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Chapter 3

“What?” Selene was stunned, and she shivered as Asher’s eyes danced on her body.

“You're not bad, you Serene, are enough,” said Asher as he smiled darkly.

His smile was alluring and mesmerizing, but she would never allow that to blind her.

Selene felt a surge of indignation and disgust. She would not allow herself to be used by someone who had caused her so much pain.

Even though he was her mate.

Selene wasn't surprised by Asher’s demands, after all, he would always be that notorious bully she knew back in high school.

"No, I refuse,” Selene said, her voice firm. "I will not be yours. I refuse to be a pawn in your game."

Asher's smile instantly vanished and altered into a hard expression. Selene’s still the strong-headed lassie he had known back in high school.

He, Asher, could have all the women in the world without batting an eye —but not Selene Clark.

Why is that? Even now that she has become a lowlife and a slave, she is still proving stubborn!

Why can't he have her?

She was his mate, after all.

“I see, you still want to play hard to get huh?” He gave her a sharp look, it was enough to send her 6 feet down the ground.

“My word still stands, I won't be yours,” Selene continued to refuse.

The scowl on Asher’s face vanished, crossing his hand behind his back.

“No matter how you refuse me now, I'm sure that you won't be able to refuse me for too long and you know what I mean, Selene.” He sneered.

Selene clenched her fists, she knew he was indirectly referring to the mate bond between them.

He was an alpha, and it would be hard to resist him when he tried to summon her through the bond.

At that moment, Ember walked into the scene and stopped beside Selene.

“Alpha Asher!” She curtsied by bowing her head before Asher.

Asher barely gave Ember a second glance before turning his attention back to Selene.

"Don't worry," he chuckled, a smug grin on his face as he uttered. "If you ever change your mind, you know where to find me."

Selene didn't know what to say, she was upset as she watched him Asher away elegantly.

Before Ember could say something to her, Selene already strode and entered the ward.

She found Scott lying in his bed, she was surprised when she saw his face stained with tears.

“Scott!” Selene rushed over to the bed, and he looked up at her pleadingly.

“I'm so sorry, Selene," his voice trembling. "I didn't mean for this to happen."

“Hey, nothing was ever your fault okay?” Selene felt a wave of pity for her brother even though she couldn't comprehend his pleading.

"S-Selene, it was my fault,” Scott stammered, his voice thick with emotion. "And I'm so sorry, I never meant to make you feel worthless. You're the most important person in the world to me."

It was then it dawned on Selene. It was apparent that he heard the conversations between her and Asher earlier.

With trembling hands, Scott reached into his pocket and gradually pulled out a small, wrapped gift.

"I got this for you ," he told her, his voice barely above a whisper. "For your birthday. I wanted to get you this before it's too late, but I got involved in an accident with alpha Asher.”

Selene eyes watered as she accepted the gift from Scott, her heart aching as she stroked it.

Scott got into an accident just to gladden her, and now he’s in health danger because of him.

After a few moments of sobbing, Selene's shoulders slumped in defeat as she told Scott.

“Scott, I have no choice but to agree to Asher's terms,” she said and his eyes widened.

“No! You can't do that sister,” Scott exclaimed, he was dismayed. “I will be fine, you don't deserve to be used like this!"

“I have to do this for you,” Selene sniffed, staring down at the gift. “What about the bills? I can't put you are in danger. You’re all I have left.”

Scott gaped at Selene in disbelief. "I can't believe you're doing this," he said, his voice quivering.

“I promised father and mother that I will take good care of you,” she looked up tearfully at him.

"Shit! You don't know what you're getting into sister," Scott told her, "Asher is worse then you knew him. I've heard stories about his temper, and his cruelty. I don't want to see you get hurt."

Selene knew that Scott was concerned about her, but she couldn't risk his life.

"I know this is hard," Ember spoke, announcing her presence.

Selene sniffed tearfully, and she cleaned her nose as she held Scott’s gift to her chest. He was the only one who remembered her birthday.

"You know, being with Asher won't be so bad," Ember said, trying to reassure Selene. "Maybe he's not as bad as people say. Maybe they're just exaggerating."

“I wish there was some truth in that,” Selene muttered, not convinced by Ember's reassurances but she knew she was only trying to be supportive.

She had heard the rumors since Asher's return, she had heard about their temper, his bullying, and his merciless ways were spreading like wildfire.

Selene became disturbed about what might happen if she agreed to Asher’s terms. But she couldn't risk her brother's life, no matter what.

"I appreciate you, Ember, for making efforts to make me feel better,” she sighed.

Ember's face fell, biting her lips, “I'm sorry," she said, feeling helpless.

“It's fine,” Selene whispered, as she rubbed her shoulder.

Selene inhaled and exhaled, she had always known that Asher was a mischief since they were teens.

He had always been the one to cause problems, to stir up trouble, and to make life difficult for her.

Now, as she made her way straight to the pack house to see him, she wondered if she had made a terrible mistake by accepting his offer.

But it was too late to back out now. She had to see this through, for her brother's sake.

Selene took a deep breath and approached his office, steeling herself for what was to come.

When she entered, she felt a sense of foreboding wash over her. She found him sitting at his desk, his eyes fixed on a stack of papers.

"I accept your offer," she said, her voice trembling.

Asher's gaze snapped up to meet hers, his expression unreadable which sent her heart racing.

“Very well. Let's begin.”