Chapter 6: Wolfsbane mixed with acid

Hope's POV

I felt like my entire world stopped and my heart was violently ripped out of my chest. A burning sensation rippled through my skin as I stared at the mark, glistening on Kaia's neck, mocking me. My eyes hurt as the tears pooled to the side before casually strolling down my cheek.

I wanted nothing more than to rip Kaia from his arms and pummel her till she stopped moving. I wanted to be in his arms, I wanted him to wrap his arms around me and hold me close.

I didn't understand this strange feeling of jealousy because a few hours ago, I wouldn't have bothered if he wanted to be with someone else, but now, it felt like I couldn't live without him.

I hadn't seen him in over six years, but it felt like he was all I could live for now. So seeing him reject me in the most cruel way possible made my body quiver in sadness.

“Get out,” the cold voice of Orion pierced my heart. My head buzzed terribly and my vision became to blur as I found it almost impossible to stand upright.

I felt like an entire cauldron of boiling water was thrown over my body and I was forced to stand and watch them hurt me. My skin burned with an intensity that I had never experienced, but I couldn't even find the strength to scream because of how suddenly tired I was.

The pain was worse than being chained in that dungeon for years, the mental torture of not knowing when I would leave.

My throat clogged, tightening in itself, expelling the last rounds of air that were in my lungs. It was as if my lungs had forgotten its purpose, which was to breathe, I tried hard, but I couldn't breathe any longer.

The black spots in my vision multiplied like a virus on a Petri dish, the room started spinning and my legs wobbled, feeling instantly weak. I stretched my hands toward the wall, looking for anything sturdy to support myself, but I missed the edge.

“Orion, please,” I whispered knowing I was about to pass out. My hands slid across the smooth wall and my vision entirely surrendered to the darkness as the last thing I felt was a sharp jab to my ribs.

Orion’s POV

Staring at the falling body of Hope, I felt nothing but pain and anger. The emotions in my head engaging in a fierce battle to subdue one another, and my will, standing strong by my decision. My chest slammed erratically against my chest and my throat burned after I marked Kaia.

It felt like I had taken a greedy gulp of Wolfsbane mixed with acid. My tongue was on fire, but my body stood still, my will more stubborn than the weakness of my mind. I breathed heavily, trying to persuade my body to stop its reaction as I watched Hope go unconscious.

Marking Kaia had been a split decision I had made in the few seconds of staring at Hope. I didn't want Hope to feel like she could take the place of Kaia in my life, and in that split second that the thought scurried past my mind, I didn't think of the repercussions.

To hell with the repercussions. I loved Kaia and she loved me too. Mates rejected their mates all the time, it was nothing new and it wasn't something that was unheard of. But my dad…my dad wouldn't support it. He had already ordered that the wedding rites be fulfilled the next day, so how was I going to go on with a marriage to someone I had rejected?

“Babe? Are you alright?” Kaia drew tiny circles along my chest, soothing my troubled mind. She always had a way of calming me down no matter the situation.

My eyes opened again and I locked with the mark on her neck, and my jaw tightened. I didn't regret it, but I had wanted it to be special, damn you, Hope.

“Yes, I'm fine,” I forced a tiny smile to assure her that I was truly fine before I glanced at Hope on the floor again.

“What do we do with her?” I asked, waiting for Kaia’s wise guidance. She sighed and it drew my attention toward her beautiful irises. I could see the mechanics in her head turning as she came up with a plan.

“Inasmuch as I hate this bitch, we can't leave her here,” she said.

“What?” I couldn't help how shocked I sounded.

“You're getting married to her tomorrow, and it hurts me so much to even think that she will be seen as your wife, but if she goes missing, your dad…” she stares at me, communicating the remaining part of the message through her eyes.

She was right. If my dad found out that Hope was missing, he would invest his entire resources in ensuring that she be found. He was a traditionalist, and staunch believer in the roots of culture and tradition. He would rather die before he hears that I have rejected my mate.

“You're right,” I sighed again. Why couldn't the goddess make Kaia my mate? It would have been so easy.

“I'll ask the guards to —”

“No!” Kaia cut in sharply.

“I'll do it, I'll help her,” she said. I squinted my eyes trying to make sense of it all.

“Don't worry, trust me, I'll take her,” she sounded genuine and I trusted her. I nodded as I placed a quick kiss to her lips and walked out of the room.

Kaia’s POV

As soon as the door closed, I whipped out my phone and dialed the number of the person I needed the most. It rang for a few seconds before he picked up.

“Hello?” I knew how urgent my voice sounded.

“Kaia? Are you okay?”

“I don't have time for pleasantries. Remember that favour you said you owe me and I can cash it in anytime? Yes, I'm cashing in now. Meet me in the pack house, now.”