Chapter 44Selena's POV My fingers absentmindedly traced the delicate markings on the necklace now hanging on my neck. I was deep in thoughts, a million whys and what ifs lived rent free in my head and it was driving me insane. Even after sitting here for hours, there was no logical answer to my question. The last time Asher behaved in such a nice manner, it barely lasted for a few minutes before he began his usual snarls and snide comments, but now, it was different. What did he want this time?"Are you still thinking about Prince Asher's visit?"Lily's voice brought me back to reality. "Well, yes. I can't help it. It's so worrisome that he was in here a few hours back", I fiddled with my fingers. "It's almost so creepy that I can barely forget about it""Well, don't worry too much. Maybe he had a change of heart and resolved within himself to be nicer?", she shrugged, making me throw her a blanket look. Asher would never have a moment of sudden 'repentance'. "Just listen to ho
Chapter 45Selena's POV It was crazy just how impressive the human fight or flight response could be. I couldn't run from Ethan's steel grip but I could try to fight even with the fear in my body, I still attempted to resist him. I watched as the tiny buttons on my shirt gave way, revealing my bra clad breasts and bare skin. Ethan leered at my exposed body. I gathered the pieces of the fabric that was still on my body, shielding myself from him."What makes you think you're so special?", he took tentative steps towards me as I crawled away from him. My wrist burned from where he had been gripping and I felt my blood run cold at the possibility of what he could do. Even after years of dating him, I had never experienced this side of Ethan and now, I couldn't tell the miles he'd go to cause me pain."I was the only one on your side when every other person hated you and treated you like trash", he screamed. I only kept silent, refusing to speak. "Now, you're living in some fancy pla
Chapter 46Selena's POV I haven't said a word since the incident with Ethan. Not to Axel, not Lily and definitely not Asher. I felt detached from everyone and everything. I felt jumpy and I could swear I felt ants crawling up my skin the moment someone touched me. Lily and Axel had kept her distance, but Asher kept close, acting all nice and fussing over me even when I recoiled from his touch almost every time. The elders had gathered, discussing in hushed voices as they repeatedly threw glances my way. Axel looked nervous and worried. Honestly, the place was a mess. Soon after, Axel, Asher and the Elders filed out of my chambers, heading to the meeting room. I was growing fidgety as I wondered what they could possibly be having a meeting about. Lily took two steps towards me. "I know you're nervous and probably wondering what that is about", she began. "I'll sneak around and see if I can eavesdrop then I'll come right back and report to you", she promised, walking out and shut
Chapter 47Selena's POV It was safe to officially say I was royally fucked. Axel was not willing to reveal our relationship and I couldn't do it for fear of the unknown. If I revealed he was my mate, he could reject me in front of everyone. I wasn't willing to risk that. I felt betrayed by him, and I wondered how he could still be relentless even after everything we've been through. His brother is to be my husband come first light and I was absolutely reviled. "Are you sure you're okay?"Lily was sitting at my side, rubbing a comforting hand down my back occasionally. "I'm fine. Thanks", I gave her a small smile, one that didn't quite reach my eyes. "I just can't believe he'd sit still and watch as Asher and I are wedded", I shook my head in shock. "It's repulsive""What will you do? I'll help in any way I can"I had contemplated running away, leaving the Night Reapers pack and never looking back. But, all my life I had been confined in the house of my step family, and after comin
Chapter 48Axel's POV Blake stood still by my side, unmoving. I had been sitting in the same spot for quite a while, thoughts swirling and racing. I felt ashamed of myself. I wasn't even strong enough to protect my mate and now, she was to be with someone else. My brother. "Don't beat yourself up over it", my beta comforted me. "You can't do anything about it""She's my mate and I can't even do anything to protect her. I have to give her to my brother to ensure no harm comes to her. I don't deserve to be called an Alpha if I can't protect one person I treasure"Blake sighed, settling next to me. "Can you stop? Not many people may know you as much as I do so I think I'm in the best position to say this", he started. "If you're giving her up, then there must be a really good reason for it. When you're able to get rid of all those threatening you, you'll get her back"I didn't believe his words, not a single one, but I grasped onto the hope that Selena would one day understand why we
Chapter 49Selena's POV Three servants, one make-up artist and two hairdressers fussed over me. They had arranged my dress four times in the last ten minutes, the make-up artist had applied an extra layer of blush every fifteen minutes and my mood was extremely sour. "What jewelry would you prefer?", a servant questioned, pointing to three different jewelleries on the table. I simply ignored them, sitting as still as a mannequin. They passed a knowing look amongst themselves before randomly picking one, shackling me to it. "The ceremony is just about to begin", the dressers announced. "Get her ready"Lily walked into the room, standing right by me. She placed a firm hand on my shoulder, comforting me. "Everyone's waiting", she started. "Are you sure about this?"In all honesty, I wasn't. But I nodded. "Let's go girls", they clapped in excitement. I almost rolled my eyes. Of course, they wouldn't have an idea what it was like to be handed over to someone you may just hate, like
Chapter 50Selena's POV Everyone stared with smiles on their faces, as I walked down the aisle alone. My stepmother, stepfather and Elsa's faces held more glares than smiles but I didn't care as I was more focused on keeping my tears and anger at bay. Asher was standing at the altar, his face conveyed how happy he was though I was certain it was all for show rather than his true feelings. He offered me a hand, providing support as I stepped on the makeshift stage carefully crafted for the two 'love birds'. That was the decorator's words, not mine. I nervously glanced around the guests, searching for Cecelia or any semblance of hope that this wedding would not hold. But there was no one. Even Axel was missing. "Do you, Selena, take Asher to be your lawfully wedded husband?"I took a shaky breath. Just how shocked would they be if I suddenly declare my disinterest in marrying Asher? Elsa would probably have a field day about my plight, stepmother would all too willingly give Elsa t
Chapter 51Unknown POV Asher felt something stir in his heart the moment Selena smiled brightly at him. He realized then, just how much he wanted to see that smile again."Gosh, it's beautiful", Selena breathed out. "You'll love it more in the morning", Asher chuckled at her innocent awe filled eyes. "You've never seen one?""Never", Selena answered almost immediately. It was the only conversation they were having where Selena indicated the slightest bit of interest and she wasn't glaring, scowling or looking at him like a ticking time bomb. "My step family once went on a vacation", she gave a sad smile. "I couldn't tag along because obviously, stepmother thought it would be too much of a financial burden to take me"Asher listened intently. "When they got back, Elsa blabbered on and on about how beautiful the ocean was. I was so intrigued and I thought I'd never get to see it even after I die", she shook her head. "It's so silly""No, it's not", Asher refuted. "That's a beautiful