After My Mate Chose His Brother's Widow

The cold water hit me like a slap, jolting me awake. I blinked, disoriented, as the icy droplets dripped down my face. My vision cleared to see a small boy standing before me, a wooden bucket in his hands and a sneer on his lips.

"Hey, who are you?" he demanded, his voice sharp and insolent. "Why are you sleeping in my mom’s room?"

The chill of the water seeped into my bones, and I tried to push myself up, but the dull ache in my abdomen forced me back down. My body felt heavy, my limbs uncooperative.

"Miles, don’t be rude," a familiar voice chimed in, sweet and saccharine. I turned my head to see Marley Howard striding into the room, her steps graceful, her expression soft but her eyes cold. She took the boy’s hand, her fingers curling around his protectively.

"He’s just a child, Valentina. Don’t take it to heart," she said, her tone dripping with false sympathy. But there was no apology in her gaze, only a smug satisfaction as she continued, "Though, I must say, it’s a bit awkward for you to still be here. Stephen and I have already set the date for our mark ceremony. Surely, you don’t plan to stay around and make things uncomfortable, do you?"

The fire in my chest burned hotter, but I kept my voice steady, my words icy. "No wonder the pup has no manners. He’s got a mother who doesn’t know her place."

Her face flushed with anger, but before she could retort, the boy—Miles—shouted, "Don’t you dare talk about my mom like that! She said you’re just a—"

"What’s going on here?"

The deep, commanding voice cut through the tension like a knife. I looked up to see Stephen Carr standing in the doorway, his broad frame filling the space. His gaze softened when it landed on Marley, his Alpha aura radiating warmth and affection. But when his eyes flicked to me, they hardened, filled with warning and disapproval.

Marley’s expression shifted instantly, her lower lip trembling as she dropped her gaze. "Oh, it’s nothing, Stephen. I just came to check on Valentina. But she seems upset… and she called Miles a… a rogue’s pup."

Stephen’s jaw tightened, and his eyes flashed with anger. He stormed toward me, his Alpha tone sharp and cutting. "I’ve warned you before, Valentina. Don’t you dare hurt them."

Before I could even open my mouth to defend myself, his hand shot out, striking me across the face with brutal force.

The impact sent my head snapping to the side, my ears ringing. I stumbled backward, my legs giving out as I crashed into the vanity behind me. The glass vase on top wobbled, then shattered as it hit the floor, shards scattering everywhere. A few pieces dug into my calves, the pain sharp and searing.

I barely had time to catch my breath when Marley let out a gasp. "Oh!"

I turned my head, wincing, to see her clutching her foot. A small piece of glass had nicked her skin, barely drawing blood, but it was enough to draw everyone’s attention.

"Mom, you’re hurt!" Miles cried, his voice high-pitched and panicked.

Stephen’s face was a mask of concern as he rushed to her side, scooping her up into his arms with ease. His voice was tender, laced with worry as he murmured, "Are you okay? Does it hurt?"

The sight made me want to laugh—or scream. He’d never shown me that kind of care, not even when I was carrying his pup. No, he’d strike me without hesitation, as if I were nothing more than an inconvenience.

"Let’s get you to the Healer," he said, his tone soothing as he carried her out of the room. He didn’t spare me a single glance, not even as he passed me by.

I was left alone, the silence of the room pressing down on me. The pain in my face, my legs, my heart—it all blurred together, a dull, throbbing ache that I couldn’t escape.