The Beta’s Regret

(Lord Shevek's Pov)

I had spent most of my day in the study, going through documents that needed to be signed. At one point, I took a short break and nursed a glass of blood in silence until it was warm.

My mind was unsettled. For the first time since Lyraea, I was finally with just one woman. It felt strange to me, yet oddly satisfying.

I smiled. I hoped that the longing I felt for Rose would never fade. There was just something about her that made me warm.

When I first found out she was my second chance mate, I didn't think it was possible. I suddenly regreted the years I spent alone without her.

Even more, I felt guilty for the pain she went through at the hands of her so-called mate when she would have been loved in my arms if only I had done the right thing by her.

With a deep breath, I abandoned the glass cup and stood up. I had a sudden urge to hold her. I knew she had gone out into the garden at the side of the mansion, something she seemed so fascinated about. A fascination I couldn't understand. However, I hoped she would be done with the garden so I could spend some time with my beloved.

I smiled.

While I walked down the hallway, it felt too quiet. I caught an intoxicating scent, and I sniffed. She was around.

My steps quickened, and I pushed the door to my room open.

As soon as I entered, the smile on my lips died. I looked on in confusion at Rose, who angrily threw her clothes into an opened bag on the bed.

Tears streamed down her face as she broke out into a sob. My heart squeezed painfully as I looked at her.

She hadn't noticed my presence in the room. Her movements were hurried and shaky. She looked desperate. "What are you doing?" I finally asked.

She stopped midday, a stack of clothes in her hands as she looked at me, the hatred in her eyes bold.

I began to panic. What has gone wrong?

Her eyes were bloodshot.

"What do you think? I'm leaving." She bit off harshly and returned back to what she was doing almost as if she never said a word to me.

Leaving?

word hung silently in the room. My gaze flicked back and forth between her and the suitcase opened on the bed. The same

fast my eyes widened in surprise. Then she burst into laughter, the

you really asking

to see you packing up. Don't you think I need

cannot work. Nothing can ever work. This thing between us

what you

I'm a fool?" She snapped. "Do you think I don't

was beyond confused. She wasn't making any

said with

screamed and threw the

in my hands while others

took me off guard. "What are you

and crossed

probably. I thought it was only Vanessa and the other girls. But now it's

words cut me deep. I tried

didn't know what to say. But before I could

are nothing but a whore.

life sleeping with every woman that so much as gives you a look. And

.n

I'm special? That you are

The room went silent.

words hit me again, hurting more

QUMS

you think I'm a whore?"

eyes and

what I think, does it?" She

fists at my side as I tried hard to control my emotions. So many thoughts ran through my head at the same

have no idea what you are saying." I shot

she zipped it up. She paused, took a moment to think of her next words before she finally