Wild Wolves

Chapter 9 – Insulted

Mylee’s POV

By the time I had reread the entire contract for a third time, I had decided the things I wanted in return. There was a knock on the door, and I called out to say that I was decent, while I put the document in the drawer and the door opened.

Kimmi came in with about 10 bags and put them on the floor by the couch under the window, followed closely by Cal who was carrying the mini-fridge. It suddenly occurred to me why I would need it.

I was not leaving this room until either I refused to sign the contract and went home, or we mated and marked, and I became Luna. It was clear both Kimmi and Cal knew. As my face gave away my sudden realisation, Cal scurried out of the room and Kimmi sat on the couch.

“Luna, you need to eat.” She said softly, pointing to the food that was going cold on the desk.

“Mylee. My name is Mylee.” I said, trying to smile through my sadness.

“It’s a very pretty name,” She said sincerely.

“Thanks. Can I ask you something?” I picked at the food, but I felt rude with my back to her.

“Sure. I will try and answer anything I can for you.” her voice was quite soothing.

“Is he a good Alpha?” She coughed a little, and I turned to look at her. I could see the surprise on her face. “Is that a, no?” I added, taking her reaction to being the answer.

“Wait. No. That’s not my answer. It’s just, of all the questions I thought you were going to ask, that was not one of them.” She admitted. “Lexis isn’t a bad man, Mylee. He is a victim of circumstance, loyalty, and duty. He is a good Alpha. He just isn’t very personable. Maybe you could change that. If you choose to stay.” The small twitch of her lip told me she didn’t believe that.

“Should I stay?” I asked, trying to gauge her reaction. I didn’t know her from Adam, but she didn’t seem like someone who would refrain from giving an opinion.

She looked at me, her small sad eyes giving away far more than she would have known. Her slim lips curled into a slightly unnatural smile. “If anyone can change him, you can, Mylee.”

“But….” I knew she had more to say.

She shook her head, unwilling to speak. “Please Kimmi. I will never repeat anything you say to me.”

She sighed heavily, “Don’t do it Mylee. He doesn’t know how to love. He doesn’t want you, but he doesn’t want anyone else to have you either. He won’t mean to hurt you. But he will. You seem far too kind to be broken by him.”

“What happened to him to make him that way?” I asked, wondering if there was any hope for him. For us.

“Nothing.” She said sadly. “He has always been that way. When he was younger, he was much better at hiding it. I guess now he is Alpha, he doesn’t need to as much. He was good to his sister, and he had a large group of friends. But the female omegas of the pack knew the real him. We were too scared to say anything.”

“We?” I was shocked at the revelations.

“I’ve said too much.” She stood, panic in her eyes, “Please Mylee. Please. He’s not like that now. Not with the omega’s anyway. He’s not violent to women, he’s pleasant enough. He’s just… He’s…”

“Just a forceful, womanising, cold, calculated, arrogant and unfeeling b.astard.” I finished for her. “Don’t worry. I will never tell a soul what you have said here tonight. Thank you for being honest with me.”

She looked at me with pity. It made my stomach churn uneasily. “I should go. Everything you need for at least a few days is in the bags, but I will come back tomorrow and visit if you are still here.”

I nodded, “Thanks. I’d like that. If I am still here.” I sighed.

She left and locked me in. I didn’t hold it against her. It wasn’t her fault. At least she had been honest with me. I walked over to the desk, opened the drawer, and pulled out the contract. Holding it in my hands, I wanted to tear it into a thousand pieces.

What was the point of making amendments if this was going to be nothing more than a contractual agreement? Adding clauses to try and make the whole thing less tacky, seems pointless now. Instead of tearing it up, I took the pen that had been in the drawer with it and signed it.

He got what he wanted, but more importantly, I would have the opportunity of getting what I wanted in return. I had just signed my life willingly to the devil himself. It did not feel good. The food on the desk had gone cold, it was late and, despite my impromptu nap, I felt drained.

I couldn’t even be bothered to look in the bags Kimmi had left. I went to the bathroom, got ready for bed, and got comfortable. It was comfortable and pulling Mykah’s cardigan to my pillow, I fell into a dream, fuelled asleep.

When I woke, the shutter on the window was still down. I looked at my watch and it was early. It was going to be a long day stuck in this room. I leisurely went to the bathroom and got showered. Putting on the clothes I had brought with me, I decided to look through the untouched bags.

I was interested to see what Lexis had deemed suitable for me to wear. Moreover, I was intrigued to know if he had got my sizes right. I was shocked to discover the man had impeccable taste in women’s clothing. I just hoped that didn’t make him vain. Although I wasn’t holding my breath.

Not only that, but everything was in the correct size, even down to my underwear. This meant one of two things. He was either a man w.hore who could tell cup size by a glance, or it was a very lucky guess. I didn’t think it unreasonable to assume the worst, and it filled me with dread.

I had agreed to enter this arrangement with someone who was likely to hurt me. Both mentally, with his lack of real interest and physically, from the pain. For indiscretions cause the person who is cheated on, in mated couples, severe physical discomfort.

