The Mating Games

Chapter Seventeen:

ELOISE:

“I, Prince Ares of Apreez, reject you…”

“I, Prince Ares of Apreez, reject you…”

“I, Prince Ares…”

“I…”

A single tear rolls down my cheek and marks the satin, white pillow below me on a bed far too luxurious for a prisoner. I blink through the heartbreak and stare at the room around me. A room fit for a Queen, yet this is my own, personal hell. The door creaks open and the strong smell of a meaty and hearty broth wades through the stagnant odor of the room. The lack of windows somehow manages to trap any stink and the smell of my heartache and pain has been lingering in the air for too long. I can smell Linda before I even see her. She moves in an elegance I wish I could have, yet I don’t miss the dark bags under her eyes or the pained jolt in her step. Perhaps she also fears being in the presence of a lowly, dangerous, and unwanted hybrid such as myself. Just like the times before, she looks at my dresser and sighs before moving the untouched food from before off and replacing it with new, warm contents.

“Lady Eloise, please, you must eat!”

She has tried to convince me for the past however many hours to eat. I wish I could tell how many hours it's been, but there is just no way of knowing. Linda sighs again at my lack of response and moves on to fluff out the pillows next to me. She then moves into the bathroom and I can hear the bathtub water running and the smell of lavender hitting the air now.

“At least have a bath?”

Another plea on her part. I close my eyes.

“LADY ELOISE!”

Her voice becomes panicked and harsh and I squeeze my eyelids closed to hide the pain. These are all people who are going to watch me on the executioner's block. They all stood there, saying nothing, as King Augustus spat venom at me and warranted my death. Even worse, they watched their friend, the Prince…

My heart shatters once again.

“I, Prince Ares of Apreez, reject you…”

The words are the only thing I have lulling me to sleep at night in the loneliness of this room. They are the first words I hear as I wake in the morning. They are the words that keep my body fixed to the bed at dawn. They are the words that haunt my every essence at night. These words are a reminder of how truly alone and unwanted I am in this world. I always waited, watched, and hoped for a romance and love to sweep me off my feet. I always dreamed that someday I would meet someone who would love me wholeheartedly as I would them. I daresay that I even always envied wolves, who meet their soul companions and get to share in a lifetime of happiness with them. Cliché? I know, but this has always been me. I stickler for romance and a lady who knows exactly what she wants, needs, and deserves. Perhaps this was my wolf spurring me on all along? My eyes open again at the deep purple lining of the bed sheets.

My wolf! What an odd and unexpected thing. I went for so many tests, so how is it possible that I am indeed a wolf? I have always lived a simple life with the fae. Another tear escapes from the misfortune of my multi-colored eyes and I have to wipe it with the palm of my hand. I would give anything to go back to those days.

“Leave us, Linda.”

His voice. A voice I haven’t heard in hours or perhaps days. Not since…

The door closes again and the gentle, masculine smell hits my nose. It’s still the same as before, but less all-consuming in some warped way. I used to love that smell, but now it only makes me feel pain. His long, dragged and heavy steps lead him all the way to my bedside and I don’t find the willpower to look up into the eyes which were supposed to embrace me. Wasn’t he supposed to be the other half of my soul?

“Eloise, why are you not eating? Why do you refuse to climb out of this bed?”

His words come out as more of a scold and I close my eyes again as another tear rolls down my cheek. I wish I had the energy to scream back at him. WHY THE f**k DO YOU THINK NOT, i***t? MAYBE IT WAS BECAUSE IN THE SPACE OF 24 HOURS MY ENTIRE LIFE CHANGED, I GOT THE DEATH SENTENCE AND MY MATE REJECTED ME! Another tear…

“f**k!”

His hand goes under my head and a tiny tingle reminds me of the lost promise we once shared. I feel him lifting me up out of the bed and for some reason, the motion comforts me instead of repels me. His large steps take me towards the bathroom and with enormous speed, he undresses me, his eyes never wondering down at my body and remaining fixed on getting the job done. A painful jolt courses over my spine at this, but who am I kissing? This is the same prince who chose to throw me away. Then with a gentleness I didn’t know existed, the prince lowers me down into the lavender water of the tub. For a moment we look at each other and I could swear I see something hidden in the depth of his dark gaze. As if begging to come out, the chocolate swirls of his stare penetrate through me and I see a glimpse of desperate longing, but it is quickly replaced with no emotion at the mere shake of his head.

“You need to bathe, Eloise. Just because you are in this situation, doesn’t mean that you should stop caring for yourself.”

His words shock me and I finally find my will to speak.

“In this situation, my Prince?”

It comes out as more of a stutter.

