The Bet

DARIUS

“Alpha Darius.” Cole popped out of the crowd, hurrying to where I stood, still reeling from the thrill of Juliette's defiance.

I could still feel the faint sting on my cheek, and it just made me marvel at what unknown source kept refueling the audacity of this petite-looking woman.

Her glossy eyes peered into mine, as her chest rose and fell. Her lips twitched, but she didn't speak, her throat shook as she gulped, with her chin raised high.

She didn't look away, nor did she move from her spot. Frozen, she remained, just like a statue.

“Give me the go-ahead, Alpha. I will teach this nobody a lesson.” Cole gritted out beside me.

“No,” I growled, disliking the idea of anyone touching what belongs to me, and that pulled my mind back to the bastard who dared to hit Juliette.

I let my gaze wander to where he stood, his face etched with fake concern. That was enough, an image of his face implanted in my memory. He was surely going to face my wrath for disobeying my command.

I turned back to Juliette, grabbing her wrist and striding out of the hall, pulling her along with me.

“Alpha Darius…” the man called behind me, but I paid him no heed. We were definitely going to talk, but not today.

I stopped before the car, slamming Juliette on it and caging her in my arms. “I let you hit me this once,” I said, suppressing the urge to smile from the memory of her small hand hitting me across the face.

“Next time, I will separate your hands from your body.” I threatened in a softer tone, and my heart swelled when I heard her gasp slightly.

Of course, I wasn't going to disfigure the beauty of her body by decapitating her hands. They still had to work my cock and give me the relief from a hard boner her sexy body keeps influencing.

“Alpha Darius,” Cole called out and I groaned, tilting my head as I glared at him. Why he followed me out here remained a mystery to me.

I pulled the car open and shoved Juliette inside, slamming the door shut.

I stepped away from the car and Cole followed. “What?” I asked impatiently.

“Why are you acting strange, Darius?” He whispered, looking over his shoulder, worried anyone would try to pry into our conversation.

“How exactly do you mean?” I queried nonchalantly, shoving my hands into my pocket.

Cole sighed and placed his hand on my shoulder, “I will drop by tonight, and then we can talk. I need to get back in there and clear the air from all that ruckus.”

“Have fun.” I simply said and headed back to the car, hopping in next to Juliette, who immediately adjusted towards the door, cocking her head to the side of the window.

“Drive,” I said to the chauffeur, and the car's engine roared back to life.

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

By evening, Cole showed up as said and we sat in my study, while I went over the stack of the recent pack's report, with a glass of vodka by my side.

“You haven't spoken since you got here. You best know I have no fondness for your tantrums.” I said, picking up my glass and bringing it to my lips for a sip, welcoming the sting of the sharp burn down my throat.

“I have been trying to understand why you spared Juliette in that hall today. I still don't understand why she isn't dead yet, or better said in a terrible condition she deserves.”

I glared at Cole, dropping the glass on the table with a sharp bang. “Juliette is mine to deal with, no one else is allowed to say a word against her, less, suggesting punishment. She's not your property to worry about.”

Cole raised his hand in surrender, “I didn't mean to spite you, I was just saying.”

“Your opinion isn't needed, stick that fact into your head,” I said, a hint of a warning behind my tone.

“I am sorry, Darius, however, this doesn't change the fact that her actions have created a controversy. She is causing too much trouble. She defied you in a hall filled with nobles who fear even the mention of your name. She undermined your authority by raising her hand and hitting you.”

“You cannot let this continue, or the others will begin to develop the thoughts that they can follow her lead. You should break her spirit now, before it spreads.”

I leaned back in my chair, letting his words hang in the air.

Break her spirit.

I imagined what that would feel like, seeing Juliette on her knees, not because she chose to, but because I forced it, it felt boring to me.

No tinge, no rush, no excitement.

I shook my head, “She interests me, her defiance, stubbornness, anger, hatred. They are all so unpredictable and wild, and I love the thrill of it.”

Cole frowned deeply. “But she is not worth your time or your attention. She will never give you the respect you deserve. She is beneath you, Darius, she is a nobody, an Omega that belongs with the rest of the servants. She shouldn't be at the center of anything that concerns you, or this pack.”

I smiled, pleased that Cole didn't understand the kind of joy I have when I torture Juliette, the wholesome experience I have seeing her struggle to win.

“You do not understand a thing, Cole. This game I am playing with Juliette is unique, not something you see every day. But do not be deceived, Juliette is a woman, and I can make any woman kneel willingly.”

Cole shook his head, touching the bridge of his nose, “But you haven't. If it's so easy, then do so quickly and put this Omega in her place.”

That was when the idea, though reckless, popped into my head, and a sly smirk tugged at my lips.

“I will, but I will make it a lot more interesting,” I said. “Let me make you a bet. A million dollars says Juliette will kneel for me of her own will. No force, no command.”

Cole’s brow shot up, then he chuckled, “Darius…”

I didn’t answer. I let my silence speak for me, and slowly seemed to come to terms.

“And what do I give in return if you get this to work out somehow?”

“You cease to speak against Juliette and any of my decisions regarding her.”

Cole opened his mouth to counter, but shut it immediately. “A bet or what?” I asked impatiently.

“Hopefully I don't get that 1 million.” He smirked and I grinned.

Whereas, deep inside, this wasn't about breaking Juliette, it was about winning her over, making her want and choose me.

It was about making her mine, beyond just a slave and a master relationship.