The Contract (My Perfect Mate Continued)

Breaking the News

We congregated around the large dining table, for what might be the last time for a while. Nora and Jackson were swooning over each other across from me. They were lost in deep conversation. Bryce and his mate, Briana, were chit-chatting to the left of me, they were giggling about something. I was happy for my siblings, but I longed for the bond that I thought that I didn't want. I zoned out the window and was mesmerized by the light reflecting off of the marble flooring by the windows. I was the only one eating in silence, the conversations going around the table were light and reminiscent of our childhood.

I thought about how it would feel to see Nora leave at the end of the month. I guess it didn't really sink in until now, now that it is reality. I thought I would be way more protective when it came to her mate. The truth is, she couldn't have been matched with a better man. Jackson and I always joked about being family one day. Although we thought it more likely that I would match with his sister, not the other way around.

I thought I was doing a good job at being a wall flower, but I was wrong.

Are you alright dear?

I looked up from my plate and saw my mom staring at me from the end of the table. I nodded and mustered a fake smile.

Yeah mom, I just have so much going on in my head right now.

She gave me an empathetic smile and reluctantly carried on with her conversation.

After the appropriate amount of time, I excused myself. I don't know exactly where I was heading, but I enjoyed the sunshine and fresh air. I knew that we had a meeting in a couple of hours, but I wanted to make sure that I had a clear mind walking into it.

I mindlessly climbed the ladder to the tree house. It wasn't quite what I had remembered it to be. It was being taken over by weeds and vines. It reminded me of my current state of mind. I don't know what came over me, but I aggressively started ripping away at the surrounding foliage. I was grunting and cursing as the vines gave way and tumbled down to the ground. Within minutes, I was panting out of exhaustion and frustration. I slumped down in the middle of the treehouse and couldn't help the tears that came to my eyes. I am such a control freak that I am prone to panic attacks. I don't pride myself on crying, but I was just so overwhelmed. Sometimes, when my emotions get too high, there's only one way that they escape. I was thankful to be a couple of stories up, away from prying eyes. I'm normally not one to show my emotions.

Once I was mentally drained, I sat and spaced out on the open field in front of me. To my surprise, I spotted several of the recruits wandering out onto the field down below. It was definitely not all of them, but I was pleased that a decent amount of them had intended on training today. I checked my watch and realized how late in the day it was. I had to shower and dress for the meeting. I jumped down to the ground with a thud. I wasn't in too much of a rush, so I leisurely walked towards the house.

******

"So what happens after today?" I was laid back in the chair with my ankle perched on the opposite knee.

"I honestly don't have an answer to that. We will have to see what Ms. Thea wants. Alpha Robert doesn't seem like the kind of guy that would make it public knowledge about this arrangement, his daughter included. We have to be prepared for her to be blind-sighted."

Right when I was about to respond, there was a hard knock on the door followed by Cade popping his head in. "Alpha, they are approaching."

Dad nodded tightly, "Thank you Cade."

I stood quickly and dad came to straighten my collar. "Just remember to keep a level head, Alpha Robert is not known for being tactful."

I nodded my head and took a deep breath just as I caught the scent of something familiar. Cinnamon and honey.

You've got to be f*****g kidding me.

****

Thea's POV

I was a bundle of nerves as dad and I walked down the hallway toward Alpha Gavin's office. I felt it unusual that he would want to meet with me. I was nobody. What would he want to speak to me about?

Dad sent me to Silver Moon for training purposes, at least that's what he told me. He thought a change of scenery might be good for me. He wasn't wrong, it was quite nice to get away from Red Moon for a while. I just missed so much of home. My mother the most. My dad was not known for being the most gentle man. He was used to getting his way, no matter the cost. I was used to the abuse and knew how to hide the bruises and scars well. That's where my tattoos came in handy. My mother was now a fragile creature because of him and I felt very protective over her. I was afraid that now that I would be spending the summer away, she would get the brunt of it once more.

My father never laid a hand on my older brothers. To him, they were an extension of himself. Mama and I were nothing more than little women, born to be beaten into submission. I grew up with such a twisted view of the world that, early on, I swore off the desire to be married and to have my own family. I didn't feel like continuing my father's bloodline, despite them not sharing his name. I was terrified that my sons would share the same cruelty as their grandfather.

I gulped loudly as we reached the office door. I closed my eyes and dad linked our elbows. I found it strange, he would never show affection in front of others. What's the difference now?

The double doors opened and I couldn't move my feet. Dad tugged on me and I reluctantly stepped into the room. I locked eyes with Alpha Anderson and my palms began to sweat. This was not good. When I met him last night, it was much more lighthearted. He was easy to get along with and talk to. Even without knowing him very well, I felt comfortable being around him. He wasn't bad to look at either.

He was easily 6'4" and was a wall of muscles. I loved the lone dimple on his left cheek when he smiled. His bright green eyes were gorgeous, like the rarest emeralds in the world. His copper curls were slicked back today. I didn't realize how long his hair really was. His light stubble made him appear older and wise beyond his years.

Despite me swooning over his looks, I was thankful not to feel a mate bond, at least not right now. I was afraid that my worst fears would come true, and I would fall head over heals for him.

"Alpha Robert," both of the alphas in front of me nodded their heads when they addressed my father. Alpha Gavin turned his gaze to me, "this must be your lovely daughter, Thea." I tried to muster a small smile and nodded my head. I knew better than to speak, not with dad holding tight to me. I saw Andy's gaze go between me and my father. The Alpha didn't look too happy with my father's grip. He extended his hand towards me, "Ms. Thea, would you like to come sit?" I looked up at my father and waited for his cue. When he nodded, I slipped my elbow out of his grip and took Andy's awaiting hand. He led me over to one of the chairs across from the large desk in the back of the room.

Dad cleared his throat behind me, "Thank you for taking in my daughter for the summer, Gavin. I think that it would do her well to get away from home for a while."

Alpha Gavin was nothing but gracious, "It's no trouble at all. I hear she is here to sharpen her skills on the battlefield?"

Dad stared straight ahead at him, "You and I both know the reason she is here."

Andy stood behind me, almost like he was protecting me. I had a rock forming in my stomach. It didn't take me long to put two and two together. Why was I not surprised? Of course, dad would have an ulterior motive. It all made sense now, he had tried so hard to match me with someone from home. He would constantly parade men in and out of our home, hoping that one of them would catch my eye. He knew how I felt about settling down and how against I was to the idea. For a while, I had hoped it would stop. I gulped down the lump in my throat and kept my mouth shut as I listened intently to what he had to say next.

Alpha Gavin looked frustrated, like his suspicions were correct, "Well then, would you like to tell her or should I?"

"Very well," Dad turned to me and had a warning in his voice, but his words were matter of fact. "Thea, you are here to become the Luna of Silver Moon. I have proposed an agreement with Alpha Anderson. You will sign a contract and be bound to him now."

I tried to hide the tears that sprang into my eyes. I tried to keep myself calm, but I was failing. I was bubbling over with anger, dad had gone too far this time. I suddenly needed air. I needed to be anywhere but here. I shakily stood from the chair and squared my shoulders. I exchanged looks with all three men surrounding me.

"Do I have a choice?" I said while staring straight ahead.

I was surprised that Alpha Gavin was the one to speak in this regard.

"Of course you do, Thea. Take all the time that you need."

"Well then, may I be excused?"

No one said anything, so I took that chance to head for the door. My heart was pounding in my ears and I was sweating profusely. I felt the walls closing in on me and I needed air desperately.