Chapter 5 A second pain

Chapter 5

5.

***

(Belladonna's POV)

An hour later, I stand in the grand living room, surrounded by lavish decorations and a feast fit for royalty. The celebration is in full swing, laughter and conversation weaving through the air, but I hear none of it. My attention is elsewhere.

Across the room, my mate stands with his brother.

Jayden barely spares me a glance before returning his focus to the women fawning over them. His expression is unreadable, his posture relaxed. He acts as if nothing happened between us-as if I am nothing to him.

I still can't forget how he turned his back on me after our encounter. The way he walked away, leaving me speechless and confused. And now, here he is, smiling as if the bond we share doesn't exist.

But surely, this is all part of his plan.

He won't let this happen.

I steal another glance at him as my stepfather begins the engagement ritual, his voice commanding the room. My heart pounds with anticipation. Jayden will stop this. He has to.

Any moment now.

The Elders start the ancient chants, their words binding me to a future I don't want. I swallow hard, my hands trembling as I wait.

He'll stop this.

He won't let me be promised to his brother.

He-

The ritual continues.

Jayden does nothing.

As the final rites concluded, I found myself married to Aiden, the Lycan prince. Across the room, his brother Jayden-the Lycan king and my true mate-sat calmly, smiling as if nothing had happened between us, as if I were just another guest. In our world, the mate bond is sacred, a connection blessed by the Moon Goddess. Rejecting this bond can cause deep emotional and physical pain for both mates. Yet, Jayden allowed the ceremony to proceed, letting me marry his brother without objection. I couldn't understand how he could sit there, smiling, as if I were a stranger.

After the ceremony concluded, I slipped away from the bustling hall, seeking solace in the quiet embrace of the garden. The cool evening air was a stark contrast to the warmth inside, offering a momentary respite from the whirlwind of emotions swirling within me. I found a secluded bench beneath a blooming magnolia tree and sank onto it, the weight of the day's events pressing heavily on my shoulders.

The union that had just been celebrated was meant to be a joyous occasion, yet my heart ached with a profound sadness. I had been bound to Aiden, the Lycan prince, a match that should have been a dream come true. But my heart belonged elsewhere-to his brother, Jayden, the Lycan king and my true mate. The bond we shared was sacred, a connection forged by the Moon Goddess herself, yet it had been callously disregarded.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows across the garden, I heard footsteps approaching. My heart leaped, hoping against hope that it was Jayden come to explain, to offer some solace. And there he was, his silhouette framed by the fading light, a somber expression etched across his features.

"Why didn't you stop this?" I demanded, my voice trembling with a mix of anger and desperation. "You know we're meant to be together."

Jayden's eyes softened with regret as he reached out to wipe away the tears that had begun to fall. "Bella, it's not that simple," he murmured. "There are forces at play beyond our control."

I shook my head, unwilling to accept his excuses. "But we're fated mates! Doesn't that mean anything to you?"

A sad smile tugged at the corners of his lips. "It means everything to me. But revealing our bond now would only bring chaos and suffering to our packs. You must keep this a secret, for everyone's sake."

His words cut deep, the implication clear. He was ashamed of me, of our bond. As an omega, the lowest rank in the pack hierarchy, I was deemed unworthy of a king's affection. The sting of rejection burned hotter than any physical pain.

"So, you're just going to let me marry your brother and pretend nothing's wrong?" I asked bitterly.

Jayden's gaze dropped to the ground, unable to meet mine. "It's for the best," he whispered.

A bitter laugh escaped my lips. "For whom? Certainly not for me."

Silence stretched between us, heavy with unspoken words and shattered dreams. Finally, Jayden straightened, his expression hardening. "As for Matt," he said, referring to the pack member who had wronged me, "I would have dealt with him if not for your Alpha's protection."

"Some king you are," I muttered, the words slipping out before I could stop them.

Jayden's jaw tightened, but he said nothing. With one last, lingering look, he turned and walked away, leaving me alone in the encroaching darkness. I watched him go, a fresh wave of tears blurring my vision. I had hoped for so much more, but now I was left with nothing but a hollow ache where my heart used to be.

******************************

The flight was long-eight hours felt like forever. I stayed mostly quiet, only speaking when the flight attendant asked what I wanted to eat in first class. It was my first time on a plane, and I was so nervous that I ended up throwing up into a bag.

I secretly hoped Jayden would come to comfort me. I missed his touch, his gaze, the way butterflies danced in my stomach whenever he was near. Even the way my heartbeat acted strangely around him-I missed it all. But I shook my head and lightly hit my forehead. I shouldn't be thinking about this.

After takeoff, I started feeling better, but exhaustion crept in. I didn't even realize when I fell asleep, as if I had cried out a heavy burden.

By the time I woke up, the plane was preparing to land. I stretched, feeling much better than before, but deep inside, I knew the real journey was just beginning.

After the plane landed, I collected my luggage and made my way through the bustling airport. As I stepped outside, a sleek black car pulled up in front of me. The driver, a tall man with a neatly trimmed beard, stepped out and approached me.

"Ms. Belladonna?" he inquired politely.

"Yes, that's me," I replied, a bit puzzled.

"I'm Sir K, sent by Prince Aiden to escort you to the estate."

I couldn't help but find his name unusual. "Sir K?" I echoed.

He chuckled softly. "Yes, it's a nickname that stuck. Shall we?"

