Chapter Three: A Deal With The Devil

Cataleya

“I'm telling you, Alison. It's unlike him.” I whine to Alison, my best friend, shutting the book lying on my lap.

I fiddle with my fingers, my lips twisting in a grimace as I look into the distance.

It's past sunset, and the clouds have taken a shade of dark grey. They cast an eerie shadow over the Farrow property. My room overlooks the giant water fountain standing gracefully in the enormous compound of the vintage building.

“Cat, breathe.” Alison says dryly. The lack of concern in her tone causes me to look over my shoulder swiftly.

The redhead is sitting on the beige couch in my ivory and beige vintage-themed room. One of the straps of her tiny black dress is falling over her shoulders where she's seated. Her slender body is pressed to her knees as she applies an extra coat of polish on her red nails.

With her flaming red hair and beautiful soft curves that she rarely keeps hidden in her choice of clothes, Alison's brazen appearance and personality contrasts my tamed, elegant one. She's comfortable showing so much skin. While she looks like she's ready to pull up at a club, I look like I'm about to walk the runway in my ivory maxi dress and heels.

Father believes that a woman's elegance is not limited to the walls outside of her home. According to him, a virtuous woman has to look her best even in doors. Alison and I are polar opposites but I guess that's why we make an amazing duo.

“Really?” I glare at her.

I'm the one freaking out here and she's barely paying me much attention.

“Okay,” she seals the nail polish shut and looks up at me, “I'm sorry. I'm listening.” She runs her fingers through her silky red hair.

“He hasn't called. He hasn't texted. It's unlike him. It's so odd. I haven't even seen him around since the party.” I rap out, my mind churning with a myriad of thoughts.

Seth has been nowhere to be found since that night at the party, which was four days ago. I might have texted him a million texts but he wasn't responding to any. My mind races at the thought of him being mad at me for dancing with not only Zane, but the devil himself—Malakai Antarez.

I seal out the memories trying to rush up to the surface, looking up from my warm beige nails to meet Alison's warm hazel eyes.

“He's the Beta’s son.” Alison reminded me in a whisper, standing up from the couch where she's seated. “He has responsibilities that he can't possibly shirk. For all we know, his dad probably has him out on some weird Pack business.” She adds, tucking a stray strand behind her ear.

“And he couldn't call me or text me?” I retort incredulously.

Alison raises her hands in surrender. “I can't answer that. I'm not Seth.” She shifts closer to me, taking my hand in hers. “Listen, my Dad's Beta does this too. Heck, the man is always on the move.” Alison says like that's supposed to reassure me but it only heightens my angst.

Alison is the daughter of the Alpha of the Red Moon Pack, one of our neighbouring Packs in the city.

I stop short, my eyes widening momentarily then I pull my hands out of hers. “What if my father has figured it out?”

She groans, resisting the urge to slap her palm over her face. “Cat, please!”

I sit up, a shudder snaking up my spine. “You know my father, Ally! You know what he's like. You know the things that man is capable of. What if he lured him into some trap, dismembered his body and threw him into the woods? Maybe—”

“Oh, my God. I can't believe you right now.” She whispers through clenched teeth. “I know your father might as well be the devil but there's no way he found out about you two. Geez, girl, you haven't even given him your V-Card yet. How would he find out?” she levels me a warning look.

Ally is probably right, you know? Ember, my wolf chips in, sounding so bored.

I'm tempted to roll my eyes because all she does is laze around. She doesn't even like Seth, so I know that she's far from bothered about the fact that he's missing.

Shut up, Ember. I shoo her off and she huffs.

“I—”

A knock interrupts us and I stiffen. A knot settles in my throat and I struggle to push it down.

It's probably nothing. It's probably nothing.

“Come in,” I clear my throat.

One of my father's guards steps into the room. His muscular frame nearly eats up the space in the room and the dark shades that cover his face practically gives me the chills.

He bows his head.

“The Alpha sends for you, Heiress.” He delivers curtly.

I freeze, my bulging eyes darting to Alison. I can't fathom how she looks so collected right now. I swallow the lump in my throat, communicating with her with my eyes. She nods at me to go and I stand up, my heart pounding in my chest.

That's it. I'm definitely dying today.

I twist my engagement ring around my finger nervously. I sendhim a stiff nod and follow him out. I know better than to keep my father waiting even when he sends his men to get me. That'd be me looking to incur his wrath.

We navigate our way through the numerous carpeted hallways that lead to the North Wing of the mansion. And just like that, the apprehensive effect it leaves on my soul every time I'm here surfaces.

I have spent twenty-three years in this mansion and it has felt like a golden prison for as long as I can remember. But the North Wing always gives me the creeps and it's no different today.

My father's study comes into view. The entrance is guarded by two hefty male wolves clad in black ensembles. The one that leads me from my room immediately turns on his heels when we got to the entrance.

They bow their heads to me but I don't acknowledge them. Instead, I knock at the door.

“You can't do that to her, Conan!” I hear my mother yell in his study, causing me to furrow my brows.

“Come in,” my father's detached voice overshadows my mother's tantrums.

My spine locks in place and my head tilts high. I take a deep breath, plastering a smile on my face. Then, I ease into the study.

My eyes land on my mother who's standing before my father's desk, glaring at him with tears in her eyes. The veins in her head look like they are about to pop and the overly tight signature bun on her head isn't helping matters.

“Good evening, Alpha.” I look away from her. “Good evening, Luna.” I acknowledge my mother.

My body freezes in place, my heart thundering in my chest when I lock gazes with my father. His deep blue eyes bore into me as he brings his glass of wine to his lips.

“It's been decided.” My father speaks up, his words hanging delicately in the air like a bomb is about to go off. “You’ll get married to Malakai Antarez.”

I stumble backwards, the air in my lungs turning to coal, burning me inside out. Confusion sweeps through me, leaving dizziness in its wake. My lips parts harshly, trembling with every word I struggle to pronounce.

“W-what?” I whisper.

“You are not deaf, Cataleya. You are marrying Malakai Antarez, the Lycan Alpha.” Father repeats himself, irritated.

“But I'm engaged to Zane!” I squeak out, my voice quivering. That's the only thing I can muster up in defence.

“I was the one who arranged your marriage with Alpha Zane Van Doren. I'm also the one telling you that you are not marrying him anymore. Last I checked, I have the power to decide your fate because I'm not just your father. I'm your Alpha.” He says in a commanding tone, his harsh eyes boring holes into my body.

I shake my head, breathing heavily. “Father, no…please, I-I can't marry him. I'll marry anyone but him.” I drop to my knees. “Please, don't make me marry him. He's a monster. He kills our people, how could you arrange for me to get married to him?” I choke out a sob.

My father's expression tightens with fury. My heartbeat picks up a more erratic pace when he rises to his feet.

“How dare you question my authority?” his voice comes out dangerously calm.

“Conan, please.” My mother rushes towards him, grabbing him by the arm. “She'll do it. She'll do whatever you want. She's just shocked by the news. Please, don't be mad at her.” She pleads with him on my behalf, burying her face into his chest and sobbing.

I can't wrap my head around the news. I have been preparing myself and gathering my nerves for my marriage to Zane. I have spent months resigning to fate, knowing that I'll end up being his wife. But now, my fate has taken a turn that I didn't see coming.

I don't even get a say in it.

He glares intently at me, his nostrils flaring.

“Get up and get rid of Zane's ring on your finger. We'll be sending it back to him. You'll be married to Lando Gerrard in a month.”