Chapter 23 The sun peeks over the horizon, painting the sky with hues of orange and gold as I wake. My body aches from the previous night's events, my neck throbbing where Carina bit me. The prospect of facing another day in this castle, serving Carina, is daunting. Still, I push myself out of bed and start my day. As Carina's handmaiden, my duties are endless. I serve her breakfast, lay out her clothes, and tidy her chambers. While I work, I observe her with Xandros. They sit close, their hands often touching, their laughter echoing around the room. It's a scene of domestic bliss, and it shreds my heart every time I see it. The day wears on, and I'm summoned to the luncheon held for Carina's parents. The air buzzes with conversation, and laughter rings out. And all I can focus on is the gnawing emptiness in my stomach, and the heaviness in my heart. When Carina's father brings up grandchildren, my heart stutters. "I expect to hear the pitter-patter of little feet soon after the wedding, Xandros," he says, clapping Xandros on the shoulder. Xandros nods, his face impassive. "In good time, let's get through the wedding first." His eyes flicker to mine for a brief moment before returning to his father-in-law. My heart sinks. I can't bear the thought of Xandros and Carina having children, though now it's been mentioned, it seems inevitable, so instead, I remain in the shadows trying to go unnoticed when the head maid points to her tray, wanting me to fetch another from the kitchen. I wander off, taking some dirty dishes with me, thankful to escape the dining room. However, as I'm bustling around in the kitchen, a cold shadow falls over me. I turn around to find Carina's father towering above me. I freeze, the blood in my veins turning to ice. Sᴇaʀᴄh thᴇ Find_Nøvel.ɴet website on Gøøglᴇ to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. He's an intimidating figure. His eyes, a chilling ice blue, regard me coldly. He's the embodiment of every vampire tale I've ever heard, and I find myself trembling in his presence as he cages me against the counter. My hand clutching the tray that holds full wine glasses, trembles, the glasses chinking loudly as they rattle. "My daughter may have agreed for you to remain with Xandros, since Lycans are pitiful creatures who can't survive without their mates," he begins, his voice cold and calculating. "But mark my words, girl. You get in the way of our kingdom's treaty, and the future you meet will be worse than the one bestowed on your parents." His words hit me like a punch, and I recoil in fear. His threat hangs in the air like a chilling promise, and I can't shake off the feeling of dread that washes over me. Xandros walks into the kitchen, Carina in tow. My gaze shifts to him in panic, and he seems to pick up on my distress, yet his face remains neutral. "Everything alright, Father?" Carina asks, her eyes scanning the room. "Yes, of course. I was asking the help for a fresh glass of wine," he says, his eyes cutting to me. I quickly nod, holding out a tray of wine glasses. Carina chuckles lightly, "Exactly why we came in, too," she chuckles. "Thank you, dear," he tells me, snatching an extra glass off the tray and passing it to his daughter. He leaves with Carina, and I let out a breath I didn't know I was holding. However, Xandros remains and when I try to leave, he blocks my exit, his eyes narrowing. "What happened?" he demands. "Like you care. Go play house with your wife," I sneer, shoving past him. Back in the dining room, the conversation has shifted to babies once again, and I try my best to ignore the conversation until I hear his mother speak up. "We're actually going next week to look at baby stuff and set up a nursery." Xandros's mother's eyes sparkle with excitement. I notice Xandros's startled expression when I shift my eyes to him. "Really, Mother?" he asks, and she giggles. "Of course, the vampire king is not the only one looking forward to grandchildren," she says, her eyes twinkling. I feel a lump forming in my throat, and I turn away to hide my tears as I wonder how badly that will hurt to see him father her children. "As long as he doesn't knock up his mate, things should be fine. You are using protection, right, Xandros?" "Father," Carina objects. "Nonsense, Carina, don't lie to me and tell me he is allowed to keep his mate, and hasn't touched her?" "That is none of your business," Xandros snarls. "You're marrying my daughter, Xandros. The last thing we need is a scandal because you fathered a mutt to the treasonous whore," he sneers, and I suddenly feel the gaze of everyone on me. "She's on birth control," Xandros states. That's a lie. Still, his words make me wonder if he will force me on it. "That won't be an issue," Xandros