Pain Of The Mate Bond

Pearl's POV

"Argh," I winced as the pain in my stomach intensified.

It felt like hot lava had been spilled inside me, burning through my insides. Beads of sweat dripped down my body, soaking the sheets.

"It hurts," I mumbled, clutching my stomach and rolling onto my side.

But it wasn't just physical pain. My entire body felt like it was on fire. Lyra, my wolf, was hurting too like she was being torn apart. There was only one reason why this could be happening and it was my mate's infidelity.

"Carlson," I groaned through my clenched teeth. "What are you doing?"

A sharp pain shot through me, forcing a gasp from my lips.

"Oh moon goddess, " I whimpered as the agony became unbearable.

How could my husband be doing this? Where was he?

The thoughts disturbed my mind, pushing me to move despite the pain. I slipped out of bed, gripping the edges for support. My legs shook, but I forced myself to move and find him.

I staggered downstairs, only to stop in my tracks as I saw Carlson sitting on the couch with Hazel. They were so close it made my stomach churn.

"Hazel," I gasped, letting out labored breaths.

Hazel. The love of my husband's life. She was the woman he had wanted to marry before she left him for a richer, and more powerful Alpha. Carlson had been broken, barely able to function for months. He told me all this after we got mated but even at that he never seemed to get over her.

She was back!

I couldn't understand what I was seeing, why was she here?

"Carlson, what's she doing here?" I asked, my brows furrowed in confusion.

He wrapped his arm around her shoulder, pulling her close as if he had forgotten my existence.

"Hazel was abandoned by Alpha Adams. She has nowhere to go."

A shocked expression contorted my features. Abandoned? By the Alpha, she left him for? And Carlson was concerned about that?

"Why do you care?" I asked, confusion giving way to anger. "She left and broke you, have you forgotten that?!"

Hazel began releasing sobs at my words.

Carlson shot glares at me and started comforting her, "Don't cry, Hazel. Don't listen to her."

He pressed his lips tenderly against her forehead. My heart clenched. He had never kissed me like that.

"Carlson!" I snapped, the pain in my chest matching the physical agony rippling through me.

"What?" He barked, his voice sharp as he pulled Hazel closer. "She's staying with us, and that's final."

"She can't stay here!" I protested. "She's your ex. You know how much she hurt you."

Hazel's sobs grew louder, and Carlson's expression darkened with anger.

"You're being cruel."

"I'm not being cruel, I'm being practical, " I shot back. "She can stay in a hotel, but not here. Not in our home."

"I've already thought of that!" He yelled. "She won't be safe in a hotel. This is the best place for her."

I grew more hurt than before. He was defending her and protecting her like I was the enemy. I had always known some parts of him still cared for her, but I never thought he'd choose her over me.

"Luna," Hazel whispered, her soft voice felt like a dagger to me. "I don't want to cause trouble between both of you."

I opened my mouth to argue but Carlson glared at me and pulled her into a hug, a hug that I had never received.

Our marriage had been hanging on a thread for years and Hazel would completely ruin it. I wasn't going to let that happen.

"I'll order one of the servants to take you to a good hotel where you'll be comfortable, you can't—"

"Pearl!" Carlson snapped, his finger pointed angrily at me. "Don't you dare go against me! She's staying here, and nothing will change that. Got it?"

"Alpha Carlson, please don't yell at her," Hazel said, pulling away from his arms. "This is your matrimonial home and I have no right to barge in. I'll take my leave."

She tried standing, but he stopped her.

"You aren't going anywhere," He insisted, embracing her again.

I felt so hurt each time he hugged her, but the taunting smirk that appeared on her lips revealed her dark intentions.

"I am the Alpha and head of the house, and if I say you'll stay then no one has the right to say otherwise," He spat.

I blinked back my tears, the unfairness crushing me.

"Carlson..." I said, my voice trembling. "Earlier, I was in pain, were you two doing something together?"

Carlson kept silent for a moment, his face flashing with undeniable guilt.

"That's none of your business," He said, his voice emotionless.

"None of my business?" I repeated, my voice shaking in disbelief. "I felt everything, Carlson! I was in agony because of you. How could you do this to me? How can you hurt me like this with her, of all people?"

"Stop questioning me," He snapped. "I am your Alpha, I can do whatever I want."

"But I am your mate and Luna," I replied, my voice shaking. "You shouldn't be doing things to hurt me no matter how much she tempts you. I know we aren't in the best place right now, but involving her will only complicate things." I argued.

"She's not just anyone," He said coldly, his eyes boring into mine. "She's the love of my life, and this is her rightful place,"

His words were like a slap to my face. "What about us?" I whispered, barely able to speak. "Carlson...don't do this to us..."

He rolled his eyes and stood up with Hazel. Hazel had this frivolous smirk all through. What a shameless—

"I am an Alpha," He said, his voice cruel. "I'm not obligated to sleep with just one woman. I can sleep with as many women as I like especially when you're so boring," He affronted, his tone nonchalant.

"Carlson."

"Mind your business from now on, and don't you dare interrupt us. I'm taking her to her new room." He said, his voice resolute.

"Let's go, dear."

I was rendered speechless as they headed upstairs, holding and kissing each other. Each affectionate act was like a sting to me. Their echoing laughter was like nails on a chalkboard.

The heat inside me intensified, burning through me with every second. I knew what they were doing, and it was tearing me apart.

Why was I getting punished for their actions? Oh moon goddess, this wasn't fair.

"Argh!" I let out a whimper.

Slowly, I walked to the couch and collapsed on it. I wondered why Carlson was doing this right now and what my fate would be.

Would he reject me to be with her?

But why were his actions so cruel? Even if we didn't marry for the right reasons, he didn't have the right to cheat on me or run back to his ex at the slightest opportunity.

"Ah!" I cried out, tears escaping my eyes. "It hurts so much..."

"Carlson!" I called out as the pain got severe. It felt like knives were stabbing my gut.

"Stop, please..." I whimpered through my sobs. "Please..."

I couldn't take the pain anymore. I had to stop them somehow. I stumbled off the couch and struggled to the stairs.

"Please... I can't," Floods of tears were escaping my eyes. Every part of me was in pain.

My body began trembling uncontrollably, my wolf was giving up to the unbearable torment. Before I could do anything, my vision blurred.