MY CONTRACT WITH THE COLD LYCAN KING

CHAPTER 3

Aurora's POV

There was silence on the other side. Later, Mom cleared her throat and continued, “Listen, my daughter, it doesn't matter; remember, it is a contract. Sign the papers and be his wife.”

Laughter erupted from my mother's side.

She jokingly mocked me for marrying a dead man before ending the call.

I searched his face, every line, every signaling of expression, anything that could tell me that this was some kind of dark, twisted joke.

But until he leaned back in his seat, I found nothing that indicated he was pulling my leg.

“What do you mean you're fallen ill and dying?” I repeatedly asked, it was only after those words left my mouth that I realized just how silly they sounded.

That was when I looked beyond the mask of his handsomeness, and some more. The dark circles, the cloudy, empty look in his eyes, the way every movement he made was deliberate and tired.

“But, it's rare for an Alpha to fall sick,” I pointed out, adjusting myself uncomfortably where I sat.

He agreed with a simple nod, “Yes, as you said, it's rare but not impossible; I thought you would have done your homework before coming here. Even though this is just a contractual arrangement, shouldn't you know something about me before showing up to sign?”

So, is this why my mother was so reluctant from the first time?

“My failing health is part of the reason why I want to have a mate; even after I pass away, then, it's to be someone who can carry on the title with my blood. That's why I'll need an heir,”

The implications of his words hit me like a slap on the face. He also wanted a pup?

He saw the look of unresolved shock on my face and shook his head.

“I should have known it was too good to be true,” he said, the disappointment staining his words, “when you came in here you looked a little too excited, too hopeful. I should have been able to tell from the jump that you didn't know what you were doing,” he stretched his hand forward to take the document, but I slammed my palm on it before he could reach it.

“Hey, stop jumping to conclusions by yourself. Did I say I was not going to sign?”

He raised an eyebrow, revealing his surprise.

“I thought you wanted to change your mind,” he said, remaining in the position, “after everything you've heard, you still want to go ahead with this?”

I nodded immediately. “As you said, this is a contractual arrangement, and there are no feelings between us. But as long as I can live a comfortable life afterward. This isn't a big deal for me.”

He studied me like he was seeing a new species.

“Aren't you the direct descendants of an Alpha yourself? I would assume that you would already be living a comfortable life that wouldn't even require you to do anything like this,” he pointed out, and a small feeling of shame spread across my face, leaving it red.

“And here I was thinking that you weren't curious about me…” I said, picking up the pen and positioning it over the line where my signature was meant to be.

“Yes, my father was an Alpha. But let's just say I think after my parents make really bad decisions that I end up regretting,” I said, pressing the tip of the pen against the paper now.

“So you think you'll regret this too?’ he asked, his voice casual, but curious.

“Maybe…maybe not, there's only one way to find out…” I pushed the paper back to him now that I was done with what I had to do.

And just like that, I became Luna Aurora Woods.

Compared to the large party I had thrown to celebrate my first union, quietly moving into my new mate's mansion felt like I was part of a two-person funeral profession. Not like I wanted to make a big deal out of it, but it was too underwhelming not to point out.

We headed to Alpha Zayne Wood’s mansion, which was huge, but he had few servants. Everything sparkled, shown with quality and care, which means they were somehow stretching themselves to do that.

We entered the mansion, and the first thing I noticed was the chandelier; it was a work of art. With delicate little touches and details, here and there, to make it stand out more.

“Where am I going to sleep?” I suddenly called out to Alpha Zayne, who just walked away without even saying anything to me.

His eyes came down to me, a certain displeasure written all over them.

“You aren't a pup; if you want to sleep somewhere, then go and sleep somewhere. Why am I being bothered?”

I just blinked my eyes, unsure of what to say or do.

“There is no need for you to speak to me like that. And why are you being so harsh?”

He waved me off dismissively.

“What were you expecting?” He marched over to me and leaned to whisper in my ear.

“We are contract mates. If you were hoping for a man who would speak to you between lines of poetry, then, I'm afraid that you are going to be very disappointed,” he said, and walked away.

As he pulled away from that whisper, I felt my face go full red from embarrassment and anger.

“I didn't expect anything from you!” I hissed at him angrily.

I had almost felt bad for him when he said that he was going to die, but now he was making me toss away most of my sympathy; what a foul personality. He must have some awareness of how unpleasant years are to just decide to choose a contract mate instead of searching for romantic chemistry with anyone.

“Good, but in case you're still confused, let me lay it out for you…” He deliberately dragged out his voice to mock me, “Don't bother me; if you need something, one of the maids should be able to help you. If it relates to the contract, then that is the only time you can come to me. Other than that, this is a really big house. We shouldn't have needed to cross paths often.”

He said that, and the next minute, he was gone, like he couldn't stand to breathe the same air as me.

What is wrong with this man? He had left while I was standing alone.