Chapter 6

Neriah

“You should know,” Jasper said, my chest rose and fell as Jasper moved closer, standing right in front of me, his gold eyes burning like the fire in my dream. His shadow enveloping me completely. Every part of my body wanted to run, but my body stayed glued to the bed. 

He was taller than I thought, about 5’8, his broad shoulders filling the space. His power pressed on his skin like heavy smoke, making it hard for me to breathe and I dug my fingers into the sheets, my throat dry. 

“that I don't want this, especially not someone like you as my Luna,” he paused, arms crossed on his chest, looking completely at ease while my world was tilting on its axis. Something in his tone made my stomach twist, but I swallowed hard, forcing myself to listen to him.despite my heart that's running a marathon. 

This is insane. If he doesn't want me as his Luna, then why is he forcing a weak omega like me into a contract marriage. Are there no women in his pack? Could it be that he has a hidden agenda? Did he want to do something to me, I'm a stranger after all and nobody would know. 

“The only reason I'm doing this is because my Luna is missing and…you look just like her, so you’re going to be a substitute for her till I find her. You’ll be here till I find her. You will obey everything I said and in return, I will protect you and pay you handsomely if everything goes as planned.”

“I…” My lips parted and closed, unable to form words. A substitute wife for his missing Luna because we resemble each other. That must be why he saved me, thinking I was his mate. It was all because I resemble his Luna. I wasn't sure if I should be grateful the moon goddess kept me alive or be angry for the kind of fate she gave me. 

“What if I can't do it?” I asked, voice trembling. 

He ignored my question like he didn't hear and raised his hand, three fingers precisely. “I have just three rules, none which you can break because you'll be punished if you try it.” 

His words felt like ice sliding into my ears. 

He lowered one finger. “One, you belong to me until I let you go. You will obey me without asking questions. When I speak, you listen and do it. No running, I'll track you down and drag you back here if you ever try to run away and no defiance.” 

Of course, falling into that poisoned bamboo was enough humiliation. My face reddened from embarrassment, but I curled my trembling hand into a fists, forcing my eyes to be on him. 

He lowered the second finger, “Secondly, no one must know you're not my luna. You will stand beside me at every ceremony and meeting that requires your presence and act like my Luna. If anyone suspects you're not, you will suffer before they do. You should know your silence is not a choice – it's a survival.” 

My breath caught. The way he said “suffer” sent a shiver down my spine. Still, I know if I could do a perfect job as his Luna, maybe I'll be able to use his power to get my revenge. 

“Thirdly: your past is dead. Whatever pack you ran from, whoever you were before no longer exists now because you're now my Luna. you won't ask about my Luna, you will not touch me unless I allow it and I definitely don't want you. You just have to be here till I find her.” 

His words hit like a slap, so I'm just supposed to forget about my past and live someone else's life for her. My throat burned with tears, but I don't let the tears fall. My inside was screaming while I maintained myself outside. 

“What if I can't do it?” I asked again.

Jasper leaned forward, resting his elbows in his knees. “Then I'll be glad to take you back to the south where you came from. I'm sure they must have been looking for you.” 

That shut my mouth. My knuckles turned white in the bedsheets as the memory of Redmoon flashed through my memory. The beatings. Cages and my baby. I would rather be a substitute than go back there. 

He narrows his eyes. “Do you understand?” 

I swallowed hard, nodded again and said, “okay,” in a shaky voice. 

His gaze remained locked on me as if he's expecting me to ask questions but I choose to remain silent. I will endure regardless of what he brings, even if he asks that I be his whore, which I know it's not possible. He's definitely not attracted to me in that way.

But in reality, my body is still shaking from the reality of how my life has spiralled from being reduced to nothing and being offered the same position in the biggest pack in Europe. It's overwhelming. And even if it's just temporary and I don't know how to act like someone I don't know, I still think it's worth being grateful for. 

But I have made up my mind to avoid upsetting him and avoid him everywhere. 

He remained standing, his brows furrowed, face hardening even more. My silence seems to be upsetting him. So to lighten the air, I looked up, adding, “Can I work and make my own money? It would be difficult for me if I have to start over after your Luna returns and I'm being sent away.” 

His face flashed with irritation. “Being a Luna is enough work for you and it comes with good bonuses. Just focus on doing a better job. Tina, my beta’s wife, will be here to help you. She's a good and reliable woman, so you can trust her with things, but remember no spilling of details unless you want to be punished.” 

I nodded, watching him leave while my heart thudded faster despite my growing fears. What was I even thinking, how would an alpha like him allow his wife to work when she has everything? I realized that in the end I've successfully gotten him angry which will definitely come with punishment. He promised that.

A knock on the door snapped me from my thoughts. The door opened and a young petite woman stepped in, carrying a small box that looked like a food box. 

I almost bowed when she greeted me, making a bow. “You're welcome back, Luna. We really missed you.” 

“I..” I was speechless, and for the first time, I realized my voice will be different from their real Luna's own and I'm just now blaming myself for not asking Jasper questions when I have the chance. What if Tina or anyone notices I'm not their Luna from my voice?