Chapter 4

(Sienna’s POV)

I exhale a sigh of relief when Arthur walks in. I thought I’d have to wait until another scheduled meeting, but all it took was Beta Simon calling him.

I sit back, crossing my legs, feigning as much confidence as I can fake, but then my breath catches at the sight of him.

He rolls his shoulders forward and ducks down slightly to fit through the door. His chest and shoulders are so broad that they strain against the fabric of his charcoal grey three-piece suit;

His obsidian eyes have just a hint of gold at the brim of his irises, which almost flicker when the light catches them. Amusement gleams in them as his gaze locks on mine.

I don’t bother to stand or bow in submission. He needs me just as much as I do him, and I’ll be damned if I’m going start another contractual obligation as the weak one.

“Sienna,” he says with a silky smooth caramel voice to match his skin tone. “Simon tells me you agree to the terms outlined in our contract, but before you sign there is something you feel dire to add, is that correct?”

He opts to sit in the chair next to me rather than walking around the desk to his seat.

I swear it feels like my wolf is nuzzling toward him in my mind. I turn my body to maintain eye contact.

“Yes, Arthur. I must insist that a fidelity clause be added.”

He quirks an eyebrow. “A fidelity clause,” he repeats with a sly grin spreading across his features.

I sit up straight and stare him dead in the eyes. “Correct, Alpha,” I say, drawing out the word for emphasis. “In the event that you find your true mate, you must agree to a peaceful divorce.”

He studies me with that raised eyebrow and smirk for several long heartbeats. “So, should I find my true mate, you demand a peaceful divorce,” he repeats back to me in a mocking tone that reminds me too much of Landon.

I’m not sure what annoys me more: his mocking tone or the way his stare makes me squirm in my seat.

Suddenly, he says, “Done.” Then he leans forward and signs on his designated lines.

I follow suit, noting the fine print stating that the contract is valid for three years. My stomach drops, leaving me with an uneasy feeling in my chest. But as I sign my name to it, I feel my wolf sit up…she’s groggy, but it’s an improvement.

For a split second, hope blooms in my heart, then from behind me, Arthur clears his throat. “Now that the formalities are done, your first order is to attend an Alpha banquet with me, as my date.”

My head jolts forward, eyes locking on the wall in front of me. “I don’t think we should feed the media and the rumors…”

Arthur cuts me off. “You will accompany me, Sienna. It’s not negotiable. Once the media covers it, we can dispel the rumors circulating about our relationship. This gives us control of the narrative.”

That damn arrogance of his grates my last nerve, I think to myself. But then my wolf stirs in my mind. She’s moving around. I can’t ignore the immediate improvement.

Hope for my wolf surviving this ordeal after all clings to my insides, causing me to agree without any further hesitation.

Arthur has a car drive me to his house. I am given a guest room until after the announcement at the banquet tomorrow.

After that, I suppose I will move into his room. I decide to try and settle my nerves with a cup of tea, then attempt to will myself to fall asleep. I toss and turn…and feel.

For the first time in a long time, my wolf made her presence known. But her instinctive longing for Arthur makes me worry.

Sure, he’s attractive, I silently admit to myself and to her, but why have you picked yet another dominating, control-obsessed Alpha? I think to myself.

To my shock, her soft voice whispers, Mate.

Clearly, she’s just awestruck by his status, scent, and sex appeal. He’s not our mate. With that, I push these feelings way down, and after what seems like forever, I will myself to fall asleep.

I awaken to Arthur’s styling team in what seems like a matter of minutes from my eyelids closing. In actuality, it was probably about three, maybe four hours.

They wake me from a dead sleep to force a new look on me. Sitting up, I run my hands through my hair. “Why are you here? I can style myself and get ready for the banquet without help,” I tell them, turning my head in an attempt to look each of the five people.

“We are here to ensure that your look aligns with the Alpha King’s preferences,” one of the ladies says with a slight bow of her head.

“I don’t care what his preferences are,” I mutter under my breath. But I relented and just let the five of them groom, dress, style my hair, and paint my face.

Apparently, Arthur is all about soft, romantic elegance that suits high-society werewolves. They braided my hair loosely, allowing some strands to be free and frame my face. Using pins, they use my braid to form a crown on my head.

I step into a forest green velvet and silk gown. Gold embroidery shimmers as it outlines the sweetheart neckline.

One of the women helps me put on a cream knit cardigan. I notice the label as my own and the woman winks at me.

Once they leave, I examine myself in the full-length mirror. Tilting my head, I notice the soft lines, the simplicity, with understated elegance, and appreciate it all. But it’s just too soft and delicate for my taste.

I peek outside to make sure that no one is coming back toward my room, then I turn the lock so I can sneakily change into my own outfit.

The gown is my own design. It’s a velvet, asymmetrical, metallic midnight indigo with a cowl neckline that dips off one shoulder. The bodice hugs my curves down to my waist before the shimmering fabric expands into a semi-full, floor-length skirt with a slit that nearly reaches the waistband.

I mostly leave my cosmetics untouched but choose a bolder red lipstick. My updo accentuates my neck. As I spin in front of my mirror, I notice the color shift depending on how the light hits it. The shade can appear black or navy blue.

I pair the gown with silver-hued stilettos.

A knock on the door is followed by Beta Simon’s voice. “Miss Hale, please report to the top of the stairs. Alpha King Arthur has arrived and is waiting for you to be presented.”

My belly flutters with the sudden anticipation I feel. This sensation, combined with my wolf appearing more alert and excited to see Arthur, makes my heart race in my throat.

I walk up to the door and grasp the locked knob with both hands as I speak through it. “Thank you, Beta,” I say. I’ll be right there.”

I take a few deep breaths to steady myself before I go, then force myself to walk the short distance to my fiancé.

At the top of the stairs, I nod to one of Arthur’s attendants, who proceeds to announce me to Arthur.

Arthur’s stare is cold, but that doesn’t stop his obsidian gaze from drifting up the length of my body. His stare seems to linger along the line of the slit. His jaw ticks as he locks on to the bare flesh that peeks through with each step I take.

He offers his arm as I approach. “I don’t believe this is the gown that I picked for you, Sienna.”

I smile. “Our contract does not require me to submit to your wardrobe choices, Alpha.”

His jaw ticks as he opens the car door for me.

I enter the vehicle ladylike, but I let that slit flash just a little bit of my upper thigh for his eyes only.

His eyes stared a moment, then shot to meet my gaze, before settling a moment on my lips.

A low involuntary growl rumbled from him.

Well, apparently he doesn’t hate it.