“I am to be killed in a matter of days or hours. What use is smelling good or feeling blissfully full with food if I am to be dead?”

His eyes flash and he turns around to leave. I quickly grab his arm and the same, small tingles hit me.

“DON’T GO!”

The words come out a little more desperate than I would have liked. Prince Ares halts his step and his entire body becomes stiff. My heart hammers with confusion. Why do I even want him to stay? Perhaps I am officially losing my mind. Or, maybe I just feel I deserve better?

“I-I have q-questions.”

His body slowly turns and I don’t miss the small sigh. For a moment his eyes inspect mine before he nods and pulls up a wooden stool from the vanity.

“Of course you do, Eloise.”

I lift my brow at him. What is that supposed to mean? I run my fingers across the water.

“Your questions, Eloise.”

My eyes snap to his and another shudder runs over me. He is watching me very seriously, his dark eyes penetrating and distant. Now that I have a chance to look at him more closely, I notice that his stubble has grown a little longer and the sallowness of his skin makes him look sleep deprived. He clears his throat and I look away quickly.

“So, I am a – a hybrid?”

My eyes look quickly at his and then away in shame.

“Yes. You are a hybrid.”

A lump forms in my throat. Everything isn’t just a nightmare. I am a feared and dangerous creature.

“And- and, I have a wolf?”

He sighs.

“You already know the answer to that, Eloise.”

“I just don’t understand! I went for tests. I am over eighteen! I should have known ages ago about this. Why and how is this happening now?”

I can’t help but look at him now as my worry takes over. His eyes watch my frantic ones and for a brief moment, I feel him offering me a glimpse of warmth.

“We aren’t entirely sure how or why. The elders said that the tests should have worked on you. Your parents have been in for questioning to understand if they had any part to play in all of this…”

“OH, MY GODDESS! MY PARENTS!”

Panic takes over. I have been so caught up in my own misery that I forgot about them.

“Your parents are fine. Results came back that they aren’t guilty and didn’t know about your extra abilities until the rest of us did. No punishment will ever come upon an innocent, Eloise.”

I want to scoff at his words.

“And I am not an innocent?”

A flash of pain draws across his eyes.

“Yes, but what you are in the blood is not.”

My eyes well up and I nod.

“As if I had any choice in that. I doubt your mother…”

“What do you know of my mother Eloise? Don’t pretend to know!”

“WHAT I DO KNOW IS THAT SHE WAS LOVED DEEPLY BY AN ENTIRE KINGDOM OF WOLVES AND A WHOLE REALM!”

I breathe in deeply and with a shaky hand I lift myself up into the water.

“Then at a drop of a hat, after all the good she did for hundreds of years, she all of a sudden turned bad and started killing innocents? In the space of hours, she went from feeding her people to killing them. She was the most adored figure in the history of Zenox and now her name is wiped from every storybook.”

“Are you insinuating that someone is covering something up? That MY FATHER, THE KING, is guilty of something?”

“I am not insinuating anything, PRINCE ARES. I am only saying that there are always two sides to a coin and so far, we only know what one of those sides looks like. Maybe there is more to her story. Maybe there is more to hybrids.”

We stare each other down for a bit. I start to wash myself now with the soap. I hate lukewarm baths and want it to be over with soon. Prince Ares is wearing a very pensive expression, as if deep in his thoughts and riddled with concern.

“The elders said that being around your mate must have triggered your wolf to come out. For some reason, it might have been suppressed and you marking me clicked your shift into place on the night of the equinox.”

My heart almost stops for a second as I remember that evening. Us, two souls colliding in the night for the first time in the most perfect way. Every touch, every kiss, the way our fingers intertwined against the sheets as his tongue lowered down onto my core and the delicious sound that escaped our mouths as his thick length entered into me…

“Eloise…”

I look at the Prince now, who is running a hand through his hair and looking uncomfortable. When he looks up I see how dark his gaze has become and I realize that he must be smelling my arousal.

“I’m, I – uh, I am sorry. I can’t help it. I know you must think of that evening with nothing but dread and horror, but I have a very different experience in my mind. It was my first time and as it turns out, will be my last. I could never regret giving myself to the other part of my soul, even if I wanted to.”

It comes out in hushed tones and I bite my lip as my cheeks redden. I look at the man in front of me with a sad type of love and my heart clenches.

“I know wolves don’t love…”

A tear escapes.

