59

Artemisia

The next few days were the worst. And I wished I could just die. Or maybe run back to where I had come from which I know that I wouldn't be welcomed.

When my parents had sold me off, they had done so with all my rights. So, I was bound to Sin forever.

After the confrontation at the garden, Sin had punished me for confronting him. He didn't even mind the condition I was in, he had shoved me and chained me in the werewolf room he used in transforming.

He had forced me to watch himself transform.

But, he had kept me at a safe distance which was surprising.

He had kept me there so he wouldn't hurt me, I believe. Still, he kept on treating me like some piece of trash he got from the gutter.

I sighed, rubbing at my side. These days, my body ached due to the constant abuse from Sin which was still surprising to me.

He snapped at me in front of everyone now. Whenever I went to the meeting hall, he'd glowered at me and yammered for me to leave for everyone to hear.

No one knew what had gotten into him to act that way.

It had been an embarrassing experience as I went there each day and experienced the same thing.

Laurent and I had gotten weirdly close.

I didn't know how but I often ran to him whenever I needed help. And he was not as nasty as I had imagined.

Well, that was if you were not thinking about the perverted comments he made each time. He was the coolest person I had seen in the Blue Moon pack aside from Sin.

I pulled the robe from the coat hanger, wrapped it around my body and stepped out of the room. As usual, to go to the garden which was becoming my favourite spot.

I breathed out whilst gazing around. The last thing I needed was to see Sin. I didn't think my body would be able to handle another punishment from him.

I caressed my tummy and let out a sigh. In spite of all the punishment I was receiving from him for doing nothing, I was glad my baby was safe.

Also, the morning sickness subsided. I don't know what I'd do if I had the urge to vomit whilst going through all the nasty things with Sin.

It would be so awful and I don't even want to think about how wretched I'd look.

Yesterday, I bled all through after Sin kicked me in the stomach multiple times.

Luckily, I was found by Julie who noticed I had been indoors. She had called one of the werewolves in the medics who treated me immediately.

I was assured the baby was fine after a thorough check-up.

I wonder what would have happened if Julie hadn't found me. I was sure I'd have bled to death and Sin would not have cared because he left the room immediately he was done treating me like trash.

"Hey."

I jumped. I swirled and I glared at Laurent.

"Idiot," I mumbled with an eye roll. "Stop scaring me."

"Don't call me that darling." He mumbled, his green eyes twinkling.

I rolled my eyes but blushed. I didn't know why, but I liked the endearment he called me. I should berate him not to do so, but I didn't.

Also, I believed he was aware I liked hearing him call me in that manner, so he had often said it.

"Where are you taking me?" I mumbled as he gripped my hand.

"You've been indoors all day, I wanted you to see the stars."

"See the stars?" I asked, staring at him.

Laurent nodded. His eyes glanced around and he scratched the back of his neck.

"What?" He asked as he saw me staring and I noticed he was embarrassed as he was avoiding eye contact with me.

"It's weird hearing that from you. I mean, you never cared about all this."

"Well, I changed my mind. I am allowed to do that right?"

"Of course," I mumbled.

My eyes lifted to the sky, I smiled whilst staring at the beautiful stars adorning the sky.

It was one of the things I wished to do with Sin. But he had often stopped me from stepping out of the house.

At first, I believe because he cared and was trying to protect me. But later, I didn't know what to think anymore. I was certain he loathed me.

Yet, the crescent mark on my neck still glowed brightly, making it conflicting. Or maybe it was because I still felt something for him.

But then, the mark should have faded a bit if he hates me.

"What are you thinking about?" Laurent asked as he nudged me. "Your baby?"

He nodded towards my stomach and I stopped caressing it.

"I know you are pregnant. Well, everyone knows, even though it is yet to be officially announced by my douche brother."

"He's not a douche," I muttered.

"Oh yeah? Can you prove to me he isn't lately?"

I shook my head.

"Thought as much."

I gazed towards the sky. The sense of calmness washed over me.

Aside from Laurent being the reason I come out and not wallow in pity as I do these days, I came out because of the wolf with whom I share a tight bond.

I felt the wolf and I could relate. We were lost and looking for someone to find us and care for us. Before now, I thought I had Sin and no one could ever come between us.

Heck, I had seen him rebuke Adrina as well as Emma before. He had always protected me and almost fought with Laurent since he always showed interest in me.

Nonetheless, he was the one to hurt me. The person I thought to be my protector was the one I was trying to stay far from.

Such irony!

"The moon," I said with a change of subject.

"I know." Laurent sighed. "It feels like it had been stolen and werewolves can't be werewolves without the moon. Even the goddess had gone silent on us which is a bit strange."

Goddess Artemis, I mused.

I remember the red-haired goddess I had often seen in my dream. She had stopped communicating with them and they felt it had something to do with the disappearance of the moon.

Again, within me, I suspected it had something to do with Sin's behaviour.

Although most of the werewolves were not affected, the ones that had been affected were locked up somewhere as they speculated they were going rabid.

Sin didn't show any sign of going rabid, except for the mood swing.

I had seen him kill anyone yet as the others had.

Maybe, he was keeping himself in check whilst his wolf side was going insane.

"I'm glad you are okay."

"I've always been fine," I said, rolling my eyes.

"I know you'll say that," Laurent said, shaking his head.

For a while, silence enveloped us. I scooted into him as it was becoming frigid.

My cheeks reddened as he wrapped his hands around me.

It was the closest I had been with him and it feels oddly great.

The warmth from him seeped into me and I bit my lower lips as I felt something swirled within me.

More like a desire for him. I should not feel anything for him, I didn't know what was going on with me or my thoughts.

"Your hair smells nice." Laurent husked.

My eyes flickered to his and I saw his hazel eyes darkening. His head moved closer as we stared into each other's eyes.

This is so wrong, I reminded myself once more. But, I didn't think I could stop the attraction pulling us towards each other.

Our lips were some centimetres away when I heard the leaves rustling. We jerked away from each other.

I gazed around and let out a relieved sigh when I saw the furry creature that ran past us.

Damn!

If it wasn't for the squirrel's interruption, I was certain I would have kissed him. I would have let him do more than that to me as my mind was already made up.

"I'm sorry," Laurent mumbled.

"No, I am sorry. I should have stopped it." I replied, gazing at my robe. I tightened the rope around me and stared back into his eyes.

"Let's go in before Sinclair begins finding you."

I nodded and let him lead me back to the palace.