A sick Idea

JULIETTE

I stood outside Darius's study, while what seemed like a heated argument ensued between him and Cole.

I didn't want to eavesdrop, but their loud voices weren't making it easy for me. So I found myself paying attention. Who wouldn't, Cole kept ranting about losing a great alliance just because Darius was refusing the marriage. I remained in support of Darius because he was refusing to let Cole get to him, refusing to let the fake marriage thrive.

“You promised to give this a chance,” Cole argued, his tone more calming than a few minutes earlier.

“I didn't make you a promise. I showed up at the dinner only because you asked me to. I hosted them and gave that man a listening ear. That's all you requested and exactly what he got.”

“Darius, we are going to miss out on a life-changing opportunity. Don't throw this away.” Cole said, his tone soft, even from where I stood, I could hear the defeat in his tone.

“They are still my guests and the pack house is open to them for as long as they need, but other than that. Forget about it Cole, and die down whatever hope you have of getting an alliance with the Fenrirs.”

“Dairus…”

“Is this the coolest part of the job?”

I jerked away from the door, taken aback by the sudden unfamiliar voice.

Penelope, Alpha Kaius’ daughter, stepped in front of me with a smile on her face. “I am sorry, I didn't mean to startle you, I was just curious.” She drew closer, and I took a step back.

“Curious about what?” I played dumb, trying to ignore the fact that she caught me eavesdropping and might actually get Darius or her father to punish me.

“Your little sneaking around. You know it's not appropriate to eavesdrop right?’

“I wasn't eavesdropping.” I countered, hiding my trembling hand behind my back.

“Yeah, and I definitely want to marry the Alpha.” She chuckled and shrugged, stepping away from me, “But if you say so. Who am I to question it?”

She approached the door and proceeded to knock on it. It opened and Cole showed up, and the vexed look he had on his face disappeared.

“Penelope.” His smile grew wide. “Is there something you need?” He asked, but she shook her head and cocked her head in my direction. Cole's gaze followed, and an expected glare followed.

“I wanted to speak to the Alpha but he seems busy, so I will come back.” She said, brushing her hand against her dress, but her hands just fell flat and she scoffed. “Dresses.”

“See you later Cole.” She said and strode off with a casual and carefree vibe.

Cole slammed the door shut, which meant he wasn't done trying to convince Darius to marry Penelope in exchange for her father's wealth.

Such a sick idea to even think about, I stared down the hall, wondering if I could just leave, probably stalk Penelope, and get her to explain what she meant by ‘...and I definitely want to marry the Alpha.’

I went after Penelope and found her by the terrace on the second floor, she was resting by the balcony, gazing into the night sky. She looked so peaceful, elegant, and very wealthy-looking under the moonlight.

“Do you plan on telling your father that I eavesdropped on the Alpha and his Beta?”

Penelope slowly turned to stare at me, she chuckled and smiled. “I have better things to do, slave girl.”

“I have a name,” I interjected, cutting her off. “My name is Juliette.

“Good.” She replied, “Is that why you came here?”

I shook my head, “Urm…No, I wanted to talk to you.”

Penelope's smile widened, and she immediately pulled a chair for me to sit around the table, while she crashed into her side.

I slowly walked over to the chair and carefully took my seat to avoid any trap that might be lying around.

“You are not the quiet kind, so speak up, slave girl, I had a really tiring journey today, and I should be getting some rest in about an hour.”

I fiddled with my fingers, “Do you want this marriage? I believe you have a right to choose who you wish to spend the rest of your life with.”

Penelope chuckled and shook her head, “Really, slave girl?”

“I am sorry, I just wanted to state my mind. An alliance built over marriage is as weak as the marriage itself, and I trust you have plans with your life, plans that see not this.”

Penelope leaned back in her chair, heaving a long breath. She sighed and said, “Yes. I have plans, Juliette.” She said, and I was surprised she chose to call me by my name.

“I have a girlfriend. She's my mate, but my father doesn't know. He's hellbent on seeing me married to prestigious men, but he hasn't for once sat down to talk to me as you are doing.” She slowly rubbed her temples, shifting her gaze to the sky.

“I hate my life.” She confessed, I wasn't expecting it, but honestly, it was good to know I wasn't the only one miserable here.

“Do you think I love mine?”

Penelope didn't turn to look at me, but she replied, “No, but it's not completely terrible since you have feelings for him.” She dropped a bombshell on me and I subconsciously sprang up, my heart clenching.

“What?!” I gasped, and she finally looked at me with lazy eyes, “Don't play dumb, Juliette. The only reason you are here is to convince yourself that the Alpha would never wed me, and I am totally fine with that.”

I scoffed, “You don't know anything. That man has made my life a living hell. How do you expect someone like me to fall in love with him? Do you even hear yourself? That's absurd.” I deadpanned, a shiver running down my spine. I couldn't accept what she said, my mind refused to accept it. What I didn't understand was why my heart was racing and my stomach churning.

“If you say so, slave girl.” Penelope got off her chair, striding towards the exit. She stopped and turned to me, wearing an annoying smirk. “Don’t you worry, I won't come in the way of what you have going on. Though I would advise you to prepare for a few more private conversations you will be having with Darius's future suitors.” She chuckled and waved at me. “Bye.”

I scoffed even harder, palming my face. This cannot be happening.