I was going to have to toughen up. I only hoped I found what I needed soon, and then I could walk away. It said nothing in the contract about rejecting him after we had mated. Probably because it was unheard of.

Any documented incidents of this occurring stated the person who did the rejecting, died. Therefore, it would seem reasonable to think neither one of us would. He didn’t know I had Mattie though, and he was my trump card.

The click of the door unlocking made me still. There was a light knock on the door. “Come in,” I said, with a little more irritancy in my tone than intended.

Lexis walked in carrying a brown bag and a takeaway cup. “Breakfast,” he said flatly. “I didn’t know what to drink, so I brought you tea, but I can get something else if you prefer.”

“Tea is fine.” I returned his bored tone.

He looked over at the uneaten food on the tray. “Did you not like the food?”

“It was fine, I wasn’t hungry.” And my stomach grumbled on cue.

“Seems like you are now.” He raised his brow marginally and handed me the brown bag that had 4 freshly baked croissants in it. “I got you almond, plain, chocolate and pecan. I didn’t know which you would prefer.”

“Thanks.” I tried not to sound overly grateful, I didn’t want to give him the satisfaction of knowing how much I adored them, but they smelt amazing, and I knew my eyes had given me away.

“Dig in. I have a meeting now, but I will come back as soon as it is done. We have a lot to discuss.” He had left before I had even opened my mouth to respond.

When he returned several hours later, he had a briefcase with him. Still dressed in his suit, he gestured for me to go to the couch while he sat at the desk. He looked all business as he took out his laptop, set it up, and retrieved the contract from the drawer.

“Have you looked over the contract?” He didn’t even look at me as he spoke.

“Yes.”

“Good. What clauses would you like to include or amend?” He opened the document on his laptop.

“None. I have signed it.”

He turned to the signature strip of the paper copy of the document and turned to look at me with a glimmer of surprise on his perfectly handsome features. “None?”

“That’s what I said. My signature is valid.” I clarified.

“I wasn’t questioning your signature, Mylee.” He sighed, turning his head away from me and back to the laptop. It was the first time since we had left Scafell that he had called me by my name. There was something in the way he said it that made me feel sad. “You must have some considerations.”

“What exactly did you think I would want Lexis? What were you prepared to agree to?” I crossed my legs and stared at the back of his head.

“You want to be Luna. I am giving you what you want. I just assumed after yesterday you would want to negotiate an allowance.”

I nearly choked on the air. “Take the fvcking signed contract Lexis and leave. This conversation is over. You can come back tonight and complete the process so I can get out of this claustrophobic room.”

The anger I felt at his assumption that I would walk away from my family and agree to this bvllshit because I wanted a title made me feel physically sick. I ran to the bathroom and threw up. Chocolate Croissant will never be the same again.

“This contract is not valid if you are pregnant with another man's child.” He said as he stood in the doorway to the bathroom as I finished throwing up my breakfast.

Could he be any more vulgar? He assumed, because I was happy to sign despite the tasteless contract, that it must be because I wanted a title or was knocked up. Kimmi was right, he was messed up and not even as his fated mate was I going to be able to help him.

I rinsed my mouth and sat on the toilet seat for a moment trying to control my body as it shook with anger. I heard the door to my room shut. He left. Good. I needed to be alone. I walked back into the bedroom, only to find Lexis walking towards me with a small bag. He handed it to me. “Take it. You will have to allow me to watch to ensure you do it properly.”

I opened the bag to see a pregnancy test inside. “Please tell me you are joking,” I stated in sheer shock.

“I don’t joke.” He wasn’t kidding. I wasn’t expecting to be mated to a comedian, but this guy could give Cruella de Vil a run for her money.

I ripped the box open, took out the test, pulled down my pants and peed on the stick. Replacing the cap, I pulled up my clothes and threw the stick at him. “I’m a fvcking virgin you prick. I was saving myself for my mate! Now take the stick and fvck off. you don't deserve me.”

If Mykah could hear me now, she would be horrified. She would also probably laugh and be proud of me. I was never one for inappropriate language. I have never seen the need to use it. However, right now, there were not enough expletives in the world to describe what I thought of this man. I missed Mykah.

Any idea I may have had that we could have built a relationship and been happy had firmly been lost. He packed up his laptop and stared at the test, leaving it on the desk.

“If you are not pregnant, and you don’t care about being Luna, what is it you gain from this?” He asked quietly, unable to look at me.

“I wanted my mate,” I said honestly, leaving out my hope to gain the information I sought. Originally, I had wanted both, but I knew that was no longer possible, nor did I want it to be. “I can now see that it was a pipe dream, Lexis. So, don’t worry, I won’t even try, and I certainly don’t expect you to. In fact, I would prefer it if you didn’t, unless we are in public, and it is necessary.”

“You still want to go ahead with this?” He said, looking entirely confused. He was a man of few emotions, but it would seem confusion was the one I invoked, in the majority.

“I already signed it,” I said flatly. “Now please, go.”

He took the contract and tore it up, leaving it on the desk. “I will make arrangements for you to be returned to your pack.” He turned on his heel to leave.

“Wait!” I called out, startling him. “Who said I wanted to return?”

