Chapter 31: Chapter 31 A Man Possessed
Phoebe’s POV
Damn it!
"The rumor..." I wanted to tell him it wasn’t true, but the words wouldn’t come. I hate when I can’t speak clearly, when everything gets trapped in my throat. "I didn’t..."
I wanted to explain that I’d never wanted Kevin. I accepted his rejection immediately. I never wanted him to touch me again.
But the words stayed locked inside, refusing to emerge. Frustration built up, and tears spilled down my cheeks.
Perry’s frown deepened at my reaction. He ran his hand through his hair and let out a heavy sigh that made my words vanish completely. I couldn’t speak.
"I’ll have someone escort you back to your room after breakfast." Perry rose to his feet.
I could see him fighting back his irritation and anger.
He needed to get out of here before he lost control and made things worse by frightening me further.
And just like that, Perry walked away without hearing my explanation. Not that I could have given one when my voice had completely abandoned me.
Alone with my frustration, I wept silently. I desperately wanted to tell him it was all lies, that I’d never felt anything for Kevin.
But what would be the point? He’d probably believe those people who’d wronged me and spread vicious rumors about me anyway.
My explanation would just sound like pathetic excuses, and he might hate me even more, thinking I was a liar.
I buried my face in my hands and cried without making a sound. The injustice burned through me.
Two hours passed before Mason arrived with breakfast. She stayed while I ate, then guided me to my bedroom.
Mason looked like she wanted to say something, but seeing my expression, she wisely stayed quiet.
The moment I entered the room, I collapsed onto the bed, completely drained. The confrontation with the king this morning, on top of last night’s pain, was more than I could handle.
With my mind and body exhausted, I fell into deep sleep. This time, no nightmares came.
I didn’t even have the energy to dream.
——
**Perry’s POV**
The king had been impossible to deal with for three days straight, ever since what happened with Phoebe. Perry showed up at the training grounds daily, sparring with his warriors.
For the warriors, it was pure hell. Half of them ended up in the infirmary because the king fought like a man possessed. He attacked with lethal intent.
Miraculously, none had died yet.
Perry hadn’t visited Phoebe because he didn’t trust himself around her, but he’d heard she was recovering.
Helen had checked on her and asked about her inability to taste food.
According to the healer, she’d lost her sense of taste about a year ago. She wouldn’t explain why or what had happened, and when Helen pressed for details, she shut down completely.
Perry knew that reaction too well by now. She’d clam up and tense like her life was in danger.
That’s exactly why Perry had stayed away these past few days - his foul temper would only terrify her more.
But on the fifth day, he couldn’t keep his distance any longer. She was his mate. He’d marked her, but they hadn’t completed the bond.
His wolf was going crazy, which probably explained his savage mood lately.
So Perry headed to Phoebe’s room that evening and discovered her in the bathroom. The sound of water cascading over her body and her subtle movements made his eyes darken with desire.
I moved toward where my mate was and pushed open the bathroom door. Her silhouette was visible through the glass, her naked form making my blood burn hot.
I had two choices: walk away, or do what I should have done days ago.
The first option would leave me in agony and probably get one of my warriors killed in my rage. The second would terrify my mate and send us back to square one.
Unable to decide, I stood frozen until Phoebe finished and turned off the water. Only then did she notice someone watching her.
She’d been too absorbed in the warm water and the peace of these past few days without me around.
She’d spent her time reading, watching movies she enjoyed, sleeping, and simply existing. She’d loved being alone. Because of that, she’d let her guard down, thinking I’d forgotten about her.
How wrong she was.
That’s why Phoebe looked shocked when she saw me standing in the doorway, my gaze locked on her. The intensity of my stare made her entire body flush crimson.
It didn’t help that she had nothing to cover herself with.
Phoebe glanced at the towel hanging next to me. She couldn’t reach it without walking past me.
"My king..." Phoebe’s voice came out barely above a whisper. She tried to cover her breasts with her arms, but what was the point? If I’d been standing here while she showered, I’d already seen everything.
"Fuck it!" I growled, crossing the room to reach for my mate.
