The Unholy Deal

“You’re fat. You’re poor. You’re useless. And the only reason you’re standing in front of me right now is because I’ve finally found a use for you.”

Freya Nightbane said it without blinking, clearly expecting me to be embarrassed.

I wasn't. In all my 34 years on the moon goddess's earth, I had heard so many variations of people talking about my body... I have completely gotten used to it.

At this point, I'm simply looking for something I haven't heard before. Some fucking originality at least.

I sat across from her, my hands resting in my lap, then I turned to the older woman sitting beside her. Freya's mother, Luna Elara was more composed than her bratty daughter, studying me with an expression that revealed little.

“Ariella Vale,” she said. “My daughter is going to marry Alpha Tristan Silverclaw of the Silverclaw pack. Their marriage will unite the Nightbane and Silverclaw Packs and help our pack gain even more prestige and standing amongst the werewolf clan.”

“I know, Luna.”

“Then you understand the importance of what we're offering you.” she said.

“Not yet, Luna”

Freya sighed impatiently. “Are you slow? You're going to carry my husband's child.”

I stared at her, caught off guard.

“Alpha Tristan's child?”

“Yes, and you'll hand the baby over to me after the birth,” Freya replied. “It's not complicated, or did the fat in your stomack get into your brain?”

"Freya..." her mother warned, but Freya just rolled her eyes and stared at me with clear disgust.

“I dont understand why you would choose me for this, Luna. Besides, Ididn't know Freya could not bear children...." I gave Freya the sise eye, "...my apologies"

"Oh please, dont gst too excited... I'm perfectly healthy..."

Her mother answered my question before Freya could continue.

“Ariella, you're twenty-four, healthy, and have never had a child. As an omega of Nightbane, you're a suitable candidate.”

“And why not Freya?”

“Because I don't want to,” Freya said bluntly.

She leaned back in her chair, looking entirely unbothered by the admission.

“I don't want Tristan either, but I'm going to marry him. He's cold, arrogant, and impossible to deal with. I have no interest in spending nine months carrying a child for a werewolf I don't even like.”

“Then why are you marrying him?”

“Because I want to be Luna...keep up, stupid.”

Her expression hardened as she continued.

“My brothers will inherit Nightbane. I refuse to spend my life just being the Alpha's daughter, attending ceremonies and watching men make decisions for me, and ultimately getting mated to some weak wolf within the pack. Becoming the Luna of Silverclaw will give me the influence, wealth, and authority I want.”

Her mother nodded in agreement.

“Freya's position as Luna will give her considerable influence beyond our pack.”

“So you want the position, but not the pregnancy,” I said.

“Exactly.” Freya glanced at my stomach. “I've spent years taking care of my body. I don't intend to ruin it with pregnancy and childbirth when someone else can do it for me...besides, it doesn't look like your body will even feel the difference after a baby.”

I ignored the insult and turned to her mother.

“What happens to me after the birth?”

“You return to your family. The child will belong to Freya and Alpha Tristan.”

“Will Tristan know who carried his child?”

“He'll know a surrogate was chosen. The arrangement will be handled privately.”

“So he doesn't know me, and he didn't choose me.”

“No,” Freya replied with a smug smile. “You're not his mate or his bride, Ariella. You're simply the woman who will carry his heir.”

I let the remark pass. Arguing with her wouldn't change the arrangement.

“What exactly are you offering me?”

Her mother reached for a folder on the table and placed it in front of me.

“Your family's debt to Nightbane will be completely cleared. Your parents will keep their home, your younger siblings will be released from their labor obligations, and their education will be paid for. You'll also receive financial compensation.”

I stared at the folder.

My family had struggled with that debt for years. My parents had sacrificed everything they could, yet the amount we owed had never stopped hanging over our heads. My younger siblings had paid for it, too, losing opportunities they should never have had to give up.

“And if I refuse?” I asked.

“Then nothing changes,” Freya said. “You return to your poor little life, and your family continues struggling. Let's be realistic, Ariella. You don't have many options.”

“Freya,” her mother warned.

“What? I'm telling the truth.”

I looked at Freya without lowering my eyes.

“Then I'll need the truth written into the contract, too.”

Her smile faded slightly.

“If I agree, I want every promise you've made about my family included in writing. I want my medical care covered throughout the pregnancy, clear details about where I'll live and who will care for me, and provisions for any complications during the pregnancy or birth.”

Her mother nodded. “That can be arranged.”

“I also want it stated clearly that I won't be responsible for raising the child after the birth unless I choose otherwise.”

“Of course.”

Freya rolled her eyes. “You're making a business deal out of carrying a baby.”

“That's what you offered me,” I replied calmly. “I don't see why I shouldn't treat it like one.”

For the first time, she had nothing to say.

Her mother pushed the folder toward me.

“Take the contract home and discuss it with your family. You don't have to decide today. If you agree, we'll finalize the terms before anything proceeds.”

I picked up the folder.

“You're seriously considering this?” Freya asked, sounding almost amused.

“I haven't decided.”

“Oh well...you should. You might never get another opportunity like this.”

I held the folder against my side and turned toward the door.

“Perhaps. But if I accept, it'll be because I've decided the arrangement is worth it, not because you've convinced me I'm worthless.”

Freya's expression tightened.

Before she could respond, I walked out.

I still didn't know whether I was willing to carry another woman's child. But I knew what accepting could mean for my family: their debt gone, their home safe, and my siblings finally free to build lives of their own.

For the first time in years, we had a way out of poverty. Even though Freya was grinding on my nerves, I wasn't going to dismiss it without thinking.