CASSANDRA

I buried myself inside my room and cried my eyes out. Mother and Father have tried to talk to me but I chose not to see them because I am devastated. I'm still broken and I don't think I have ever regretted any of my actions as much as I regretted this.

Knock!

I heard the shock at the door and then a paper was underneath the door. I stood up and picked it up. I unfolded the paper and read what was inside.

“Are you still going to ignore me for the past three days? I'm at your door.” I read the message and immediately, I knew who wrote it. It is Beatrice.

Within a second, I unlocked the door and let Beatrice in. The moment she saw me, she pulled me in for a tight hug.

“Why are you treating me this way, Cassandra?” Beatrice asked and told me to sit down on the couch while she sat beside me.

“I feel used Beatrice,” I said and a lone tear escaped my eyes. “He called me a slut.” I added and Beatrice's eyes widened in shock.

“What?” She exclaimed. “Spill the beans please” she urged and I narrated what happened.

Beatrice was short of words but she was indeed happy at first that the Alpha was my Mate but when I told her what he called me, Beatrice looked hurt.

“I understand you perfectly Cassandra. And if I were in your shoes, I would definitely act worse. However, this is not the end of the world. Your staff needs you at the store and who knows maybe the Alpha is already looking for you to apologise.” Beatrice said and I smiled. She is trying to tell me that, I should calm my nerves and let bygones be bygones.

“Let's freshen up, please. And there are already rumours that the Alpha is actually breaking up with his girlfriend. Maybe he realised, you are the one he wants after all.” Beatrice said and I shook my head.

“I won't allow that,” I told her and she pulled me up.

“You stink. Go and take your bath.” Beatrice said and I left quickly.

…..

…..

ONE MONTH LATER.

It still hurts knowing that I got rejected by my fate but I was also happy because I got my wolf, even though she is weak like me.

I was grounded to the walls of my room for two weeks after Father heard what happened between Alpha Draco and me. Father was displeased to hear what happened and since that day, I refused to cross paths with Alpha Draco. I don't know what later happened between him and Jasmine but I don't want to cause the downfall of others.

Beatrice walked in through the door with my favourite ice cream bowl. I have been craving it for a while and a lot of other things.

“It wasn't as hard as I thought. Why can't you just get it yourself?” Beatrice said, after placing the ice cream on the fancy table.

“It's because I was tired. Thank yo, baby.” I said and took the ice cream. The moment I pulled the lid open, I began to feel nauseous.

“Please excuse me. I need to use the restroom.” I said and quickly went to the restroom. I washed my face and mouth.

I stare at my face in the mirror. There are no particular changes that occur in my system, so why do I always feel nauseous?

And with the way things are looking, I sincerely hope it's not what I am thinking. The door of the restroom opened and Beatrice walked inside.

“Tell me what is wrong,” Beatrice said, her eyes raking my body from my head to toe. She walked towards me and held my hand.

“Did you go for a checkup after that night?” She asked and I knew the night she was referring to.

“Yes. I did and nothing was discovered.” I replied. In fact, that was the first thing Father asked me to do.

“I think we need to go to the hospital again,” Beatrice said with seriousness.

“What do you mean?” I asked her. “I just feel weak,” I said, trying to wiggle my way out of this.

“I'm afraid it's what we are both thinking. You are pregnant Cassandra.” Beatrice said and shook my head.

“It can't be. I went for a checkup and...” I told her and hugged me.

“But he didn't use a condom. Did he?” She inquired and that is right.

“He didn't,” I told her.

“Then we need to go, Babe. Did you know this is not something we can joke about? He is an Alpha for crying out loud and it shows that getting pregnant is actually easy.”

Beatrice brought out her car key and told me to stand up.

“I will drive.” She volunteered and we both left my store.

****

The doctor reports came and it was just like I had anticipated. I am three weeks pregnant with the Alpha child. The same man who doesn't want me and called me a cheap slut.

“And concerning the abortion, I don't think that will be possible. You will have to come for regular check-ups in the hospital for proper check because of where the fetus is implanted.” The Doctor said before leaving.

“What are you going to do? Sooner or later, your father will actually be aware of this.” Beatrice asked and I tried to weigh my options.

