The Bargain

“Condition? Did I hear you say the word condition? My mother’s life is at stake, and you want to give me conditions…..for her life? Are you effing serious?”

Kayden’s expression didn’t even flinch. Cold. Unbothered.

“Do you want to save her or not?”

Alana’s breath caught in her throat. She hated him loathed every ounce of his cocky, arrogant presence but she wasn’t stupid. She knew this was his only shot to get her.

There was no time for pride. Her mother needed help now.

She sucked in a deep, shaky breath and muttered, “What is it?”

Kayden raised a brow, like he wasn’t expecting her to fold so quickly.

“What?” he said, clearly playing dumb.

“The condition you—” She stopped herself mid sentence, resisting the urge to insult him mercilessly.

Her fists clenched so tightly her nails dug into her palms. She was this close to punching him, Alpha or not.

“Oh… yeah, right,” he said with a faint smirk tugging at the corner of his lips. “I’m sure it’s no secret to you. I want you. I need you. If giving you a condition is the only way to have you by my side, then so be it. I’ll pay every damn dollar. Every penny. If—” he stepped closer now, voice lower, darker “—you accept me as your mate and become my Luna.”

Alana’s stomach twisted. She looked up, locking eyes with him for a second too long. Her fingers trembled as they reached for his cheek…slow, hesitant. He leaned in slightly, breath hitching like he thought she was giving in.

“Not even in your wildest dreams,” she said, voice barely above a whisper. Then she pulled her hand away like his skin burned her.

But the truth was written all over her face.

She needed to say yes.

Even if every cell in her body screamed no, even if her pride shattered into pieces, she needed to say yes for her mother.

And she hated it.

What a pathetic choice. Her mother’s life in exchange for being bound to the one person she swore to avoid. Every girl in the realm would kill for this Luna to the most powerful Alpha around and here she was throwing it away like garbage. Until now.

“You’ve left me no choice…” he whispered.

Kayden’s eyes flickered with something satisfaction? Hunger? She couldn’t tell. She didn’t care.

“I’ve tried my best,” he said slowly. “But maybe it’s time we do it your way. If you don’t accept my offer… I’ll make the call. I’ll have the hospital discharge her. I’ll make sure no one treats her. No matter how loud she screams or how hard you beg.”

Her breath left her lungs.

“You wouldn’t dare.”

“I would,” he said, voice steady. “Remember, I’m an Alpha.”

“Yeah, yeah, I get it Alpha Pants,” she muttered, rolling her eyes with the last ounce of rebellion she had left.

But it was useless now. She was cornered. And she knew it.

Her chest rose and fell heavily as she stared at the floor, swallowing her pride whole. Then she said it the words that sealed her fate.

“Fine,” she breathed. “I’ll accept you as my mate and become your Luna.”

And just like that, her wolf howled inside her.

Joyous.

Overwhelmed.

Her body trembled with the raw emotion her animal half poured through her. Strength and heat pulsed through her veins and then drained completely.

Before she could stop herself, Kayden stepped forward and pulled her into a hug.

The moment his arms wrapped around her, she felt her knees weaken. Her body collapsed against his like she’d been holding herself up for too long. His scent ….strong, earthy, maddening ,washed over her. Her heart skipped and tripped.

Her wolf melted into the contact.

“Alana this was what I had longed for. This was what it fucking neededddddd.”

But she? She stood frozen.

“Wipe that smirk off your face before I do,” she growled against his chest, her voice muffled but sharp.

Kayden didn’t respond. Instead, he pulled out his phone and dialed. The cold efficiency in his voice returned.

“Yes. It’s Alpha Kayden. Treat the patient named Maria immediately. I’ll cover everything no expense spared. If I find out you haven’t begun the procedure or has been delayed or neglected, I’ll burn that hospital down and everyone in it. Do you understand me?”

Alana blinked.

Even though it should’ve reassured her, it only made her stomach twist tighter. This wasn’t a man he was a storm.

He hung up and turned to her. “It’s done.”

Then, without waiting for her to answer, he motioned to his men.

“Take her out of the van.”

They were gentle but firm as they helped her down, guiding her into the sleek, black SUV parked just behind them.

His personal car.

Kayden opened the passenger door himself.

Chivalry? No. Control.

The inside was spacious and cold. Black leather, tinted windows, quiet hum of power beneath them.

As the car pulled away from the alley and onto the road, Alana stared out the window. The city blurred past neon signs, hazy sunset and the occasional pedestrian stumbling out of bars. It all felt distant now. Like she was watching someone else’s life.

Her hands twisted in her lap, fingers shaking slightly.

She was going to his pack house.

She was going to be Luna.

Her breath caught.

The word Luna echoed in her head over and over again, like a sick joke. Her wolf was dancing inside her, delighted.

But Alana? She sat in silence, dread settling in her stomach like a heavy stone. Her and her wolf were very aware what this meant.

What the hell had she just done?