I was laying subconscious, moaning in unbearable pain, desperately pleading for help. But, all the guests were busy taking care of Sophie, including my parents and Kaid, their care genuine and eyes showing hurt as if they were punched in the gust just by watching a few scratches on her wrist. Many were busy accusing me, while Kaid and my father were only staring at me, their expressions revealing their thoughts, they were also believing Sophie's words.
“I didn't do it…” I barely whispered, still lying on the floor, unable to move.
“Stop lying, Sarah!” Kaid snapped, “If you didn't hurt Sophie, then how come your nails are filled with Sophie’s hair? How are you going to justify it?”
It was a statement rather than a question, because he didn't even wait to let me explain. He pulled Sophie in his arms and said to her in a concerned voice, “Don't worry, Sophie. I’ll take you to my Pack's infirmary. We have the best healers in the kingdom. You will be absolutely fine. I’ll take care of you.”
“Kaid…” I called him, my voice trembling, only to be refused by my disloyal mate who just passed the judgement on me and proved me to be the guilty one without letting me explain myself. I put Sophie in his arms and left, showing his back to me.
His departure, without sparing a look at my wounds, enhanced the pain I suffered from the beating. I was slowly losing my consciousness and stopped feeling my limbs when I heard my mom's voice, laced with toxicity, “Stop pretending, Sarah!”
“It was just a little beating to put some sense to your mind. Laying there like that, do you want to make me feel guilty? If your fragile body can't even take a little beating, you are a disgrace to our Alpha family. I would better have only Sophie as my daughter than to have a disgraceful daughter like you!”
My mom's harsh words felt like a poison to my wounds, but she didn't care. She never did. While lying there, shivering in cold and pain, I remembered the countless incidents when I was beaten by my parents for Sophie's lies. Though it was the first time I was beaten in public and humiliated, when it comes to my parents, I was accustomed to it. Nothing new for me. Just the pain this time was unbearable because of finding out about my husband’s betrayal.
I kept laying there for what felt like eternity, everyone left for their destination, only I was left to shiver in the cold. Suddenly, I felt a pair of warm hands, holding me from either side and grabbing me up. I could feel this person’s heart beat as he had held me close to his chest, probably carrying me out. A familiar scent felt in my nostrils and I couldn't help but feel safe and secure before I finally closed my eyes.
***
When I opened my eyes, the white ceiling, and the smell of potions placed near my bed, explained to me where I was. I was lying on the bed of Pack's infirmary.
But, who took me to the infirmary?
I hesitated. A part of me, a small, fragile ember of hope, still clung to the memory of Kaid, of the life I had dreamed of. Maybe perhaps it was Kaid. But the image of his cold eyes, of his unwavering support for Sophie, extinguished that ember completely. There was nothing left for me to believe Kaid helped me out.
I lay in the infirmary’s bed, my body weak and my mind reeling. The events of the previous night were hazy, but the pain and betrayal were still fresh.
Suddenly Kaid's face appeared beside me, his eyes filled with concern and his hair disheveled. He looked like he hadn't slept.
"Sarah, I'm so sorry," he said, his voice barely above a whisper. "I didn't mean to leave you behind last night. Sophie was pregnant, and I had to take her to the pack's healer. She's having the pups—I had to make sure she and her children were safe."
I turned my head away, unable to look at him. The ache in my chest was unbearable, but I forced myself to stay calm.
"You know how important the bloodline is to the Nightshade pack," Kaid continued, his voice filled with emotion. "If something happened to Sophie's pup, their pack would blame you. Even your parents wouldn't forgive you. I was only trying to protect you..."
I knew he was lying. I knew he had chosen Sophie over me, just like he always did. But, I didn't respond. I didn't let him know that I could see through his lies. But, Kaid hesitated, a moment of uncertainty was visible in his eyes. He reached out to hold my hands. I didn't pull away, but I didn't look at him either. He continued, “I know you are angry at me because I didn't stop Lyra from beating you. I was helpless, Sarah.”
“Lyra was following your mother's command, who is my mother-in-law. I thought it was your family's matter and I shouldn't interfere in that. I’m sorry if my actions hurted you, Sarah. But I meant you no harm. Believe me,” he added.
Kaid waited for my response. He expected me to accept his apology or even thank him for saving my life on time, or just a word for him from my mouth. But, I said nothing. Instead, I turned my head away, not in the mood of even looking at his face. He sighed. Standing up from his seat, he walked out and came back with a bowl of poridge, saying, “Even if you are mad, you need food to recover, Sarah.”
“Let me feed you, honey,” he said while taking a spoon filled porridge near my lips. I didn't refuse him and let him feed me in silence. He mistook the gesture as my forgiveness and a sweet smile appeared on his lips. But, he didn't know, he didn't matter to me anymore, nor were his actions.
