Chapter 2- Agreement

“What in Moon Goddess’ name... is this true?” Lucy gasped, covering her mouth with both hands in shock.

“Yes. Well... that could be the only plausible explanation,” Jo said, rubbing her temples in an attempt to ease the throbbing headache blooming behind her eyes. “I try my best to cover my scent in all my clothes and belongings. But when I gave you my spare clothes earlier... I forgot. And I didn’t expect you to come out to the kitchen so fast.”

“But if you really are Alpha Jayden’s mate, why not just tell him?” Lucy chirped, her blue eyes shining brightly, a light Jo had never seen in her before. It made Jo smile weakly. “Even if we’re omegas, a mate bond is sacred. It's above all werewolf laws.”

“Lucy, it’s a lot more complicated than you think.” Jo’s voice softened. “And it’s better if you don’t know the full story. I’m just asking you to play along. Pretend to be Alpha Jayden’s mate for a while. I’ll give you all of my scented clothes, and we’ll drag this out long enough to make our escape. In a few months, we can leave this pack and find our freedom.” Jo paused, watching Lucy carefully. “I can even give you some of my savings.”

Lucy immediately shook her head. “Don’t be ridiculous. If you’re planning to leave, you’ll need your savings. I’m just worried... what if this plan is dangerous for me? I don’t like dangerous games. I like to lie low.”

“I understand,” Jo said gently. “And I won’t force you. But know this: even if you say no, Gina and her minions will make your life hell for the next two years. Turning twenty-one is still very, very, VERY far away for you. But if you agree... we’ll be free much sooner.” Jo leaned closer, her voice lowering to a whisper. “I’ll do everything I can to keep you safe.”

Lucy hesitated for only a moment before squaring her shoulders.

“I agree with your plan,” she said firmly. “How do we make this work?”

Jo’s face broke into a wide grin as she tapped her fingers excitedly on the wooden table.

“For starters, you’ll move into this room. It’s a bit tight already with Polly and me, but we can fit another bed somehow. We need to stay close so we can communicate.”

“I don’t mind sleeping here.” Lucy beamed. “It’s way better than the basement. But... won’t people get suspicious? What if we just mind-link to each other instead?”

“NO!” Jo’s sudden scream made Lucy jump. Jo quickly cleared her throat, trying to mask her panic.

“Sorry... I didn’t mean to yell.” She offered a shaky smile. “The thing is... as an omega, my wolf is weak. I can’t mind-link properly. But you... you have Beta blood. It must be easy for you.”

“Oh... I didn’t know. I’m sorry, Jo...” Lucy paused. “I mean, Jolene.”

Jo chuckled warmly. “You can call me Jo. It’s fine.”

A wave of relief washed over Lucy. It had been so long since she called someone by a nickname. After the murder... after the accusations... no one wanted to hear her voice, let alone speak to her. She had become the cursed she-wolf.

But now...

Maybe things were about to change.

Her heart fluttered at the thought. Freedom in a few months? YES, PLEASE.

“So, are you ready to move in?” Jo asked, noticing the gleam in Lucy’s eyes.

“Yes! I’ll grab my things from the basement. I’ll be back soon!” Lucy chirped, practically skipping out the door.

“Wait, Lucy!” Jo called after her.

Lucy turned back, confused.

“Close your eyes for a second,” Jo said. “I need to rub my scent on you. Remember, Alpha Jayden has to believe you’re his mate.”

Lucy obediently shut her eyes. Jo quickly brushed her scent over Lucy’s shoulders and neck, murmuring softly, “All done. Be quick now.”

Lucy smiled to herself as she walked down the pebbled path, the cool breeze brushing her skin.

For the first time in forever, she had someone to talk to. Someone who didn’t hate her.

Maybe they weren’t friends yet... but they were working together.

And that was enough.

She could almost taste freedom now. She dreamed of settling in the human towns, finding a small job, living quietly. Anything would be better than this prison.

As she made her way toward the basement, Lucy suddenly froze.

Voices.

She darted behind a nearby bush, crouching low to hide.

“Welcome to our pack. We are honored to be graced by the royal guards and commanders,” she heard the former Alpha’s voice say, full of fake flattery.

Lucy peeked through the leaves. A tall man clad in heavy silver armor stood with several equally intimidating soldiers behind him.

And beside them, standing poised and powerful, was Alpha Jayden.

Lucy’s heart slammed against her ribs.

His gaze flicked toward the bush she was hiding behind, sharp, searching.

Had he seen her?

Please no.

She couldn’t afford any more trouble.

She held her breath until the voices faded down the path. Then, moving as quietly as possible, she stepped out from her hiding spot, only to feel a strong hand close around her arm and yank her backward.

“Hi there, mate,” a low voice murmured into her ear. “Trying to be sneaky now?”

Lucy’s breath caught as she looked up, straight into the emerald eyes of Alpha Jayden.

But this time... there was something different.

Something softer.

Her whole body stiffened under his intense gaze. His aura weighed down on her, forcing her to lower her eyes in submission. Her wolf whimpered quietly inside her, instinctively reacting to the dominance, because she wasn't truly his mate. She had no real shield against it.

Jayden cupped her face, tilting her chin up so she had no choice but to look at him.

His eyes...

They weren’t angry anymore.

They were pleading. Searching. Hungry for something she didn’t understand.

Her heart pounded wildly as she caught the messy strands of his dark brown hair falling into his sharp, clenched jawline. Every she-wolf in the pack wanted this man, craved to be in his arms.

And here he was, looking at her like she was the only thing that mattered.

“You like what you see?” Jayden teased, his lips curling into a smirk.

Lucy’s cheeks flushed crimson. She could barely form a coherent thought, let alone an answer.

Just a few hours ago, he had hated her.

What had changed?

Before she could say anything, Jayden leaned in and brushed a feather-light kiss against the side of her neck, right over her marking spot.

Lucy shivered, stunned into silence.

"See you around, little mate," he whispered against her skin, sending chills down her spine.

And just like that, Alpha Jayden turned and disappeared into the night, leaving Lucy standing alone on the path, dazed, breathless, and completely wrecked.