She already suspected that I might be pregnant and had already asked the doctor ahead of time if the fetus could be removed.

I am wealthy enough to take care of my child but that means I will be throwing away my other chance of getting married in the future. If I decided to abort the pregnancy, it might also endanger my life.”

“I will keep the pregnancy,” I said and Beatrice's eyes widened.

“What? You need to think about this, Cassandra.” She said but that is my final decision.

“I already think about it and I believe this is the best decision I can come up with for now. He doesn't have to know about it.” I told her but my reply didn't sit quite well with her.

“But you know your father will never agree to this. He will definitely inform the Alpha King.” Beatrice said and she was right about that.

“You don't have to tell him now. And just because I decided to keep the pregnancy will not stop me from getting Fated to my second chance mate.” I said even though I wasn't sure if that was true.

But removing the pregnancy is risky and the doctor already warned me against that..

“But you know that doesn't happen to an omega like us?” she told me and that is true. We are only fated to one man.

“I just want to hope that it happens. I got my wolf and maybe there are some other things I need to discover.” I told her even though it sounded like a lie to me.

*****

I resume to store and continue my daily life with the growing fetus inside me. Sometimes, I ask myself if I made the best decision but I know this is the best plan I could come up with if I didn't wish to endanger my life. I will eventually leave the state in order not to bring shame to my father

My phone rang and I picked it up. It was a call from the manager.

A woman is causing a commotion right here in the store.

“Did you call the security?” I asked.

“Yes, but she made it clear that she will not leave until she sees you.”

“I will be down shortly,” I said and made my way downstairs.

“What you are selling is fake! Call the owner of the store. She is a whore who decided to steal what belonged to me.” When I heard those words, my footsteps faltered and I almost fell until I saw a man wrap his hand around my waist, steadying me.

“Are you okay?” He asked and I looked up to look at him.

It's a man with a face that is not familiar. I guess he is also here to get jewellery like everyone else. He has chocolate brown eyes and his eyes were filled with worry.

“Thank you,” I murmured and he let me go.

“Do you know her?” He asked and I nodded.

“Yes. I will handle this.” I told him and walked to where Jasmine is.

“Is there a problem ma’am” I asked Jasmine.

“Yes.. here you are,” she said with relief and closed the distance between us.

“Are you happy now that he no longer wants me? You think I wouldn't know where a filthy whore like you lives?” she asked and the customers brought out their camera.

“You can come with me so that we can talk,” I said politely but Jasmine let out a cold laugh.

“What? You don't want everyone to know what you did with my man?” She said out loud and I swallowed the insult.

“Everyone, this lady here seduced Alpha Prince Draco.” She said it loud enough for everyone to hear.

Murmurs broke in the store and everyone brought out their phones to capture the moment. This will cause a huge scandal if the news breaks out.

"She offered herself to the Alpha at a low price and begged him to save her dying ass. I come here to pay her for a job well done." Jasmine said laughing and threw a bundle of money at me.

My legs shook with fear when I saw the people's expression. It was filled with disgust.

"So it's true that the Alpha was going to break up with Jasmine." One of the customers said loudly, pointing fingers at me.

"I didn't know she was a cheap whore. Women nowadays." Another person added.

"All they want is just to get under his bed. She is a whore."

"Take the money whore and leave the Alpha. It's clear that you want to sow discord between them."

" "

I watched in horror, seeing the scene unfold right in front of me.

"Who knows if you sleep around and manage to run this cheap store?" Jasmine said and that was the height of it. I tried to slap her but Jasmine beat me to it and slapped me across the face.

My hand barely touched her and she pushed me away. "Call the cops and tell them she assaulted me," Jasmine yelled on top of her lungs.

"What have I done wrong?" I asked her and a tear escaped my eyes.

The light in my store suddenly turned off and the room was filled with murmurs. When the lights got turned on again, I couldn't see Jasmine anymore in front of me. It is as if she disappeared.

Suddenly, security guards rushed inside, surrounding the customers in the store.

"Delete the video you took and go on with your shopping." One of the guards said. Everyone was confused but they still did as they were told.

However, I don't know who the guards are.

"You can go on with your shopping.” My manager announced and they all went back, looking confused.

“Did you know what happened?” I asked my manager.

