The Alpha King's Mistress Chapter 105: Revelation

“What do you mean?” he asked sharply. “Did he ask you to do something like sell your body—”

“No, he did not. He's more like manipulating my mind into thinking he's someone I could trust. That's why I did everything he said, followed him like a damn dog,” I explained, shaking my head with a sad smile. “And I was so naive to believe him, but I came to terms with the fact that maybe I just wanted to have someone, to feel valued and important for once. And I thought doing everything he ordered me to would be enough.”

Nicholas stared at me, his expression unreadable, his face tense as if he wanted to say something but held himself back.

All I said was the truth. I never felt loved by my parents. My father neglected me, and my mother abandoned me. So when Keith told me that he would raise me, I saw him as my only family, and I did everything he ordered me to. I willingly did my best in training and everything. Deep in my heart, I knew I did it because I was afraid of being left and abandoned again for the third time.

But in the end, he was only after my blood as a hybrid. In the end, he was just like my parents.

“Florence, I—” Nicholas began, but I cut him off.

"Let's not dwell on the past," I said with forced lightness, rising from my seat. "I'll take care of the dishes. It's the least I can do after you cooked such a wonderful meal."

Nicholas's jaw clenched, but he chose not to press further. I felt his eyes on me as I moved towards the sink, the rhythmic clinking of dishes echoing in the house.

Suddenly, his Alpha tone cut through the air. "I'll take care of the dishes, Florence. Sit down."

However, I was having none of it. I met his gaze, a smirk playing on my lips.

"Sorry, but your tone does not affect me. Remember, I'm not just any pack member; I'm your mate. And in this particular matter, I declare that the cook doesn't wash the dishes. So, I'll handle the cleanup duty."

Nicholas's stern expression wavered for a moment. With a resigned sigh, he leaned back in his chair, muttering under his breath, "Stubborn as a wolf pup."

I chuckled, replying, "Trust me, I'm nowhere near a wolf pup."

Clearing his throat, Nicholas spoke up again, "Florence, once you're done here, we'll head to the lake."

"The lake? Are you sure?"

"Yes. It's a beautiful spot, and I want you to see it."

"Alright, then. I'd love to see the lake," I replied.

After a while, I stepped out of the house, donning a simple yet graceful green dress. Nicholas awaited me, dressed in a well-fitted shirt and dark jeans. Tousled hair, touched by the golden colors of the setting sun, added to his charming appearance.

My attention was drawn to the basket Nicholas carried. "What's in the basket?"

"Just a little snack for us to enjoy by the lake later," he replied with a simple smile.

I nodded and turned toward the lake. The glistening water reflected the changing shades of the sky. Succumbing to the urge, I sprinted towards it. My steps led me closer to the water's edge, and as I peered into the clear water, my reflection stared back at me.

I felt Nicholas's eyes on me. Turning to him with a smile, I found him averting his gaze, unfolding a cloth on the grass. It revealed a simple yet inviting spread of sandwiches and fruits. I walked over to him.

"Did you prepare all of this?" I asked as I settled beside him on the grass.

"Yes, I thought it would be nice to have a little picnic by the lake. And," he said, his gaze drifting towards the view, "the sunset here is magnificent."

I followed his gaze. The sun painted the sky with shades of orange and pink.

"It is. It's beautiful"

As we sat side by side, sharing a simple yet intimate meal in silence, I observed with keen interest as Nicholas pulled out a weathered sketchbook and a pencil—a side of him I hadn't expected.

"What's that?" I asked, nodding towards the sketchbook.

Nicholas glanced at me, "It's a sketchbook. Drawing is a habit of mine when I want to relax."

"Really? I didn't picture you as the artistic type."

Nicholas chuckled, "Why? Because I'm full of muscles?"

“I didn't say that. It came from your mouth”

He shook his head with a grin on his face and began to sketch, his hand moving with a fluidity that spoke of long practice. I leaned in, watching the graphite create lines on the paper, bringing the beauty of the sunset and the lake to life.

When Nicholas finally put down the pencil, he looked at me, his eyes holding a glimmer of satisfaction. "There. It's a simple sketch, but it captures the essence. It's just a hobby. Helps me clear my mind."

