The Mafia Alpha's Hired Bride

Chapter 10

"I smell vampires..." Jasper's voice was heavy, cold, and laced with vigilance.

Deeya jolted. Her heart hammered faster, as if a terrible premonition had just pierced straight through her body.

"Nick, do you smell it too?" Jasper asked, not dropping his guard for a second.

Nick, standing not far behind, inhaled deeply as well. His jaw tightened, his eyes narrowing. "Yes, Boss." His body immediately tensed, shifting into a defensive stance as if a threat could come at any moment.

Deeya felt Jace's small hand suddenly grip hers tightly. The boy looked up, staring at his mother with brave eyes. "Don't be afraid, Mommy. We'll all protect you."

The words made Deeya's breath catch. A boy that small was already speaking like a tiny soldier. Jasper looked at Jace, then patted his head with a tone that was more firm than gentle. "Wait your turn, kid. A fight isn't a game."

Silence crept in, so thick that even the sound of breathing felt ominous. The leaves overhead barely moved. Deeya could hear her own heartbeat thundering in her ears.

Then, a rustling sound broke from the bushes in the distance. All eyes turned at once. From behind the dense foliage, a young man emerged with casual yet arrogant strides. A sly smirk was carved across his face as he walked closer.

Jasper tensed, his eyes turning to ice. "Frank..." his voice was low, yet brimming with menace. "What are you doing here?"

The young man—Frank—grinned wider. "Jasper, my dearest brother! Are you surprised to see me?"

Deeya froze. Brother? That man... is Jasper's brother? Her thoughts churned. There was something about the way this man smiled, as if every curve carried danger. That gaze made the hairs on her nape prickle.

"Why are you here?" Jasper demanded, his tone grim and serious.

Frank dipped his head slightly, as if mocking him. "Of course I came to see you. And..." his eyes shifted, stripping Deeya from head to toe with a stare that made her sick, "...to meet your mate."

Deeya stepped back, feeling violated and threatened. Frank's stare wasn't just rude, it was the stare of a predator eyeing fresh prey.

"It seems you've already found a doll to dress up," Frank sneered, tilting his chin toward Deeya. "Hey, I heard Jasper kicked out Derek, your most loyal Beta, all for this human?"

Deeya was stunned. Before she could answer, Jasper was already fixing his brother with a murderous glare. "That has nothing to do with her. Show some respect, Frank."

Frank raised an eyebrow, his tone challenging. "Oh? Are you planning to kick me out too, just because of her?"

His gaze fell on Deeya again, sharper this time, full of hatred. "I want to know what kind of dirty tricks you've got, for a human w***e. A dress won't hide how cheap your bones are."

The words stabbed deep, like a dagger plunging into Deeya's heart. Her breath caught, her face tightening. Damn it. Why do these wolves love to belittle me so much?! Fury boiled inside her chest.

"Frank!" Jasper's voice exploded, its sharp edge like a wolf's snarl. "I'm warning you one last time. Deeya is my mate!"

Frank scoffed. "So what?"

Jasper ignored the taunt and instead turned to Deeya. His gaze pierced deep into her, as if testing her. "Deeya... we're getting married soon. I want to know your thoughts on this."

For a fleeting moment, Deeya caught something in Jasper's eyes a challenge, and at the same time, a hope. He knows. Jasper is pushing me to face that insult myself. He's testing me. He wants to know if I'm strong enough, worthy enough, to stand by his side. Fine, then. I'll prove that I'm worthy of being an Alpha's mate.

Deeya drew a deep breath, reining in her emotions, then stepped forward and faced Frank without flinching. "Is Derek really that important?" she asked calmly.

Frank's eyes bulged. "What?"

Deeya didn't stop. She stepped beside Jasper, then steadily placed her hand on the man's arm. "I'm Jasper's mate. Derek was merely one of his many followers. If he didn't respect me, that means he didn't respect Jasper. Isn't that right?"

Frank's eyes widened, clearly not expecting Deeya to dare fight back. His jaw hardened, but his tongue was tied.

"But... Derek's father is an elder in our pack. He's always been loyal!" Frank shot back, his raised voice betraying his nerves.

Deeya narrowed her eyes. "Loyal? If he were truly loyal, he would support every decision Jasper makes. Jasper declared that I'm his mate, yet he still insulted me. Is that what you call loyalty?"

Frank stammered. His words died in his throat, unable to retaliate.

Jasper smirked, satisfied to see his brother cornered. His arm wrapped around Deeya's waist, pulling her closer. "Deeya is right. Derek is no longer a Beta I trust. Besides, he chose to side with you long ago, Frank."

Frank stiffened, his eyes flashing with fury. "So you've already made your decision about this woman?"

Jasper stared at him coldly. "Of course. Deeya is the mate the Moon Goddess chose for me. And I'm happy with her."

Deeya's feelings churned. Even though I know he's lying, it still sounded sweet... but why does it feel like I've heard those words before?

Jasper's hand stroked her waist, while his gaze sharpened with menace aimed at Frank. "Don't act tough in front of me, Frank. You and I both know Derek betrayed me. I have no place for traitors in my pack."

Frank smiled bitterly, though his face remained taut. "Fine, Jasper. Since you've spoken so plainly, then listen to me as well. In two months, I'll become Alpha. I'm sure of it. Everyone knows Father prefers me over you."

