A Deal Sealed in Blood and Fate

Aria's Pov

“Aria honey, mum is only doing this for your sake,” Luna Casey said for the umpteenth time 

“Does she ever get tired?” Luna whined, already tired of hearing her voice, over and over again.

“Obviously not” I sighed, irritation bubbling. 

“What do you say? Your brother would certainly treat you well,” 

“Okay” I nodded, tired of her nagging 

Her eyes lit up, a sharp glinting passing through it, “I knew that you would not disappoint mum” she smiled smugly.

I returned it with a small smile, “well, it's for my good right, there's no need to reject” I smiled

She nodded in approval, “I knew you would understand my good intentions. I'll go inform your father the good news” she clapped excitedly, and finally left, having achieved her goal.

A sneer left my lips immediately she crossed the door, “I’ll make sure you don't see me coming, dear mother” the promise left my lips like venom.

I would never forget how they treated me ever since Vanessa came back, at first it was mild and bearable, but once her condition stabilised they all turned on me, blaming me for taking her place

It graduated to abuse after mating with Adrian, but never again

I picked up my phone and dialed a familiar number, one I had made certain to memorize in my previous life.

“Hello” a cool voice came from the other line 

“Greetings, Lycan king”

“Hmm” he responded, not uttering another word 

Tears tinged at the corner of my eyes hearing his voice once more, I had rejected his advances in my past life, insisting on mating Adrian, guess how that turned out?

“My name is Aria Kreig, you may not know me, and how I got this number is not important, the important thing is that I would like to strike a deal with you” I muttered a silent prayer, hoping he would accept 

In my past life, we met two months in the future,  not now, “a proposal?” he asked, his voice laced with interest 

“Yes. Can we meet?” my toes curled, an involuntary habit I had picked up at some point in my life.

“Give me one could reason why I should clear my schedule just to meet you” he asked evenly

“Fair point,” I nodded, “but what if I say I know what's gonna happen to you in the next two hours” I pointed out, relying solely on my previous memories.

“I didn't take you for a witch, Miss Aria” he said softly 

“I'm not one,” I shrugged, “I just know of certain things”

“Like?” 

"Check your car brakes before leaving for today. Just a kind suggestion, your highness,” A car crash was not enough to claim his life, but in the past life it set off a chain of other following actions that cost him a lot. 

“Noted. I'll consider your request and get back to you” he said, before hanging up the call, I could hear the disbelief in his voice.

“What now?” Luna asked

“Now, we wait,” Draken was a huge part of my plans, I couldn't move forward without him. I had no idea why he picked interest in me back then, but now I'm banking on that.

My phone pinged, a wide smile spread across my face as I read the content of the message

“Request accepted, my assistant will pick you up in the next two hours. I look forward to seeing you”

“Told you” I smirked, 

“We have a major problem though, how do we get out of this place, unseen?”

My eyes darted to the windows, good thing it was already dark out, I locked my doors and sneaked out through the windows immediately after freshening up.

I couldn't risk someone barging in and discovering I was gone, hopefully I will be back before morning, especially if I'm dropped off the way I'm about to be picked, I reassured.

Soon, a black vehicle stood in front of me. I was led to a private airport and just like that I arrived at the Lycan strong hold.

My eyes kept following my surroundings, taking in every bit of information I could absorb.

Soon I was seated next to a familiar face, I never thought I'd see again. He looked quite young.

“Nice to formally meet you, the famous Lycan king” I greeted

“How did you know that my brakes were tampered with?” He asked blankly, going straight to the point.

“same way I know you'll fall seriously sick in 3 years with an illness that has no cure”

He looked at me skeptically, “why are you telling me all this?” 

“I believe we both have mutually exclusive problems, I would help you avoid your future problems but in return I need a favor.” I sipped from the drink I was given.

“Which is?” He folded his arms and leaned back, and still watching me closely I felt naked under his gaze.

“Marry me” I blurted out.

A look of surprise crossed across his eyes, followed by a chuckle, “and why would I do that, what Will I stand to gain?” 

“Your life and what if I say I'm aware of the Iron claw pack members and their present locations, their next step and the chain of action your supposed accident was meant to set off”

“Interesting” he hummed, “but I can manage the situation on ground, finding their location is no problem to me Miss Aria, what makes your help any different from my outstretched resources?” His voice was calm and even, sipping the coffee like he had no care in the world. 

“What a difficult man to deal with,” Luna muttered.

“Well he wouldn't be the lycan king if he was easy to predict.” I had no doubt in his ability to find them, after all it was precisely because he found them previously that I happen to know their location now. But it cost him a lot.

“You see, I know almost everything about you and I can tell you stand to gain more from this marriage you're suggesting, so what do I stand to gain?” he asked 

“You may have all the resources, your Highness, but I have the brains, I could lead you to greater heights, help you avoid unseen and unexpected dangers, all I ask for is your last name, not loyalty, not love. Just the name and status that comes with it”

A smirk tugged at his lips, “you're aware I have a fiancee right?”

“That was arranged by your parents before their death. So Lycan king, what do you choose?”

“Will you marry me?”