Chapter 4 The Rejection

(Iris)

Today is the coronation day of Naomi, and I was waiting in my room for Jasper to come and reject me. The tension in my chest made it hard to breathe, and my heart pounded in my chest. I paced back and forth, unable to stand still. My bedroom, usually a place of comfort, felt like a prison today. 

I could hear the sounds of bustling activity, preparations for Naomi’s big day underway. The grandeur of the occasion was lost on me, overshadowed by the impending rejection. 

“It is for the best,” I whispered to my wolf, Molly.

“My life will be more livable after the rejection,” I said, trying to convince myself of the truth of my words. “Naomi’s resentment is only misguided. I can try and get her to trust me again after. At least I would have her back. And if I am to work as her servant, making amends would make my life easier in that regard.” 

My wolf whimpered, her sadness mirroring my own. 

“I know, Molly,” I said, sitting on the edge of my bed. “It’s just… this bond with Jasper has become too heavy a burden to bear. Maybe… maybe it is better this way.”

Just then, the door creaked open, and Jasper walked into the room. 

Jasper was dressed impeccably, his black suit highlighting his strong, commanding presence. His eyes, however, were void of the warmth they once held for me. They were cold, detached, a stark reminder of the gulf that had grown between us. 

“Let’s just get it over with,” he said, his voice devoid of any emotion. The words cut through me. 

After all of this, I wasn’t even worth a few minutes of his time. I was just something to cross off his checklist. Even though I was in pain, I forced myself to remain stoic. 

“Sure,” I answered, matching his tone. My voice was flat, empty, reflecting the hollowness I felt inside. 

But then, something in Jasper’s expression changed. His eyes softened, and a hint of a smirk played at the corners of his mouth. 

“You know, if you beg nicely, I can put you in a cute little house…” 

The suggestion was both insulting and infuriating. I squared my shoulders, meeting his gaze head-on. 

“No need,” I said quickly. “I am fine being Naomi’s maid.” 

His smirk disappeared, replaced by a look of irritation. 

“You despite me, don’t you?” he said, pulling off his perfectly knotted tie with a sharp, frustrated movement. 

I didn’t answer, my silence speaking volumes. The truth was, I didn’t despite him. Even now, I still couldn’t. I despised the situation, and the circumstances that had led us here. But before I could speak, he closed the distance between us, his hands gripping my hands firmly. 

His grip was firm, almost bruising, as he pulled my hands over my head. He got on top of me, the intensity in his eyes both terrifying and magnetic. His lips crashed against mine, a forceful and demanding kiss that left no room for hesitation. The kiss was an eruption of pent-up anger and frustration, a desperate attempt to reclaim something that had long been lost. 

His hands roamed my body and I responded by tangling my hands in his hair, pulling him closer. His suit jacket was the first to go, hitting the floor with a soft thud. My hands moved to the buttons of his shirt, fumbling in my haste. One by one, they gave way, revealing the hard planes of his chest beneath. 

Jasper’s hands found the zipper of my dress, and with a swift motion, he pulled it down. The fabric was tossed aside, leaving me laying in my lingerie. His eyes darkened with desire as he took in the sight of me. For a brief moment, the anger seemed to melt away, replaced by a raw, unfiltered hunger. 

Jasper’s hands moved to the clasp of my bra, and with a deft motion, he had it undone. He tossed it aside, his mouth descending to my breasts. I arched into him, a moan escaping my lips as he took a nipple into his mouth, sucking and teasing with his tongue. His hand found the other breast, kneading and squeezing, driving me wild with need. 

His lips traveled lower, kissing a path down my stomach, and I shivered in anticipation. He hooked his fingers into the waistband of my panties, pulling them down and discarding them. I was completely exposed now, vulnerable and at his mercy. But I wanted this, I needed it more than I could express. 

Jasper’s mouth found its way between my thighs, his tongue flicking out to taste me. I cried out, my hips buckling against his mouth as he skillfully brought me to the edge. The sensations were overwhelming, a mix of pleasure and pain that left me breathless. 

“Jasper,” I gasp, tugging at his hair, needing more. He pulled back, his eyes meeting mine with a predatory gleam. He moved up my body, positioning himself at my entrance. 

He entered me with one swift thrust, filling me completely. The sensation was intense, a mix of pleasure and pain that made me gasp. He set a relentless pace, each thrust driving me closer to the edge. Our bodies moved in perfect sync, a dance of passion and desperation. 

The room was filled with the sounds of our lovemaking - moans, gasps, and the rhythmic slap of skin against skin. Jasper’s hands roamed my body, fingers digging into my hips as he drove into me with increasing urgency. 

I felt the pressure building, a tight coil in my belly ready to snap. Jasper’s thrusts became erratic, his breath coming in harsh pants. With a final, powerful thrust, we both tumbled over the edge, crying out in release. The wave of pleasure crashed over me, leaving me breathless and trembling.

Jasper collapsed beside me, his chest heaving as he caught his breath. I lay there, staring at the ceiling. For a brief moment, everything else faded away. 

I thought of Elias. Here, about to be rejected, desperately needing Jasper… I thought of Elias. 

Jasper shot out of the bed without warning, looking at me with anger and maybe a little hurt in his eyes. 

“I’m glad that I am going to be done with you and this stupid betrayal pain,” he spat, his voice laced with bitterness. 

The realization hit me. Now I knew why he never failed to show up at the worst of times. 

“Don’t.” He cuts me off when I try to say something. 

He stopped me from saying anything further, his hands raised in a silent plea. The rejection ceremony began, the ancient words of separation flowing from his lips. I spoke in a shaky voice, but said them as well. 

The breaking of the mate bond was excruciating. It felt like a part of my soul was being ripped away. The pain was so intense, so overwhelming, that I passed out. As consciousness slipped away, I felt a warm liquid between my legs. 

Panic surged through me, but I was too weak to move. My last thought before darkness claimed me was a single, horrifying realization. 

It was blood.

I have just begun to feel a subtle vitality in my body a few days ago. Now this vitality has turned into deathly silence.

Could it be...