Contract Marriage

Camille's POV

Every meeting with Father had always included my brothers—Devon and Conrad. Something was definitely off.

I arched a brow. “Apparently, it's my business now,” I quipped.

“Rather than stand here arguing with your mother, which is a proof of your arrogance and rebellion, you should know better than to keep your father waiting. You have five minutes more,” she forced a smile, her eyes hard as she walked away.

“Whatever,” I muttered, heaving a sigh of relief.

With Mother gone, I felt my palm moist with sweat. What special guest did Father need me there for?

Pulling my hair back into its strap, I hurried toward Father’s study. If I needed answers, there was no point in boxing my brain for something it had no idea about.

Two more strides and I would be in front of Father’s study when an unfamiliar, languid smell hit my nostrils.

It didn't smell like a member of the pack.

Father's guest was probably here, but why had I not heard the sound of a car engine?

A tap on the door, immediately followed by the turning of the knobs. I didn't wait for Father to respond; I opened the door.

Father's guest was here.

His back was turned to me as he sat facing Father.

His heavy-built shoulders made a statement through his well-tailored shirt. He looked athletic.

And I promise it's not what you think. I wasn't checking him out.

I was just… anyway, who cares?

Father lifted his eyes to face me, Mr. Stranger's expression remained fixed as he stared ahead, as if no one had interrupted his meeting.

“Good evening, Father,” I said, my voice hoarse. “I'm sorry to interrupt your meeting, but Mother informed me you sent for me,” I added, with a stifled bow.

“Very well, then,” he said returning a stifled smile, his eagle eyes on my choice of outfit. I hadn't changed from my hunting suit.

“Mmmhh…” he grunted, obviously clearing his throat as if it were clogged. “Why not come forward so Alpha Sigewuf can see you, darling?”

Darling? That was insanely strange, but there was no time to rationalize things. I stepped forward toward the area where he held out his hand to me.

“This is Alpha Sigewuf of the Darkstar Pack from the North,” Father announced with a proud smile on his face, like he had just earned himself a golden fish.

I wanted to roll my eyes but didn't.

“Welcome to Lakenheath, Alpha Sigewuf,” I curtsied, catching a side view of his face. Chiseled cheekbones with thick brows, dark hair falling slightly above them. He looked…

Hot!

Did all the alphas from the North look this deadbeat, eye-catching handsome?

“Thank you,” he said with a small smile, tilting his head so that his full face was visible, giving me his complete attention.

Emerald eyes shone, fierce and dark. I turned away.

Those eyes reminded me of something. My mind tuned out, only coming back to the present when Father began to speak again.

“Alpha Sigewuf is here to sign the final contract,” Father continued.

“Contract?”

I suddenly felt my stomach knot with anxiety. I didn't like the sound of that.

“What contract would that be, Father?” I asked.

“Your marriage contract…” he paused before continuing, “Alpha Sigewuf has just signed the final contract. The mating ceremony will be held tomorrow at Slantville.”

I felt my heart stop. The blood drained from my veins, and my legs suddenly felt like butter underneath my weight, unable to keep me upright.

Father continued to speak, but I could not hear him. Marriage? The word echoed in my head as my consciousness drifted. I was going under.

And probably, this time, I was gone.