CHAPTER TEN: HIS REAL SIDE

“In the morning, I followed your scent to a hotel and got you out of there, leaving the girl a note and money since she was still asleep,” Seth said, his voice low.

I knew Seth was talking about me, but I knew they wouldn’t believe it if I said anything, so I just listened. We drove in silence after that, the tension between them palpable.

As Apollo and I entered the packhouse, I couldn't help but feel overwhelmed by the sheer grandeur of it all. The spotless marble floors and the crystal chandelier hanging from the ceiling illuminated the living room. I had always heard rumors about how luxurious the packhouse was, but seeing it firsthand was an entirely different experience. Ryder couldn't come in with us because Hazel called him, and he left early.

Alpha Nicholas greeted me warmly and took my hand, kissing it gently. Although he was kind, I couldn't help but feel guilty for being here with his son when I had thought I was supposed to marry him.

As we walked further into the packhouse, I noticed a woman standing in the corner, wearing revealing clothing and chewing gum loudly. She was Mina, Apollo's cousin. I had only seen her on the news, and she didn't seem pleased to see me.

"Who's this little mouse?" Mina sneered, looking me up and down. She was a beautiful brunette with black eyes.

I felt my cheeks flush and wished I could disappear into the shadows.

"This is Zelda. She's staying with us for a while," Apollo said firmly.

Mina rolled her eyes, "Don’t think you're special, you're just another whore my cousin brought home."

Alpha Nicholas stepped in, "Mina, that's enough. Go to your room."

Mina left, still chewing her gum loudly, and I couldn't help but feel relieved.

Apollo stole a glance at me, and without uttering a word, he walked up the stairs with Seth.

Alpha Nicholas showed me to my guest room, which made my heart race with excitement. The room was enormous, and the bed looked like it could fit an entire family.

"I hope you like it," Alpha Nicholas said, grinning.

I smiled, "It's beautiful. Thank you."

As Alpha Nicholas left, I sat down on the bed and felt the softness of the pillows. Tears streamed down my face as I missed the safety of my old life, where I didn't have to pretend to be someone I wasn't.

Just then, Apollo entered the room and closed the door behind him.

I couldn't believe what was happening. Apollo was standing so close to me, I could feel the heat radiating from his body. I tried to move away, but he held me down.

"I regretted my actions and wanted to make amends for my mistakes, but it turned out I hadn't changed," he said coldly.

My heart pounded in my chest. I knew this wasn't going to end well.

He moved closer, pinning me to the bed with his shadows. I struggled to breathe as he leaned in close to my face. I could feel his hot breath on my skin.

"You're nothing to me," he said. "Even if you're living in my packhouse now, you should try your best to avoid me. You're nothing to me until I know if the child you're carrying is mine."

I looked up at him with a determined expression. "The child is yours," I said firmly.

Apollo's eyes narrowed. "After you find out, I will be gone before that time," I added.

"You won't go anywhere unless I tell you to," he replied, his voice low and menacing.

He left the room, leaving me to catch my breath. I couldn't believe how cunning he was.

As I lay on the bed, I looked around the room. It was sparsely furnished, with only a small table and chair, and a dresser in the corner. The walls were painted a dull gray, and there was a small window that looked out onto the courtyard.

I felt trapped, both physically and emotionally. I knew I had to get out of there, but I didn't know how.

“Fuck him!” I cursed under my breath, while Lexa growled in frustration.

"He's a bastard," she whispered. I fixed my eyes on the door.

***

Six months passed.

In the dead of night, I found myself in the bathroom, desperately splashing water on my face. My pregnancy was nearing its end, and the incessant kicks from within had robbed me of sleep. As I rinsed my face, an unmistakable chorus of moans and screams pierced the air, emanating from the neighboring room.

"Yes! Fuck me! Yes!"

My heart ached, intensifying the pain of knowing my mate indulged in the arms of another woman. It was a harsh reality I had grown accustomed to within Apollo's packhouse, but each time, it inflicted fresh wounds. Despite his rejection, I couldn't help but feel the lingering ache, a pain that hinted at my own impending rejection.

"I can't bear this any longer," I murmured to myself, wiping the water from my face. Weary, I returned to my bedroom, yearning for rest.

The moans and screams grew louder, invading my senses. I closed my eyes, attempting to block out the cacophony, but my ears refused to cooperate. Overwhelmed, I crumpled to the floor, the enormity of my pregnant belly hindering any attempt to stand, groaning in pain. Determined, I crawled toward the neighboring room's door, crying out for assistance.

"Please, someone help me!" I pleaded, my voice carrying desperation.

Yet, Apollo remained engrossed with his chosen companion, oblivious to my distress. With great effort, I reached the door and hammered on it, still confined to the floor. Muffled voices emanated from within.

"Who's there?" Apollo's irritated voice broke through.

"It's me, Zelda. Please, help me," I replied weakly, my voice betraying my waning strength.

"What do you want, Zelda?" Apollo retorted, annoyance evident.

"I'm in pain, and I need help. Please, call the pack doctor. I think the baby is coming," I implored, my voice tinged with urgency.

Apollo swung the door open, confronted by my struggle for survival on the floor. Clad only in his shorts, his body glistening with sweat and his hair disheveled, he stood before me. Disgust welled up within me, but my dependence on his assistance remained undeniable.

"Take a deep breath and calm down. I'll call the pack doctor," he assured me, lifting me gently into his arms. Together, we entered the room where the woman lay naked on the bed, her body drenched in sweat.

"Get dressed and leave," Apollo commanded the woman, his voice carrying an icy detachment.