Chapter 5

KIARA'S POV.

I woke up in my room, feeling a sense of dread wash over me. Today was the day I would see Bryant and Anna again. As much as I hated the thought of being in the same room as them, I couldn't avoid it. As his fated mate, I was expected to attend all the pack meetings and events.

It had been Three weeks since Bryant brought me to his house to stay with him, as some contract wife.

Contract wife my feet. I was more like a slave. Everyone here looked down on me and treated me like I was nobody, even the maids.

The worst was Bryant and his Fiancee, Anna Morris.

Bryant and Anna had been together for years, and their engagement had been announced not long after I had come into the picture.

I knew it wasn't right, but I couldn't help the feelings I had for Bryant. The connection between us was undeniable, but it seemed that Anna had made it her mission to make me feel worthless and unwanted.

Bryant might be my mate, but his heart and feelings belonged only to Anna, and Anna made sure to make that clear.

I got dressed and headed to the dining room where the family was gathering to have breakfast. As soon as I walked in, I could feel Anna's eyes on me. I tried to ignore her and find a seat, but she made it impossible.

"Well, well, well, look who decided to grace us with her presence," Anna sneered and I shivered.

Here we go again.

I tried to keep my head down, not wanting to engage in a fight, but Anna wasn't done yet.

"Did you have trouble picking out an outfit, Kiara? Or did you need to ask for help?" she continued, laughing along with the others.

I felt my face turn red with embarrassment. I couldn't believe she was doing this in front of everyone, in front of the maids as well.

She was making it clear that Bryant was her territory.

Bryant walked in, and Anna's demeanor changed instantly. She smiled at him, and he kissed her on the cheek. My heart sank as I watched them.

"Hello, Kiara," Bryant said, not meeting my eyes.

I nodded in response, not trusting myself to speak.

Breakfast was silent, and Anna kept on giving me cold looks and was acting like a saint in front of Bryan.

Was he blind or what?

You might wonder, why would I have breakfast with them since I was more like a slave.

It was Bryant’s father. He was the only one who treated me like a human in here.

After Breakfast, I tried to slip out without being noticed, but Anna had other plans. She grabbed my arm and pulled me back.

"Where do you think you're going?" she asked, her grip tightening.

"I have some things to do," I said, trying to pull away.

Anna laughed. "Oh, I'm sure you do. Like what, rearranging your sock drawer?"

Bryant stepped forward, but Anna didn't let go of my arm. "Let her go, Anna," he said, his tone firm.

Anna rolled her eyes but released me. "Fine. But she needs to learn her place."

I walked away, tears streaming down my face. I couldn't take this anymore. The constant bullying and humiliation were too much to bear. Bryant is my mate and we are supposed to be together even if it's a fake marriage. I have to stay married to him for the treatment of my mother but I didn't know if I could continue like this.

The next few weeks were the same. Every time I saw Bryant and Anna, she would find a way to make me feel small and insignificant. Bryant never said anything, and I knew it was because he didn't want to upset her.

“What’s with the commotion?” I asked a maid as they started to run towards the door.

“The Alpha’s cousin, Master Oscar is here.” She said and I rushed to. I stared at the door as his cousin came walking through the door. He fixed his eyes on me and he smiled cockily.

What was that? What was that smile?

Anna had already gone on her work trip, and Bryant was on edge everyday. He seemed even more on edge with his cousin now.

“Hi, Cousin,” Oscar said and he looked at me again. “Who’s she? I haven’t seen her face around here.” He said and Bryant looked at me.

A new maid.” Bryant answered nonchalantly and my heart dropped.

My feelings were building slowly daily, as I worked side by side with him. But he was oblivious. Oblivious to it all.

“She’s pretty.” He said and walked inside.

I had a gut feeling that he was in trouble.

I went to bed that night, tired and aching all over, wanting to sleep, but not before I called the hospital to check on Mom. She was making progress after the surgery and going through rehab to fix her limbs and muscles.

I lay in bed, trying to sleep, my mind wandering to the thoughts if ever Bryant would see me as his mate, a potential woman he could fall in love with.

Then I heard the door creak open.

I sat up, heart pounding in my chest. I could barely make out the figure of a man in the dim light. He was tall and muscular, with a cruel glint in his eyes.

It was Oscar.

"Young Master Oscar? What are you doing here?" I demanded, backing away as he approached me slowly.

He smirked, revealing sharp, menacing teeth. “I have had my eyes and thoughts on you since I got here, today. You are indeed beautiful, Kiara.” He said and I cringed when his fingers grazed my cheeks.

I backed away, my fear growing. "I'm Bryant's wife," I stammered. "Please don’t do this. Leave me alone."

But He wasn't listening. “You can’t be his wife and stay in here. Stop trying to fool me.” He said and I gulped.

“Please leave me alone.”

He lunged forward, and I screamed loudly. “Help.” and then I pushed him and rushed out of the room, running and hiding in the basement.

I have stayed in the basement all night long and even till the following evening no one came to look for me and I'm scared of coming out of my hideout.

My eyes are blurry, my body is weak and I feel like I might pass out because I haven't eaten anything since the beginning of today and worst of all my throat is dried. I haven't taken a droplet of water either.

I'm not important no one will notice my absence my inner mind said to me but just then I saw him…

Bryant rushed down to the basement, with shock written on his face he must have followed my strange yet familiar scent. I believe that was the only way he was able to trace me down since we are mates. Our scent will be stronger and more familiar to each.

But why was he here? I thought he hated me.

As he reached the bottom of the stairs, he saw me lying on the cold, hard floor. He saw me burning up with fever and breathing heavily.

"Bryant..." I groaned as I struggled to sit up.

"Shh, don't speak. I'm here, Kiara," Bryant whispered soothingly, placing a hand on my forehead. "What happened to you? How did you end up here?"

My eyes flew open, and I began to shiver uncontrollably. "Oscar," I whispered hoarsely. "He tried to...rape me. I was so scared, I ran away and ended up here."

Bryant's eyes widened in horror. "Damn it," he cursed under his breath. "I should have stopped him. I knew he was up to no good. Are you okay now? Can you walk? We need to get you out of here."

I nodded weakly, and with Bryant's help, I managed to stand up. I leaned against him as we made our way out of the basement and towards his room.

The commotion was clear now, and the people in the house rushed out, only to see Bryant carrying me in bridal style.

“The doctor! Get me the doctor quickly!” He said. “I’m going to kill him for daring to lay hands on what’s mine. That damn bastard.” Bryant murmured as he stared at my weak face.

“Bryant... Please.. can I sleep here tonight?” I murmured as Bryant laid me down on the bed.

“Anything for you, Ki. Anything for you.” Bryant said and I nodded, before slipping into unconsciousness.