“But fae does and that is what came first for me before I even understood why, Prince Ares. I fell in love with you before I knew you were my mate. Even in all our bickering, I craved seeing your smile every day and I woke up consumed by the need to hear your voice. My skin would prick just at the thought of maybe sharing a conversation and my heart skipped beats to annoy you once again. I fell in love the old-fashioned way and I cannot just turn it off. I still love you now, as a hybrid forsaken for death and reject…”

His lips smack against mine before I can finish the words and my body and heart pound with excitement against the worry in my mind. Waves of emotion pulse through me. Love, desire, and passion all screaming against anger and betrayal. This man wants me, doesn’t want me, wants me, doesn’t want me.

“Stop thinking, Eloise. For once, just stop thinking so much, please?”

I open my mouth to protest as I search for his dark gaze. I didn’t even realize I was now standing in the bath.

“Just one moment. One moment to forget. Will you have it with me?”

I think about what he just said. One moment to forget. One moment to put aside the confusion of being a hybrid, the bitterness of being hated by a whole realm, the pain of rejection, the shame of who I am, the fear of my upcoming death, and the heartache of not being wanted by anyone. Maybe I deserve to forget the fact that my life will be over soon.

“You will regret this later, you know?”

I bite my lip and he offers me a smirk.

“Oh baby, there are many things that I will regret for the rest of my life, but this…”

His large hands grab at the skin of my waist and in a swift motion, he has my naked, wet body pressed against his. I wrap my legs around his waist and moan as he rubs down to my backside.

“This is something I could never regret.”

The last thread of strength snaps inside me and now I lean forward to capture his lips. Warmth spreads through me as I feel his arms pull me closer. My fingers fondle at the hems of his shirt and our tongues glide across each other delicately. Long gone is any of the past feelings of hurt as he trails his teeth along my jaw and peppers sloppy kisses on my collar bone. I moan as he backs me right up against the closest wall. I want to tell him so many things, like how he is an asshole for hurting me, how I am so scared, and how f****d up everything feels right now, but all I can focus on is the need to be with him at this moment and nothing else. He somehow manages to pin me against the wall as he throws his shirt off. I start unbuckling his belt and unzipping his pants desperately. Both of us are panting with need. It's been such a s**t time for both of us, so this connection is everything. A reminder of how we feel right now. A reminder of what was and what could have been.

“You are so, f*****g beautiful, Eloise.”

His hand lifts my leg higher and I place one hand on his shoulder and the other on the vanity for support. Silence engulfs us as we stare into one another’s darkened gazes. He lightly kisses my lips again.

“I could never get tired of those enticing, black orbs. They will haunt me for the rest of my life.”

The Prince of wolves takes my breath away as he thrusts himself up into me.

“AHH!”

His jaw ticks as he watches my scream of pleasure. Goddess, he is so huge and this is so…

“Scream as loud as you want, baby. Give me all your moans.”

He starts to thrust in and out, his thick and long rod hard and demanding as he re-enters me with no mercy each time. My walls suck him in each time with longing. He goes harder and knocks against my most delicious spot.

“YES!”

This makes him go harder, deeper, longer…

“f**k ME HARDER!”

The words roll out and Prince Ares growls out, his wolf on the surface, before slipping out of me and turning me around. I hardly have time to think before he has my legs spread right open again. In a matter of seconds, I feel him enter me from behind in an earth-shattering movement of passion and desire. I squeeze my eyes shut as the pleasure builds up inside me. His hand runs up my spine and rests in a hold at the back of my neck. Another growl and my legs start to shake as my walls tighten. Flashes run through my mind of our moments together. Moments that I hoped would last a lifetime. Prince Ares hisses.

“Too f*****g tight. Let go, Eloise!”

Tears well up in my eyes at the life we will miss. A lifetime of love, passion, children, and happiness. A lifetime of promise and opportunity. My heart jolts and I feel my core burning for release.

“Let go, baby. It’s okay.”

I didn’t even realize I was sobbing now, but everything is just so, so much. He pounds into me again and I feel the buzz of pleasure begin at my toes.

“Ares, I…”

“That’s it, baby.”

My whole body falls forward against the wall as currents of pleasure zap through me and consumes my core.

“f**k!”

The prince hisses through his own release and my moans of pleasure mix in with his. My walls squeeze around him, milking him dry of everything he can give and Goddess, is it the most satisfying thing. More tears roll down my cheeks, soon turning into sobs for the dreaded fate that lies ahead of me.

“Shhhh, shhh…”

“It’s okay, baby. Come…”

Long gone is the powerful girl from a few moments ago. All that is left is the pain of reality. Prince Ares slowly lays me on the bed and moves to bring warm towels to clean me up again. I allow him, even though I know this moment is fleeting and he could never love me as I love him. My heart feels pained because the man he is in this moment is everything I could have dreamed of. Warm, caring, and loving all mixed into an alpha, a passionate lover, and a leader. I slide under the covers of the bed and watch as he moves across the room, placing his clothes by the chair and lifting the food.

