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Mind won the battle
Last Updated:
2024-04-18 23:36:01
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A Marriage of Convenience Drowning my sorrows
“Are your sorrows drowned in grease and cheese?” Chris smiled with a mouthful of his burger.We’re sitting in his expensive car eating extra large meals from the local burger shack. I tried to protest both the food and the eating of said food on imported leather, but Chris wouldn’t budge.He’d actually said that his car liked the cheese, so I assumed that despite his perfect physical form; he did this a lot. Which was somehow disturbing on so many levels.“They’re definitely forgotten for now,” I dipped a fry into the large cup of melted cheese he’d ordered and shoved it into my mouth. “Leave it to some cheesy fries,” I wagged another cheese covered fry in the air, watching a glob of the melty substance fall onto his center console.He leaned forward, swiping his tongue against the leather before smearing his hand over it. I stared at him horrified, which only made him purse his lips, “What?”“I’m going to pretend that I didn’t just see you do that.”A large chocolate milkshake sat in
Last Updated : 2024-04-19A Marriage of Convenience Five years ago (Rosalind, 17)
Chris popped his head through the door of my room, “Don’t forget your socks and snacks, brat.”“You grab the snacks!” I shouted as he rushed down the hallway. “Told ya first,” he shouted back, making me groan. Tonight was the final movie night for the three of us for probably…. Forever. My heart shattered into a million pieces last week when Shawn and Chris finally told me where they’d been accepted into college…. San Francisco…. Which just so happened to be thousands of miles away. They were my rocks. My everything. And I happened to be madly in love with Shawn. My brother’s best friend. The only man in my life who happened to be off limits. Well, there were plenty of other men off limits according to mother, but Shawn was a different kind of off limits. Glancing in the mirror, the puffiness in my eyes had finally gone down from earlier. I’ve dreaded this day since Chris asked me to have one final movie night before the two of them set off for their new lives…. Leaving me behin
Last Updated : 2024-04-20A Marriage of Convenience Information (James POV)
I’ve been walking around like a zombie since Sunday morning. Every time I circle back to the events that led up to Rosalind saying goodbye; I want to pluck out my own eyeballs.I fucked up. Correction; I royally fucked up and then tried to pitch the line ‘I thought you would understand.’Onyx would have torn me to shreds. He wouldn’t have cared about the people around. He would have pushed forward to tell Rosalind what a piece of shit I was and a coward.When Marina called me, I hadn’t wanted to answer. My mind was strictly on Rosalind and our lovely evening. But the look in Rosa’s eyes when Marina called again and again pushed me to answer it. It was almost like a flash of concern at the fact that the phone calls kept coming.Marina’s sobs were nearly incoherent, but I’d made out enough of what she was saying to determine that I needed to go see her.Despite everything that she’d done; she was still my mate.But the longer I’d sat in the solitude of my office, drinking away the pain
Last Updated : 2024-04-22A Marriage of Convenience Memories
Today had been a blur of patients. I don’t particularly remember names or faces; Simply the fact that I was here.I’d rescheduled movie night, feigning illness from the heavy meal that Chris and I shared, but I’d spent the evening curled up in the scentless bed at my old condo. I didn’t want to be here, treating patients and faking a smile, but we were short-staffed since Dr. Orth was out sick.My phone buzzed as I sat outside, sipping coffee on my lunch break.“Mrs. Wood,” my lawyer addressed me. “I was just giving you a brief call to let you know that the motion has been filed and a date has officially been set. Next Thursday at eight am.” He hesitated a beat, “James was served about an hour ago and signed for his paperwork.”It felt as if my heart shriveled up, and a gaping, empty canyon was all that was left. For a brief moment, I experienced what it would be like to have the love and adoration of James Wood. But like all good things, it seems they must come to an end.“Th… Thank
Last Updated : 2024-04-23A Marriage of Convenience Episodes
“When Chris and I were teenagers, you used to give us these pills,” I whispered, trying to maintain the strength to keep going. My father’s tone was anything but friendly when I’d mentioned them, but reliving the memory of that night created a need for answers. “They were some trial you were working on, but then once we turned eighteen, they just vanished. What were they?”My father cut into his steak slowly before dipping it into a runny egg and staring at me, “I think you are mistaken sweetheart. Maybe all of the stress you’re under has you imagining things.”I felt my brows pinch together, “No. I used to have these episodes. I remember hearing someone in my head. Almost like an inner voice, but it sounded different. When you put me on the meds, the voice stopped.”“Enough, Rosalind,” my father’s voice held a harsh edge to it as he carefully set his fork and knife on the napkins next to his plate, “I’m not sure what you are talking about. Voices and medications,” he shook his head,
