Offer

Georgina Sinclair's POV:

When we arrive to his private room, I sit across from Alpha Marius in a dimly lit room and letting his shadows to curl along the corners like secrets waiting to be spoken. He leans on the edge of the table with his hands tucked casually into his pockets. But his piercing emerald eyes is never leaving mine even for a second. There is something electric and predatory about his stillness.

I hate that I feel it.

So I straighten my back and speak in a gentle but firm voice.

"I should be honest with you. I really have no idea why do you want to talk to me."

He walks to the table first to pour himself a glass of rum and takes a slow sip of his drink although his gaze remains locked on me.

"Still have no idea?" he asked.

"No." I said while steadying my breath. "So, will you tell me now?"

He shrugs a little but a smirk forms on his lips.

"What do you think?" Alpha Marius said. "Humor me and guess."

I don't flinch from his playful provocation.

"You want a collaboration with Project Silver, right?" I asked. "Then we can do that."

After all, his influence can benefit the Project Silver once we confirm our collaboration.

"Oh?"

His voice is low and still edging with amusement in it.

"But at what cost?" he slowly asked.

I hesitate for a second before I replied.

"Please help me."

He silently watches me without moving from his position.

"You probably heard about my situation." I quietly said. "My husband has a pregnant mistress now but he still wants to keep me as Luna. Alpha Ryan... He wants to treat me like a trophy on a dusty shelf."

"So what do you want me to do then?"

"I need your help to strengthen my standing. I want to reclaim my authority as the Luna of our pack."

A languid smile that resembles a blade appears on his lips while tilting his head.

"I can do that for you." he says with a smooth and almost purring tone. "But I never do favors without expecting something in return."

My mouth parts in disbelief and I suddenly feel like I am standing too close to something dangerous. I become more alert when I feel his eyes looking at me from head down to my body. And when he meets my eyes again, Alpha Marius shows me a smirk.

"I'm sorry, Alpha Marius." I said before slowly moving away from him. "But I don't think I can give you want you want."

"And how can you be so sure about it?"

"I... I can compensate you with money."

Alpha Marius pushes himself off the table and strides toward me. It makes my instinct to rise up. I lift my chin in defiance but my pulse is betraying me. His scent that smells like cedar and musk is wrapping around me like smoke and making my skin to tingle.

"Not that." he said in a voice that drops to a deliciously dangerous tone. "If I help you, I am expecting something real in return. And do you know what I want?"

"...What?"

He leans too close and make sure his breath with brush against my ear like a ghost of a touch.

"You."

I flinch back and feels the heat rushing to my face.

"Alpha Marius!"

My hand subconsciously covers the fading mate mark on my shoulder. He steps back slightly but his gaze tightens and darkens while looking at my hand. Alpha Marius continues staring at my neck for a moment before he speaks slowly.

"I can do something about your cheating husband and his mistress. I can also help you take back your reputation and make them remember what a real Luna is. But..."

Once again, Alpha Marius gives me a meaningful gaze.

"No." I snap before he can finish his words.

And then he laughs. It sounds low, dark and wickedly amused.

"Oh, dear. I think you are misunderstanding me."

Without giving me a chance to respond, Alpha Marius continues but in a steady and business-like attitude now.

"I need someone to play the role of my Luna for show. I will need it for my political and business strategy later on."

Then Alpha Marius turns around and picks up a folder from the table. He hands it to me like this entire thing had been decided long before I stepped into the room.

"Read this contract and sign it after. Don't worry. There is no shady dealings in it."

"What—"

My mind starts spinning while staring at the document.

"Once you finished signing it, I will give you a week then we can leave."

"A week?"

"Yes." he replies without missing a beat. "I assume that is enough for you to fix your things, right?"

"Wait. Give me a moment here." I said before massaging my temple. "I cannot make a decision here this instant."

"Of course, you can."

His words hit like thunder. I notice the seriousness in his eyes when I look up. So I turn my head awkwardly and laugh nervously.

"Alpha Marius, I can't leave that soon."

But my words makes his eyes sharpen.

"You can." he insisted. "Unless there is still something that is holding you back."

My mouth opens then closes again. I have no words to say right now. When I close my eyes, my mind flashes to Ryan who did not hesitate to bring his mistress here instead of his Luna. I can also remember our pack who are gossiping behind my back. Then to Danica who shamelessly parading her infidelity with my husband in our mansion as if she owns it.

"I..."

"You can take the contract with you and read it first." Alpha Marius suddenly offers while watching me.

I purse my lips and nods my head. I then take the contract copy from him and fold it neatly in fours before putting it in my purse.

"Let's go back to the party now." Alpha Marius said while offering his hand to me like a true gentleman.

But Alpha Marius raises an eyebrow in amusement when he sees me looking at his hand with a frown.

"Don't worry, Luna. I don't bite unless you want me too."

I shouldn't take his hand. I shouldn't feel the heat rising up my neck. But I still do. I still reach out and take his hand in the end. I keep telling myself it is only for appearances and nothing else.

When we walk back into the party hall, everyone quickly turn their heads in our direction. The moment Alpha Marius and I seperate ways, several unmarried Alphas starts moving toward me with boldness that they've never shown before. It seems like the scene where I am standing next to a famous bachelor has given them the courage to approach me.

"Luna Georgina." one of the younger Alphas said with a charming smile on his face. "You look absolutely stunning tonight."

"Thank you." I politely replied.

"Then may I have your first dance tonight?"

"Well..."

"She will dance with me!"

But the younger Alpha and I turn our heads after hearing Ryan's cold, commanding and unmistakably jealous voice. My breath catches after seeing Ryan acting so possessive in public. Then Ryan grabs my hand and he brings us to the dance floor. His grip around my waist is firm and tight.

Soon, the music starts and Ryan starts moving us aggressively. His jaw tight but I match him beat for beat. I've danced this dance before both literally and figuratively. When Ryan twirls me, I catches a glimpse of Danica while sulking on the edge of the floor. Her bitterness is written all over her face.

Then Ryan pulls me closer and it makes me feel the dying pulse of our mate bond stirring weakly between us. Although my body reacts automatically, my heart no longer does.

"You look beautiful tonight, Georgina." Ryan murmurs to my ear.

"Thanks." I simply said.

"Tell me. What did Alpha Marius talk to you about?" he asked.

Now I see. So this is what it is all about.

"It's nothing important." I said with a shrug. "It's just business."

"Like?"

"The Project Silver." I smoothly replied.

Ryan nods but the look in his eyes is telling me he doesn't believe the answer I gave. We continue dancing in tense silence before he releases me once the music ends and returns to Danica's side. Ryan rushes to her side and starts kissing the unshed tears on her eyes.

My mood worsen after seeing their display of affection in this party. So I excuse myself and leave the party hall. While pulling my phone so I can give Ver a call, I suddenly feel a strong gaze that starts burning into my back. But there's no one when I turn around.

But if I want to make a bold guess, I know this gaze belongs to none other than Alpha Marius Peddleton.