Marriage contract huh?

Michelle closed her eyes and blinked thrice. She even pinched her cheeks to make sure she was awake. When she looked down at the window, the brown wolf was gone.

Only men lying on the ground could be seen.

“Mate.” There it was again. It seemed she could only hear it in her mind.

She looked at the window but only saw some men and women cleaning up the mess.

Ellie’s heart raced as she stepped out of her room, determined to make sense of what she had witnessed. This place was breathtaking, yet its beauty was veiled in layers of mystery.

“Ellie? Where are you going?” Leo bumped into her as she walked out of the door.

He wore a white shirt and blue sweatpants, his damp, tousled hair evidence of a recent shower.

Her heart skipped a beat when she saw his pecs straining against his shirt. He was ripped.

She gulped at the thought of him carrying her in his strong arms.

Shaking her head lightly, she reminded herself. ‘Snap out of it, Ellie. He does care about you.’

“There you are. Can I ask you something?” She wanted to scream all the questions she had but it was best to remain calm. She wasn't in her home anymore.

“Sure.” He responded nonchalantly. He tucked his hair back to clear up his face. Flexing his bulging biceps.

“Are those wolves that attacked us, just now? Where did everyone go?” She asked the two questions bugging her the most.

Leo’s playful demeanor vanished, replaced by a piercing seriousness.“If I answer your questions, you can no longer get out of this place.”

Her stomach churned at the thought of being trapped in this place. She didn't intend to stay here forever.

“Can I go back home?” She asked, her voice trembling as she clung on to a sliver of hope.

“Not yet. I do need to discuss something with you. Come with me.” Leo grabbed her hand and led the way to his study in the other end of the hallway.

It was massive and full of books from old stuffy ones to newer prints.

Leo took a folder from his desk and gave it to her. “Read this first.” He ordered her.

Curiosity got the best of her. The man in front of her was full of mystery and she couldn't take her eyes off him.

Opening the folder, the first word that leapt out at her was non-disclosure agreement. Her pulse quickened as she skimmed the text.

Supernatural? Werewolves?

It was like words straight out of the books she read as a child. Yet, she fought to hold back her laughter, remembering the earlier incident that made her question everything.

“This states that you agree to all the rules stipulated in the contract. No photos, videos or incriminating statements will be spoken about me or this place in public.” Leo pointed out the consequence of such actions.

“If I disagree?” Her mind thought about escaping the place but she didn't know where it was in the first place. She could get lost and no one would care.

“Then you’ll never see your family and I will make sure they suffer. Don’t make the wrong choice, Ellie. You’re smarter than that,” Leo said while he leaned in closer until their faces were inches away from kissing.

Her family suffered, it was like a dream come true for her. Besides Ollie no one really loved her. She could care less about them. However, his comment about her own safety. It sowed fear in her heart.

Taking a deep breath, she made her decision. “Fine. I agree.” She signed the document, sacrificing her freedom of speech for survival.

“Great. Now let's get down to business.” He pulled out another document, this time it was just a piece of paper.

“Our marriage is in three weeks,” he said matter-of-factly. “This is our contract. You’ll fulfill the duties of a wife, bear me an heir, and in return, I’ll provide you shelter and everything you need. Publicly, we’ll show affection. Privately, we’ll remain strangers.”

Ellie’s hands trembled as she read his words. The man before her was a mystery, and her fate was now inextricably tied to his.

“What's in it for me? All I see in this contract are stipulations favoring you and my family. What about me?” She pulled up all the courage to tell him a piece of her mind. She won't be shoved around like a rug anymore. She would make sure to take advantage of this situation.

*You're fiesty. I like it. I'll provide everything you need but don't expect me to love you. This is purely a business transaction between us.” His steely grey eyes seemed to bore a hole through her.

Yet, somewhere beneath her fear, she couldn’t deny the pull he had on her.

Deep inside she wanted to get closer to him. The storm beneath his greyish eyes made her feel safe. Quite the opposite of his words.

Days passed, Michelle got busy with the wedding preparations and knowing the people around her.

“Ellie come here,” Leo called on her. He was taking time to introduce her to the elders of their community or rather his pack.

“This is Dahlia. She is Ray’s wife and our seer. This pack thrives because of her.” An old lady dressed in a white dress with necklaces of all sorts shook her hand.

“Your presence brings good fortune for all of us.” Dahlia said as their hands touched.

She smiled at her. The warmth that radiated from their encounter gave her strength to continue living.

“I am fortunate to be here. Right, Leo?” She looked at him. Her face flushed with a pinkish glow. Slowly, she's drawn to him and his dedication to keep everyone safe.

“Miss Ellie, you're so beautiful.” A little girl came up to her with a smile and a handful of flowers in her hand. “Here take this.” She gave it to her.

“Thank you. What's your name?” Ellie sat on her heel to talk to her. She had mud all over her face and dress yet no one bothered to clean her up.

“I'm Mary. My mom just died and we buried her today.” She spoke out of nowhere.

Ellie didn't know what to say and hugged her tightly. She knew the feeling of losing a mother and didn't wish anyone to experience it.

Teary eyed from the encounter she stood up before it started falling.

“Mary, would you like to live with us? You will be part of our little family.” Leo offered. He saw Ellie's face turned sour and he wanted to replace it with a smile.

Ellie wished she would agree but couldn't take her away from her real family. “Leo, it might be too much. Besides, she has a family, right?”

“Yes! Besides, it's just me and my older brother. Can he come too?” Mary’s puppy eyes were glistening with joy.

“Absolutely.” Leo replied. He scooped her up to carry her back to the mansion.

Sirens blared from the southern part of the community. People were suddenly rushing towards the mansion.