states, glancing at me. However, I can tell the change in topic to her husband's mistress has made Carina extremely uncomfortable as she glares at me. "Make sure it isn't," her father states. I turn my gaze away, focusing on my task. I'm so lost in my thoughts I almost don't hear Carina calling me over. Then I feel her sharp fangs sinking into my neck, and reality comes crashing back. I whimper, the pain and humiliation unbearable as she feeds on me, while everyone chats like it is no big deal. Yet to me, it is. My gaze meets Xandros's. He clenches his teeth and looks away, as if he can pretend it isn't happening, as long as he doesn't watch. Once she is done, she discards me like I'm garbage. When the luncheon is over, I bolt back to my room, my heart hammering against my rib cage. My tears fall as I start to clean my room, desperately trying to occupy my mind with something other than the throbbing pain in my neck, and my shattered heart. It's then that I spot it. A small scrap of paper tucked under the bed. It's the phone number Toby gave me. A lifeline. Glancing around, I wonder how I will be able to call him without a phone, when I remember the phone used to call down to the staff in the hidden bar area. Moving toward the panel, I push on it and the wall opens up to the hidden area. It takes me two seconds to find the handset attached to the wall. I snatch it, wiping my tears and unfolding the piece of paper. Nervously, I wonder if the phone can call out of the castle or if it is only a line to the servant area. Dialing in the numbers, I glance at the door nervously when it rings, and my heart skips a beat. "Please pick up," I whisper to myself, my hands shaking when the ringing stops. "Toby," I whisper when he picks up. I nearly burst into tears when I hear his familiar voice. "Sienna?" he breathes out in relief. "I need to get out of here." I choke on my sob. "I was worried Xandros had killed you." "I need a way out, Toby," I whisper. "Shh, shh, don't cry. Leave it with me," he reassures. "I will speak with the seekers, and we will find a way out of the city together. I'm so glad you're okay. You have no idea how worried I've been." Tears brim in my eyes, knowing he was worried about me. At least someone missed me. But, how can I have a future with Toby when I belong to Xandros? "Xandros has marked me," I confess. "Then I will mark you, and once you mark me back, it will solidify our bond and destroy his," Toby says. I fall silent. Could it really work? Would that be enough to protect us from Xandros? "Please tell me you haven't marked him, Sienna?" Toby asks, worry lacing his voice. "No, I haven't, and I don't think he would allow that," I reply. "Thank the goddess. It's nearly impossible to break a full bond," Toby sighs in relief. His words offer me a glimmer of hope in this sea of despair. We plot my escape, Toby's reassuring voice promising help from within the castle. As I hang up, a knock echoes through the room. It's Xandros. He strides into the room, his eyes burning with a familiar desire. He advances, and I step back. "No," I say firmly, my voice shaking. "Please, Xandros, not tonight!" I plead with him. He doesn't stop. Instead, he uses the mate bond, his calling so strong I can't resist him as he slides his hands up my arms. "Why do you pretend you can fight our bond?" he purrs, his hands moving to the buttons of my blouse. Sometimes I wonder the same thing; it's clear I have no say or control here. I fight it as much as I can, despite it being pointless when eventually, I succumb, my body betraying me as I give in to his touch. My body betrays me as his lips caress my neck. I try to turn away, but it feels like my feet are stuck to the carpet. All the doubts and fears just seem so far away at this moment. The heat between us is unbearable, as Xandros slides his hands over every inch of my skin with passionate intensity until all fight leaves me entirely-my body craving his touch, whether I want it or not. Xandros trails kisses down my throat before finally pressing his soft lips against mine. His mouth moves with determination, making sure there will be no chance of escape this time around. His lips brush against my neck, sending shivers down my spine. My mind screams no, but he wraps his arms around me, and I find myself molding into him, considering giving in to the feelings of pleasure that swirl throughout me. He moves us toward the bed without breaking contact with me and we fall onto it together in a tangled mess of arms and legs. His hungry kisses get more passionate as he takes control completely, leaving little room for resistance-yet I still try to pull away when his hands move up toward my chest. My hands move to his chest in an attempt to shove