The Alpha Father's Game

Chapter 6: The Contract

Lucky sat at the brown table in her white sitting room rereading the contract. She found that it was a marriage contract for a she-wolf to become mated to one of the alpha's sons or the alpha. Rather, it was a mating contract. At first, she was not sure if she was reading it right, but she took it like she was researching a project for school. She read through it to understand and then reread it, writing down notes. It was a good thing she had asked for a notebook. She wrote a list for her and for the “participants”, as she called them, so she could understand what is expected from her and them. It may be taxing, but she did not want to leave anything up to Fate or chance.

Now, she was reading it for the fourth time, trying to be as meticulous as possible while waiting for the alpha. He was supposed to pick her up at her room for dinner. She was already dressed in a silver dress with its low-cut neckline and thick straps at the shoulders. It was bunched at her rear while flowing down to her ankles, which does not make sitting for a long time comfortable. It was more of a party dress than a dinner dress. She guessed it was going to be both tonight, since the Luna was supposed to welcome the guest. When there is no Luna, it falls to the beta , which leaves her questioning who was actually hosting tonight’s dinner.

She shook her head at that stupid thought. It was the alpha, of course, she told herself. He was the only logical conclusion, since he is the leader. She wanted to smack her head for that, but she knew that she had been reading this contract for too long. Her eyes have been narrowed to where her makeup feels like it was clumped on her eyelids. Every now and again, she would pinch her lips together to try not to smear her lipstick. Her shoulders stayed bunched and were sore from the tension filling her. Her straps did not help either, as they felt like they were rubbing them raw.

Lucky knows why she was doing this. She was unsure if she wanted to give up on true love to become someone’s mate and hoped that they would love her. Alpha Edge seemed cold and very domineering while kind towards her. But what were his sons like? Are they agreeing to this marriage contract or are they being forced into it by him? She could see the alpha forcing their will, especially since they had lost their mates. No wolf- female or male- would want to have a chosen mate after having a fated mate. That was, at least, what she was told.

However, she was unsure what the truth was and what the lie was, anymore. Lucy, Cullen, Ross, and a few omegas were the ones that educated her on being a werewolf. And they were the ones that warned her about Alpha Edge and his sons. Should she believe it or wait until what she was told is proven true? The scars are not on his face, which shows that Ross had lied to her. She was not sure if he did it for her benefit, though. She has a tendency to look people in the eye now that she is a wolf, unlike before when she was a shell of a girl.

A sigh slipped out of her as she straightened her body and rolled her shoulders to get rid of the pain. It did not help entirely, but there was some relief that made the burning pain go away. She looked around her room as she stretched out her arms and stood up from the wooden chair that needed a cushion. She looked at the brown painted mountains on one side of her wall, finding a smile slowly making its way up her face. It was simple and bunched together to look like one massive mountain. Whoever was painting these things really caught her eye with them. She could not help looking at any of them that she had past today. The artist really should feel proud of themselves.

Another beauty was the view out of her two windows. It showed the flower garden and a part of the green hedge maze that looked interesting to her. Nothing else in the room caught her attention like that, including the flat screen TV hooked to a video player and a game system. She loves nature now. She would have killed for those things growing up and the silky soft beige couch and sofa facing them. There were round pillows placed at the corners for comfort and she was sure there were more somewhere in this large room. There was even a beige blanket folded neatly into a triangle at the center covering the back. The tassels are even pointed that way, too. It still does not hold a candle to the view.

The rest were two black metal stands with a glass top on either side of the couch. They have white-shaded silver lamps. She did not need them on unless she was reading without the main light on. Another black metal stand with a glass top was between the couch, sofa and wall, but that was a coffee stand. It holds nothing except coasters. This room seemed like a good place to congregate for a little while, which was why she was at that table. It apparently was where she was to sit for breakfast, according to Easter.

