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.

“The rules of seduction?” Beatrice asked, as if unsure of what I just said.

“Tell me what was going on, Cassandra. Are you in any trouble?” She asked, and this time there was panic in her voice.

I sucked in a breath, blaming my miserable fate. I can't believe that all this is happening to me in the space of one month. He is not in love with me. He already rejected me and yet, he still wants to marry me.

Maybe if it were the old me, I would have gladly agreed. Maybe I would have jumped at the offer and just hoped that things would be okay but I am not the same woman he met a month ago, even if his presence still did things to me as if the bond was still there all along.

“I think I am in one hell of trouble, Beatrice but I am not going to act like a coward,” I said and swallowed the lump at the back of my throat.

“What is it?” She asked and I rested my hand on the table, trying hard not to cry because I wanted to

“He wants to marry me,” I revealed and Beatrice's reply came immediately.

“Who?” She inquired.

I sucked in a deep breath and exhaled before parting my lips to speak. “Alpha Draco,” I told her and Beatrice exclaimed in shock.

“What?” For a moment, I actually wanted to laugh because her reply sounded like she was very happy.

“Are you being serious right now? Did he really say that? I think this might be good news. Did he apologise for what he did?” Beatrice asked so many questions and I wasn't sure which one to answer first.

“Beatrice. The marriage is not even real.” I told her and this time, her tone was down.

“What?”

“Yes. And he didn't apologise. He just walked in as if I actually belong to him and the worst thing is, my Father already agreed. You know how he is.” I said, rubbing the back of my neck.

“He is worried about the fact that no one will be interested in getting married to me. And you know his wife is going to say the same.” I told Beatrice, knowing how my stepmother is going to react.

When she heard the news, she was actually more angry than father and I don't know why she even had to react that way.

“Oh no. I didn't know that this issue had escalated. This is not something you have a say over.” Beatrice said and her tone already conveyed the fact that she felt terrible just like me. She knew this was not something I had a say over anymore.

And with how Willow Creek Pack is, it will be hard to defy a royal order. I have to marry him unless I am willing to destroy myself because of him.

“What is the plan? You are pregnant. But I kind of feel like this is good news. I don't even know how to put it but at least, you won't be shamed for the whole issue anymore. There have been rumours.” Beatrice explained and I got her perfectly.

This is an opportunity a lot of women in Willow Creek Pack are willing to jump on. A one-time opportunity in which many women want to have the title of the Luna. Sooner or later, he will be crowned the king. In fact, I am sure it is happening the moment I agree to marry him.

“Three months, Beatrice. I need to seduce him in three months and make him regret it. And after that, I am divorcing him. I'm taking my child away from him.” I told Beatrice and she sighed.

“Oh no.” She said and continued. “I feel like this is not a conversation we should be having on the phone. I will see you tomorrow, Cassandra and we can talk more about this. This will be hard.” She said, knowing fully well that I have no experience when it comes to the dating pool. I never had a boyfriend, so trying to seduce the Alpha Draco will actually be a hard thing but I am willing to learn.

“I know and that is why I actually needed your help,” I told her.

“Okay. Tomorrow then, I will come early.” She said and I ended the call.

When I got home, Father and his wife, Maureen, were waiting for me. And my stepsister was also with them. The moment I walked towards them, she stood up and turned to me.

“At least you finally got your wish,” Emily said. She was quite displeased to see me and she was not hiding it. "You will be getting married to Alpha Draco as you wish but do you even think you will be able to go through each day with your head held high!” She screamed at the end, her eyes clogged with tears. She is not even up to 18 yet but I know she has always wanted to marry an Alpha.

“Emily!” Father yelled her name in a warning tone but she didn't back down.

“You are a weak omega and you decided to go to where a whole pack of wolves are dwelling. Do you even know how many women wish to be in his arms?” She asked and Father stood up.

“Let her be, Dimitri. She is going to calm down after talking.” Maureen said, clearly supporting her daughter. She must be quite pleased that Emily is disgracing me.

‘Father, I told you I love Alpha Draco but what did Cassandra do? She decided to use her tricks to…”

A slap echoed in the room, the sound reverberating through the walls. Maureen rushed to Emily's side, her eyes wide in shock.

I do not have to look twice to know that Father slapped Emily across the face.

“I already told you not to talk to your sister like that. I tried to talk about your marriage with the Alpha king but he wouldn't agree. Why must you blame me?” Father asked and Maureen looked at me with her eyes filled with disgust.

“Emily didn't say anything wrong. She has always wanted to marry Alpha Draco.” Maureen said, defending her daughter.

“And you think she can capture his attention with her empty brain?” Father asked Maureen and she hissed with hatred before taking Emily upstairs.

"Cassandra, I want you to know that this is the best I could do for you since your mother died. I do have the power to refuse this marriage. It will go according as planned and I hoped that you wouldn't try to run away." Father said and I wanted to let him know that I actually didn't have the plan to run away.

"Maybe if you get to know him better, you will see that he is not actually as cruel as the rumours say," Father concluded and maybe I would have agreed with him in the past but now, I don't really care.