“It is clear you don’t want to stay,” he said abruptly.

“Let’s get one thing straight. I don’t do anything I don’t want or choose to do. I may not like this situation, Lexis, and I may think this contract is crass. However, I would never have signed it if I had wanted to leave.” I said angrily.

Did he think I was a complete pushover? That I was so weak I couldn’t make a valid and conscious decision. He angered me so much. “What reason do you have to stay now? Because I know you aren’t doing this for my benefit”, he stuck the knife in and twisted it.

“Well, clearly not for any love or affection from you!” I spat. “I have my reasons. And before you ask, no, I am not a spy.”

“I will return when you have calmed down. Then, you will tell me exactly why you are willing to sign. If we both still want to proceed, we will discuss suitable additions and amendments to ensure the contract is fair. We will sign it together there and then.”

“Fine.” I managed to have the last word, even if it was feeble. He walked through the door and all but slammed it before locking me back in.

Kimmi said she would return today, but she didn’t. There weren’t even any books in here, or any TV. Not that I watched it much anyway. I was dying of boredom already. A note slipped through the crack in the base of the door, and I eagerly ran over to retrieve it.

‘Hey Mylee, Sorry I can’t come. Alpha orders. Remember what I said. Take care, Kimmi’

That explains a lot. I sighed heavily and scrunched up the paper and hid it in the pocket of one of the cardigans. It would do no good for either of us if he saw that. Cal brought food, and this time, despite my anxiety, I ate it, just for something to do.

Just when I thought I couldn’t take anymore, the door unlocked, and Lexis walked back in. As much as I despised this man, I was grateful for human contact. It was quite pitiful really. He took a phone from his pocket, dialled a number and then handed it to me.

“Mylee?” It was Mal, and the relief of hearing a friendly voice, even if I knew he was worried, made me both elated and tearful.

“Mal…” I barely managed to squeak out. Lexis gave me a warning look and I took a sip of water from the glass I had by the bed. I needed to hold it together.

“Mylee! Thank the Goddess. We have been so worried about you! Do you need us to come and get you? Are you okay? Did he hurt you?” He blurted out in a flourish of worry and fear.

“Mal, slow down. I am okay! Stop panicking. He hasn’t hurt me, I am fine. Please don’t worry about me.” thinking on my feet, I made an excuse for my lack of calling them. “My phone broke, Lexis is getting me a new one. I’m sorry I haven’t been able to call sooner. I didn’t mean to worry you.” I wasn’t sure how convincing I was, but I hoped it was enough.

“Mylee, are you telling me the truth?” He questioned.

“Yes Mal,” I hated to lie. “Is Mykah there?”

The only reason I wanted to know if she was there was because she would be the only one to be certain if I wasn’t being truthful. That, and if I heard her voice I might crumble. I didn’t want to admit I was in over my head. I knew I could. I knew they would get me. But I also knew I needed to be here.

“No, do you want me to get her?” he offered quickly.

“No, no. Just let her know I am sorry I didn’t call, and thanks for the bag. As soon as I have a new phone, I will call her.” I knew even if I got it back tonight, I wouldn’t be able to call right away. Not because I couldn’t, but because I didn’t want to give myself away and her to worry.

“Okay. You can call any time you know,” he urged.

“I know.” I needed to end this call. My resolve was wavering, and Lexis was eyeballing me.

“Mum and Dad are here.” I knew he was trying to keep me on the phone.

“Am I on speaker?” I really hoped not.

“No, would you like me to put….” I couldn’t let him finish. I couldn’t hear their voices. I had to go.

“No, no, it’s fine. Mal, I am really tired, and It’s been a really long day. Thank you for calling. Please send my love to everyone. I will visit as soon as I am settled. I just need some time to adjust.” I blurted out trying to end the call. “I should go.” I sighed, knowing I was digging myself a hole.

“Wait, Mylee, adjust? Please, there is something you are not telling me!” Dammit. I knew he would pick up on that. Me and my big mouth.

“Seriously, everything here is good Mal,” I tried to keep it light, “I’m just tired, please don’t worry about me! I love you Mal, goodnight.”

“I love you Mylee. We will always be here if you need us.”

I knew it was true. I hung up feeling worse than I did before I had spoken to him. I handed him back the phone, not even looking up. As my hand reached out and he took the phone from me, our hands touched, and the sparks I felt between us sent a surge of warmth through me.

I didn’t want him to make me feel that way. When we had completed the union process, and I was marked, it would be so much more intense. It was at this point, for the first time in my life, that I felt like the mate bond was a curse and it killed me to even think it.

I quickly snatched my hand back, refusing to look up. “Now I am here, I may as well stay and we can discuss the contract if you are ready?” He said, in his usual distant tone.

I looked up at him and rolled my eyes, “Sure, I’ll just shuffle a few things around in my busy schedule.”

I thought I almost saw a flicker of a smile, but it was probably more like wishful thinking. “Before we start on the contract, please, tell me your reason for doing this.”

I looked over at the picture of my family to remind me why I was doing this. I sighed. Here goes nothing. Once we had done this, my life was no longer my own.