Chapter 3 A Contract Marriage

Alexander's POV

A groan escaped from my lips as my muscles tensed up. His hand flew to the other side of the bed to reach for someone, but shockingly, I felt only the soft mattress. He frowned, then opened his eyes as he turned to look at his side. His face was blank, but within him, he was confused.

Where was she? Why was she suddenly not there anymore? My face darkened when I realized the possibility of her running off. I clenched my jaw as my eyes swept around the room before I took a deep breath.

I could still remember her scent, her moans were clear in his head. The way she held on to me as if her life depended on it while I made love to her passionately as she screamed in pleasure. It was her first time, and somehow I didn't actually dislike it. I was never into virgins because I felt they were inexperienced, thus they wouldn't give a remarkable experience, but yesterday changed my perspective.

Her soft body and sweet lips seemed to have been imprinted on my mind because I kept thinking of her, but strangely I couldn't remember her face and even her voice. I gently rose from the bed, but hisses when I felt a sharp pain in my head.

I almost forgot how drunk I was yesterday. I slowly started remembering how I ditched the elders when they started with their usual talks about me getting married and having a child, so I could finally gain full access to the throne.

They claimed that a good leader is someone responsible enough to take care of his home before outsiders. And so, they needed me to have a home before becoming their leader. Although I was already the king but I was still under the court and would only be responsible for it once I prove to them that I could handle both my family and the kingdom. It was a rule that my ancestors and generations must abide to as a king of the Lycan kingdom.

It was not always like this but for some reasons lately, the pressure increased and they nag everyday and not only during meetings. They even sent ahead to suggest several women they believe would be to my satisfaction and also be a great ruler beside me. Some of those women were their daughter, nobles of the kingdom.

I remembered going to the bar I frequented after ditching them. I never really rely on alcohol whenever I am depressed, but lately, I seem to have become a bit fond of it as I seek solace from it.

I stood there for a minute with many thoughts in my mind when my phone rang. My eyes quickly followed the source.

I slowly reached for the phone. "What is it, Sebastian?" I asked flatly.

"Umm. Where are you, Alexander? You didn't return last night, did you stay in a hotel ?"

I raised a brow. "No," I replied shortly.

"Wait, don't tell me you still went to get her. I thought we agreed to wait until we're sure it wasn't a trap. For heaven's sake, Alexander, you're all alone." he ranted, and I rolled my eyes upward.

"Sebastian, I am fine and nothing will happen to me."

"Of course, but just because you're stronger than them doesn't mean you can risk yourself like that. Remember the future of the Lycan kingdom lies your hands, if you die then so will the kingdom since you don't have any successor. Where are you anyway? I am coming." Just when I parted my lips to decline, the call ended.

I looked at the phone for a while before sighing. I completely forgot I came here for a sole purpose. I had to admit that the thought of her filled my head.

Last night, the minute I heard screams of pain, I instantly knew that someone was in danger. I was not the type to get involved in someone else's business, but I didn't know what pushed me when I saw the fragile figure that was being surrounded by rogues. I knew that I shouldn't get involved. Nevertheless, I did and within a minute I tore them apart.

I frowned when I sensed something, or someone, outside.

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Sylvia's POV

My heart pounded within my left breast as I ran my way back to the pack. I knew this was not the plan, but didn't have the heart to continue with the journey. The courage I had before was long gone, and fear was the only thing left. What if I get attacked again? Something told me that my stepsister was the one who set me up yesterday.

She wanted to finish me off. I finally got back to the pack and the only thing on my mind was to go back, but I halted when I heard my father's loud whisper coming from a room in the corner.

What made me curious was the way he sounded angry. He was always angry when it came to the war and me, but apart from that, he was always cheerful and caring to others, which made others view him as a god while he was a devil to me.

I took a hesitant step towards the door to hear clearly what they were discussing.

"What do you mean?" I heard him ask.

"That's the only way to end the war. You and I know that you don't even feel a hint of pity or love for her, so why hesitate? Why not give her up? You've lost your son already, or do you intend to lose more before you see that this is the only way out? She is useless to both you and this pack. She is completely worthless of the privilege she has here. You've been mocked several times because of her, she is useless and wolfless."

I instantly knew that they were talking about me. Those two words were a perfect description of what I was to them. Useless and wolfless. But what were they actually discussing that had to involve me this time?

"Think about it. Do you wish to give her away so she could be at least useful for once, or let her get killed here? If you have a heart for her then you should know this is for her best as she would get to leave a life outside here. In fact, this would be best for everyone. No one would consider you to be a bad father or alpha."

"He is not known to be ruthless and unmerciful. He kills without pity. He is notorious because of his actions." My father said, as if reminding himself.

"He is, and that is why the best thing is to end this war, especially since Morgan is gone. We shouldn't get on his bad side. He is the Lycan king, in case you've forgotten, and the things you've mentioned are just the least he can actually do. This contract marriage is the best proposal, and I just hope he accepts."

"Do you think he would agree?"

"Have you made up your mind?" The person returned the question. My hands flew to my mouth when I finally recognized the voice that he was none other than Luca, the same man who broke my heart.

"There's only one way to know, and that is when he arrives."

"Arrives? Did you make the proposal already?" The alpha beamed.

"Of course I did. You know I love Elizabeth and I intend to marry her. You and the Luna have given us your blessings, so I don't want to lose her in this war as well. Thus, I had to make the proposal a few days back. I got a message yesterday that he had agreed to meet us, but I guess something held him back. I'm sorry that I didn't tell you earlier."

"It doesn't matter. As long as you've done the right thing. I just hope he hasn't changed his mind."

I took a step back. A contract marriage? For me to marry the enemy? the same man who killed my people and brother. The same man known for his savage behavior.

No, there was no way I would agree. I won't let them do that to me, they have done enough already. I would rather they kill me, but I knew that was just a better option for them.

I ran to my room with suppressed tears. Why did it seem like I was never meant to be happy? Just when I was finally glad that I met someone I felt attached to. I couldn't understand why, but I felt so attached to that man last night, and his gentle touches only made me fall more for him. I never felt any attraction towards anyone, not even Luca, I spent years with. I was stunned last night when I willingly offered myself to him. Somehow, he made me feel things I never experienced before, even with Luca.

I knew it was something deeper, but I had run off because of the intense feeling that sent warning bells in my head. I didn't want another heartbreak. I had to run away. I hoped to meet him again, but with this, I was certain that all hope was gone. If the king didn't come yesterday, then he would definitely come today for me.

Looking outside, I did not feel the need to run because it was almost pointless. My stepsister had kept rogues to eliminate me immediately I step out of the Pack's territory. And here, I was betrothed to an infamous stranger.

Choosing between dying shamelessly outside the pack or staying alive, which was equal to dying, gave me a headache. Somehow I preferred to stay alive, I wanted to live, regardless of what would happen after this. I always felt like someday I would make them pay for making my life this way.

That was the promise I made. As the minutes passed by, I suddenly contemplated running because of the knot in my stomach, and just then a knock came before a maid popped her head inside.

"The alpha demands for your presence," her words made me feel like a slave with no meaning. I swallowed the lump in my throat before standing up carefully as I followed the maid from behind.

This was it. My days of misery have just begun.