Jasper stared at him icily. "But I'm stronger than you. And only the strongest wolf can become Alpha and lead the pack."

The two brothers stared each other down, the tension between them like two swords poised to strike.

Frank smiled slyly, then turned away. "Is that so? We'll see who's truly the strongest. Well, I have to go now. But before I leave, let me remind you..." he paused, his eyes glinting with malicious intent. "...the vampires are hunting you."

The words were like poison left hanging in the air before Frank vanished behind the trees.

Deeya wrapped her arms around herself, shuddering. "Were... were there vampires stalking us?" she whispered, her face pale.

Jasper scanned the surroundings coldly, his eyes still blazing sharp. "They're gone now. Let's get out of here immediately."

---

The day had grown dark, and the sun no longer showed its light. The journey back to the villa felt impossibly long and exhausting, their minds still steeped in tension.

That night, the villa felt far too quiet. The dim lamps along the corridor only added to the ominous atmosphere after the encounter with Frank earlier that day. Deeya stepped softly down the stairs, making sure Jace was truly fast asleep in his room. The child's small breaths still echoed in her ears, offering a sliver of calm.

But when she reached the living room, Deeya stopped short. There, Jasper sat alone on the black leather sofa. His body leaned back heavily, as if he were bearing an invisible weight. In his hand, a glass of whiskey was nearly empty, and in one motion he drained the rest of it.

"Oh... sorry," Deeya said hesitantly, her steps halting at the threshold. "I didn't know you were here."

Jasper turned slowly. His gaze was sharp, yet there was something faint behind his eyes exhaustion, or perhaps an old wound that had just been touched. "Jace is asleep?" he asked curtly.

"Yeah... he seemed really worn out today." Deeya smiled faintly, trying to ease the atmosphere.

"Nick said he trained well. Stronger than we expected." Jasper let out a soft scoff, then tapped his fingers against the armrest of the seat beside him. The signal was clear. "Come here and drink with me."

A subtle flutter stirred in Deeya's chest. She walked closer and sat down beside him. "I like that idea," she murmured, glancing at the empty bottle on the table. "Besides... my life is in your hands now."

Jasper turned his head quickly. His stare was piercing. "Deeya," his voice was low, serious, "I'm not in the mood for jokes tonight."

Deeya's heart pounded. This was the first time she had heard Jasper say her name so clearly. There was something heavy in that tone, as if the man had peeled back a thin layer of the steel that usually encased him.

Without further words, Jasper nodded toward the liquor cabinet in the corner of the room. "Grab me a few more bottles."

"Alright, sir... whiskey?" she asked, trying to sound light.

A short nod. "I like hard liquor."

Deeya rose and walked toward the large cabinet. When she opened it, her eyes widened slightly shelves filled with expensive bottles lined up neatly, reflecting the dim lamplight. She grabbed a bottle of whiskey, then returned to sit beside Jasper.

"So," she said carefully, pouring the drink into his glass, "what's bothering you? Is it because of... that annoying brother of yours, Frank?"

For a split second, Jasper's jaw tightened. "Don't say that name in front of me."

"Okay..." Deeya smiled faintly. "So it is him, huh?"

Jasper stared blankly into his glass. "We've never gotten along. Everyone in the pack knows that."

"That was pretty obvious, wasn't it?" Deeya replied.

"It's more than that." His voice deepened further. "We fought once... nearly killed each other. Father allowed me to take some members and leave, far away to Seattle. Just to prevent bloodshed."

Deeya swallowed hard. She weighed her words before finally asking quietly, "So... what really happened between you two? I mean, Frank's annoying, sure, but... aren't you blood brothers?"

Jasper's gaze shifted. His dark eyes were now cold, dangerous, sealing shut everything that had briefly been visible moments before. His lips curved faintly, but without warmth. "Woman," he said softly but sharply, "this is only a fake relationship. You don't need to know too much."

Deeya sighed, half annoyed. Even though he's the one who started this conversation... she thought. But she didn't retreat. Deliberately, she leaned her body closer, staring at Jasper more intently.

"Really? Is there nothing about this relationship that feels real to you? You can say that, but I know..." her lips curved faintly, her hand slowly touching Jasper's chest. "...there's a part of you that wants me."

Jasper's body went rigid instantly. In one motion, he seized Deeya's hand, gripping it firmly. His gaze was dangerous, dark shadows swirling within it. "Don't move," his voice was almost a growl. "There's a price to pay for teasing me."

Deeya only smiled faintly, her eyes challenging. "And I want to know... what that price is."

Her other hand lifted slowly, tracing the line of Jasper's jaw until it touched his Adam's apple, teasing him there. Deeya could feel the strong pulse beneath his skin, and even though Jasper swallowed hard, his face remained cold, nearly unshakable.

But his voice was heavy, full of pressure. "Don't provoke me. Now, pour me a drink."

Deeya bit her lower lip, holding back a meaningful smile. He won't admit it. Fine, Jasper... I'll make you surrender. I'll prove that this isn't just a deal. I want you to know that you have feelings for me.

And in that moment, Deeya's subtle game began—testing the limits of Jasper's patience, teasing, forcing the man to confront himself... and the feelings he had buried so deep for so long.