CHAPTER 4

REIGN'S POV

Sonya signs the contract with shaking hands.

I watch every stroke of the pen, every hesitation, every moment she considers backing out. But she doesn't. Because she's loyal to a fault, even to someone who doesn't deserve her loyalty.

Derek doesn't deserve shit from this woman.

The moment she finishes signing, I lock the contract in my desk drawer. It's done. She's mine now. For six months, at least.

Though I'm betting it'll be much longer than that.

"Congratulations," I tell her. "You're now mine."

"For six months," she corrects quickly, and I almost smile at how she's already trying to maintain control.

"We'll see."

The truth is, six months won't be enough. I already know that. I've known it since last night when I saw her hiding in those bushes, looking at Derek like he hung the fucking moon.

She deserves better than pining after my idiot brother.

She deserves someone who sees her. Who wants her. Who'll burn the world down before letting anyone hurt her.

She deserves me.

My phone rings, and I look down to see my Beta, Landon, calling. 

Timing couldn't be worse.

"I need to take this. Wait here." I step into the hallway, answering. "What's the matter, Lan?"

"We have a problem, Reign," Landon says. "Ronan found out Derek came to you. He's pissed. Word is he's sending men to make an example before the forty-eight hours are up."

Fuck.

"How long do we have?"

"An hour, maybe two. I've already sent some gammas to look after Derek, but Ronan's people are fast."

"Send more gammas. Now. And prepare the guest house, we're having a permanent visitor." I glance back at my office door, where Sonya's waiting. "Actually, prepare the Luna's suite. Connect it to mine."

"The Luna's suite?" Landon sounds surprised. "Reign, I thought this was just a contract thing?"

"It is. But she's under my protection now. That means she gets treated like my Luna. Full stop."

"Understood. What about her apartment?"

"Send someone to pack her things. Everything. I want her moved in by tonight."

"On it."

I hang up and head back inside. Sonya's staring at her phone, clearly texting Derek. Her face is conflicted with guilt, fear, and determination, all mixing together.

She has no idea how beautiful she is. How her emotions play across her face like an open book. How badly I want to kiss away every doubt she's feeling.

"Change of plans," I tell her. "We're leaving. Now."

She looks up, startled. "What? Why?"

"Because the Rogue King just found out Derek sent you to me for help. And he's not happy about it." I grab my jacket. "Which means Derek is in immediate danger, and you're coming with me to my estate where you'll be protected."

"But I need to…"

"Pack your things? Already taken care of. I sent someone to your apartment a minute ago." I take her arm, feeling how delicate her bones are under my grip. 

She's so much smaller than me. Vulnerable. The need to protect her is almost overwhelming. "You signed the contract, Sonya. That means you follow my rules now. And rule number one is your safety comes first."

"You sent someone to my apartment? Without asking me?"

"Yes."

"That's insane!"

"That's life with me, little omega. Better get used to it."

I can see her wanting to argue, wanting to fight back. And fuck, I love that fire in her eyes. Most people cower when I use my Alpha tone. She just gets angry.

Perfect.

~~~

In the SUV, Landon's driving and I'm on the phone with my head gamma, coordinating Derek's protection detail.

"I don't give a shit what Ronan wants," I tell him. "Derek Savage is under my protection now. Anyone who touches him answers to me."

I hang up and look at Sonya. She's staring out the window, her face tight. Still processing everything.

"Your ex-boyfriend is an idiot," I say.

"He's not my boyfriend."

"But you want him to be." I study her profile, the curve of her neck, the way her red hair falls over her shoulder. "Tell me, Sonya, what is it about Derek that makes you so desperate? Is it the way he ignores you? The way he fucks other girls while you pine?"

"Stop it."

But I can't stop. I need her to see what's right in front of her. "Or maybe you just like the idea of him. The safe, familiar choice. Because the alternative, admitting what you really want scares the shit out of you."

"And what do I really want?" She turns to face me, those hazel eyes flashing with challenge.

My wolf howls in approval. Yes. Fight me. Show me that fire.

"Me."

I close the distance and kiss her before she can respond. Before she can think. Before she can talk herself out of what we both know is inevitable.

She tastes like vanilla and something sweeter. Her lips are soft, hesitant at first, then hungry. Her hands fist in my jacket, pulling me closer instead of pushing me away.

Through the kiss, I feel it, the connection that's been building since last night. The pull that goes beyond physical attraction. The bond that makes my wolf recognize her.

‘Mate,’’ he whispers. ‘Ours.’

I pull back before I completely lose control in the back of my SUV with Landon right there.

"That," I say, stroking her swollen lips with my thumb, "is what you really want. And I'm going to give it to you. Every filthy, forbidden bit of it."

She's staring at me with wide eyes, lips parted, breathing hard. Aroused and confused and completely perfect.

"Welcome home, little omega," I murmur as we pull through my estate gates. "Your new life starts now."