A Second Chance Mate

Not Forever

Stephen's pov.

"I guess he hasn't told you yet," Jenna smiled at my brother. "That's okay. We are all family. "I hope you are comfortable here and wish you a quick recovery."

A breath of relief escaped my lips when she closed the door behind her.

"I'm glad you said nothing," I told Seth, chuckling humorlessly.

"As I said, I'm not stupid. But wait. You got married? I thought marrying someone was big, with a massive party and lots of guests and pictures. And where is the cake?" With a deep frown etched on his face, he questioned. All the while, he stared at me as though I had betrayed him by keeping him in the dark about my marriage.

"There was no party, no guests, and definitely no cake," I sighed. "This marriage is just… how do I say this… not real."

The creases on his face deepened. "Not real? What kind of marriage is not real?"

"It's... It's just not... Forever..." I sighed when he tilted his head, confusion clear on his face.

"You won't understand… I guess," I pursed my lips, wishing that Jenna hadn't rushed into telling him about the marriage. "Look. You need to rest, okay? I'll come downstairs to call you for lunch."

"But I want to know!" he insisted as I walked towards the exit. Ignoring my brother wasn't easy for me, but I did it anyway. After closing the door, I sashayed downstairs and went into the garden outside the mansion. Various thoughts boggled my mind as I walked into the well-attended garden. Seth was smart. I was afraid that he would someday find out why I married Jenna. That was something I hoped he never found out.

***

After spending most of the rest of the morning in the garden, admiring the wonderful flowers and plants there, I walked towards Jenna's room. They transferred almost all of my belongings, and though I disliked it, I had to go there to freshen up and get ready to take Seth to the hospital after lunch. I carefully peered inside, secretly hoping that Jenna wasn't there. A breath of relief escaped my lips when I saw that the room was vacant.

With an eager desire to use the opportunity, I grabbed my towel and rushed to the bathroom to take a quick shower. I spent a little time in the shower, partly because I didn't want to miss Seth's appointment and partly because I wanted to get dressed before Jenna arrived.

However, I was a bit too late. When I stepped out of the bathroom, I froze on my step. I guess Jenna was waiting for me to get out. What bothered me was that the only thing that covered her nudity was the towel that was wrapped around her. Although I wished she would stop trying to get my attention, I guess I should have seen it coming when I agreed to the contract marriage.

My stomach churned, but I kept a calm demeanour. Offering her a polite smile, I walked towards the closet.

"Where are you going?" she asked me.

"I have to go to the hospital with Seth, remember?" I reminded her.

I could sense her presence behind me, so before I got into the closet to get dressed, I looked over my shoulder. I didn't want her to follow me there.

"Excuse me. I need to get dressed," I told her.

"Hmm," she didn't seem to care. "Let me help."

"Jenna, I don't need help. I can dress myself."

"Mmm. But what's so wrong with letting your wife help?"

I jumped when she ran her cold fingertips down my bare back. The hair on the back of my neck rose as I hastily stepped away from her. To my dismay, she dropped the towel, revealing her nudity.

Sucking a sharp breath in, I looked away. Being a man, I would have ogled the sight I saw, but I just couldn't. She didn't pique my interest. Even my dragon, who rarely bothered whenever I got intimate with a female, expressed his displeasure. I just knew that I wouldn't be able to have a pleasurable experience with her, even if I ever got intimate with her.

I shuddered in repulsion when she forced me to look at her. With a naughty smile curling on her lips, she ran one hand down her chest.

"Don't you like this?" she asked as she ran her hands down her chest.

I raised my eyebrows. The truth would be, I just didn't find her interesting. In fact, the only thing I felt was repugnance.

"Jenna," I breathed out. "I… I need to hurry. I don't want to miss this appointment. Today we will finalise a date for the surgery."

She froze for a split second, staring right into my eyes. Her eyes narrowed. Running her tongue over her lips, she pressed her bare chest against my body, making me flinch and push her away.

"Jenna, please… I can't…"

The disappointment in her face was obvious. I just didn't feel even slightly attracted to her. She was my boss, and the only way I could see her was as my senior.

"Okay. Maybe some other time. However, we're married, Stephan, and I believe you owe me that much despite this being a contract marriage. You can't run from me forever," she whispered, her sharp gaze piercing into mine. Her lips twisting into a grimace, she quickly collected the towel that was lying on the floor and carelessly covered her body. She seemed upset, or rather disgruntled, that I didn't react the way she expected me to, but I didn't feel bad about it. I quickly rushed inside the closet and closed the door. A shiver ran down my spine as I thought about what had happened.

