C11 Freya's POV; Belittled by my husband, adored by a stranger

~Freya~

Releasing his grip from my neck, I watched as he staggered away slowly. I couldn't believe his words. Seeking his wealth? Did he forget I was a Luna before marrying him?

A numbing pain engulfed me leaving me detached from reality. I couldn't help but cry uncontrollably as he turned his back on me. What did I do wrong? Is showing care a crime?

Why was I affected this much? We're living on each other's terms, yet I couldn't explain the torture his words caused me.

"Leave!" He growled coldly.

Leave? This is what I get for being a good person. Sniffling, I dried my eyes. Mixed emotions surged through my veins as I couldn't comprehend anything. Was he the same person? Why this much hate towards me?

Daring to question my character? I know I wasn't accepted in my home, doesn't mean he had the right to say all he said. Turning my back, I hastened my steps out of his room.

Stopping in my tracks, I turned as I yelled, "I hate you!"

Putting my hands over my face, I ran through the halls making my way to the astrology room. Crying uncontrollably, I sat by the window as I gazed at the stars. As tears rolled down my eyes quietly, I inhaled the night wind deeply as my mind flooded with thoughts.

"Crying makes your beauty disappear," an unfamiliar voice stated calling my attention.

Startled, I dried my eyes swiftly as I turned towards it's direction. A tall man stood in the distance. Thick brown hair, emerald green eyes, angular face, amazing masculine figure and plum pink lips. He was hot. But he couldn't be compared to Lucien.

Taking measured steps towards me slowly, he approached me with a small towel in hand.

"Care to use?" He asked.

"Who are you?" I asked with an arched brow.

I haven't met him before and didn't recall seeing him anywhere.

"Pardon my negligence. I am Jasper Blackwood, Alpha of the Night shade pack, Lucien Wolfson's best friend," he stated.

Best friend? I didn't hear correctly right? The devil's reincarnate has a best friend? Impossible!

"Best friend?" I asked with an arched brow and widened eyes.

"Surprised I see, I understand you, anyone would be," he responded, chuckling softly.

Who would've thought aye? The cold hearted Prince Lucien has a best friend. This was a topic for sore ears. But of course, why should I care.

"What do you want?" I asked agitated.

I didn't want to have anything to do with the Lucien anymore. Not after his outburst. I wanted to stay away from him.

"Nothing really, I just couldn't bear to see a beautiful woman cry by herself," he responded, a warm smile plastered on his lips.

"I'm much better now thanks," I stated coldly.

"You're not, I can tell by the redness of your eyes," he said, stretching his hands in an attempt to caress my face.

Taking a step back in a bid to avoid his touch, I accidentally stepped on the edge of my dress making me loose balance.

His hands caught my waist firmly preventing the intending fall. His hazel eyes stared deep into mine as I felt his heart raced. In that moment, a strong chemistry was formed between us.

With his firm grip round my waist, he pulled me up slowly, not breaking our gaze. Staring into his eyes, flashes of Lucien's silver eyes went through my mind jolting me to the present.

Blinking my eyes repeatedly, I shoved him away as I arranged my dress. Exhaling sharply, I turned towards the window, fixing my gaze outside.

"They're beautiful aren't they?" He asked taking a stand beside me.

"Yes."

"I've loved looking at the stars since I was little," he began as he cleared his throat.

"Really?" I asked curious.

It was my first time seeing an alpha interested in the stars.

"Yes, especially comets," he responded smiling.

Intrigued, I couldn't help but ask, "What's your favorite comet?"

"Comet Nova," he responded.

I couldn't believe my ears. My favorite comet! It all seemed too good to be true.

"Because it signifies hope," we stated simultaneously.

Chuckling lightly, Jasper and I engaged ourselves in conversations relating to the stars and different comets. We spoke about different topics.

As our conversation got deeper, he told me about his first encounter with Lucien when they were kids. How close they were and how much he cared about him.

I was left speechless. I never fathomed this side of Lucien existed. Guess what they say is true, never judge a book by its cover.

"So, why were you crying alone up here?" He asked.

Recalling my ugly incident with Lucien, unease flooded my veins as I starred into blank space. I didn't want to have memory of such horrible incidents.

"It's nothing," I responded, trying to mask my unease.

"What if I could help you?" He asked fixing his gaze on me.

"Help me?" I asked curious.

"Yes, I mean, you love him right?" He asked.

Hearing his question, I laughed hysterically unable to control myself. Love? Our marriage is nothing but a mere alliance, there's nothing between us.

"Did I say something funny?" He asked, the confusion in his voice evident.

"Lucien and I got married to forge and alliance. We're living on each other's terms. We sleep in different rooms. No intimacy, no mark, no nothing, we aren't bound by anything," I responded, exhaling sharply.

"Oh, I see, I thought it was something else, I apologize," he said bowing slightly.

"It's fine."

Stretching my hands, I yawned loudly as I twisted my neck. Turning my gaze back outside, I was surprised to find the day had begun to break.

"It's morning already?" I asked in disbelief.

Turning his gaze to the window, Jasper's eyes widened as he blinked his eyes repeatedly starring outside.

"It is Luna," he stated, returning his gaze to me.

"Call me Freya," I said with a warm smile as I turned to leave.

"Do I escort you?" He asked, stopping me in my tracks.

Turning towards him, I smiled as I shook my head slightly, "There's no need for that."

"Will I see you again Freya?" He asked, his eyes widened with curiousity as he awaited my response.

"Yes Jasper," I responded with a warm smile.

Making my way out of the astrology room, I giggled as I walked down the hall. Memories of my conversations with Jasper replayed in my mind as I hummed. Who knew someone like him existed? Charming, brave, gentle, caring. He was everything Lucien wasn't.

Was this the beginning of a new chapter for me? I wondered as I made my way to my room.