Chapter 4

Silvia Alpha Sherman's expression softened—just a little. But the tension between us was thick, like ice that could crack with a single wrong word. His eyes were locked on me—not just scanning my body, but reading something deeper. Something raw. "I have to admit," he said finally, his deep voice low and measured, "you've got guts. Not many people would dare pitch a deal like that to an Alpha." His thumb was still casually drawing slow circles on my wrist, sending a chill up my spine that I hated how much I felt. "But courage is cheap," he added, eyes narrowing. "Tell me—what else do you have that a hundred other she-wolves don't?" I swallowed hard, my wolf Keal growling protectively inside me. This was the moment of truth. "I can give you exactly what you need," I said, keeping my voice firm. "And if you've got more conditions, just say it." Something flickered in his gaze—something dark. Maybe interest. Maybe something more primal. "I like your honesty," he said, voice dropping a notch. "That's rare. So what I want… is obedience. In every way. " His voice dropped, roughened. His hand dropped from my wrist, but he stepped in closer, towering over me. "Including between the sheets." His scent—woodsy, strong, spiced with rum—hit me like a wave. I lifted my chin, forcing myself to stand my ground. "Let's get one thing straight," I said, my voice low but clear. "This deal we're making—it's a public arrangement. Nothing more." He tilted his head. I could tell he wasn't used to hearing NO. A slow, dangerous smile spread across his lips. "If you want my name, Silvia," he said, voice dropping to a dangerous whisper, "you take everything that comes with it." His meaning couldn't have been clearer. "No," I shook my head sharply. "That wasn't part of the deal. I'll marry you for one year - on paper only." Alpha Sherman's laugh was cold. "Did you really think I'd agree to a sexless arrangement? You're offering me a business transaction, so let's be clear about the terms. You want my money, my protection, my name. I want a wife who performs all wifely duties." My face burned. "I can't. It would complicate things." "How so?" His eyes narrowed. I looked away. "Because feelings might develop. And that's not what this is about." "Afraid you'll fall for me?" His tone was mocking. "No," I said. "I'm afraid you'll develop expectations I can't meet when this ends." Alpha Sherman moved closer, his fingers tracing a line from my jaw to my collarbone. I tried not to shiver. "Here's what I can offer you," he said, his voice like velvet wrapped around steel. "I'll make sure Zack crawls on his knees. I'll have the world's finest cardiac surgeon fly in for your brother's operation. You'll never have to worry about money again - you can pursue your music, finish your studies, do whatever you desire." He paused, his gaze intensifying. ""But what you can offer me is far too little. I could form a pact with any she-wolf and indulge in carnal pleasure. You're merely a fun bargaining chip for my revenge against my brother. I don't want a Luna who's just for show." My heart hammered in my chest. Everything I needed - Noah's life, revenge against Zack, financial security to pursue my dreams - all within reach, but at what cost? "You're asking me to prostitute myself," I whispered, even as Keal whined in conflict inside me. "I'm asking you to be my mate in every sense of the word," he corrected smoothly. "The choice is yours." I closed my eyes briefly. Noah's pale face in that hospital bed flashed through my mind. My brother, who had always protected me, who needed me now. "Fine," I finally said, my voice stronger than I felt. "But if you go back on any of your promises, I will ruin you, Alpha or not." Alpha Sherman's laugh was genuine this time, almost warm. "You can certainly try, little wolf." He checked his watch like he owned time itself. "We leave now. My chaplain will have us married by sunset." My stomach dropped. Now? Panic fluttered behind my ribs. "I can't—not yet. Noah needs me at the hospital. And I have to file a leave from university, quit my job—" Alpha Sherman studied me, his icy blue gaze lingering as though I were a puzzle he'd only just decided was worth solving. There was something in his expression—not quite respect, but something close to anger. Then his eyes darkened, as if remembering something unspoken. Noah. Alpha Sherman knew more than he let on—I could feel it. The way his jaw tightened slightly at the mention of my brother's name… "Your brother comes first," he said, and for the first time, his voice held something almost resembling softness. "That's… admirable." Before I could process what felt like a moment of genuine acknowledgment, he'd pulled out his phone. My breath caught as he dialed, his eyes never leaving mine. "This is Alpha Sherman Carter," he said, cool and commanding. "Prepare an OR immediately. Bypass surgery. Patient's name is Noah Brown." My heart stuttered. He's doing it. Just like that. "Yes, today. Within the hour. VIP treatment—private suite, dedicated staff, whatever he needs." A pause. Then, his voice lowered, deliberate and clear. "My relation?" He held my gaze, unwavering. "He's my brother." The world tilted. My brother. Shock rendered me silent, my thoughts spinning. Why would he say that? Was it protection? Or possession? He ended the call, a faint, knowing smile playing on his lips. "How did you—" I started, my voice thin, disbelieving. "I'm an your Alpha, Silvia," he said smoothly, as though that explained everything. And perhaps it did. He guided me toward the door, his hand resting firmly against the small of my back.