Marriage?

DARIUS

“How's the bet coming along Darius? Am I going to be a millionaire dollar richer soon, or do you still have plans?”

I scoffed, cracking my stiff fingers, while glaring at Cole. “Why are you here?” I asked, waving aside his words as if they didn't exist.

“You know why I am here, Darius. I am just trying to put you in the right mood to receive it. If you would let me.” He smiled and nervously tapped his finger on my desk.

“I said no.”

Cole sighed with an eye roll, “Come on Darius, you need this, the pack needs this. Do you really want the council to get involved and start making decisions on your behalf?”

“I laid them off,” I interjected, stopping Cole from speaking any further. “The council doesn't make decisions for me, I am capable of running the pack on my terms.”

“Darius…” Cold groaned, rubbing his forehead. He pulled his seat even closer to my desk and leaned on it. “They can return, and we both know this. You forcefully laid them off, but if those shit ass old men choose to come back, there's nothing we can do to stop them.”

“And let's not pretend like you pulled this off by being superior. The council left because you hurt their ego, and to rebuild it, they are patiently waiting for you to fail, and then you have no reason to oust them until they practically drop dead.” Cole ranted, going on and on about the stupid council.

A trio of old men who think they can just dictate my life, the same way they did for my father.

“Are you done?” I asked, cutting him off. Cole frowned, his shoulders dropping, he pulled back from the table and leaned on his chair.

“Fine, I won't say another word.”

“Better,” I said, hopeful that he was being truthful to himself, but I was wrong…

“Seriously Darius? It's just marriage, it's not like you have to search the ends of the world for another mate.”

“Enough!” I raised my voice, daring him to speak further.

“I have made my decision and I am not changing it anytime soon. I will not be accepting any marriage alliance from anyone, so quit trying to change my mind.”

“You of all people should know that this marriage bullshit isn't going to work.”

Cole lowered his gaze and nodded, “I am sorry.” He said, “You know sometimes I forget you…”

“Don't say it,” I warned sternly, and he clamped his mouth shut.

“Leave. I need some time to think.”

“Urm… Darius, there's something you should know.”

My brows furrowed, “What?!”

Cole looked weary as he scratched his neck, avoiding my gaze. “What did you do?”

“Hmm?” He murmured, glancing at me.

“You heard me loud and clear. What did you do?”

Cole let out a defeated sigh, “I invited the Fenrirs for dinner, Alpha Kaius had hopes of speaking to you about his daughter who, in his words, is at the right age for marriage.”

I gritted my teeth, my fist subconsciously clenching. “Cole, what the hell?” I growled, starting daggers at him.

“I am sorry, but I had high hopes of you choosing Kaius's daughter. She's really beautiful, fleshy, and endowed.”

I didn't respond; instead, I let my silence do the talking.

“She really is beautiful. Her father is offering a lot in exchange, so many resources that would help the park. All they are asking is a chance.” He continued, still not getting the memo.

Silence.

“You are an Alpha, Darius, you can take as many wives as you want. You don't have to necessarily commit.”

Silence.

“Fine, I am no longer making sense. But do you really want to throw this opportunity away? Is it because of Juliette? Your slave.”

“Get out.”

It was a low growl, but it had just the right tinge of deadliness. Cole moved in his seat, adjusting his position as though his posture was the problem.

Seconds later, he stood up and dusted the invisible dust in his jeans. “I overstepped my boundaries, and I am sorry.”

“Out.”

Cole got to my door and paused, “They will be arriving tomorrow. Please show up for the dinner. It's at 6pm tomorrow, after that I will talk to Kaius myself.”

I glared at him, and he finally opened the door and walked out, closing it behind him.

*************

HOURS LATER…

I placed a gentle knock on Juliette's door with no idea why I was even standing there.

The night lessons perhaps, but I didn't feel like asking any questions tonight. I just wanted to be distracted from the recent memories that had been plaguing my mind.

Marriage.

The door opened, and Juliette showed up looking effortlessly beautiful as always. She had dark circles around her eyes and I knew why.

Apparently, I left no space for her to get a good nap last night, but it wasn't my fault. I found peace in her scent, her room was so cozy compared to mine, and as tiny as it looked, it reminded me of home, not the palace, but my home, where my happiness once thrived.

I slowly walked into the room, heading straight for the bed. Juliette left a book on her bed, which was open, which meant she had been studying and preparing for tonight's lesson.

“Why aren't you asleep yet? It's past twelve.” I said, crashing on her bed.

Juliette sat on the other side of the bed, picking up the book. “Because I have to prepare for tonight.” She replied and yawned. “I have been waiting for you.” She said and I felt a tiny tug in my chest.

I leaned in and snatched the book from her. “Get some sleep. You need it, lessons will continue next week.”

“Thank goodness…” she sighed, and fell back on the bed, eyes closing immediately.

I smiled, reeling from how cute her tired face looked. I helped reposition her small frame on the bed and pulled the sheet over her.

I switched off the lights and lay beside her, lying on my back and staring at the ceiling.

Her scent filled my nose, and soon, I equally drifted to slumber land.