Chapter Two
1661 Words
/-Serena-/
My phone buzzed in my pocket, just as I was in the supermarket, trying to work extra shifts to make more money. I pulled it out, and the moment I saw the hospital’s number, my stomach dropped.
This couldn't be good.
“Hello?” I answered, my voice trembling.
“Miss Michaels,” the nurse said on the other end, her tone was a mix of pity and urgency, “Your mother’s condition has worsened. The doctor wanted me to inform you that without the heart transplant, she doesn’t have much time left.”
My heart shattered. “How much time?”
“A few days, at most,” she said gently. “I’m so sorry.”
The call ended, leaving me clutching my phone like a lifeline. I couldn’t do this anymore. I couldn’t sit back and watch my mother slip away while I clung to my pride.
Without a second thought, I tore off my apron, left my register, and bolted out the door.
My feet carried me faster than my mind could process, and before I knew it, I was standing at the entrance of the betting pool, the smell of sweat and stale beer slamming into me like a wall.
Anthony was easy to spot, leaning over a pool table with a drink in his hand, laughing like he didn’t have a care in the world. My chest tightened as I marched toward him.
He was busy betting away while my mother was dying, yet he would swear on anything that he didn't have any money to support us.
“Anthony!” I called, my voice sharp enough to cut through the din.
He turned, startled, before his face split into a grin. “Serena! What brings you to my humble domain? Come to watch me win a fortune?”
I didn’t have the energy for his games or to even get mad at him. I was desperate. “We need to talk. Now.”
His grin faltered at my tone, but he straightened, gesturing for his friends to give us space. “What’s got your panties in a twist?”
“Mom,” I said, my voice shaking. “She doesn’t have time, Antony. The hospital called. Without the surgery, she’s—she’s going to die.”
His face remained unreadable, but there was a flicker of something in his eyes. Was it guilt? Or just annoyance that I was interrupting his game?
“Let me guess,” he said slowly, setting his drink down. “You’re here about the deal.”
I hesitated, swallowing my pride. “I’ll do it.”
Peter’s lips curled into a smile so smug it made my skin crawl. “I knew you’d come around.”
“This isn’t about you being right,” I snapped, my voice low and trembling. “This is about Mom. Just call whoever you need to call and make it happen.”
He chuckled, patting my shoulder in a way that made me want to slap his hand away. “See? That wasn’t so hard, was it?”
If glares could kill, mine would have sent him several feet under.
Without another word, he grabbed his phone and dialled.
---
Back at the house, Peter wasted no time arranging the meeting. His contact, Mr. Hale, arrived quicker than I expected. The moment the sleek black car pulled up, I felt a knot tighten in my stomach.
Mr. Hale was tall, impeccably dressed, and radiated an air of wealth. It was no surprise since he was the supposed Beta of a wealthy man. His expression was neutral as he walked into the house, carrying a briefcase.
“Mr. Michaels,” he greeted Peter, his tone brisk. “I’m here to finalise everything. This is the agreed amount.” He placed the briefcase on the table and clicked it open, revealing stacks of neatly arranged cash. His gaze flickered to me. “I'm guessing this is her?”
Anthony’s eyes gleamed as he leaned forward, practically salivating. “Yes, that's her, Serena Michaels. This will be more than enough,” he said, almost giddy.
I knew immediately that he was planning to blow all that money at a betting poll and I'd be damned if I let that happen.
Mr. Hale nodded. “It should cover all outstanding medical expenses and provide additional funds for your family’s needs.”
Before Anthony could grab the money, I stepped forward, clearing my throat. “Mr. Hale, can I have a word with you?”
Anthony frowned, clearly irritated. “Serena, what are you doing?”
He was clearly afraid I would mess things up for him.
“Just give me a minute,” I said, not taking my eyes off Mr. Hale.
He raised an eyebrow but followed me to the corner of the room.
“What is it, Miss Michaels?” he asked, his tone polite but impatient.
