeling scared... and then, the memory of Alpha Kaine floods my mind.
He was there. He saved me.
The realization calms me. I've never seen anyone look as fierce as he did in that moment, the way he towered over that man. His presence was terrifying and commanding. Even now, my skin tingles with the memory of his powerful aura.
I sit up slowly, ignoring the stiffness in my limbs, and look around the infirmary. Kaine isn't here. He must've left after bringing me here, but I know he had to have been the one who saved me. With a deep breath, I swing my legs over the edge of the bed and stand up. For a moment, my knees wobble.
I need to thank him. Something about the memory of him — the way he looked at that man, as though he'd destroy anyone who threatened me — leaves me feeling… like he might actually like me.
I leave the room and try to trace his scent as I walk down the hallway. As I reach a corner, I hear a beautiful melody coming from somewhere down the hall. The sound is soft and peaceful. It's the most beautiful piece I've ever heard.
I follow it, wondering where it's coming from. I trace the sound down the hall, and when I reach the doorway of the living room, my breath catches in my throat.
There, seated at a grand piano, is Kaine.
He is lost in the music as he plays. His fingers move across the keys with an intensity that make my heart pound. His eyes are focused.his expression is unguarded for a moment. I haven't seen him like this — it's as if he's pouring every emotion he feels into the music.
The sight of him leaves me speechless. In that moment, I feel an ache in my chest. It's a longing that I can barely understand. My wolf stirs, crying out for him, desperate for the mate bond to be acknowledged, but I hold myself back. He wouldn't want that. I know that much. He hasn't shown me anything but disgust since he found out we were mated.
I have the urge to go to him, to sit by his side and watch him play. But I know it can't be possible. I won't dare to even dream of it.
As I take a step closer, Kaine's hands still on the keys. He goes rigid and suddenly, he clenches his fist and slams it onto the piano. I flinch in shock.
Why is he upset? He was just playing beautifully before.
For a heartbeat, he stays there with his head bowed and his breathing heavy. Then, as if sensing my presence, he looks up at me.
He straightens slowly, "What are you doing here?"
I bow my head "I… I just wanted to thank you for saving me."
He frowns "That's it? Thanking me? Don't get too comfortable. This isn't a place where you get to play the grateful damsel. This castle is your prison, remember that."
I take a step back. His words feel like a slap to my face. Does he really hate me that much? His words hurt me deeper than any knife can. Still, I can't stop myself from adding,
"You played beautifully."
I want him to know how much I was moved, how his music affectes me in ways I don't understand.
He stands up and glares at me "Save your compliments. You're here because I want you to suffer. And I'll make sure of it until you finally reject the bond."
My heart sinks even further down my chest. I can't help the stray tears that fall from my eyes.
"Why?" I whisper "Why do you hate me so much?"
His jaw clenches "Because you're nothing to me and by the time I'm done with you, you'll reject this bond without a second thought. You'll wish you'd never met us."
With that, he moves past me. His shoulder hits mine with force as he leaves the room. I stand there, frozen. An ache spreads through my chest.
I have spent so long hoping that one day I'd find my mate, someone who would love me, protect me, someone I could give my heart to without fear. But here, standing alone, I realize I will never have that with Kaine and Jaime.
I take a shaky breath and look over at the piano. I couldn't help but be drawn to the beauty of the instrument. It looks so elegant, so… untouched, just like the man who just walked away from me. He played it with such passion, but now it's silent. I lift a hand to touch it but hesitate. I'm sure Kaine won't like that.
After a moment, I turn and leave the room In the hall, I wander aimlessly, unsure of where to go.
I hear a soft laugh down the hallway. I look up, watching as two women, barely dressed, come down the corridor and disappear into a room upstairs. Moments later, I see Jaime heading in the same direction. He doesn't even notice me as he follows them.
My stomach twists, and I look away. He's my mate too, yet he doesn't care — none of them do. I am nothing more than an inconvenience, someone they intend to break and discard. I know what he's doing behind that door with those women and as much as it hurts, I force myself to swallow the hurt inside. This is how it's going to be, I realize. This is my reality.
The realization plays over and over in my mind as I make my way back to my room. My body feels heavy and so does my heart.
I have no choose but to accept my fate, to make peace with it, even if it means being in a bond where my mates hate me.
I slip back under the covers, resting my head on the pillow as I stare at the ceiling. A single tear slips down my cheek, but I ignore it.
I will survive this.
I have to.