Apparently, she was trying to get close to me. And without a doubt, she wouldn't give up that easily. I cringed, speculating that I'd soon have to experience that again.

Covering my face, I groaned. "This is going to be a long year."

***

Darlene's pov

I smiled. Oh, what a sweet little boy he was. He was the perfect brother I never had and if only I could take care of him…

Frowning, I shook my head. Darn it. What was I thinking? I could never have that. Stephen was married to a rich merchant who had it all. Although he was my mate, he would never want to be with me. So how could I think of that kid as a brother? He was my master.

Why the f**k does my life have to be so hard?

Gritting my teeth, I cursed internally as I wiped and dusted the exquisite furniture in the living room. I knew they were married and that they would spend an awful lot of time together. And yet, I just couldn't bring myself to stop the envy from engulfing my entire being.

Although I dragged myself away from him the previous night, I ended up sulking and crying my eyes out once I was alone in my room. I cursed myself repeatedly until Jenna summoned me once again.

I thought she was going to force me into doing something I despised, but when I realised she wanted me to tuck him into bed, I couldn't help but feel relieved.

It overjoyed me that they weren't sleeping in the same bed. No words were enough to describe how happy I was that they would do nothing during the night. My heart was soaring with joy because I got to take care of him without being interrupted or stared at.

I had the chance to admire his beauty while he slept. Careful not to stare at him for too long as I feared losing control over my beast, I scurried out of the room as soon as I was done, against the wishes of my dragon, and regardless of the yearning of my soul.

I didn't have a right over him. He was my superior.

Blinking away the tears, I tried to focus on my work. Fate was still punishing me for the misdeeds of my past. Why else was I mated to my boss's husband?

Of course. I deserved it all. It was because I didn't know any better than to be the worst slut history had ever witnessed. I had messed up my past, and as a result, ruined my present and future.

I scolded myself, holding back the tears of remorse that were threatening to roll out of my eyes.

"Maybe I should have just died," I mumbled to myself as I tucked the duster under my apron and stretched my body. Non-stop chores wore my muscles off, and by the time the day ended, every muscle in my body would be aching. But at least I was getting more than enough exercise every day.

I was about to dust the shelves when I heard footsteps behind me, and I instantly knew who it was. It was him and his little brother.

Don't look at him. Whatever you do, Darlene, don't make eye contact.

I slowly turned around. Careful not to look up, I offered an archaic smile.

"Is the lunch ready?" Stephen asked me, and my heart skipped a beat. Why did his voice have to be so throaty… sexy?

I bit my inner cheek. Damn it, Darlene. Get yourself together. He's never going to be yours.

Clearing my throat, I nodded my head. "Yes. Lunch is ready."

I just couldn't stop myself from glimpsing his handsome physique. Oh, he was so perfect.

He had this perfect jawline and the most mesmerising eyes. My mouth watered at the sight of his shirt clinging to his well-toned muscles. Was that a tattoo peeking out of the short sleeve of his black shirt? Damn…

He walked towards the dining room. I almost followed him like a lost puppy, but fortunately, I was able to stop before I embarrassed myself. His little brother smiled sweetly before following Stephen into the dining room. As soon as they were out of my sight, I heaved a massive breath. Controlling myself was getting harder and harder as time passed. I wondered if I could hold myself back until my contract was over.

Well, five years is a long time. Perhaps the marriage contract will be over before that. I didn't know the clauses of their agreement. All I knew was that Jenna was a b***h and wouldn't make it easy for him to leave.

But what if he didn't want to leave her at all? My heart sank at the thought. Would I have to endure this pain for the rest of my life? Was there a way to stop feeling the bond before things got out of hand? I could ask Her Grace, Zelda. She was a Lycan and knew more about the mate bond than any dragon.

I didn't realise that I was chewing on my lower lip until my teeth sank into it a bit too hard. Although she invited me to the coronation ceremony, I had never called her since I left the palace. I knew she had forgiven me, but asking her for help felt awkward. Well, coming face to face with any of them was bizarre, especially since I had tried to seduce her husband previously.

Embarrassed by the memory, I winced. I was just plain stupid back then. Who would have thought that they would accept that I had changed and forgive me?

Not me, for sure, but they did. That only proved what a great person Zelda was, and she was the most suitable Queen for us.

Reminiscing about my time in the palace, I slipped my hand into the pocket of my apron and wrapped my fingers around my phone. Should I call her?