Chapter 3

Alana’s POV

“My name is Alana, the supposed Luna of Moonlight Pack. Today is my coronation and wedding to Alpha Jared…” I paused, contemplating whether it was safe to say my story or not.

“Okay, so why are you here?”

I looked down, weighing the risk of exposing myself to this Alpha against the possibility of being returned to the prison.

Suddenly, he picked up a blade placed on the tray beside him, inspecting its sharp edges with an unsettling calmness, and said, “You have just one minute to speak. I don’t mind spilling your blood right here, and trust me, my blade never misses.”

My stomach clenched after hearing his relaxed yet dangerous threats. Having no choice, I began my story.

“I want to strip him of everything—his reputation, power, and dignity,” I said, ending my story as my eyes glazed with an unquenchable desire for revenge.

By the time I was done, I looked up to see his reaction, and the last thing I expected was for him to smirk. The corner of his lips twitched with amusement.

“The only reason I have not killed you yet is because of this interesting story of yours,” he said, looking at me sternly.

“I understand,” I replied, bowing my head for the first time since I got here. As much as I didn’t care about him or how he runs his pack, I needed my head and body in the same place. If I have to bow, so be it.

A loud, awkward silence filled the room. His piercing gaze locked with mine for a while. I could tell he was studying me. After a while, he suddenly blurted out, “Has he marked you in any way?”

“No, not in this current life I’m living,” I replied, touching the spot he had marked me in my previous life and finding it bare.

“Good,” he said and sat upright like he was about to make a judgment that would determine my fate.

“I have a proposition for you,” he began. “I want you to be my Luna. On paper.”

“What!” I choked on my spit, not believing my ears. “With all due respect, your highness, just because I don’t want to be killed doesn’t mean I will let myself become an object of use for you.” I suddenly blurted out, regretting it immediately.

To my surprise, he laughed, which was a first since I got here. He looked at me with amusement. And gods help me, it was the most charming smile I had ever seen on a man.

“You are not an object, and I do not intend to treat you like one.” He paused for a moment to let his reassurance sink in and continued, “I will give you protection and get you all the access and resources you will need in getting your revenge. In return, you’ll become my Luna just on paper. After the year is over, I will pay you handsomely. You’ll be free to go wherever you please and do whatever you want with it.”

I began processing everything he said when Sky said, “Alana, this is a one-time opportunity for us.”

“Can you allow me to think!” I snapped back, irritated by her impulsiveness.

Different thoughts clouded my mind. I don’t even know this Alpha—his name, history, or reputation. What if he and Jared are acquainted and this was a trap?

“Well, there’s only one way to find out.” Sky chipped in.

After much thought, I was still confused and weighing the proposition. “Can I have some time to think about it?”

“Sure, you have until tomorrow morning to give me a reply.”

“That’s too fast,” I said.

“You see, princess, I’m not really the patient type.” He said, standing up from the stone-carved throne.

The courtroom opened, and two women, who looked like maids, entered the courtroom.

“Take her to one of the guest rooms and help her settle in for the night,” he said, facing them.

“Your Highness, you don’t need to. I can sort it out myself,” I said, stubbornly.

He walked closer to where I was and said, “As of now, you have become my guest. So I expect you to act like it.” His cold gaze bore into mine, leaving no room for arguments.

The maids showed me to a room painted in white, with a queen-sized bed at the center. I lay on the bed, my mind heavy. I have to decide quickly. A decision that will determine my fate after being given a chance to make it right. If this were a bait, I couldn’t afford to fall for it.

I rolled on the bed with my unsettled mind. After much thought, I made up my mind.

*****************************

Knock, knock,

I jolted up, alert about my environment. The door opened, and one of the maids walked in, bowing her head. “Good morning, the Alpha requests your presence in the dining room.” Without waiting for a reply, she walked out.

I smoothed the bedsheet neatly and glanced around the room one last time before heading for the dining room.

“Good morning, Alana.” He sat at the head of the dining table, ushering me to come closer, and then he continued. “Trust you had a good rest and made your decision.”

My throat tightened. “Yes…. My decision is too—”

“We’ll talk about that after breakfast. No business dealing before breakfast.” He said, cutting me off, and began eating.

A deafening silence fell over the room, heavy and suffocating. The clinking of the cutlery was the only sound that followed. I sat still, not touching the food, until my stomach betrayed me with a loud growl.

My cheeks heated in embarrassment. “You really had to embarrass us because of your stubbornness, huh?” Sky grumbled irritably. I ignored her and began eating.

After we were done, he began, “You can speak. I’m listening.”

My heart pounded, “I would do it!” I blurted, the words tumbling out of me.

“Good,” he said, his eyes flickering. A little smile crept into his face. I almost missed it. “You made the right choice.”

With a wave of his hands, one of the maids stepped forward with a stack of papers. The bold letters at the top read: Marriage Contract Agreement.

“Here,” he said, passing the documents to me. I skimmed through it and made a few negotiations on the terms. After reviewing it, I was finally satisfied with the conditions. I signed them and passed them back to him.

“So, may I ask what your name is?” I asked casually, taking a glass of water to wash down my food.

“Alpha Dexton,” he said casually.

“What?” I gasped, spitting the entire mouthful of water across the table. My heart slammed against my chest as I quickly ran over to him, dabbing his shirt with my sleeves.

“I-I’m so sorry, forgive me.” I stammered, my hands shaking. I must really have nine lives to keep finding myself in danger. I had been in the courtesy of the Savage Wolf all along, acting defiantly. An Alpha known for his savagery and brutality.

“What have I gotten myself into?” I cursed inwardly.

“Alana, calm down, he’s not going to hurt us.” My wolf whispered soothingly.

Dexton said huskily. “You can stop. I’ll get a new shirt.”

I looked up and froze, realizing how close our faces were inches apart. His deep breath fanned my cheeks, his deep oceanic eyes locking with mine. My heart beat so fast, and I couldn’t look away.

“Alana,” he murmured.

“I’m sorry,” I mumbled, stepping back immediately. My hand slightly brushed his, sending a jolt of heat through my veins.

He stood up to leave when a commotion at the door echoed through the hall.

“I must see her!” The familiar voice growled, and I froze, dead in my tracks.

Jared.