#Chapter 6: The Contract

—Third Person POV— Asher had always assumed that his entirely different look would protect him from ever being recognized, even by those in his distant past. His hair, once black, had been dyed the sandy blond it was now - something that was a constant upkeep whenever his roots would begin to show. It’d grown out at least three inches, transforming him into a more rugged male. On top of that, Asher used a cologne that was infused with pheromones to completely change his scent. In a world full of wolves, your scent was your most identifiable trait. His secret would have been out in a matter of days if he hadn’t figured out how to change his unique scent. Now, even his uncle would struggle to find him. When he was younger, his skin had been a lot fairer, smooth with no sign of distress. The skin of a pampered prince, someone who never had to work labor a day in his life. He was far more muscular today, his skin darkened from the hours in the sun, hunting or building. He was covered in scrapes and scars, a story behind each and every one. He’d matured, his face chiseling out, his youth now erased from existence. There was nothing linking him to the prince he’d once been, yet the Elder standing in front of him was an exception. Because this Elder had been his teacher many years ago. Thirteen, to be exact. Life must have been hard on him, because it seemed like he’d aged thirty years instead of thirteen. The hard lines of his face were harshly pronounced, his eyes shadowed with dark circles. Ouch. “It’s good to see you,” Asher said, and Sienna stiffened in his arms, subtly pulling away from his touch. She could sense something was up - who wouldn’t? The tension was palpable in the air. He hoped the Elder would realize his silent request to not do this now. Not in front of Sienna. It was lucky enough that she hadn’t recognized the Elder literally addressing Asher as prince. Asher tightened his grip on Sienna, pulling her in closer, noticing the way her breath caught in her throat. She’s acting like she’s never been this close to a man before. Yet just a night ago they were much more than close. “So…you know each other?” Sienna finally asked, inspecting the Elder. “We do,” Asher spoke up first, wanting control of the conversation. “He was actually my teacher a while back. I was his top student.” He couldn’t help the little bit of pride that seeped into his words. “Y-yes,” the Elder spluttered, doing a terrible job of keeping calm. Was it really that much of a shock? Apparently, Asher muttered to himself. “I’d love to catch up with him,” Asher said, leaning towards Sienna. Again, her breath caught in her throat, her face obviously flushing. I really make her that nervous? Asher chuckled to himself. He knew he was a good looking man, his effect on people often making their knees tremble. He was thankful Sienna didn’t press for more details, though he knew she wouldn’t do that in front of an Elder. Instead, he’d be cornered later today, when they were alone. “Of course,” she said softly, untangling herself from his grasp and stepping away. She nodded to the Elder and dismissed herself, sparing one last glance over her shoulder at Asher before she disappeared into the main square. Once Sienna was safely gone, Asher pulled the Elder in for a hug. “It really is good to see you, sir,” he said to him softly. “I apologize for the surprise.” “I most definitely did not expect to see you,” the Elder murmured, wiping the sweat from his brow. “Tell me, what have you been doing?” “I’ve been well,” he replied, not sure how much he wanted to explain. Better safe than sorry. “I’d love to make my return to the classroom in say, six months?” Asher watched for any hint of recognition in the Elder’s eyes, but he saw none. He sure couldn’t outright say he was planning to resume his title of ‘the prince who was actually alive’…so it would have to stay cryptic. “Six months,” the Elder nodded distantly, the realization sinking in. “Yes. Six months. It would be a pleasure.” He didn’t mention anything else, careful not to expose any plans. “No one can know,” Asher said anyway, needing the verbal confirmation. “No one can know what?” Sienna’s curious voice reached his ears, and he cursed himself. Had he really been that loud? “Just the state of some parts of the pack.” Asher lied so easily, groomed by years of hiding. Sienna looked annoyed, doubt filling her expression. Doubt that was directed straight at Asher. She knew he was lying, but oh well. “I’d better tend to some other Council duties,” the Elder spoke up, sensing the tension returning. “Hopefully we can chat further soon, sir,” Asher nodded, bowing his head in respect. Soon, the Elder was gone, leaving him and Sienna alone. Here we go, Asher thought to himself bitterly. “I finally wrote up our contract,” Sienna said cooly, ushering him inside his place. “I’d like to go over it.” She sounded ten times more distant than she had before she’d left. His place was a mess, but she didn’t bat an eye at that. “I’ve outlined all the rights and obligations for this relationship,” Sienna said formally, making Asher squirm a little in discomfort. She placed the paper down, which was at least five pages. “Aside from the basics - like exclusivity, privacy and the separation of assets - there are a few things I want to highlight,” she began, flipping to the third page. Asher skimmed the first paragraph, his eyes widening at what it said. “I get paid $7000 a month to be your husband?” He was taken aback, never having expected that. Not that he needed the money - he was filthy rich as it was, easily making fifty times that in a single day. “It’s only fair. You’re upending whatever your life is to help me.” Sienna gave him a half shrug, trying to seem nonchalant but failing. He saw right through her. But still, he smiled. She was serious about this whole thing - enough so to write up a contract. He respected it. “$7000 a month, we’re exclusive, our assets stay our own, and this is all one big secret. We’ll present a strong, unified front,” Asher repeated the most important rules back. “Yes, because we all love to keep secrets here,” Sienna muttered, throwing a very not subtle shade. “If you have no other questions, sign please.” She pushed the paper towards him, her eyes averted down. “As you wish,” Asher smiled, a tease in his eyes as he signed. “My lady.” Her eyes darted up to meet his, and he could smell the wave of heat that passed over her. “Um.” She was flustered, and he liked it. “Now that we got that part out of the way...” She slid the contract aside, standing up straight. “Next up, you’ll be living with me.” Now that was going to be a problem.