The Alpha King's Mistress Chapter 72: Bitter

As we stepped inside, the massive pillars, all carved and fancy-looking, holding up the high-painted ceiling greeted me. The paintings hanging on the wall caught the light from the huge chandeliers. The floor was smooth marble, polished so shiny you could almost see your reflection. Right smack in the middle was this massive wooden table, all carved and shiny. A colossal wooden table at the center and thrones-for-chairs around it – fit for a royal feast.

Samantha suddenly said, "I cook your favorite, cooked exactly how you like it."

Nicholas nodded, “Thank you, Sam. I'm looking forward to it."

"And don't worry about the warriors' meals. I took care of that too, along with the other servants." She took a seat to the left like she owned the place. "I ensured everything is handled”

Her words grated on me a little. It felt like she was trying to assert that she knew everything going on. Well, she won that one.

As we settled down for dinner, the aroma of Samantha's cooking enveloped us. She beamed with pride as a maid set a sizzling Filet Mignon on Nicholas's plate along with other dishes.

"Thanks, Sam. Looks delicious," Nicholas said softly.

I offered a polite smile to the maid who poured me juice. As I reached for the Chicken Marsala, my hand froze mid-air as Nicholas swiftly beat me to it, transferring a slice onto my plate.

Surprise rippled through me, mirrored in Samantha's widened eyes. It was a simple act, yet it caught us both off guard. I blinked, momentarily stunned by his unexpected gesture. I mustered a soft smile, feeling my heart racing.

Nicholas looked at me expectantly as he gestured to another dish, "Want some?"

I caught the scent of nuts on the food and hesitated.

"I'll pass, thanks. I'm allergic to nuts."

Samantha's eyes widened in surprise, her lips curving into an amused smile. "Really? That's a first for a shifter, isn't it?"

Samantha's words made me still for a second. Her attempt to rile me up was clear.

"You couldn't shift, so you're an exception," she added.

Before I could respond, Nicholas cut in, his voice firm but measured. "Sam, let's not go there."

His words cut through the tension like a knife, a clear warning.

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean—"

He held up a hand, offering a gentle yet firm smile. "Let's move on, okay?"

My gaze flickered between Nicholas and Samantha. Grateful for his attempt to protect my feelings, but I wanted to counter those statements myself.

"What if I could shift?" I challenged, my voice steady as I looked at each of them.

Nicholas and Samantha stilled in their seats. I held Nicholas's gaze for a moment, silently asking if, given the chance, he would choose me.

Samantha's forced laughter pierced the air, "Come on, that's impossible!"

“You don't know; it might be possible,”

“What do you mean by that?”

Nicholas's expression remained unreadable. He firmly stated, "Sam would like to say something."

“What—” Samantha shot back, frowning before a knowing look passed between them.

They exchanged a glance, a silent communication that showed they were mind-linking each other—a connection between pack members. It was Nicholas who looked away first before Samantha focused her attention on me.

She cleared her throat, "I'm sorry about… your plants last time,"

I offered a tight-lipped smile, mirroring her insincerity.

"No worries, it's fine."

An uneasy silence stretched between us for the rest of the dinner. But as I gazed at the red liquid in my glass after finishing dessert, a sudden question crossed my mind.

"Aren't you curious why I'm here at the castle?"

Samantha's expression faltered for a moment before she masked it with a nonchalant shrug.

"Figured you were just passing through,"

“But I believe I am not,” I said, taking a sip of my wine.

“Why then?”

I leaned on the table, turning to Nicholas, who was seriously staring at me. His intimidating and cold gaze sent a shudder through me.

“Why don't you ask him then?”

Samantha's gaze darted toward Nicholas, "Why is she here?"

"I told you, I need her for something," he replied.

"Let me give you the details. He needs me to calm his nerves, human and wolf side,"

A subtle tension swirled in the air while Samantha's eyes danced with shock and confusion, her brows furrowing.

“He won't need you—” she began but was cut off by an unexpected loud clatter.

Nicholas forcefully placed his knife on the table. The sharp sound jolted both Samantha and me, our gazes flicking to him, whose eyes bore an unsettling intensity at me. Yes, I think I pushed a golden buzzer on that one. His jaw clenched, and his eyes blazed in anger.

Without a word, Nicholas abruptly stood up and grabbed my hand with a grip that bordered on pain. I refrained from showing him that I was hurting though.

My heart pounded in my chest as he wordlessly pulled me out of the dining hall. The corridor swallowed us in its silence as we moved away from the prying eyes and hushed murmurs left behind in the dining room.

“Nicholas!” Samantha called.

I stole a glance at Nicholas; his tight jaw and pursed lips clearly showed frustration and anger. As he guided me towards the grand staircase, I couldn't just stay silent.

"Why are you mad again? Afraid Samantha will know the truth about me?"

He continued walking, his grip firm but slowly beginning to loosen. As we ascended the staircase, his words hit me like a cold gust of wind.

"I am not afraid for her to know who you are, but I am more concerned with my people knowing who you are since you're too embarrassing to be my mate," he replied, his tone guarded.

My fists clenched as that painful sting awakened in my chest. I collected my composure. I didn't have any fcking plan to let him win.

“Well, the feeling was mutual actually. I am beyond embarrassed beyond words to know you are mine.”

"Oh really?” He glanced at me and smirked, "Since you kept on asking earlier why I brought you here. Then I will indulge you. I requested your presence because it seems you're not fulfilling your role as a mistress properly. It's better to make my money count, right?"

His words left a sour taste in my mouth.

I forced a bitter chuckle, "Yeah, make it count, Your Highness."

He didn't respond again, but I heard him swear quietly. His words left a trail of anger through me, intensifying as he pulled me towards one of the rooms.

Swinging the door open, he ushered me inside, and the realization hit me—it was Nicholas's room. The air carried a distinct scent, a blend of his cologne and that intoxicating combination of sandalwood and cedar. It added up; the room was also expansive, adorned with a dominating black and gray theme. The walls were draped in shades of charcoal and slate, while sleek furniture in polished ebony filled the space.

“Stay here,” he commanded coldly, stepping out of the room.

I don't know what’s gotten into me, but I just uttered the first thing that came to my mind. Maybe at the back of my mind, the words of Isaac to convince him to rest affected me more than I can admit.

"Where are you going?"

He raised a brow, "I still need to do something."

I took a deep breath, "Why don't you just rest for a bit? You seem really busy and tired. You could use some rest."

His expression briefly flickered with confusion.

"What? Surprise I am talking to you after you pulled those words?” I shake my head, “You look exhausted. Take a break just for tonight.”

He cleared his throat, “I’ll…try—”

"I'll wait here for you," I said and shut the door on his face.

“The fck?” He swore behind the door.

I raised my middle finger to the door, knowing he was still there, and smirked. He deserves that. Huh, take that!

When I heard his retreating footsteps, I jumped onto the bed and lay down.

“Woah, his bed was so damn soft!” I exclaimed, patting the bed.

With just his bed, it felt like he was sleeping with money.