“I don't know, ma'am but I will try to check the CCTV. You can go back to your office,” she said and I went back. There was no sign of the woman who helped me earlier in the room.

I opened my office door and walked in but to my greatest surprise, someone was sitting at my desk.

“Hello, who is there?” I asked and the chair was turned.

My eyes met with his amber eyes and I swallowed.

“Hello, Cassandra. How are you doing?” He asked and the anger I felt inside of me is not the kind of emotion I thought I could show.

All I see right now is a man who blatantly rejected me for a mistake we both made. I won't be surprised if I find out that he is the one who gets rid of Jasmine from my store.

Is he going to scold me now?

Blame me?

“Why are you here?” I asked Alpha Draco and he stood up from my seat.

“I came here to propose a deal to you.” He said and continued to walk towards me.

“And what's that?” I asked.

“Let's get married.” He dropped the bombshell and I blinked my eyes.

There is no way I heard that right.

DRACO

Rejecting her was one of my terrible mistakes. A fated mate is something I have always dreaded. Constantly feeling emotions that belong to her through the mate bond. Sharing in her pain, her body and her sadness. That is what Fated mate entails but it's not something I had wanted.

I do not want my whole universe to depend on a woman but that night after rejecting her, I began to have second thoughts. She is a weak omega but she didn't try to cling to me like most girls. I have seen her once at the party and I remember her name when her friend called her.

Even though I was drunk, I remember vividly how I made love to her. I was not going to make love to her but my wolf was the one who actually took over.

How could I pretend not to have noticed that vanilla scent that clung to her like a second skin? The way her tongue tasted when I kissed her. The way her petite body perfectly clung to mine as I made love to her on the bed. I have always enjoyed rough sex but with her, I decided to be slow. She is a virgin, and the smell of her blood still haunts me, but I can't commit to her. She will be a weakness, a tool for the elders to use to threaten which is why I had to insult her.

I didn't even feel bad for Jasmine. She knew how important the mate bond is and the pull is not something to deny. It's not as if I was in love with her. We only got closer because we do fuck. Apart from having a good fuck hole, I never wanted Jasmine. Who knew she would get to know about my one-night stand with Cassandra and now she is trying to make me acknowledge me as her boyfriend.

“Alpha, the king demands your presence in the courtroom.” My Beta said, his voice drew me back to the present.

“Okay,” I said and rose from the chair. I went to the courtroom to discuss with Father since he is there.

At first, I thought the elders would be present but there were none of them in the room.

“You sent for me, father,” I said and stood in front of him.

“I heard you found your fated mate a month ago. Why didn't you inform me?” He asked and I clenched my jaw hard. How did he know?

“Because I didn't feel the need to,” I replied and straightened my back.

“Aren't you curious about how I heard?” Father asked, looking at me.

There is no point in being curious about that when I already know who did it. The moment I entered the courtroom, I could smell her.

“I know Jasmine is here. She told you what happened” And as soon as I said that she stepped out of the shadow.

“I have heard everything loud and clear, Draco,” Father said and continued. “What is her name?”

“Cassandra,” Jasmine replied and stepped forward. “She is the lowly Omega that…”

“This is my verdict, son,” Father said, shutting Jasmine up and the silence that filled the room echoed at the back of my head.

Whatever he is going to say is going to change my life, and I know it, but I still listen.

“Marry that girl within the next two weeks. I will send a message to her family, and you will be seeing her today,” Father said and Jasmine's eyes widened.

“I cannot agree to this,” I said calmly but I know better than anyone not to go against Father.

There is a reason I am called the Untamed Wolf and it's all because I inherited almost every trait of my father. While he is merciful, I am actually heartless and this is one thing he has tried hard to change about me.

“Is it not until you see me buried deep inside my grave before you realise you need to bring in an heir? Do everything you can to convince her and bring her back to the castle. You will be the one to rule the people when I am gone. Casting aside your mate is not what I am going to agree to.” Father said and I clenched my hand.

“You can do anything but I can't agree to this. She is weak and will only pose a threat to me in the future.” I said but Father didn't seem to agree to any of this. He already made his decision and that is final.

“And Jasmine, I think Draco will clear the air for you. You are both dismissed from the court.” Father said, and Jasmine was the first person to leave the courtroom.