I examined the sketch, a warmth spreading through me. "It's beautiful, Nicholas."

"It truly is," he replied, staring at me.

There was a long stretch of silence between us, with only our gazes locked. Eventually, it was Nicholas who quickly averted his eyes, turning his attention back to his sketch, carefully stroking in more shades.

“I think you'll be more impressed by my cousin’s sketch if you see it,” he mused seriously while focusing on the paper.

The words Samantha uttered at the council meeting echoed in my mind. ‘Makayla Ellis killed his cousin’ – Samantha's exact words. I took a deep breath, summoning the courage to ask. Part of me already assumed, but the other half didn't want to acknowledge it.

Maybe Samantha meant something different. Perhaps I had done something indirectly that led to Nicholas’s cousin's death, not that particular incident a few years ago.

“Y-your cousin, uh….” I cleared my throat, “If you don't mind me asking, h-how did he die?”

My gaze dropped to his hand, which paused as he was about to draw. He sighed, resuming his work.

“I sent him to investigate a group. He was the best on my team, so I sent him. But he never returned, as the building they went into burned.”

It felt like my blood ran cold.

“W-what group were they investigating?”

His voice grew sharper as he continued to draw, “A group of rogues—MadCrest Pride. We got a lead about their facility in the East, so I sent them to investigate. But throughout further investigation of their death, we learned that Makayla Ellis—a spy known as Veilios—was also there. The whole building was burned to ashes, and our prime suspect was that spy.”

My body trembled uncontrollably. "W-what was his name?" I stammered, the words barely audible past the lump forming in my throat.

Nicholas paused, his gaze flickering up from his sketchpad, a flicker of something unreadable crossing his features. "Baron… Baron Mace," he replied, his voice devoid of emotion.

The name echoed in my ears, each syllable a hammer blow to my already shattered heart. Nausea churned in my stomach.

Shit.

"Excuse me," I mumbled, my voice barely above a whisper. "I-I need to use the bathroom."

Nicholas offered a curt nod, his gaze briefly meeting mine. I made my way towards the house, each step feeling like a struggle against an invisible force dragging me down.

As soon as I was inside, I practically flung myself into the bathroom, collapsing onto the cold floor.

The dam within me broke, and I emptied my stomach. Tears streamed down my face, blurring the image of my reflection staring back at me—a suddenly pale shell of a person. The shock was overwhelming. The Lycan who sacrificed himself to save me was none other than Nicholas's cousin, his best friend. And now, I stood accused of his murder.

Each silent sob that racked my body felt like a betrayal, each tear a silent apology for a life I couldn't save. Slumping against the bathroom stall, the complicated situation crashed over me. Nicholas, the man I was falling for, believed I had taken the life of his loved one.

A knock on the door startled me. "Florence? Are you alright in there?" Nicholas's voice sounded rough with concern.

I took a shaky breath, willing myself to compose. "Yes, I'm fine. Just a bit of indigestion, I think."

"Indigestion?" he sounded worried. "I think I brought some medicine… Let me find something that can help you."

“Thanks.”

I couldn't risk him finding me in such a state. I went to the sink, splashing cold water on my face in a desperate attempt to lessen the sudden redness of my eyes and traces of crying. When I heard his footsteps again, I decided to step out. Opening the door a crack, I offered him a weak smile.

“Here, try this,” he extended a pill to me, “I called our pack doctor—Evelyn and she confirmed this is good for indigestion.”

I took it and forced a nod, “I’ll drink it later. I’ll just lie down for a few minutes.''

His worried gaze lingered on me for a moment longer than necessary. Finally, with a hesitant nod, he said, "Alright, but if you need anything at all, don't hesitate to call."

Relief washed over me as I watched him walk away. Taking a deep breath, I moved to the hallway. Just as I turned toward the bedroom, the sharp ring of Nicholas's phone pierced the silence.

He answered it immediately, his voice low and serious. After a brief conversation, he stepped outside, closing the door behind him.

Alone in the bedroom, I sank onto the bed, the weight of the revelation echoing in my mind. The grief I knew Nicholas must be feeling, the guilt of holding the truth I couldn't yet share - it all threatened to consume me.

Staring blankly at the ceiling, I allowed the tears to fall freely now.