The Alpha's Fated Outcast Rise Of The Moonsinger novel Chapter 205

Nathan

I stood motionless, listening to the soft shuffle of her footsteps approach from behind me. I didn't turn. I hated that she was out here.

Then I felt her fingers brush my shoulders. Her touch was as light as a feather. I turned slowly, my face was a mask of indifference that made her recoil and take a step back.

"I…I didn't see you in bed," she stammered, her fingers twisting nervously in front of her see-through nightgown. "I was worried. Are you… are you alright?"

"I'm fine!" I said coldly and turned back to staring into nothing.

She stood there for a minute before I heard her sigh. "Nath, I know a lot has happened but we cannot dwell in the past anymore. Yesterday, I had no idea that I was going to end the day as your mate. Not even in the slightest."

"And you so conveniently had a wedding dress and a ceremonial gown that is your size and your style hanging around?" I scoffed.

Then I turned to face her, moving towards her like a predator stalking its prey, forcing her to retreat until her back was pressed against the cold metal railing of the balcony. I towered above her easily, pinning her in place with my gaze.

"Let me make something perfectly clear," I continued coldly. "I will never love you, Clarissa. This marriage? I know it was orchestrated by you and your mom but guess what, it is nothing but a strategic move to protect Lyla. You're nothing more than a negotiation tool. If I were you, I would never entertain the idea of a perfect marriage with me."

Her chest heaved as she let out a bitter laugh. Tears simmered in her eyes. "You're a coward, Nathan. The purest form of cowardice I've ever seen," her voice was growing stronger with each word. "After everything I've done to help you, this is how you want to treat me? How much longer will you deny our bond?"

My expression did not waver. But I took a step back, leaning away from her. "I never forced you to prove anything to me, Clarissa and the bond is false. You're not my fated mate. You chose to do everything you did because you thought it would mean something to me. It doesn't."

I paused and leaned against her, "For some reason, you've convinced yourself that your actions would change things between us. They don't. Whatever castles you're building in your head, keep building them. But don't expect me to step inside."

Then I straightened and turned to leave.

But Clarissa's hands shot out, grabbing my arm. "Even if you hate me, at least give me a child!"

I shook her hands off my arm and turned to face her fully.

"Tonight was supposed to be our wedding night," she continued, "By morning, if the maids don't see blood on the sheets, I'll be the talk of the entire pack. They'll whisper, they'll mock me and I won't be able to bear it. Please, Nathan…"

I stared at her for a moment before I nodded.

"I can take care of that," I said flatly.

Her eyes lit up with a flicker of hope, but it faded as I walked past her into the bedroom. She followed after me only to stop short when she saw me pouring red wine from a decanter into a glass.

It was the wine set for us yesterday to put us in the mood.

I picked up the glass of wine and walked back to the bed then then dumped the deep red liquid onto the white sheets watching with glee as the wine spread, staining the fabric in a way that mimicked the proof Clarissa wanted.

I turned back to Clarissa who stood frozen in the balcony doorway. "Even if I were drugged or out of my mind. I would never sleep with you. Not by mistake. Not by design. The only woman I ever loved and will ever love, is Lyla."

I walked toward the bedroom door, eager to put a lot of space between me and her now. With my hand on the handle, I threw over my shoulders. "This arrangement was never about you. Know your place and don't forget that."

As I opened the door, Clarissa's voice rang out, stopping me in my tracks.