“Father,” I called him but he didn't look at me again in the eye.

“Leave Son. I have always hoped I wouldn't make any decision over your life but I have to do this. You are the only one who is capable of bending the rules in the city. The elders fear you. You will be the King and by then, a Luna must be by your side.”

“But you are still hale and hearty,” I said and he brought out one of the parchments.

“If you say so. Now leave.” I had no choice but to leave at that moment. On getting outside, there was no sign of Jasmine.

“Where is Jasmine?” I asked Theodore when I spotted him.

“She made a statement about how she is going to ruin everything before leaving in her car.” He replied, clearly talking about Jasmine.

“Get my car ready, Theo,” I ordered and get rid of the suit jacket.

“Yes sir.”

“And find where Jasmine is right now”

“Alright, sir.”

****

I had followed Jasmine, but what I didn't realise was that her destination was actually Cassandra’s store. Who knew the omega I had a one-night stand with is actually a hardworking woman?

However, when I got to the store, it was almost too late. Jasmine was already lashing at her, calling her names. I am the only one allowed to call her names.

“Get rid of her,” I told Theo and in that moment, I made sure the power supply was cut off. This is one of the rare abilities I possess as an Alpha.

I slipped out of the store and went inside her office. It is not that hard to spot it because her scent lingered there the most. The room is neatly arranged, and there are portraits of her on the wall. She is beautiful just like the night I saw her.

And then, I heard her echoing footsteps until she walked in. She didn't look pleased to see me, and I could see that she was angry, and when she asked me what I was doing here, I knew something had changed about her.

She is not the same woman I saw a month ago. So I think cutting to the chase will be the best option right now.

“Let's get married,” I said and she scoffed as if I had just told her a cruel joke.

“And who are you to tell me that?” She asked, her eyes filled with hatred.

“The last time I checked, you rejected me and insulted me. Your girlfriend came today just to do the same.” She said, and I agree that I have been an asshole, but I need to let her agree to this.

“I admit that it was my fault,” I said without denying the fact that Jasmine is not my girlfriend.

“The letter should have got to your father right now, and I believe he will make the best decision”, I said, giving her a hint to make her curious.

“And what letter are you talking about?” She asked, her lips quivering.

She is indeed beautiful but I never want her to fear me.

“Our marriage. The Alpha king found out you are my fated mate, and he wants us to get married as per the custom,” I explained to her, and I can't miss the way her expression changed.

“Are you joking right now? I am going to reject it.” She said, and I felt a pang of pain in my heart. She is hurt, and she just plainly rejected me, just like I did to her.

“Good,” I said and she narrowed her eyes at me.

“I have already thought about it and I am glad to know we are on the same page. I don't want to get married to you either.” I said, and she looked at me sceptically.

“And what is that supposed to mean?” she asked.

“I prepared this instead,” I replied and took out a paper from his back pocket.

“You only need to get married to me on paper whereas this will be a contract marriage between us,” I told her and stretched forth the paper for her to take.

“And what is that?” she asked.

“Get married to me for a year and after a year, you are free to go anywhere you want. I need to honour my father's wishes and I know your father will clearly agree to this.” I explained, and her lips parted, which I knew she was going to argue.

“You will be compensated at the end of the contract. Let me know if it's a deal between us.”

CASSANDRA

Draco stood up from my seat and walked towards me. With each step he took towards me, I actually found it hard to breathe. There is no way I am agreeing to this.

This man affects me in ways I can't explain and the bond is still there. The moment he closed the distance and I smelled his mint breath, I knew there was no escape. If I sign the documents, it will be hard to pull back.

Draco touched my chin with his thick lengthy finger and pushed my chin up.

“Why are you so afraid? It's not as if you have a boyfriend and this is my way of saving you from embarrassment after what Jasmine did.” Alpha Draco said and his words felt like a blow to my face.

So he thinks he is choosing me because I have no other choice?

“Oh”, I said and chuckled. “I never said I needed a knight in shining so what makes you think I'm a damsel in distress?” I said and Alpha Draco released my chin but his expensive cologne still lingers in my space.

His touch still lingers on my skin.

“Its only a contract marriage. You can name your price and I will give you everything you need.” Draco said and I chuckled inwardly.

