Chapter 3

Lina's POV

The words hit me like a bucket of ice water. I froze, certain I'd misheard him.

"Your... daughter?" I repeated numbly.

Oh God. I'd slept with my best friend's father.

Not just any father—an Alpha. The Alpha of the most powerful pack in North America.

Panic rose in me like a tidal wave as the full implications hit. I'd spent the night with Adrian Storm. I'd done things with Adrian Storm that made my face burn just thinking about them.

"I have to go," I gasped, scrambling away from him and nearly falling off the bed in my haste. "This was a mistake—a huge mistake."

Adrian sat up, the sheet pooling around his waist, his expression hardening. "Lina, calm down."

"Calm down?" I repeated, my voice rising as I frantically searched for my clothes. "You're Chloe's father! And you didn't think to mention that before we—before—"

"I assumed you knew," he said, watching me with those penetrating eyes. "She didn't tell you I was the one meeting you?"

"Well, she didn't!" I snapped, pulling my dress over my head with shaking hands. The horrifying realization hit me—Chloe must have just wanted her father to talk to me, to offer comfort after my breakup.

God, what had I done? I had slept with my best friend's father! The shame burned through me. I needed to get out of here before this became any more humiliating.

"I need to leave," I said, shoving my feet into my heels. "This can't happen again. Ever."

Adrian moved quickly, catching my arm before I could reach the door. His grip was gentle but firm, his expression serious as he turned me to face him.

"Lina, wait. Just hear me out before you leave."

I crossed my arms over my chest. "What could you possibly say that would make this situation any less mortifying?"

"I need a Luna," he stated plainly, his gray eyes holding mine. "The Council has been pressuring me to take a mate for years, and the neighboring packs are pushing their eligible daughters my way. I've been holding them off, but I'm running out of time."

I blinked, caught off guard by the abrupt change of subject. "And this concerns me how, exactly?"

"Chloe has rejected every woman I've considered," he continued, running a hand through his dark hair. "She's protective—stubborn as hell, actually. But she adores you."

Realization dawned slowly. "So what, last night was some kind of... interview?"

"No." His response was immediate and emphatic. "Last night was unexpected—for both of us, I think. But it showed me something I've been missing." He stepped closer, his voice dropping lower. "I need someone who Chloe trusts, someone who won't hurt her. And you need protection from Jasper and his family."

I flinched at the mention of Jasper's name. "I don't need protecting."

"Don't you?" Adrian's expression softened slightly. "If Alpha Victor discovers what's been going on between you and Jasper, what if they pressure you into a political marriage? What if you're forced to wed some disreputable wolf?"

My stomach twisted. He wasn't wrong. Meanwhile Jasper had a possessive streak that belied his charming exterior. Even though he'd chosen Sophie, I doubted he'd let me go easily.

"What exactly are you suggesting?" I asked warily.

"A marriage of convenience." His gaze was unwavering. "You become my Luna, gaining my protection and status. I get a mate who my daughter already approves of, and the political alliance pressure eases."

I let out a surprised laugh, the sound sharp and disbelieving. "You're serious? We barely know each other!"

"We know enough." His voice was steady, certain. "I know you're loyal, kind, and stronger than you give yourself credit for. You know I can protect you and that I treat my obligations seriously."

"And what about..." I gestured vaguely between us, heat rising to my cheeks at the memory of his mouth on my skin.

A hint of a smile curved his lips. "That part certainly works well, doesn't it?"

I turned away, trying to think clearly despite the chaos in my mind. Part of me wanted to run—this was insane, impulsive, reckless. But another part whispered that maybe, just maybe, this crazy proposal was exactly what I needed.

"It would be temporary," I said finally, facing him again. "Until we both decide otherwise."

Adrian's expression didn't change, but something flickered in his eyes—satisfaction, perhaps. "I'll have the agreement drawn up today. Nothing happens without your explicit consent, Lina. This is your choice."

Two hours later, I found myself staring at a neatly typed contract. The terms were straightforward: a marriage of mutual benefit, with provisions for dissolution should either party wish it, confidentiality clauses, and clear boundaries.

My hand trembled slightly as I signed my name, Adrian's strong, steady signature already in place beside the blank where mine would go.

"Are you sure about this?" I asked him, pen hovering over the paper.

His eyes held mine. "Completely."

With a deep breath, I signed.

The county clerk's office was quiet when we arrived, just a few other couples waiting for their turn. Adrian's hand rested lightly at the small of my back as we approached the counter, his touch reassuring rather than possessive.

"Name?" the clerk asked, barely glancing up from her computer.

"Adrian Storm and Lina Ward," Adrian replied, sliding our IDs across the counter.

The clerk's head snapped up, eyes widening as she recognized the name. "Alpha Storm! I—of course, sir, right away."

What followed was a blur of paperwork, questions, and signatures. The officiant finally said, "By the power vested in me by the state, I now pronounce you husband and wife."

Adrian's kiss was brief but tender, his thumb brushing my cheek as he pulled away. Just like that, I was married. To my best friend's father. To the Alpha of the Storm Pack.

"I need to go," Adrian said as we stepped outside, genuine regret in his voice. "Pack emergency—can't be avoided. Will you be okay? I can have someone drive you home."

"I'll be fine," I assured him, still feeling slightly dazed. "Go. I need some time to... process anyway."

He studied me for a moment, as if ensuring I truly was alright, before nodding. "I'll call you later." His hand squeezed mine briefly before he turned and strode toward his waiting car.

I stood there, watching as his sleek black SUV pulled away from the curb. What had I just done?