The Alpha King's Mistress Chapter 36: The Girlfriend

Lost in a whirlwind of emotions, I lost track of time, unsure of how many hours had slipped by. Layla and I were sitting side by side on the sand, and neither of us spoke. I didn't know how Layla found this breathtaking place but I am glad to be here.

The gentle rhythm of the waves crashing against the shore filled the silence between us. I watch the ocean, as the tempting waves come back and forth and the sound slowly eases the pain in my heart just to make it numb. I don't have any tears to cry anymore. It seemed like my energy had gone along with my tears.

As Layla broke the heavy silence, her voice carried a somber tone as she spoke, "Samantha was Nicholas's longest girlfriend. They seemed perfect together." She paused, “They even both promised to reject each other’s mates when they saw them. That's how great their love for each other”

“He did,” I choked, my lips trembling as the memories of Nicholas not accepting me as his mate flashed in my mind.

"Nicholas proposed to her, but later discovered she was cheating on him with another man," Layla’s voice carried disappointment, "He was on the verge of banishing her from the pack, but his love for her was so great that he couldn't do it. For decades, Samantha begged for his forgiveness. She would kneel in front of the castle all night even while it was pouring outside. She will go wherever Nicholas is just so she can talk to him for a moment. That scene was heartbreaking”

I want to ask her to stop. I wanted to leave. I do not want to hear it. But the words seemed to be stuck in my throat. I can't say it.

Each word felt like another blow to my already shattered heart. It was as if in each word, another piece of my heart breaking into irreparable fragments.

“Nicholas ended up forgiving her but he offered an agreement. For 10 years, he will have mistresses. We are Lycans and we are close to immortality, so 10 years was a very short time. Samantha agreed to let Nicholas have mistresses as a form of penance for her mistake. Samantha used this agreement to travel around the world with Nicholas supporting her” she clenched her fist as if hesitating to continue, “And the arrangement was for her to return after 10 years, and they would marry. And this year is….”

“The last time he would have a mistress” I finished.

Layla nodded. It only means one thing. If they marry, Samantha will become their Luna and our Luna Queen. It means I am out of the picture. It means Nicholas will mark that woman and I will be facing death since rejection can be life-threatening to some wolves. Normally, the rejected ones take the blow.

“But I think Nicholas will not marry her,” Layla said, reassuring me but I felt like she was just convincing herself.

I responded with a hollow tone, "I don't care, I was only his Mistress for six months anyway."

The words left on my lips sound like a shield to my pain. I need to protect myself, to act strong just like any other day of my life. It was funny that I dared to think for once that I could be vulnerable in front of my mate someday, that I could show how weak I was to him since he would protect me.

But that was the biggest twist! Seeing him with another woman was more painful than the betrayal of the man I thought was my guardian. Truly, matebond can be powerful. *It was already breaking me!*

"Sorry," Layla murmured softly, catching my attention.

"It's okay," I replied and forced a bitter chuckle, “It's not your fault I am a mess”

“You're not. You are not a mess, Florence”

“I doubt you will think the same if you know how crazy and chaotic my life was”

“Then tell me. I am your friend. You are the one I see as my Luna”

I gave her a small smile, grateful but my past can put her in danger. I would not risk that nor let anyone suffer for me. I rose to my feet, extending my hand towards her, "It's getting late, we should go back,"

Layla looked at me, taking my hand, and I pulled her up, “Are you sure you're okay?”

I nodded, unable to say the word. The echoes of our conversation lingered in the air as we silently made our way back. When we reached the cabin, I told her not to walk me to the house anymore. She seems reluctant to leave me but she agrees in the end when I say that I want to be alone.

As Layla's car sped away, I stood outside the cabin, waving her goodbye. I stepped inside the familiar space of the cabin and closed the door behind me, leaning against it as a fresh wave of tears streamed down my cheeks.

“I'm so tired of this,” I muttered to myself as my heart broke again.

*And again.*