Married To A Stranger

OPHELIA

“Including marrying me for the next three months?’

The relief I had from having met a saviour drops instantly at his proposal. Become his wife? But I don’t even know him!

Staring back at me, his blue eyes search mine but he’s determined. It’s clear he’s not joking with the proposal but why would he even want a stranger to be his wife?

He seems perfectly normal and extremely handsome to be short of ladies. His stormy blue eyes carry a depth to them and his black hair falls in contrast to his smooth skin.

His tall and muscled build poses a powerful demeanor with the tailored suit he is wearing. Judging from the luxurious car he came out from and the fact that he has a driver, he is definitely a rich werewolf in this Pack.

He looks like he has what it takes to protect me from Terry or any other danger. And frankly, I can use the help especially as I hadn’t had a roof over my head for the past few days.

But agreeing to be his wife? I ran away from home because my stepfather wanted to marry me off to a stranger. And now, I have to marry another stranger?

“Come to me, Ophelia.” Terry growls from behind me and I shudder from the threat in his voice.

“Well, if you’re not interested, I can just leave–” He turns away and I grab his arm immediately.

“Wait!” I pull my hand away when his blue eyes meet mine. A sizzling sensation passes through my hands and I look down, taking one last second to contemplate my decision.

“I will be your wife.” I mutter. “Now, please save me.”

A smirk curls onto the side of his lips and he takes a step forward. Softly, his hand pulls my chin upward and tingles fill my skin from his touch.

“Your wish is my command, wife.” His deep voice rumbles and I gulp, knots tightening in my stomach. 

Why am I acting this way around him?

“Gentlewolves.” He pulls me behind him, his broad shoulders acting as a barrier between Terry and me. “We don’t have to do this the hard way. She’s with me now so you can scurry off to wherever you came from.” 

“Stay out of this if you don’t want your pretty face to get messed up, pup.” 

I peek from behind him to see Terry snarling, his hands clenched into fists at his sides. Behind him, his gang of wolves growl at us.

“Hand us the girl and we’ll make sure you get out of here scot-free.” Terry hisses and terror overwhelms me at the tense situation. 

If a fight ensues, it will be one against five. Was I stupid to think that he would be able to save me?

Slowly, the handsome werewolf takes off his suit jacket and hands it to the old driver. “Don’t say I didn’t warn you.” He grunts.

One of the wolves lunges first and my heart falls to my stomach. The rich wolf moves with startling speed and his hand catches the wolf by its scruff mid-air.

In the blink of an eye, he slams it onto the asphalt with a bone-chilling crack ripping across the air. 

Undauntedly, another one rushes from behind, his sharp claws aiming for the handsome stranger. He twists, ramming his elbow back into the wolf’s snout-like visage and it yelps in pain.

Another punch to the jaw and the wolf falls unconscious, its face dislocated brutally. The third and fourth avenges, their fangs baring with fury. 

In less than two minutes, he fights off the four wolves. Terry stands dumbly, his eyes trembling with fear. My mouth is wide open with shock.

I’ve never seen such precise moves in my life. He has to be a trained fighter. How else could he have taken down four wolves in his human form? And that too, in a tailored suit!

“Come for her and you’ll end up in a much worse state than them.” His voice is laced with a dark promise.

Terry glares at me with disdain but he steps back, defeated and helpless. Then, he runs away like a scared puppy.

Turning towards me, the werewolf dusts off his suit and his eyes meet mine. Somehow, his eyes soften as he takes in my appearance.

“My name is Damian. I think we should at least know each other’s name before we sign a marriage contract.” 

“Ophelia.” My voice comes out small.

Damian gives me a small smile. “Come, Ophelia. Let’s get you cleaned up so we can get married.” 

*****

From a very young age, my mother always told me not to trust strangers. Especially those that appear to be kind and…too good to be true.

If my mother was here to witness my getting married to a complete stranger, she would have fainted from shock and disbelief.

Damian takes me to a motel closeby and checks me in. He tells me to take a much needed shower while he goes out to get me some clothes.

After telling him the right sizes, I get to work. I never knew how just spending some days away from home can be this humbling. 

My entire body is filled with dirt from sleeping on the ground and my hair stinks like a skunk’s fart. I spend close to an hour in the bathroom and when I come out, a white casual dress, pair of underwear and footwear is waiting for me on the bed.

After that, we head to the court for the marriage to be sealed and stamped.

“There. Officially married under the laws of the Cryptid Pack.” The court officiator says with a wide toothy smile.