Last Updated : 2024-04-24A Marriage of Convenience Disappear (James POV)
The whiskey in my hand sloshes back and forth as my body trembles. I’m not sure if it’s anger, rage, sadness, frustration. Hell, it could be a combination of each and every one of those emotions.Bright orange stares up at me from my desk like a menacing monster. Thick with the contents of my torn up heart tucked inside.Every moment of the last few months replays in my mind, and I wonder if I was ever going to convince her to stay. I tried to demand that she stay. I tried kindness and honesty. I tried chasing her across the fucking country. But nothing was enough for her not to call of the divorce.Everything circled back to Marina and having two mates.“Fuck you,” I stared at the ceiling, hoping my message to the Goddess would find its way to her. She’d fucking destroyed my life.My forehead smacked the table as the scent of expensive alcohol seeped into my senses and then my skin.“Fuck,” I growled, sending the crystal glass flying across the room. It bounced off the impenetrable w
Last Updated : 2024-04-25A Marriage of Convenience Felony
“Are you sure mom and dad have left?” I whisper to Chris as he unlocks the front door of our family home.“Why are you whispering?” he turns around with an annoyed look on his face. “Do you think I’d be here if they weren’t? I’m not rushing home to spend quality time with our parents these days.”I called Chris to pick his brain about the meds, and he was just as confused as I was to hear how our father had reacted. Hence, the reason he is here now.His exact words were “No mission is complete without the third musketeer.”Shawn glared at Chris, which was comical considering both men were the same size. Right now, they looked like oversized children.Stepping between them, I walked through the front door and was met with the familiar smell of my mother’s overpriced perfume lingering in the air. It was as if she found a way to place it in the vents so that it would circulate through the entirety of the mansion.The smell should bring me some sort of warmth, but it feels more like a rem
Last Updated : 2024-04-26A Marriage of Convenience The safe
I smacked my hand into my forehead, “Why didn’t I think of that?”Shawn chuckled again, the sound so deep that I found myself swallowing down the way it made me feel. But more importantly, who it reminded me of.James’ face was at the forefront of my mind. The way he’d laughed our last night together. So carefree and unforced. I’d chipped away at the mask he’d been wearing for years, only to find this gem of a man underneath.The James Wood that he wanted me to believe he was, was cold, harsh, and manipulative. The man that I’d seen that night was soft, funny, and charismatic. But the more I think about it, the more I wonder which man is the true James Wood.Maybe the man from that night was the lie, and he’d simply been pretending in hopes that he’d still find a way to get me to stay.But then I remember everything that he told me. The way he’d trusted me with information that would likely ruin his life if it got out.Would anyone even believe me if I’d said my ex-husband was a werew
Last Updated : 2024-04-26
Latest chapter
A Marriage of Convenience Worried(Chris POV)
Another day, another bottle. Glancing around my apartment, I internally cringe at the mess. Am I fucked up? Is that even a question anymore? I snort at my own thoughts. I’m definitely fucked up. As I go to stand, my head swims with dizziness, sending me hurdling back onto the couch where I’d fallen asleep last night. My back aches like nobody’s business considering I’m six foot four, and around two-hundred twenty pound. Couches aren’t made for men like me. I peer over the back of the couch to my kitchen. The digital numbers on the microwave sway from side to side, two of them merging into one. It’s twelve thirty. Practically another day gone. I’ve been here before. Years ago, I ended up with a short stint in rehab. I’d paid my dues, said all the things I needed to say, convinced the doctors with a good old fashion lie, and boom, I was all better they said. I’d say the jokes on them, but really, the only joke is me. Rosalind was always the star in our household. I didn’t hate
A Marriage of Convenience The letter
