Chapter 3 The deal

The wolf blocked Catherine's path and tears began rolling down her face. Is this where I die? Is this what everything in my life will amount to? Death at the hands of a mythical creature?

The wolf took back its human form, "Like I said earlier, I won't hurt you, so just calm down, okay?" he assured her but it was easier said than done.

Although she nodded her head in agreement, the fear in her eyes couldn't be masked. Xander rubbed his temples.

"Just sit," he instructed her, pointing his fingers in the direction of a couch at the left side of the room.

Catherine looked in the direction of his fingers and quickly looked back at him.

"S-sure," her voice quivered as she made her way toward the couch with her eyes trained on him. She was scared he would attack her while her back was turned.

'Don't turn your back on your enemies.' It was something Jack had told her.

"I'm not an animal. I won't just attack you," he assured her in frustration as he also sat on the couch. He stayed at the far end, not wanting to frighten her away by being too close to her.

"Says the one who turns into a wolf at will," Catherine snapped venomously, before clamping her hands over her mouth at her outburst. Oh, God! I just hope he doesn't get mad at me.

He stared at her in annoyance, "Can we just talk like civilized humans?" he requested.

Says the one who isn't even human.

She nodded her head and stared into his eyes, trying not to show her fear. If worse comes to worst, I'll just have to escape.

"And don't even think of trying to escape from here. You're in my pack and they wouldn't hesitate to kill or torture an intruder," he explained to her, making her jaw drop in shock.

"Do werewolves read minds?" she questioned in suspicion.

"No, but I read faces," he stated before continuing, "I want you to be my Contract Luna. That is, you'll have to pose as my mate for a period of time till I ascend the throne."

Wait! What?

"Is this some sort of Joke?" she scoffed, "How can I, a human, pose as your mate... as your Pack's Luna? It's as crazy as it sounds," she told him.

Xander stared at the woman in annoyance. He can't believe she dares to put up an air of importance in front of me. What is a human in front of a werewolf?

"All I need you to do is pretend to be my Luna, it's not that hard. Being human doesn't mean anything. There are cases where werewolves had humans as their mates so no one will suspect anything," he paused, letting her take in the information.

He continued after a while, "You will be well taken care of and I'll make sure you're protected. Once I ascend the throne and rightfully become the Alpha of the pack, I'll fake your death and you can leave... You can go back to your world and live your life as you please."

He watched as she pondered the offer, but then she shook her head, "No, I'm not interested. I won't feel safe in the midst of werewolves and I refuse to live the rest of my life in fear. How sure are you that no one will find out about this? Not to mention, I don't know how politics works in this place-"

"Moreover, my life is already dramatic enough. I'm not interested in getting involved or mixed up in all these supernatural dramas, so no, I refuse. I'd like to go home now. Thank you for hosting me," she began standing up.

A frown made its way to Xander's face.

"Wait!" he boomed.

Catherine froze in the middle of getting up before sitting back down. Oh Boy! What have I gotten myself into? How did I even get here?

"You're Catherine Brown, twenty-five years old college dropout-" he started but she cut him off.

"I'm pretty sure I know my life story, you creep, what are you getting at? And why were you even stalking me? Also, why does it have to be me? I'm clearly not interested and I know I'm attractive but werewolves aren't my type," she stated, making him burst into laughter.

"What's so funny?" she questioned with a deep frown etched in her face.

Xander stopped laughing and stared at her in amusement, "I can assure you that you aren't exactly my type either... although it could still work. Anyways, I know you're struggling right now and if you accept this contract, you will not just go back to your world as a free woman but you'll go back filthy rich-"

"-I investigated everything about you and apparently, you're in dire need of cash, especially after you were most likely dumped by your Harvard love last night, which explains your sorry state. I know your financial status and I will see you through college and still give you enough money to make you not just financially stable, but crazy rich. I'll take you from Zero to Hero."

'...You'll go from Catherine Brown to Catherine Lindse.' A frown settled on her face as she remembered Jack's words a year before then. Xander's words sounded just like his.

She stared at him in anger, "Like hell I'd believe you. I've told you already, I'm not getting myself involved in your supernatural shit, so please, leave me alone. I'm not interested, okay? Thanks!" she got up from the couch and began making her way towards the door.

Xander was shocked at her sudden outburst. He hadn't said anything to warrant her anger. He was hoping he wouldn't have to use his last card. Just why Catherine?

"You do realize this wouldn't have happened if you hadn't killed my mate?" he questioned her, making her freeze in her steps.

She turned to him slowly, "What are you talking about?" she asked him.

"Last night, you ran two wolves over while drunk driving," he started, feeling guilty at using his mate's death as leverage, "It was my mate and I... She was weak and sick, and so she died from the impact," he stood up from the couch and turned to her.

"If you hadn't killed my mate, I wouldn't have asked you to play the part. You started this. You should end it," he deadpanned, making Catherine drop to her knees.

"Will you be my contract Luna?" he asked her.

"Yes," she agreed.