Chapter 3 : Athena

Athena

“At least, the moon goddess could have mated me to someone easier to keep around, maybe as a mistress. But with her no way” he said distastefully. 

I staggered back, everything from the previous night flashing through my thoughts, years of pain and humiliation came crashing down.

He was like them, they were all the same, I could hear a sharp ringing across my ears. 

I swung the door open, forcing myself steady, my gaze falling on my supposed mate who suddenly looked unappealing. 

“You— did you hear anything just now?” The one beside him asked nervously, panic written across his face. 

“Why?” I sneered, “anything in particular I shouldn't hear?”

“So, you did.” Rowan muttered, his expression remained the same, empty. 

My nails dug into my palms, father's teaching surfaced, “Never let them see you fall, Athena, remain strong.” He'd always stay. 

I bit my lips to stop it from quivering, “I have one question Rowan, Why?” 

“How dare—” 

“Lake” he intercepted, stopping him. 

I chuckled dryly, “put a leash on your dog” 

Color drained from Lake’s face, he looked like he had a lot to say. 

“I understand you're hurt. But you're not exactly—” he paused, as if considering his words, his silver eyes sizing me. 

“I'm not what? Slim enough to your liking? Not pretty enough? Come on, you had no issue saying it behind my back, putting your tail behind your back doesn't seem so good after all.” I taunted.

His lips pressed against each other, “I'm sorry,” I didn't miss the disdain that flashed past his eyes, 

“Rowan wouldn't have even looked at you twice if you hadn't drugged him.”

I snorted, what a master-servant pair, “if you have issues training your dogs I'll gladly help you out, you seem like you could need some help” 

“You're taking this too far. I will give you some money for your time, but the bond can't happen, it's not convenient.” His face contorted. “Not to mention, you're without rank too. An omega, you'll not survive my world.” 

“Oh please. Stop with the self pity, consoling yourself that you're doing this for my sake.” My heart trembled with each world, but I forced myself steady, I wouldn't give them the satisfaction they craved. 

“Since you're not man enough to end it, I'll gladly help you. No need to run in circles.” My voice hardened.

his brows furrowed “What are you—” 

“I Athena, reject you, Rowan as my mate.” I cut him off, the words bounced off the wall, silence filled the room.

A sharp pain hit me, my knees wobbled, one hit the ground, I spat out a mouthful of blood. 

My heart ached, the bond pulsed weakly, pain flaring through every part of my body, 

The cold look on his face cracked, blood trickled down the corner of his lips, something settled in his eyes,

“Accept it”  I gritted out. 

“No.” He forced out, beads of sweat on his forehead, looks like he wasn't much better off than I was. 

A slow smile crept to my lips, “Last chance, accept it or I'll help you to it.” I may be weak and rankless but I wasn't clueless about these things.

“No.” He grunted.

“You crazy woman, what are you doing,” Lake rushed to his side, helping him up, his face paler now. 

“Fine then” I nodded. 

Closing my eyes, I traced the bond, it was still there, pulsing weakly, I could barely feel it. 

Mustering all the strength I could, I began ripping it, pulling as hard as I could, I doubled over, my breaths growing shallow, a metallic taste filled my lips but I continued, gritting through it. 

His pupils widened, shock filling them, his mouth opened but another round of blood spilled out. 

I ignored him, still tugging at the bond. 

“I accept.” His voice came out shaky. 

The bond snapped, gone before it even began.

“Good.” I nodded, I refuse to be anyone's trash. 

I struggled to my feet, the look in his eyes had changed now. The calm in them was gone,

“You're insane” he mumbled. 

My lips curved upwards, “So I've heard.” I turned, dragging my body with me, the pain had reduced now, but it was still there,

The soreness, the hollow, the loss, the ache. Red dripped down, forming a slow trail as I walked. 

His gaze followed me till the doors of the room banged shut. 

I didn't stop, I couldn't stop, not now, not here, with my head held high, I kept moving, barely acknowledging the greetings and strange looks I got.

Immediately that familiar massive oak door came in sight, and I saw that familiar figure standing right outside it.

“Shit, thena, what happened?” he rushed towards me. 

My knees finally gave way, I collapsed into his arms, the tears streamed down like a river. 

He lifted me into his arms, rushing me into the room, “who was it? Was it the girls again? Were you bullied at the academy?” He asked all in one breath, lowering me gently into the bed. 

I shook my head, burying my face into his neck, barely able to form words, my body quivered, shaking.

He wrapped his hand around me, letting, patting my back slowly, “it's alright, let it all out. Big brother is here, no matter who it is, I'll definitely stand up for you.” 

His words made me start a fresh round of bawling, my heart felt like it had just been crushed into pieces, like I had been given a silver lining only for it to be snatched away right before my eyes.

“Ethan” my voice came out strangled, “is it really a crime to be fat?”