As he took my luggage and opened the car door for me, I couldn't shake the thought: How did he recognize me? Perhaps Aiden had provided him with a description or a photograph. Still, a part of me wished it was Jayden who had come to meet me.

Settling into the plush leather seat, I glanced out the window, my mind drifting back to memories of Jayden-his touch, his gaze, the fluttering sensation in my chest whenever he was near. I sighed softly, reminding myself that I needed to focus on the present.

As the car smoothly merged into traffic, Sir K glanced at me through the rearview mirror. "I hope your flight was pleasant, Ms. Belladonna."

"It was fine, thank you," I replied, offering a small smile.

The cityscape blurred past as we drove, but my thoughts remained anchored to the past and the uncertain future that awaited me.

The journey was peaceful, with Sir K occasionally pointing out landmarks and buildings as we passed by. I appreciated his effort to make me feel comfortable, though my mind was elsewhere. When we finally arrived, I was taken aback by the grandeur of the estate. A magnificent two-story mansion stood proudly at the center, accompanied by a smaller bungalow to the side. At the back, I could see a beautiful garden, perfect for evening tea or a quiet gathering.

Sir K dropped me off and left, and as soon as I was alone, nervousness crept in. I began rehearsing what I would say when I met Aiden, trying to calm my racing thoughts. Little did I know, Jayden had been watching me from the balcony the entire time, a smug smirk playing on his lips.

Sensing something, I turned around, and our eyes met. His smirk faded instantly, replaced by a more neutral expression. Without a word, he came downstairs and personally opened the gate for me, bypassing security and the usual bag-checking process. That simple gesture made me feel oddly special, even though I knew I shouldn't.

I opened my mouth to thank him, but before I could speak, he pointed toward a large house I hadn't noticed before. "That's where you'll be staying for now," he said. "Aiden is away for a meeting and will be back by Friday."

His words were curt, and his tone carried no warmth. I swallowed hard, pushing back the disappointment that lingered in my chest. So much for feeling special.

Jayden handed me a card and briefly showed me how to use it to unlock and lock the door. He didn't say much, and before I could even turn to thank him, he was already gone.

I had expected at least a small welcome party, but the house was quiet. Though I wasn't much of a party person, a tiny part of me had hoped for something. Still, I wasn't really disappointed-just a little surprised.

Stepping into my room, I was taken aback by its size. A grand queen-sized bed sat at the center, its plush sheets inviting. I couldn't help but smile unconsciously, wondering if Jayden had picked this room with me in mind. Though it wasn't decorated, maybe he wanted me to set it up the way I liked.

The bathroom was spacious, stocked with high-end toiletries and a luxurious bathtub. It was just what I had expected from a place like this. Then there was the closet-massive enough to walk into comfortably. I stood there for a moment, taking it all in.

Letting out a deep sigh, I finally made my way to the bed and flopped onto it. The mattress bounced slightly, wrapping me in its softness. For the first time since I arrived, I felt a bit more at ease.

I had no idea when I fell asleep, but I was jolted awake by the loud grumble of my stomach. Rubbing my belly, I sighed. There was no point in letting my anger or shyness stop me-I needed food, or I'd starve.

Getting up, I glanced around and noticed a staircase leading to the main house. That was probably where the housekeepers worked. As I made my way there, I saw a young woman hurrying past.

"Excuse me," I called out. "Can you tell me where the kitchen is?"

She barely looked at me before pointing to the left. "Go that way, you'll see a door."

That was it. No questions, no curiosity about who I was or what I was doing there. I found it strange but didn't dwell on it. Instead, I followed her directions, but when I reached a split path with two possible ways to go, I hesitated. Had she meant the first door or the second?

Taking a chance, I went straight ahead and reached a door. Hoping it was the kitchen, I pushed it open-

And immediately froze.

What I saw inside was a sight to behold.

I stood frozen at the doorway, my breath caught in my throat, my mind refusing to accept what my eyes were seeing. This had to be some kind of cruel joke-some twisted, cosmic prank at my expense.

Because how? How was it possible that in just two days, I had walked in on two different men betraying me?

Was I cursed?

Was I being punished by the Moon Goddess?

My heart pounded so loudly I could barely hear anything else, but Aiden's voice cut through the haze like a blade to my chest.

"Oh baby, my darling love, Mara," he groaned deeply.

And just like that, another wound tore open inside me.

I blinked rapidly, trying to make sense of it. Aiden, my supposed fiancé, was in there, holding another woman in his arms, whispering sweet words meant for me.

So this was the urgent "meeting" he had traveled for?

Had Jayden known? Was that why he had been so cold earlier-because he was trying to cover up for his brother?

I swallowed hard, my fingers gripping the doorframe as if it could somehow hold me together. The woman-Mara, as he called her-sat comfortably on his lap, her long black hair cascading over his bare chest. His shirt was unbuttoned, and her fingers traced slow, lazy circles on his skin.

They weren't fully undressed yet. Maybe they had just arrived. Maybe I was seconds away from witnessing something even worse.

A sharp, searing pain bloomed in my chest. Ouch.

I could feel it again-that unbearable ache of betrayal.

A bitter laugh bubbled up inside me, but I swallowed it down. What was the point? It wasn't like he cared. Neither of them did.

I should walk away. I should turn around and pretend I never saw this. But my feet wouldn't move. My hands clenched into fists at my sides, my nails digging into my palms.

I wasn't going to cry. Not again.

Not for him.