Chapter 006: Be my wife

Mila’s POV……

I hate Knox Mercer.

I sighed as I walked to the huge wardrobe that was bigger than the bedroom my father and I shared for years.

They were rows of different elegant dresses, and heels arranged in a neat row, with beautiful colors and beautiful silk, velvet fabrics.

I stood there for a long moment, staring at clothes that didn’t belong to me.

No, that wasn’t true.

They did belong to me now.

Because he bought me.

My throat tightened.

I forced myself to move.

If Knox Mercer wanted me presentable for his “meeting,” then fine. I would be presentable.

My fingers brushed over a deep emerald dress before settling on one that felt softer , it was elegant and simple, it was floor length euth satin fabric.

The neckline dipped into a modest V neck, just enough to show the curve of my collarbone without showing too much cleavage.

The waist cinched perfectly, hugging my body before flowing down in soft folds around my legs. The back was a sample open back.

I slipped it on slowly. The satin was cool against my skin, a reminder of how different this world was from mine. I brushed out my hair, letting the blonde waves fall over my shoulders, I applied a touch of lipgloss and mascara, that was all.

When I looked in the mirror, I didn’t recognize the woman staring back.

She looked composed.

She looked… like a Luna.

Rina stirred faintly inside me.

Don’t_ I told her immediately.

I shut that thought down immediately.

I walked out of the room before I lost my courage, Knox wasn't waiting for me anymore.

The hallway was quiet and the marble floors reflected the chandelier light above. Every step I took echoed softly, reminding me how small I was in this house.

I reached the living room and paused.

Knox stood near the fireplace, one hand in his pocket, the other holding a glass of whiskey. He wasn’t looking at me yet.

The twins sat on opposite couches.

The air felt heavy with Alpha and Betas aura.

Caleb noticed me first. His blue eyes softened slightly.

Conrad’s expression was just plain.

Then Knox turned to me, and I felt like I was 18 all over again.

He wore a black shirt, his sleeves rolled up to reveal his strong forearms, the fabric stretching across his broad chest. His hair was slightly messy, like he had run his fingers through it many times.

He looked perfect.

“My mate” Rina said

Stop it I snapped at her.

I walked forward carefully and took the single armchair opposite them, sitting stiffly, folding my hands in my lap to stop them from trembling.

Knox’s gaze slid over me slowly like a gentle caress and he nodded in approval.

“You look better” he said

I rolled my eyes at him and his eyes darkened.

“I didn’t know there was a dress code,” I replied with sass.

Caleb shifted slightly, sensing the tension already building between us.

Knox took a slow sip of his drink. “There is. You just weren’t aware of it yet.”

I felt like kicking him.

The blonde haired twin leaned forward slightly.

“Mila, I’m Caleb, the Beta of the pack.”

His tone was polite and he smiled at me

“Conrad,” the other twin said with a small nod. “Gamma and Enforcer.”

I nodded back at them, I didn't know them seven years ago, Knox most likely met them in Florida.

“This meeting is to clarify the things I expect from you” Knox said flatly.

My stomach tightened.

“I bought you for a reason.”

There it was, he said it so casually like be purchased a land or a livestock.

I held his gaze. “And what reason is that?”

His eyes darkened slightly at my tone.

“You will address me properly.”

I stiffened. “Properly?”

“Alpha.”

The word hit like a slap.

“You’re not the Alpha yet,” I said before I could stop myself.

Well technically he hadn't been Coronated

Caleb inhaled sharply and Conrad’s jaw tightened.

Knox’s expression didn’t change — which somehow made it worse.

“You will address me as Alpha,” he repeated calmly. “Because I will be.”

The dominance in his voice rolled through the room like thunder.

I clenched my jaw.

“…Alpha,” I said quietly.

He nodded once.

“Good now we understand each other.”

No we didn’t.

He began pacing slowly in front of the fireplace.

“You are not here as a mistress. You are not here as entertainment.” His gaze flicked to me. “And you are certainly not here because I feel anything for you.”

That one hit a sore spot but j didn't let my face show it.

“You are here because I require a Luna.”

The word echoed in my chest.

“Bastain is challenging my claim,” he continued. “Without a Luna and an heir, he can contest for Alpha. And the council will consider it.”

So that was it.

He just wanted to claim his rightful position.

“You bought me,” I said slowly, “for me to marry you.”

“Yes.”

“You will marry me publicly within three months,” he continued. “You will behave like a Luna, you will attend events and you will stand beside me and not embarrass me.”

“And after?” I asked quietly.

His eyes sharpened.

“After you give me an heir, you are free.”

Free.

Like this was a business deal.

Like the mate bond wasn’t sitting between us and he didn't care.

“I don't want to give you an heir” I snapped

“I bought you, you don't have a choice”

“I will never have sex with you” I snapped at him

He let out a dark chuckle

“I don't even want to see you, let alone touch you, you will have an IVF and bear my heir and after then you are free to go”

Tears burned in my eyes. I hated Knox so much.

Caleb looked uncomfortable now while Conrad remained unreadable.

Knox stopped pacing and faced me fully.

“Those tears are fake and you know it, you sold yourself at an auction Mila what did you expect, you're lucky I'm not asking much from you”

I only wiped my eyes and gave him a death glare.

“Now the rules.” he said

I braced myself.

“You do not leave this property without permission.“

“You do not speak about the auction.”

Fair.

“You do not mention the mate bond.”

Caleb and Conrad sat up straighter, they didn't know.

“You will share my bedroom once the engagement is announced.”

Heat flooded my face.

“So this isn’t just political,” I said softly. “It’s ownership.”

A flicker of something crossed his face.

“Yes,” he said.

My pulse pounded in my ears.

“You belong to me.”

The words echoed through the room.

I was owned, bought and claimed.

Rina whimpered faintly.

I swallowed hard.

“You rejected me,” I said before I could stop myself.

The room froze.

Caleb looked at Conrad.

Conrad looked at the floor.

Knox’s jaw flexed.

“That was seven years ago.”

“And?”

“And I made my choice.”

“So did I,” I whispered.

His eyes snapped to mine.

“You sold yourself.”

I didn't want to tell him everything Bastian did to me and my father's health.

“You humiliated me in front of the entire pack,” I said, my voice trembling but steady. “And now you want me to smile beside you and pretend I’m lucky?”

His voice dropped dangerously low.

“You are lucky.”

I laughed softly.

“There’s the arrogance.”

His hand tightened into a fist at his side.

“You think this is easy for me?” he asked suddenly.

I blinked.

Because that wasn’t the reaction I expected.

“I don’t want you here either,” he continued. “But this is necessary.”

“It’s not personal,” he said roughly.

Liar.

“You will do whatever I say Mila” he snapped

Rina whined in fear

“No” I said calmly

***