CHAPTER 99
CHAPTER 99
A few moments later…
My body still hums from every touch, every lingering sensation. I surrender completely, letting myself believe that what just happened was just due to the matebond. It’s not my personal choice, or was it?
But then, I realized something. I am not the first woman they have shared and suddenly, everything makes sense. The way they move around each other without the need to talk. I don’t want to care about their preferences but the realization seriously leaves a bitter taste to swallow.
"Damn!" Nico mutters, letting out a satisfied breath as he stretches his arms over his head. "I'm starving!”
Jaxon chuckles as he rolls onto his back. "You always think about food afterward."
"I burned enough calories,” Nico says.
"You barely do anything,” Jaxon counters.
Nico scoffs. "Keep talking."
Their laughter fills the room but it doesn’t make me happy at all. Then, Nico grabs a towel and casually wipes himself off before tossing another one toward Jaxon.
"Cassian, we're still leaving before sunrise, right?"
Alpha Cassian doesn't answer immediately. He sits quietly at the edge of the bed, elbows resting on his knees, his gaze fixed on the floor. "Yes," he finally replies.
"Good," Nico says. "The border patrol reported fresh tracks this afternoon."
"We'll deal with it tomorrow," Jaxon answers, reaching for his phone. "Right now, I need some sleep."
Their conversation flows so naturally as though nothing significant has happened and the room that only moments ago is filled with heat and ragged breathing suddenly feels unbearably cold.
Just minutes ago, they can't seem to keep their hands off me but now? It's like I have already served my purpose, like I am nothing more than another piece of furniture sitting quietly in the corner.
I slowly push myself upright and the blanket slips from my body, but no one notices. Or maybe...they simply don’t care. I climb off the bed and begin gathering my clothes. My fingers shake so badly that I almost drop my shirt.
"Did you see my jacket?" Nico asks.
"It's on the chair," Jaxon replies without looking up from his phone.
"Oh."
Nico grabs it with a grin.
"Found it."
They keep talking while ignoring me, and then Alpha Cassian looks at me. Without speaking, he simply raises one hand.
“You can go now, Vivienne,” he says.
Three simple words that reduce everything that happened between us into nothing. For a heartbeat, I just stare at him and wait he’ll say something else, but there’s nothing. His attention shifts back to his brothers as though I am no longer standing there.
Just like that…I disappear from their sight. My throat tightens, but I refuse to let them see me cry. But when I reach for the doorknob, I can’t stop myself from feeling sad and it takes everything in me not to look back.
By the time I close the door behind me, the silence becomes unbearable. I lean against the wood, staring blankly at the floor. What was I expecting? That they would ask me to stay? I wrap my arms around myself, but it doesn't help. I've never felt this small before.
"Crying won't change anything," I murmur to myself.
Upon reaching my room, Dara is already asleep. I can’t blame her though. It’s already late. Taking a deep breath, I crawl into bed without bothering to change, and pull the blanket over my shoulders before closing my eyes and forcing myself to sleep.
In the morning, I force myself out of bed and wash my face. The girl staring back at me in the mirror looks just as tired as I feel. But maybe, maybe things will be different today.
I smooth down my hair and force a smile at my reflection. "You'll be fine," I whisper.
The lie sounds pitiful even to my own ears. With a deep breath, I step out of my room. The packhouse is already alive with activity. Servants hurry through the hallways carrying baskets of fresh flowers, polished silver trays, and neatly folded fabrics. Somewhere downstairs, someone is giving orders while another group scrubs the marble floor until it shines.
My eyes instinctively search for three familiar faces. The triplets of Crescent Moon but I don’t see them at all.
"They're probably having breakfast," I murmur to myself.
I head toward the dining hall, trying not to look too eager but the room is empty and only a few dirty plates remain on the long table.
“Morning, Dara,” I smile at Dara who is about to clean the breakfast room.
“Morning, Vivienne. What’s wrong? You look sad,” she notices.
“Have you seen them? I mean, the triplets?”
"They already left," she answers.
My smile falters. "Did they leave together?"
She nods absentmindedly. "They had business outside the territory."
"I see."
I tell myself it doesn't matter. There will be lunch. I'll see them then but that’s what I believe. By noon, I still haven't seen them. Are they avoiding me or something?
“Vivienne?”
The familiar voice pulls me from my thoughts. I turn to find the head servant approaching with her usual bitchy expression.
“Please help the Luna’s maid,” she orders.
I arch my brows. “Luna? Who are you referring to?”
She grits her teeth. “Will you please shut the fuck up and just do what I tell you to do?”
“What about you, Madame? Will you please stop referring to Erin as Luna?”
"Excuse me?"
“Erin is not yet the Luna of Crescent Moon and you know that,” I remind her.
She smirks. “Perhaps, are you still hoping you’ll become Luna instead? The preparations for the mating ceremony are already rolling and her belongings are here. Someone needs to help her maid in unpacking and organizing everything before next week.”
Next week.
It’s the schedule for the mating ceremony. Of course. How could I forget? The head servant continues as though she hasn't just driven a knife into my chest.
"The ceremonial gowns are delicate, so be careful while handling them. The jewelry must also be inventoried before sunset."
I swallow hard. "So…you want me to help prepare for Alpha Cassian's mating ceremony?"
"It isn't a request."
I lower my eyes before anyone can see the hurt reflected in them. "I understand."
"Good,” she says and then she gestures toward the eastern wing. "Miss Erin's maid is waiting."
I nod mechanically. Each step toward the guest chambers feels heavier but I have to be there as instructed. As I stop outside Erin's room, the doors stand wide open. Inside, expensive trunks are stacked one after another.
Silk dresses spill over velvet chairs. Boxes of sparkling jewelry line the tables. Fresh white flowers fill the room with a sweet fragrance. Everything is beautiful and everything is perfect for the woman who will soon become Luna.
And somehow...my job is to help her get ready to marry my mate.
“What are you doing standing there like a statue? Start working!” someone shouts from behind.