“Did she complete the task?” Marina speaks through gritted teeth as James walks me back inside the warehouse blindfolded. He didn’t bother zip tying my wrists, as I was being cooperative. “Flawlessly,” James purred, and I heard a relieved sigh fall from Marina’s lips. “What is with that necklace?” I question now that we’re no longer at the bank. Not only that, but James’ mood tanked after three separate people asked for photographs with him as we left the bank, so I didn’t bother asking on the ride home. “Nothing that concerns you,” Marina snapped, and I heard her step closer, grabbing James and planting a sloppy kiss on his lips. The act was intentional to grate on my nerves, and I wanted to claw her eyes out. I wasn’t jealous any longer, but it still stung having your failures rubbed in your face. “My father thought it concerned me,” I interrupted their make-out fest, causing James to let out a groan, “I don’t remember you talking this much.”“My talking didn’t seem to bother y
A Marriage of Convenience Not the first time I've faked it
James white knuckles the steering wheel. My normally relaxed husband is glancing around every few seconds as if the boogeyman might step out of the shadows at any moment. If only he realized he just needed a mirror. “Are you paranoid?” I wring my hands in my lap. Noticing the raw skin around my wrists, I tugged the sleeves to the cardigan James gave me before we left. Couldn’t have anyone at the bank seeing the marks left behind by my dear husband. Though he told me if anyone noticed, we like it rough in the bedroom. My stomach recoiled at that thought, but I nodded in agreement. The job was simple. Go to the bank, smile, pretend that we’re a loving couple, and get the contents of the lockbox. I’d done this dance with him many times in the past, I just never imagined I’d be back here.“Why would I be paranoid?” he snapped.“You just keep looking around. Checking the rear and sideview mirrors,” I purse my lips, “I doubt anyone is looking for me.”“I’m not taking any chances.” His
A Marriage of Convenience Memories
“I’ve brought you clean clothes. There is a basin shower through that door.. Which stays open,” James carefully sat a pile of clothes down beside my leg, pulling a knife from the breast pocket of his suit. He looked like his normal self. His hair was messily pushed back in that effortless style he was famous for. The five-o-clock shadow that painted his jaw yesterday is gone, and he’s wearing another one of his expensive suits.“I’m going to cut you free and you’re going to walk straight into that room, clean yourself up, and then we leave. Got it,” his hardened eyes were on me, and I was taken back to a time where I’d seen this man’s true colors for the first time.“Rosa!” James’ shout echoed through the house. I was downstairs in the kitchen preparing a nutritional shake for Marina. “ROSA!” His voice was harsher as he called my name for the second time, and I grabbed the shaker, shaking it as I rushed up the steps, taking them two at a time. “Yes?” I whispered, my voice meek as I
A Marriage of Convenience Don't be a hero
James disappears for the evening, but not before dragging Shawn’s limp body back to the pole opposite of me, and zip tying his hands to it. Hot tears have streamed down my face, as they had for the last few hours. Or maybe it had only been minutes. Time strapped to this pole, with the only light being the flickering one in the corner, is relative. Shawn must have one hell of a concussion from the accident for the following two blows from James to have kept him out this long, and fear grips my heart. Does anyone realize we’re missing? For all they know, Shawn is taking time off, likely with my father covering for him unknowingly after what happened at the restaurant and no one would be looking for me outside of James, and he’s the reason I’m here. Maybe Chris, but he’s been in a constant state of drunk since finding out about us being werewolves, so I doubt it. If he’s called, he’s not worried yet. In the past, I’d go days without responding to anyone, and now I’m kicking myself
A Marriage of Convenience Almost (James POV)
Rosa looks so…. Pained. Her eyes shimmer with so many emotions, I don’t know which I like best. Fear or anguish. Probably fear. The thought of her at my mercy gets me off, and if Marina weren’t watching, I might give Shawn a little show with my sweet wife. “James,” her voice softens, and I almost fall for the act. I’d actually started to fall for her, beyond the wretched mate bond. “Why are you doing this?” She sounds so small right now, but the reality is that she’s of the Red bloodline. Her namesake makes me sick, and no matter how much the bond pollutes my mind, she’ll always be the enemy. Rosa’s father took everything from me. My family. My pack. My friends. It’s all gone because he was bitter and jealous. The reality fucking hurt, but it was as if everything slowly snapped into place. Marina was right about everything. I squatted down, keeping an eye on Pierce. He might become a problem with Onyx locked away, back in a cage. He’s been fighting to come back to me, but he’s
A Marriage of Convenience What's his life worth to you?