Of course, he is rich so it's normal for him to think everything has a price.

“I don't want any price. I don't want to get married to you.” I said with gritted teeth.

I still feel hurt because he called me a whore and now, he thinks I am a push over who will just accept him just because he is filthy rich. I am actually bad at judging men. I can't believe I was once in love with him.

“Then it seems you really want to get married to me for real?” Alpha Draco said with seriousness and I noticed the dimples in his cheek.

“Is that really what you want? To leave with a man who will never love you for the rest of your life?” He asked and I clenched my hand so hard it hurt.

Did I tell him I was going to agree?

“What? Haven't you been listening to what I have been saying since?” I asked him.

My phone rang, stopping him from saying what he wanted to say and he put his hand inside his pocket trouser.

“Pick the call. I think that is your father.” Alpha Draco said and I rolled my eyes at him before placing the phone to my ear.

“Hello, Cassandra. I received a letter from the Pack house. A proposal letter was brought here from the Alpha prince.” Father said and everything in front of me became blurry.

“You are invited to the palace tomorrow. Your mother and I will come with you.” Father said and ended the call, knowing fully well that I already got the message.

I held the phone tightly and looked at Draco. He looked relaxed and calm as if he already knew the conversation I had with Father.

“You did this!” I yelled and he took slow steps towards me while I took another step back.

“What?” He asked, his amber eyes watching me with a keen expression.

“You said he is going to accept and he did? I don't want you.” I said and tried hard to focus on breathing.

“Same here!” He yelled and all hell froze. He said it with so much emotion that it shows that he hated me to my guts but that is fine.

“I don't want you Cassandra but we need to do this. Which is why I told you to sign the documents and name your price.” He added and I swallowed hard

There is no way I'm going to marry this cruel man. I can do something. I will definitely do something about this and…

“It's fine if all this feels surreal to you but I need you to know that you will have to do as I say. I will advise you not to run away or try to escape me. The best I can do for you is to adjust the contract to your preference.” Alpha Draco said and placed his hand on my shoulder.

The moment he touched me, I felt a wave of shock run through me, electrifying.

“I will see you tomorrow but then it might be too late. See you at dinner.” He said and took the papers with him.

He is trying to tell me to weigh my options. To choose between getting a fake marriage with him and getting my freedom once the contract expires or getting into a real marriage in which I will have to live with him for the rest of my life. A marriage that is dejected of love, care and loyalty.

“Wait!” I almost screamed and his hand froze on the doorknob.

“What?” He asked and I licked my dry lips.

“Three months,” I said in a low whisper and he raised his brow at me

“What?” He asked again and I realised he might not have heard me.

“Let's reduce it to three months. I will marry you in three months.” I said and I felt my insides form a knot. What if he doesn't approve of this?

The silence grew between us and eventually, he walked back to me.

“Okay fine.” He said and quickly added. “Now we can talk.” Alpha Draco picked the document and gave me a long stare.

“And what else?” He asked me and it felt as if he could read through my emotions.

“I have my conditions,” I said and he nodded.

“Name them.” He urged me and I parted my lips.

“We will sleep in separate rooms,” I said and he smiled.

Or should I say I was actually not seeing well because when I looked at him again, there was no hint of a smile on his lips.

“Agreed.” He said, his deep voice reverberating through the walls of the room.

“We will not pry into each other's private lives,” I said and he nodded.

“Agreed”

“We will not share a kiss.”

“Agreed but there are some instances in which we might have to share a kiss?” Alpha Draco said and my heart skipped a beat.

“I am going to accept all your requests except the last one. I'm afraid we might have to share a kiss even tomorrow and on our wedding day.” He said and turned to leave.

“I will send the edited document to you and you can sign it. See you tomorrow, Cassandra.” He added and walked out of my office in his long strides.

The moment he left, I collapsed towards the desk. I know I might regret this but this is my decision for now. At least at that time, I am sure my pregnancy will not be that visible.

But I have my own plans within these three months. I brought out my phone and called Beatrice.

“Hello baby,” Beatrice said when she picked up the call.

“Can you come with me tomorrow morning? I want to get new dresses and I think you might have to teach me the rules of seduction.” I told Beatrice and pictured her expression in my head.