Easter said that the alpha would introduce her to everyone as the potential candidate tonight at seven. That made her nervous. She, also, was the one to tell her that he would pick her up at her room. She hoped that woman did not hold a grudge against her for what happened to their beta. This would be just the thing to get her into trouble.

A knock sounded at the door, drawing her out of her imagination and into reality. It made her leap, then rushed to the door feeling breathless from the fright. She had been in silence for too long, making the knock sound louder than what it should have been. She even pulled on the door without turning the knob a couple of times before she managed to get it right. Then, she saw him. Alpha Edge in a tuxedo and looking sexy.

Her mouth parted, getting a taste of his aura in it. That was not what was supposed to happen, but it did taste heavenly. She felt like she was drooling over how tall and muscular he looked in his suit. It fitted him well enough that it defined every curve of his muscles which had her wolf howling in appreciation. She agreed mindlessly with her that this man standing before her is sexier than any man she has ever seen.

He cleared his throat before saying, “Loving what you see?”

“Huh?” Lucky said.

It jerked her out of her stupor to feel embarrassed that she was staring at him. Hell, it was more like eye-f***ing him that included images in her head. She blushed, knowing that her arousal scented the air. He looked amused by her reaction to him and less cold than earlier in his office. She wished that wolves could not smell that well, so it would be easier for her when she gets like this.

“You look good,” she said huskily. It made her blanch at how it almost sounded like she was trying to seduce him. “I mean… handsome.”

His brow perked at her like she had just said something insulting. She knew then to shut her mouth before digging a bigger hole. She had to take a deep breath in, hoping that he would tone down his aura for her without her having to ask. When she asked earlier today, she was sure that she would die. Now, he was relaxed, showing his real side instead of the coldness that made her want to please him. She needed to mirror that so she would not be this flustered.

She breathed in, then released it, saying, “I just need to get the notebook and contract so we can discuss it.”

Quickly, she rushed back into the room and snatched both off the table, then she went back in time to keep the door from closing on him. She did not notice that she had used her wolf’s speed to do this. She just kept the smile on her face, shut the door behind her tightly, and kept focusing on moving forward. It did not matter that she had embarrassed herself a moment ago. She needed to move forward, forgetting what had happened, but she was surprised when he offered her his arm like a gentleman.

“Thank you,” Lucky said as she took it. Her hands shook as she took it feeling too nervous about doing this to an alpha. Star just encouraged her a little and gave the impression that her tongue was lolling out of her mouth. She shook the image away and focused on talking to this tall, intimidating man. “I have read the contract and made some notes about things that women would not accept…” He looked at her with his brow arched, making her wonder if he perfected that look. It was the second time he had given it to her. “What I mean is things I would want modified.

“First, I would not know how to be Luna,” she pointed out. “Instead of dropping the power onto me, I would need to be taught how to use it. A slower approach would be better than a faster one. And then, there is the money. I have no bank account, so I do not know where to have you send it."

“Ahh, I see,” Edge nodded as he opened a door to a hallway that would lead them downstairs to the dining room. “I will make one for you and get a tutor. Anything else?”

Lucky continued pointing out the few things that would cause a problem. There was no mentioning of how the powers would transfer, which should not be a problem, but this was the supernatural world. She did not want to be caught unaware of what she may or may not have to do to just comply with the contract. It would be devasting as the day she shifts when she would have to be nude to do it. That was the only hesitation she had about the full moon in two weeks. And she had a tiny bit of fear over the pain, too. She keeps that in the back of her mind, hoping not to dwell on it to the point of insanity. This, however, was something that should cause less pain unless she failed to attract one of the men’s attention or they to her. Then, that means she forfeits everything, including the money.

“I think that is about it,” Lucky said unsurely. "I am not sure about the allotted time, though. A month sounds like it could be too short."

"We are wolves, Ms. Green," Edge reminded her with a subtle purr in his voice. "When we get to know each other, we really get to know each other. Besides, any longer of a dating period and feelings will start to develop between the four of us, and then, there will be a fight. You do not even have to take a full month to choose one of us. You can simply announce it at dinner and we set up the Celebration and Induction from there."

