Chapter 4: Awakening

Serena POV

I couldn't believe my eyes as I slowly approached the figure lying on the bed. The man was tall and muscular, resembling the person I had seen at the event. It couldn't be a coincidence. This had to be my husband.

My hands trembled as I reached out to touch his cheek. I could feel the warmth of his skin, but there was no response.

He lay there motionless, like a shell of the man I once knew. But I felt it was all wrong. How could he be out there at the event while the news held that he was in coma.

I berated myself! That wasn't the bone of contention. How could this be happening? How could I spend my life with a vegetable?

I could run out at the moment and cart away. But a lot was at stake - my father's life. Derek was the only tormentor at the moment, if I dare run after the hospital bills has been paid, we would be in debt forever.

I considered the terms again, was I to sleep with him here at the hospital? Why is he not in his house? Why is he alone? And who in the world coined up the idea that someone in his state of physical demure can make a child.

I couldn't bear to stay in the room any longer, the weight of the situation crushing down on me. I rushed out, my heart racing and tears streaming down my face. I needed to clear my head, to figure out what to do next.

As I stepped outside, a man approached me, his face unfamiliar. He told me that someone was waiting for me by the gate. Who could it be? I wondered.

With a sense of dread, I followed him, my mind swirling with questions and fears.

When I reached the gate, everything went black. It felt like I was falling into a deep abyss, the darkness enveloping me completely.

And then, in the respite that followed, I was jerked back into consciousness. I didn't know what minutes or hours it took, but I was in a new terrain.

I opened my eyes to find myself in Derek's harbour, the familiar surroundings bringing a strange sense of dread.

Derek sat in front of me, a bottle of bourbon in his hand. His eyes bore into mine, he gave a smirk, the same one he gave when he spoke to me at the event.

I couldn't speak, couldn't find the words to question what had just happened. I was still reeling from the shock of seeing my supposed husband in the hospital, now I'm here, in this dreadful place.

I wondered if Derek knew of the deal. I looked around and I was flanked by two members of our pack. They use to be dad's loyal servants, now they have taken side against us, against me. “How did I get here?”

“You want to know?” his voice boomed.

I looked around in dismay.

“I told you you belonged to me,” he said and sipped from the bottle of booze he was holding. “I offered to you a chance to be my mistress. Do you know the numbers of women out there who wants to spend a night with me? But here you are, rejecting me. Over what? That log of wood lying there?”

Now I confirmed, he knew.

Derek's words hit me like a ton of bricks, sending chills down my spine. How could he be so cruel, so heartless? I could feel the anger bubbling up inside of me, but I knew I had to stay calm. I couldn't let him see how much his words affected me.

"You belong to me now, Serena," Derek sneered, his eyes cold and calculating. "I are not asking anymore. I am taking you."

I clenched my fists at my sides, willing myself to stay strong. "I will never belong to you, Derek. I am not a possession to be claimed."

Derek laughed, a sound that sent shivers down my spine. "Oh, but you are, my dear. And as for your so-called husband, Darius? Well, he's nothing but a vegetable now. A pitiful excuse for a man. While I am at the peak of my strength."

I felt a surge of anger at his words, but I knew I had to keep my composure. "You are nothing but a usurper, Derek. Seating on my family's wealth after overthrowing my father in a coup. You are nothing but a coward."

Derek's eyes flashed with anger, his grip on my arm tightening. "Watch your tongue, Serena. You have no say in this. You either become my mistress or you die. Choose wisely."

Tears pricked at my eyes as I realized the gravity of the situation. I was trapped, with no way out. I sank to my knees in front of him, begging for mercy. "Please, Derek, have mercy. I beg of you, please don't do this."

Derek's expression softened for a moment, but it was quickly replaced by a look of disgust. "Pathetic. You think begging will save you? You are nothing but a weak-willed woman, Serena. I have no use for someone like you, only to warm my bed. Think deeply, who's out there to save you? Darius?” he asked and laughed.

He thought he had given me no offer. But before me was one. A way out of this mess - death. If he kills me, then I'll be through with the shame, with the reproach and I'll escape the fate that was placed before me.

“We are wasting time here. Bring her to me. Strip her naked and bring her to me,” Derek ordered, slammed the bottle on the floor and undid his belt.

The men that flanked me descended on me and held me by both hands.

Suddenly, the door into the room were gashed opened and we all looked into the direction. After, one of the men that guard the door was thrown in as we all looked.

“What's happening?” Derek asked, his mouth ajar.

As we all watched, a figure strolled in. I squinted to see. It was my husband - Darius.