CHAPTER FIVE

Lira's POV 

“Date me, Lira. Let them see us together."

The words rolls out of Rylan's lips like it is the most natural thing in the world. Like it's a norm and I should just comply with it without asking any questions.

The words are loud and clear but I still can't believe him. Noo... I can't believe my ears.

I stare at him—really stare at him—his cold eyes burns into mine but still I didn't look away. I think and hope that he is being mischievous—like he always did in the past before he left—but his expression gives nothing away. He is damn serious.

The realisation of that made my heart race. I blink, startle but he just stand, folding his arms with his thighs spread apart and staring down at me like he's just having fun. Like he didn't even know how much he's unravelling me right now.

I swallow hard. "You're kidding, right?" I manage, forcing a smile at him even though nothing seems funny right now.

"Kidding?" He repeat, the words tasting bitter on his lips. 

Then his lips curl into a smirk as if I'm a joke he didn't quite get—one that only makes my blood boil over.

"I'm not kidding, pumpkin," he say slowly.

My fingers dig into my palm.

Pumpkin?

That darn nickname.

When I was younger I was overweight and he would call me the nickname everything we met. Because of him everyone at the pack started calling me that and I hated him for it. No matter how much I threw tantrums, he never stops.... until he left the kingdom five years ago.

But I stay silent. Everything else happening already weigh too heavily on me. That stupid nickname is the least of my concerns.

He continues. "I'm too busy to joke around," he add, his voice lace with pride. 

I press my hand to my temple, frustration coursing through my veins. But honestly I do not blame him—I blame myself.

Why the hell did I ever think he will help me in the first place?

Everyone knows how ruthless the cursed ice prince, so why did think he might have become a changed person in the five years that he was away?

If anything he's become colder, darker and maybe..... a selfish asshole.

But then this isn't just anyone we're talking about. This is my brother. His best friend. They attended the same werewolf boarding school together and trained together in martial arts, but he still put up a clause before he could help him?

What kind of a friend do that?

Both brothers are assholes.... If anything, Rylan is even worse.

"Do you know I'm River's ex-mate?" I say, hoping he didn't know and that is why he made such an outrageous demand.

"I know, pumpkin," he replies smoothly. Like he knows but it didn't matter after all. Like he didn't even care about how his brother will feel if he hears that he's in a relationship with his ex-mate.

Pumpkin. Again?

I squeeze my eyes close, clenching my fists and then take a breathe in and out, willing to steady myself—and not snap at him.

"And... It's a fake relationship, Lira," he continues not even realising what that nickname is doing to me.

"Fake relationship?" I repeat, disbelief colouring my features.

"Yes...." He smirk. "Do you honestly think I’d want something real with you? No, Lira." Then his eyes darts down like I was still eight. "You're just a child."

"A child?" I snap. "I clocked twenty yesterday."

He didn't answer immediately. He takes a step closer to me and brush a strand of my curls from my face. "Once a child," he crouch lower, his breath hot against my ears, "always a child." 

I clench the hem of my polo, hating the way his voice seemed to echo in places I’d rather forget. Hating the way his scent and heat fill my nostrils. Hating the way his Alpha aura is pressing down on me like I'm nothing but a Omega in his presence even though I'm a Beta.

Why the hell did my body even react like that? 

I bit down on my lower lips, my chest rising and falling with thousands of unanswered questions running through my mind.

Why did Rylan want everyone to see us together? What will he get from this?

Then he step back like he didn't just make my body tingle. "So don't let whatever happened yesterday get into your head."

The words cut deeper than I care to admit but I quickly mask my expression into that innocent demeanor.

I press my lips together, nodding slowly. "Sure.... I have even forgotten about eveything."

Lies.

Blant lies.

Of course I'm still thinking about it.

Every damn scene is still etch in my memories.

The way his eyes fell to my cleavage like he owned me. The way his voice sounded so melodious when he called me beautiful. The way he looked at me as if I mattered.... until he realised that it was Lira Hale beneath the mask and all hell broke loose.

But I haven't finish yet. I want him to have a taste of the hurt he caused me. "I won't date you, either," I say, my voice firm and genuine. "Even if you're the last man on earth... I want nothing to do with someone like you."

Through his mask, a flicker of something I can't fathom flash in his eyes but just as quickly it disappears. "Good." He nods, jaw tight. "Are you in or not?"

My thoughts spiral into chaos. I'm doing this for my family. I have to. I have no other choice. Even though Lucien will get angry when he finds out—especially that I already promised him that I will never have nothing to do with boys anymore.

"Fine..." I agree. "Let's do it."

A triumphant smile across his face. "Go back to your dorm, Lira." He winks, like we’re suddenly friends again—like he didn’t just twist a knife in my gut. "Lucien would meet you in the next," He turns his wrist, his eyes narrowing as he glance at the Cartier wristwatch on it, "ten minutes."

I nod.

I part my lips to thank him but I change my mind. He didn't deserve it. It is not like he is helping me for free. If anything, I'm giving more than I'm receiving. My reputation is at stake here. Entangling myself with the cursed Ice prince isn't something any she-wolf look forward to.

"I will draft out the contract and the rules."

Rules? There are even rules? This is more serious than I thought.

"But there's one I must tell you now." Rylan step forward again. "First rule—don’t catch feelings. Ever.”

I scoffed at the absurdity of his words. As if catching feelings for him would be that easy. And again I already swore not to love any man again—not after how his brother has treated me.

"You have my word," I say. "I, Lira Hale, would never fall in love with you. I'd rather die than do that."

He nods. "Good, child." Then he turns and walks away.

"Asshole," I growl, raising my hand because I would like to hit him if I have an opportunity. 

I realise I had become bolder since River rejected me and of course.... I choose to remain that way. I won't let anyone trample on me anymore.

"I can still hear you, pumpkin" he called back without stopping.

I didn't say anything else. Just stand there staring at his retreating imposing figure.

I stand there and then notice the attention on us. Eyes are fix on me. Whispers and murmurs swirling around. 

Embarrassment crept up my cheeks. I bet everyone already hear about my rejection, and if they hear I'm dating Rylan—everywhere is going to blow.

I take a step to leave when an annoying familiar voice sneer behind me.

"Well... Well.. well," River says, his voice carrying a hint of mockery. 

I guess our mate bond is really broken now because I didn't feel the pull between us anymore. Or even his scent. Just my heart cracking open all over again from the memories of his betrayal.

Carefully, I mask my expression and turn to face him, crossing my arms tightly as If that would stop the pain there.

There is he—standing with a wide grin on his face like he has just win a jackpot.

"What did you want, asshole?" I snarl, my voice sharper than I intend.

"Relax... Little wolf." He smirk, moving closer in slow, deliberate steps. "You might want to be nicer… especially to the one person who can save your brother."