“You have to eat something.”

I turn to face away from him and I hear his low chuckle.

“Fine, but then I am eating it.”

He sits on the bed close to me and starts to spoon the broth into his mouth, making moaning noises every time he gets a mouthful. He then goes for some of the homemade bread and dips it in. It really does smell great and the sensation hits my stomach and makes it rumble.

“Fine, I will have some.”

We both laugh a little and he hands me the tray to eat.

“Goddess, it really is good.”

I inhale as much as I can and he smiles and nods.

“Your mom said this recipe is your favorite, so we had Kiko and Ms. Tatum fix some up for you.”

I swallow a big bite of soupy bread and look at the prince.

“How is my mother doing? You don’t think I will be able to see her once, do you?”

His smile falls and I put the spoon down, knowing I probably won't like his answer and somehow losing my appetite.

“Your mother decided to head back to Shraya, telling me and my father that she cannot watch her child receive a death sentence as it’s too painful.”

I nod in painful understanding. I don’t know if I would be able to watch something like that either.

“And my father?”

He nods.

“Is here to witness the sentencing so that he may be able to deliver the rightful news to your lands and to also be at your side.”

A lump forms in my throat and I blink and nod away the tears. The prince uses his thumb to wipe them away.

“Oh, sweet Eloise, I wish there was another way. In a perfect world, we would have already been mated, marked, and threaded together by the fates. I would have already planted my pup inside you and you would be the Queen of this kingdom. How cruel our fates have proven to be, but unfortunately my hands are so tied. The whole of Zenox despises hybrids and every noble and royal want you executed. How am I supposed to live with myself after this? Knowing I threw away the one and only half of my soul. You speak of love and care so openly and I have never been afforded the space to, for I was raised by a King and his guards with no female guidance to offer me even an ounce of gentleness. All I had were the pictures of her on walls and the distant smell on her clothes and items in the tower parlor and now, all I will have of you is the same. A lonely king I will be forever.”

His voice shakes me to my bones and my whole perspective changes. The prince of wolves has always been so strong and together and yet, here he sits completely stripped and vulnerable. I have spent the last few days hating him for rejecting me, but I never once thought about how he had no choice. Maybe he does love me in some messed-up way? I lean forward and take his hand in mine.

“You are so brave and strong. Your people are incredibly lucky to have you, Prince Ares.”

He nods with a sad smile and a lone tear rolls down his cheek. A small knock on the door has him looking at the wooden frame with his brows knit together. I squeeze his hand and he looks back at me.

“Even until death, you and I will always be bonded by fate. We are mates, Ares.”

He shoots up, catching me by surprise, and his whole face morphs into one of bitter coldness.

“Don’t kid yourself, Lady Eloise. Mates? You are a hybrid and I am a wolf prince. I REJECTED you!”

My mouth falls open slightly and searing pain begins to flood my belly at the reminder.

“I just thought, I…”

“What do you not understand about this situation, Eloise? We are no longer bonded together in any way or form. Yes, I still get a hard-on when I see your body, but then I would for any female standing naked in front of me.”

Tears.

“This whole thing drives me nuts! You are a dangerous and volatile species. I might find myself consumed with loneliness for the rest of my life, as never again will I have a mate, but at least I will know that this world is in a better place without you in it and at least I will have tons of whores to offer me their p*****s at night!”

I don’t even think twice before my hand swings as hard as it can to slap him across his face. The sound resonates loudly and sharply in the room and for a few seconds, there is only bitter silence as his head hangs low and his breathing regulates. So this was all that this moment was? One last f**k before he finally moves on for good. One last dip into his mate before he can forget. My other hand tries to swing again as anger consumes me, but this time he is too quick and catches it mid-air. We both stare each other down and I can see he has closed off every part of himself to me now.

“Control whatever thoughts are racing through that pretty, little mind of yours, Lady Eloise.”

He finally let's go and stands up. I am left hopeless in the bed and more miserable than before he showed up. Just before he opens the door, he turns to me and gives me one last look.

“And get some sleep. It will be the last one of dreams and imagination before eternal slumber absorbs you.”

“L-L-Last?”

Has time gone that quickly? Is tomorrow really my last day?

“Yes, Eloise. Tomorrow you will become but a painful and haunting memory edged into our hearts.”

And with that he exits the room, no, the prison cell quickly, leaving me alone again with only my dying thoughts and tears. I hear some mumbling outside, but the agony inside my heart is too much to concentrate on. I find the air in the room becoming thinner as I try to suck in the sour oxygen around me. Why can’t I just die now? They could say I passed from a broken heart.