Lycan King's Nemesis

GWEN??

My head was banging, that was the first thing I noticed as I came to, long before noticing the hushed voices whispering in the background. I winced as I tried to open my eyes, my right hand flying to my forehead.

Why does my head feel like I was smashed with a waterside rock? It acched terribly. I shifted on the bed until I was facing the people standing in the middle of the room, their stance portraying they were presently disagreeing over something. First of all, I was lying on my bed, in the same clothing I wore to the arena this morning, and the only light in the room was coming from the window. It wasn't night yet. I raked my head to recall how I landed here from the arena and why my head ached so badly. Nothing was adding up.

I sat up slowly, so subtle that the three people; Ashton, Abby and Williams didn't notice. I parted my mouth about to ask what was going on when like I was blasted back from whatever bubble I'd been huddled, I remembered. My eyes flashed daggers, a soft curse leaving my mouth. I didn't realise I was audible enough until the three of them stopped at once, two sharp blues and one grey latching at me.

One blue eye was the first to reach my side. "Ohmg, Gwen, you are awake!" She clasped her soft paws over my cheeks and turned side to side, her knees on the bed that her face was so close. "You scared the shit out of us." "How did I get here?" I swallowed, my throat feeling dry.

"Ashton was so worried he had to..."

"Excuse us," Ashton cut her off, standing directly in front of us, his face impassive, his hands behind his back. He was still clothed in the same wears from this morning. "Two of you."

"But I'm her friend and I am_"

"Now, Abigail." It wasn't vociferous, albeit, the authority contained in it was unhidden.

Abby seemingly pissed at him, stood with a piercing huff, shared a sad smile with me and dashed out of the room, followed by Williams.

"What happened?" I quickly asked, looking around. "Why did you ask them to leave?"

In a flash, he sat beside me, his hands finding my cheeks. In the same posture as his sister. I was shocked out of my wits. What is he doing?

He closed his eyes, letting out a relieved sigh. Then like he never did it, his hands fell off my face, and his expression once concerned, instantly turned to ice. "You were reckless, little wolf," he said gruffly.

I can't believe I just escaped death at the hands of my mate's mistress only to be faced with his multiple personality syndrome. How long would it take before I finally run mad from not understanding this man? "Your mistress crossed the line." I sneered at him.

"She's not... my mistress." His eyes were pinched closed, trying to control his patience.

"Yet you fuck her." I flung the covers over my legs away and made to stand. His hand held me down.

"You can't leave the bed for now."

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"Why?" I yanked my hand away. "I am not an invalid. Just because I lost my guard for once doesn't mean I am crippled or something."

"The Doctor would've to confirm you are fit to stand first."

My brows arched to the top of my head in chagrin. Why do I feel like my mate suddenly cares about me? The Ashton I know wouldn't care if I fell flat to my death. My eyes skimmed him from head to toe with open mouth. His eyes didn't flounder, showing he was dead serious.

"Fine." I fell back on the bed, my right hand going to flip off my hair and remain at the top of the pillow, shielding my eyes from seeing him. I felt like crying. That bitch had the audacity. The nerves to attack me with her powers. I feel stupid, so low and unworthy all because of her! She intentionally did it before everyone to make them think I was weak and powerless.

I have never felt more embarrassed over not having my wolf than I felt today. Angry tears pricked the sides of my eyes and I held them in, not willing to allow anyone to see me vulnerable, not to mention Ashton.

"I'm sorry, Gwen." I shivered as I felt his hand on my left lap. Even if I was covered, it didn't stop the heat from sipping in through the covers to my flesh.

"I'm fine," I croaked, my voice failing me.

He clasped his large fingers over the hand covering my face and ripped it away, exposing my face at the same time that a tear fell.

"You are crying."

"Are you not h-happy?" I choked, eventually bulging. My body shook. "That was my first time participating in the games and see the reputation I left all because of her! Y'all promised twas going to be merely fun." "I promise you that Merit will be fairly punished for her actions."

"I don't care if she would be punished or not, Ashton." I shook off his hands, unwilling to be consoled by those filthy words. "I was humiliated before everyone. Do you think they will ever forget? How's punishing her going to make any difference?"

"Nobody thinks like that, Gwen and they would never ever think so nor will they utter gibberish outside or they shall suffer my wrath." He tried to touch me once more. I didn't flinch. "You were actually tremendous, little wolf, to be honest." I sniffed in, trying to calm myself. Does he mean it or he was only trying to placate me? I sighed, my shoulders slouching forward. "I want to be happy, Ashton. I just want... I want your people to love me. To see me worthy of the mantle handed to me. Why did you have to allow that woman to see me as a rival than a superior? And to think she carries herself like a goddess, feeling untouchable."

He simply stared, his face pleated. I thought so. He liked her more than he did me. He gave her the wings to fly and as long as she remained in this Kingdom, under the same roof as us, I will always come second if not last. Ashton doesn't love me and will never, so it is easy to always take her side.

"I want to be left alone." I lay on my side, facing away from him. "I have to nurse my bruised ego and gather the courage to face the people tomorrow."

"Little..."

"Just don't call me that." I struck. "Go away. One day I hope you realise I meant well for you, for this Kingdom and that no woman would tolerate half of what I have from you. If that's not devotion, I wonder what it..." I didn't finish and broke off, trembling as silent sobs rocked my body.

His hand slanted over my shoulder and it annoyed me the more. "LEAVE ME THE FUCK ALONE, ASHTON. JUST GO AWAY."