“Don’t give him the money for my mother’s treatment,” I said, keeping my voice low. “He’ll waste it on something else.”
Mr. Hale studied me for a moment before nodding. “Understood. I’ll ensure the funds are directed to the hospital directly.”
“Thank you,” I whispered, relief washing over me.
When we returned, Anthony looked suspicious but said nothing as Mr Hale closed the briefcase and stood up.
“Pleasure doing business. The money will be sent to the hospital now to clear the bills,” Mr. Hale said curtly, and the disappointment on Anthony's face was evident. Then he turned to me. “The car will take you to the pack house shortly. Are you ready?”
No, I wasn’t ready. Not for this, not for any of it. But I nodded.
---
The ride to the CrystalGrey pack felt endless. The air inside the car was thick with tension, and I couldn’t stop my mind from racing. What kind of man was Alpha Xander? The rumours painted him as ruthless, cold, and possessive—a man who saw people as tools to be used.
When we arrived, the sheer size of the pack house took my breath away. It wasn’t just a house; it was a fortress. Like an entire city built behind the gates. It was simply stunning and I couldn't even begin to describe the magnificent mansions scattered around.
It was almost hard to believe that this was just his house, not the entire pack.
I was led through the grand halls to a large office. The room was dimly lit, dominated by a massive desk and lined with bookshelves that spoke of both wealth and intelligence. This must be his study.
“Miss Michaels,” a smooth baritone called out and I almost lost my breath. “It’s a pleasure to have you here.”
“Thank you,” I replied, my voice was more confident than I felt. I couldn't see who was talking because he was standing in the darkest corner of the room.
He stepped into my line of sight, under the light, and my knees went weak. It felt like the temperature of the room had dropped by ten degrees. He was… striking.
‘Mate!’
I shivered as he stepped closer, towering over me, those piercing violet orbs holding my eyes captive. The pleasant jasmine scent emanating from him caressed my nostrils.
'Mate!’ my wolf leapt again, and I paled out. This had to be a joke right? What did she mean by this stranger was our mate?
We've barely even met! Or was it because he was handsome and it was confusing her?
That had to be it right?
He was a lot younger than I expected, with long, curly black hair and a build best suited for a god.
His eyes raked through me for a few seconds and I never felt more naked in my entire life.
'He's our mate, Serena! He's ours!’ my giddy wolf chanted. But if that was true, wouldn't he have known? I mean, look at him; he has this unreadable stoic expression. No one looks like that around their mate, do they?
“You understand why you’re here?” he asked, his gaze locking back with mine.
“Yes,” I said, swallowing hard, ignoring my wolf's restlessness. There was no way I was going to embarrass myself before this man.
“Good. Sit” He walked to the desk and leaned against it, crossing his arms. I timidly pulled the seat next to him, struggling to pretend that his aura didn't terrify the life out of me.
It was even more difficult to concentrate with my wolf screaming in my head, yet he sat across me, going through his files nonchalantly. Like he felt nothing. And I was more than certain he didn't.
“This is a three-year business arrangement. You are to provide an heir or heirs within the specified period, and I provide financial security. There will be no emotional entanglements, no expectations beyond what is agreed upon.”
His tone was so detached, so matter-of-fact, that it took me by surprise. He handed over the set of documents to me.
“There are limits,” he continued. “You’ll have your own quarters, your privacy will be respected, and you’ll have freedom within the pack house. However, you will adhere to my rules.”
I blinked, unsure how to respond. He was nothing like the controlling monster I’d imagined. If anything, he seemed more interested in setting boundaries than exploiting them.
“Do you have any questions?” he asked, tilting his head slightly.
“No,” I said quickly and my wolf was just about to protest when I shut her out. I have heard countless stories to know that declaring an Alpha as mate when he didn't recognize the bond himself was a bad move.
“Good, read the contract and sign it. Your work begins tonight.”
- Writer