"Oh," she said, feeling a little disturbed by that.

She turned her attention to her surroundings, noticing that they were on the first floor at the other end of it. She could not help admiring the painted sun on the walls that shined over a grassy field. There are even brown mountains that have an orange haze over top of them. The rest of the wall was beige with a brown framed border that almost matches the painting. It went on all the way down this hallway, which has hard wood and not stone or tile like the others. Her brows twitched, though, realizing something.

“Wow, we moved awfully fast to here,” she commented.

“Your wolf helped you out,” Edge chuckled, almost shocking her. That man was too serious to laugh. She did not think it was possible for her to get him to relax around her to do that. “I think you were overly distracted with our conversation. That is something I admire, but next time, pay attention to your speed. I would like a slow walk to the dining room.”

“Of course,” Lucky agreed with a nod, hoping that her bun did not come loose. She had worked to get it just right with tendrils curled around her face and neck. “I would like the same. I guess I just got too absorbed like you said.”

“Let’s go then,” Edge said as he pushed open the door for her and waved her in front.

Lucky knew that it signified a lot when the alpha does something like this for a guest. Her wolf felt a sense of pride, too, as they walked into the dining room. It leeched onto her, making her smile genuinely at the long row of people turning their necks in submission. She knows it was for the alpha, but she cannot help feeling like it was for her, too. It made her feel special. He led her past the many men and women at the long, brown table to her seat. The dishes holding their meals were already set in large silver bowls placed in the middle. The smell alone nearly had her drooling if the splendor of this elegant dinner did not take away her attention, first. Even those present were dressed nicely like it was one big fancy party. She wanted to rush to her seat and begin eating the delicious meal that everyone was waiting for.

“Here you go, Ms. Green,” Edge said as he parted from her and pulled out Luna’s chair.

Her eyes widened and lit with astonishment. This was truly an honor for any female wolf. Her heart started beating heavily at the way he was making her feel exceedingly special. She had never been treated this well before and it made her want to stay even longer. At the same time, she wanted to refuse the seat and the contract, but in a way, she had already agreed to sign it. What other choice does she have? That means this will be her seat from now on. She was going to have to get used to it, especially as he pushed her into the table.

“Thank you, Alpha,” Lucky said bashfully with her face turning red.

She never understood why that happened to her. It was almost like she could not believe anyone would be so kind. To distract herself from these odd feelings, she looked for a place to set the contract and notebook. She could not find a clear space except for the corner of the table, but then, he held out his hand and waved his fingers.

“I will get everything you asked for fixed,” Alpha Edge stated firmly.

She bit her lip for a moment, feeling indecisive and worried. What if this was the wrong decision? What if nothing was like he is showing her and he would be a big tyrant that would change his mind and hurt her? He had already killed his beta in front of her. It was not like he would not do something more heinous to make her life hell. And then, there were his sons, who could do worse damage to her. Yet, he has shown no hint of hiding who he truly is from her or anyone. He does not seem like her family that pretends to be a happy family. Even her wolf was encouraging her to sign this contract.

Lucky breathed out and handed it over, trying not to feel the dread hitting her stomach. She doubts that she will find true love or a mate, anyway. Most likely, her mother will do something to send the man fleeing from her or make it difficult for her to leave. That is at least what she told herself when she felt like her freedom was gone.

“Andrew, Dorran, Rick,” Alpha Edge called as he took his seat. Then, he handed the papers to an omega that came to him quickly. She could see that he mind-linked her with instructions instead of saying them aloud. It was strange that he would keep it private when he did not seem the type to do that. “These are my sons beside you in order. This is Ms. Lucky Green. She accepted the contract.”

“Finally, you found us a decent specimen?” a sandy blonde haired man asked.