him off. Xandros pins both hands above head as if reading my thoughts, stopping any movement on my part, apart from feeling every sensation he induces. "I'm being gentle. Don't make me become forceful, Sienna." His words seem to whisper more than just a warning. They hold pure desire. I close my eyes in surrender. "Good girl," he whispers, and I feel him smiling against me as he increases the pace of his kisses, exploring every single inch of my skin with gentle caresses which is vastly different from the last few times when I felt used, like a toy. My body trembles under his touch as if eager for more pleasure that it can barely handle-my core pulsing with an overwhelming energy I never knew was possible before this moment. As Xandros slides deep inside me, it's like all time stops around us; each sensation is enhanced by the euphoria only a mate bond can bring forth, causing fireworks of ecstasy between us, until we tremble together. With trembling fingers, I pull him closer to me, my eyes closed in bliss. Just when I'm about to reach the peak, Xandros pulls out of me, leaving me aching for more. I gasp in surprise and open my eyes. My body is still trembling, and my heart is racing. I take a deep breath and open my eyes, only to be met with a sudden chill as ribbons of his semen coat my stomach. He stares down at me, his face serious and his voice firm. It's like he threw a bucket of ice over me. "Tomorrow, I will have a doctor send for you. You need birth control," he tells me, leaving no room for argument. "Sienna? Did you hear me? I can't risk you getting pregnant. Hopefully, you're not already. If you are, we'll have to take care of it." I stare blankly at the ceiling, his words sinking in. Does he truly feel none of the pain he causes me? The swift change in his demeanor gives me whiplash. "Sienna?" he growls when I still don't answer. "I heard," I answer, my voice sounding robotic. I can feel the tears stinging my eyes, and I quickly blink them away, feeling used. I am nothing just some fuck toy to him. I nod in agreement, not trusting myself to speak. He leans down and kisses me softly, and then pulls away. He gets dressed in silence and exits the room without another word, leaving me alone in the aftermath. My body aches, and my heart feels heavier than ever. I feel used, discarded. As I lay there, my thoughts drift to Toby. I will escape. For my sake, for my freedom, I have to. My resolve hardens, as I drift off to sleep, I dream of a future outside these castle walls, a future where I'm free. Free to be with Toby. I just hope he can find us a way out. My heartbeat is frantic against my ribs as I lift the phone to my ear. Every ring is a sharp stab of fear that someone will catch me. The door suddenly swings open, and I nearly drop the phone in alarm. My breath hitches as another maid steps into the room. My heart is pounding as I turn to face the maid. I search her expression for anything untoward. All I see is sympathy as she quickly glances at the door. "I was just calling down to service," I lie. "Any other maid, you better lie better than that," she tells me, and I chew my lip wondering if she'll snitch. She appears to be about my age. "Calm down, I won't tell. We maids gotta stick together," she whispers. "Besides, you're friends with Toby, aren't you?" she asks, her eyes gentle. The relief is so immense I can hardly speak, knowing this must be one of the maids Toby told me about. I nod, a lump forming in my throat. She nods back at me, a shared understanding passing between us. "I won't tell anyone. I'll even help you, if I can. But Carina has called for you, you need to meet her in ten minutes." My shoulders slump with relief and gratitude at her kindness. Tears prick my eyes as she steps closer and takes the phone out of my hand. She begins dialing a number before handing it back to me with a reassuring smile on her face. "I will wait for you and keep an eye out, be quick," she says softly before leaving the room. I stare at the handset in shock for a few seconds before finally gathering up enough courage to place it to my ear. The line crackles before someone picks up on the other end, their voice timid and unsure: "Hello?" "Toby?" I whisper, my voice shaking slightly. The relief I feel upon hearing his voice is huge. "Sienna? Is that you?" comes his reply. I can hear the surprise and relief in his voice, and it makes me smile. "Yes, sorry, I haven't had a chance to call; Carina has been working me like a workhorse," I tell him. "It's fine as long as you're okay," "I'm fine, though one of the maid's caught me on the phone, she said she won't tell." "Tall, red hair and green eyes, smells like lavender?" he asks, and I furrow my brows. "Ah, yes," I answer. "Tyra, the