THREE

EVAN

When she walked in those doors, I wanted to rip the eyes of every wolf that landed on her. That's right. Every wolf. As if stealing half the males' attention, some even tearing their gaze away from their own mates, wasn't bad enough, the strongest female warriors I have also couldn't take their eyes off her. 

I am not particularly sure if she is into that kind of thing, but it doesn't matter. She was breathtaking. My wolf couldn't agree more. Although he was disappointed that we didn't find our mate, he was sure on one thing.

Valerie. 

He and my father favored her for more reasons than one. Of all the years she lived in our house, she never once stirred any trouble, unless the other kids came looking for it. She would try to eat less of the food so I could have more, and that pissed me off I gave her the silent treatment for weeks. She never let others define what she could become, even with father behind her back, she strived to achieve things on her own. On top of all that, she is beautiful. Inside and out.

But I never intended on taking her as my luna. Hell, I never intended on taking anyone as my luna. I thought that after my mother was used as a hostage by 'others' to manipulate my dad, he was forced to sacrifice her for the safety of the pack. I promised myself I would never fall for the same trick he did. That I would never have to sacrifice a life even if it is for the greater good and well-being of the pack. That is so messed up.

After that my mother was killed. I felt her tether to me snap, at the same time my father fell to his knees. He was devastated, broken, and he was never the same. I couldn't recognize him anymore.

But when Valerie, the gammas' daughter, came to live with us having no guardian willing to take her in, he started acting like his old self again. It made me happy, and I never thought of being jealous for the bond they both share. That is just being ridiculous. Feeling jealousy for something that gives happiness back to my father is nothing sort of animalistic.

Just like feeling hatred that she is the reason for my father's death is equally preposterous.

She is a child, and every single one of us knows my father would sacrifice his life to save his pack. That's why when I heard of rumours tied to her being the alpha murderer, I made sure whoever made up that bullsh*t received the punishment they deserve. 

'She will be our luna. I can feel it,' my wolf, Alakai, chirped.

I grunt and make my way to shower. I do it quickly just as I feel her lingering outside my room. She always does that. Perhaps it's the fact that I have grown accustomed to it or that I am always hyper aware of her scent.

'Come in,' I mindlink her, grabbing a towel and quickly wrapping it around my waist.

The door opens just as I step out, and we lock eyes with each other before she moves down and takes in my body. My eyebrow raises, feeling pleased at the reaction I see in her eyes.

"Close the door." I order.

Her face turns red and my thought swirl at other ways I could make her turn into a darker shade of that color.

"O..Okay." she pauses and breathes in, turning around to close the door behind her.

VALERIE

I am hesitant to walk towards him when his room reeks of his scent. I have never been here before. This is the first time. And the first time after he asked me to be his luna.

His eyes rake me and I feel a shiver roll down my spine.

"Have a seat." He says and nods to the couch sitting opposite his large, master king-sized bed.

I nodded and swiped my dress from under me before taking a seat.

Then a long bond paper is handed right out to my face. 

I blink. "What is this?" I ask taking the paper and reading over it.

"Our marriage contract." He says, and my heart practically stops.

Marriage... contract?

I swallow the lump forming in my throat as I fight back the tears.

"As you may know, I don't really want a luna, but it can't be helped. The pack needs to feel safe. I don't want a luna unless it's someone I can trust. That's why I'm giving you this." he explains and my eyes skim through the words written on the single page.

There is not much written on it. It just states that I should give him an heir within the next three years and will carry out the duties and responsibilities of a luna and a wife. Then below it is a blank space for my signature. 

I grit my teeth, trying to keep my wolf from lashing out at him because right now, her anger just intensified to the highest degree. I need to get out of here but first.

"I thought..." I started, my words coming out a mere whisper.

I raised my eyes and met his cold, icy blue ones staring deep into my soul.

"What?" he asks, taking a step towards me. His eyes daring me to say the words. I gulped and felt my tongue retreating.

"Nothing." I whisper.

It's just that I thought you finally see the efforts I do to show you my love, but it turns out you just want me for a binding marriage contract.

"I'll do it." I said, feeling a new surge of determination course through me.

He stared at me and we stayed like that for a couple of seconds, before he nods and walks to his drawer and pulls out something wrapped like a gift.

He walks over and hands it to me. But I just blink at it, wondering why he is giving me this.

"It's still your birthday, isn't it?" 

My heart pounds in my chest. He's right. It is my birthday.

I take the present and open it, only to find the limited edition mystery novel I have been tracking for months and admit that I have been saving up for. But this is the original copy and I have been trying to get my hands on it for so long I gave up.

"But how did you..."

"It doesn't matter. If you don't like it just give it to someone else." he says, making me flinch.

"I love it!" I practically lash it out and he stares at me with amusement before he covers it up with his usual indifference. I smile.

"I love it." I say gently hugging the book to my chest. I have no idea how he knows I love the genre, but it's a huge sign.

He nods but his face holds no emotion. 

"Get some rest. Tomorrow we'll have the wedding, and then the official luna ceremony. Do not be late." he says, his voice holding a warning that makes me shudder. I nodded and obediently left his room, feeling his gaze behind me. Once I get to mine, I slide my back against the door. Eyes filled with hope and determination. 

I sigh and look down at our marriage contract again, reading it over and over and memorizing every word in my mind.

This is my only chance. I will definitely thaw that stone cold heart of yours in time. You'll see.

I smile and bounce on my way to the shower, letting my thoughts swirl.