My lips part, my eyes widening as the familiar voice steps out of the shadows. I stare into emerald, green eyes that I’ve found solace in so many times over the last few years. Eyes that have looked at me with so much emotion that I feel like I’m drowning. Eyes that have stared up at me from between my legs. Eyes that have pinned me beneath a lust filled haze. Eyes that shine with amusement now at the pain that marred my features. “Surprise, sweetheart,” James steps closer, his expensive, French loafers echoing through the room like a haunting drum.Thud. Thud. Thud. Have you ever fallen onto your back when you’re swinging so high on a swing? You make it to the top, only to have your butt lift from the seat, and you free fall to the ground. The impact steals your breath away, making your vision darken around the corners. Twenty seconds pass and you still can’t breathe. A minute and you’re finally staring up at the sky, inhaling the oxygen that you were once robbed of. That’s how
A Marriage of Convenience Unbothered
That. Bitch.I’m thankful to Shawn for the surge of confidence when it comes to cursing because I should have known.“Happy to see me?” Marina’s voice coos from across the large space.“You’ve got to be fucking kidding me….”Marina huffs out a laugh, rolling her eyes, “What happened to Mrs. Goodie Two Shoes?”Shawn’s fingers grip mine tightly, “When James finds out what you’re doing, he’s going to finally get rid of you for good.”I want to cry.Marina snorts out a laugh, “Oh, you poor, stupid boy. James isn’t coming to save you,” she shrugs, “Either of you.”Her smug attitude is grating on my nerves, and I desperately wished that I hadn’t been a coward all this time and showed her what I was capable of prior to being strapped to this damn pole.“It’s pathetic that you couldn’t face me without crashing a car into me tying me to a pole.”She walks closer, her sharp features illuminated by the flashing light in the corner. Marina was beautiful in an unconventional way. She reminded me o
A Marriage of Convenience Chained up
My head swims with pain and confusion. I’m slumped over, I know that much, but I can’t find the strength to open my eyes or lift my head. Each time I try to circle back to how I ended up like this, it’s empty. My shoulders ache, but I can’t move my arms to relieve the pain, and my leg is damp and throbbing. “Rosa,” Shawn croaks out, and I force my eyes open, wincing when a flickering light in the far corner assaults my eyes. Forcing my head from side to side, I don’t see him, “Shawn, where….”His fingers brush against mine, and I realize in that moment that I’m tied to something. A pole most likely, given the cool metal against my wrists. “Are you okay?” his voice is gravelly, and I hear the wince he tries to hide. “My head is killing me, and I think my stitches busted. You sound like you’re in pain.”Shawn lets out a low chuckle, coughing as the noise slips from his lips, and I realize what a stupid question that was. A tear-filled smile pulls on my lips, “Okay, I get that was
