Ride or die

SERENA'S POV

Moans-cries of pleasure-echoed through the sealed room. But they weren't from me and my partner. They came from my partner and his mistress.

I was forced to watch them.

Tied to a chair in the corner, I stared as Cora took him in deeper, tears streaming down her face while she kept making guttural noises. Derek gripped her hair tightly in satisfaction, pulling her closer, his thrusts growing more and more forceful.

Every one of Derek's thrusts, every breath of pleasure he let out, sent pain rippling through me. The heat at my marked spot burned so intensely that it felt like my neck might snap.

It was a violation, and yet there was nothing I could do-nothing except watch.

I was unable to bear the pain of watching my mate mate with Cora, so I squeezed my eyes shut. Suddenly, the sounds ceased, replaced by a satisfied grunt from Derek.

My heart raced as I sensed Derek slowly approach me. He forcefully took me by the jaw and demanded that I open my eyes.

"Look at me, Omega," he sneered.

I forced my eyes open, meeting his cold hazel gaze. He towered over me, wearing a cruel, amusing look on his face.

"Disrespectful, were we?" he snarled.

I didn't answer. What was the point? Fueling his anger would only bring me more pain. He let out a humorless laugh before grabbing a whip coiled at his waist.

"This is what happens when you disrespect your alpha."

He struck la eather whip against my exposed back. I screamed, and he struck me again, and again, until my vision was blurred by my own tears.

"Never. Close. Your. Eyes. Again!" he yelled between each lash.

"No closing your fucking eyes, Omega!" He yelled again, this time he lowered himself to my level. "You will watch, and you will learn your fucking place!!"

I was furious. Gathering a glob of spit, I launched it at Derek with all the force I could muster. It landed with a wet plop on his boot, a pathetic attempt at rebellion that only seemed to amuse him.

"Still defiant, Omega?" he chuckled.

I screamed, "Just break the damn bond, you coward! I'd rather be a rogue than your slave!"

He took the whip once more and struck me hard against my already wounded back.

"Silence, Omega!" Derek roared. "Disobeying your alpha is a crime punishable by worse than a few lashes."

"I'm your mate! Not your slave!" I glared at him and shouted. "Even if I'm ashamed of it."

"You bitch!" Derek raised the whip in a rage, aiming to strike my face, but Cora stepped forward and grabbed his arm.

"Stop, Derek," Cora said softly, her crimson lips curling into a smile. "Is this how you treat your mate?" She glanced at me with feigned sympathy.