She turned her head to see who spoke, finding three gorgeous, hunky men sitting beside her. If she thought her panties were damp from looking at the alpha and feeling his aura, then they made her wet. She was sure that it was mostly from her wolf that tried to surge forth, but she pushed her back to not feel aroused in front of everyone. It made her feel like she really was a s*x slave. It was more like a slave to s*x with the way Star was drooling over them.

The man who spoke had leaned forward to look around his brothers and rove his grey eyes over her. A leering smile perched on his lean face that had her feeling like she was naked in front of everyone. It furthered the tightness that she felt in her stomach. His lean built body was definitely pleasing to her eyes, and she imagined that he would grip her hips just right. She almost looked at his hands that were on the table to see if she could imagine what they would be like on her. It took everything in her to not look at them.

Then, she saw her mother out of the corner of her eye. She looked pleased, which added to the insult that she had given her. She had to find something in her to frown at her, while she felt the three brothers' aura hitting her. It took every effort and his words to make her face harden and to bear that frown at him, but she did it. She even wanted to pat herself on the back for being so strong.

“I think it goes without saying that I can restrict bedding me at any time,” Lucky snapped. “So, if I were you, I would seriously consider this as your warning to stop what you’re thinking now and focus on winning my hand. I don’t like losers that think a woman is for a f***.”

“Feisty,” he commented. “I like it.”

“You would, Rick,” murmured a brown haired man that looked almost like Edge.

She flicked her eyes at him twice to make sure that she was not seeing things before she turned her head. She had to look at him fully to see his features, noticing that he had a larger sloped nose than his father, and he had no beard. When comparing the two, this man was smaller than the alpha who was widely built. She wanted to unbutton his shirt just to see if he had chest hair like him, too, but she refrained.

D*** these men, she thought with lust coating her mind. She was willing to blame their auras for making her feel this way. She knows it was not her wolf but hers who felt like she wanted them in bed. Why was she suddenly feeling like this when she did not in Cullen’s pack?

“I assume that you are Andrew,” Lucky said breathily.

“I am,” he nodded.

“And I am Dorran,” the man between them stated.

He poked his head out to let her see that he had red hair and green eyes. What was it with the people around here and that color of hair and eyes? She could not figure it out unless the alpha’s mate was from this pack. Maybe her family moved here after being mated, she thought. She would have to get to know them to figure it out, but it was a nice distraction from her wayward hormones. These men are going to cost her in underwear if this keeps up. At least, they are pleasing to the eye. She just worries that they may not be likable for her.

“Now, let’s eat,” Edge snapped. “I can hear Ms. Green’s stomach all the way to my room.”

“Of course, Father,” Dorran said as he righted himself.

She ignored the boredom on his angular pale face to look at the guests. She absent-mindedly picked up her knife and fork to dive into the steak before her when she saw her mother. There was a disapproving frown on her face that made her smile. She was not about to make her happy anytime soon. If she was disappointed in her, then she was happy. Even her wolf was gloating that they had succeeded in making her like that. She only thrived on her discomfort anyway, but then, she noticed the empty seat next to Lucy.

Ross was not present, which was unusual. He was supposed to be there as the beta and in a different pack. Even her sister did not look happy about it, nor did Cullen. There was worry on their faces which made her feel guilty. She knows that it was strongly possible that Alpha Edge killed him for lying about the contract. It was not his fault, but her sister and her mother’s fault. They should be punished, not put to death.

Lucky could not help biting on her lip before she took a bite of her steak. She hoped that she was not making more out of it than she thought was true. Or this meal was going to get very nasty very quickly with her ending up with glares from her family. She did not want to feel them barreling down on her with their venom and hatred. They will demand that she be punished for lying when she did nothing wrong. She could only hope that this man believed her, unlike Alpha Cullen.

And there was her father… She was unsure of the look on his face earlier that he had given her the distinct impression of something close to remorse. She was almost sure that it had covered his pain in the next second, except she was not entirely sure.