girl I was telling you about. I was wondering when she would find a way to you," he tells me, and I let out a breath, knowing I can trust the girl if Toby does. The day passes in a blur, the world beyond the castle walls seeming more and more like a distant dream. However, as I am cleaning the sitting quarters near Xandros room, I overhear Carina fighting with her father before he departs, their heated words echoing through the empty hallways. "Ensure he stays away from the mutt he calls his mate. If this treaty is ruined, Carina, you'll be the one punished," he warns her, his voice laced with venom. I quickly hide out of view, my heart pounding as he leaves. As I turn to walk away, a soft sound stops me in my tracks. It's a quiet sobbing, coming from the room Carina's father just left. I edge closer to the door, peering inside to find Carina, her face buried in her hands as she cries. It's a sight I never expected to see, and it leaves me feeling strangely unsettled. I hesitate for a moment, before finally gathering up enough courage to enter the room. She looks up at me in surprise before wiping away her tears and sitting up straight again. "What are you doing here?" she asks, her voice still shaky from crying. "I... heard you talking," I stammer out nervously. "Are you alright?" She takes a deep breath before responding. "It doesn't matter," she says softly before finally meeting my gaze again with teary eyes. "My father wants you gone because he thinks Xandros is going against the treaty between our two families." My heart aches at her words and I take a few steps toward her, not sure of what else to do or say. "He seemed pretty mad?" I ask her. "You have no idea. Xandros wasn't the only one forced into this sham of a wedding, only I didn't expect to fall in love with him," she admits, plucking a tissue from the tissue box. "Not that it matters, he'll never love me, not when he has you." Does she truly believe that? Because if only she saw how he treated me when she isn't around, she would find it worse than when she is. "So you love Xandros?" I ask. This is by far the strangest conversation, talking to the wife while I am merely his mated mistress. "I think so, or maybe it's just the freedom he brings, away from my father," she whispers, then shakes her head. "Why am I telling you this?" she mutters more to herself than me. We sit there together for a few moments in silence until she takes another deep breath and stands up slowly. "Thank you for checking on me," she tells me with a faint smile before excusing herself from the room, leaving me alone with my thoughts. A few seconds later she returns, and it is like the woman who sat crying next to me was merely a figment of my imagination. "When you're done cleaning here, you can start the bathrooms," she tells me, wandering off. I shake off the bizarre feeling, reminding myself her problems are not mine to worry about and I never should have involved myself. As night falls, an unfamiliar emptiness engulfs the castle. Xandros doesn't come to me like he usually does, nor does the doctor he said that he would organize. It makes me wonder if it has anything to do with the argument I overheard, did Carina ban him from seeing me? And what about the doctor supposed to put me on birth control? Did he forget or perhaps Carina has banned him from seeing me so it's no longer needed now. The mate bond is a relentless torment, a gnawing pain that flares to life with every passing moment. I thought it was painful seeing him with Carina, yet it's even more excruciating not seeing him at all. In "Accidentally Seduced the Billionaire Heir After Betrayal" by CrushReel, a tale of romance and revenge unfolds as our protagonist faces the aftermath of her husband's betrayal. After three years of separation, she uncovers a shocking truth: her estranged husband has fathered a child with his mistress. Despite the heartbreak, she navigates through the complexities with resilience and unwavering determination. Amidst themes of trust, resilience, and self-discovery, this modern romance delves into the intricacies of love and betrayal in the high-stakes world of CEOs and billionaires. The protagonist's journey is one of empowerment as she unravels the tangled web of deceit surrounding her past, all while navigating unexpected twists and turns in her pursuit of closure. What sets this story apart is its blend of sweet romance with elements of revenge and office politics, offering readers a captivating narrative that transcends traditional tropes. Explore the depths of love and loyalty in this ongoing saga that promises to keep you on the edge of your seat. Available to read at CrushReel for those seeking a compelling tale of love, loss, and redemption.