The Beta's Regret (Eden and Eros) novel Chapter 272

(Eden’s Pov)

My heart skipped a beat.

King Pison looked furious, his brows were pinched in a tight frown as he looked at me suspiciously.

“What were you doing outside?” He asked again.

I couldn't speak for a second, as all I could do was stare at him in surprise. Knowing Pison might demand for my head if I delayed further, I answered quickly.

“I went to get some fresh air.” I said softly.

It look like he didn't believe me. If anything, he only got more angry.

He took quick steps towards me and grabbed me by the arm as he pulled me closer and sniffed my skin.

I stiffened, feeling disgusted at his touch, at the same time afraid that he might smell something that would implicate me.

After he was satisfied, he pushed back. I saw the frown on his face ease up to a more relaxed expression.

“I thought you had gone out to meet someone else.” He said.

I raised a brow. I knew that was what this was about. For a moment, I was grateful I didn't encounter anyone aside from Lamia outside. If I had, I was sure Pison would have smelt them off me instantly and assumed the worst.

Trying to cover up, I lifted my chin and hardened my gaze as I faked a hurt expression. I could always use this to my advantage.

It was so obvious from the look in Pison’s eyes that he desired me and he had every intention to take me to bed tonight.

I knew the only way to escape tonight was to play the victim card.

I pulled it hard. The last thing I wanted was to bed a monster. No matter how much I was willing to save my people, there were just some things I wouldn't do, and one of them was allowing Pison to sleep with me.

I allowed the tears to prick my eyes as I set my lips into a small pout.

I saw the panicked look Pison wore immediately.

“You don't trust me.” I said sharply.

Pison’s eyes widened. “You know that is not what this is about.” He started.

I looked away. “This is exactly what it is. You don't trust me. If you did, you would have believed me when I told you I went out to get some fresh air.”

Pison sighed and tried to caress my face but I waved his hand away.

“Don't touch me.” I snapped. “How do you expect me to be pleased with you when you treat me like a servant? If I am to be your queen, then you need to trust me.” I paused for dramatic effect, then continued “or I will leave, right now, and never return.”

Pison acted quick, and pulled me to him in one move. “You are not going anywhere.”

He stared deep into my eyes, and for a moment, I allowed him to believe we were having an intimate moment. He leaned in, attempting to capture my lips in a kiss, but I turned away at the last minute.

“No.” I said.

Pison sighed and gently stroked the side of my arm. “I want you Eden, I want to claim you as mine.” He said in a hoarse voice. Pison pressed himself against me and I swallowed the bile that rose in my throat. “What must I do to tell you how sorry I am for what I did?” he asked.

“I don't trust you too. And I need you to make me trust you.” I said.

Pison nodded quickly. “I will do anything you want. What do you want me to do?”

I turned away again so he didn't see the small smile that crept up the side of my lips.

“I want you to hold a coronation union ceremony. And right there, in front of the whole kingdom, you will claim me as your mate and make me the queen of the entire kingdom.”

Pison looked at me with a small frown. I could see the wheels turning in his head before he nodded softly.