Chapter 2

~THALIA~

He turned to face me. The scrutinizing and playful look in his eyes made me feel more embarrassed, but I still didn't let go of his clothes. I was praying in my mind that he would change his mind and agree.

Then he chuckled softly. "Of course, I can give you the money."

I looked into his eyes in surprise. "Really?"

"However, I have a condition!"

"Oh, that's not a problem. I will agree to any conditions. As long as you lend me, I am even willing to serve you like a slave."

"Are you sure you can do what I want to ask you to do?" His somewhat hoarse voice rang in my ear.

Because of the way the two of us were standing very close, his breath was all over my body, making my skin turn red from the heat. I instantly shrank back slightly, my expression somewhat blank.

"For the next three years, you are mine." He proclaimed and walked closer to me.

When I heard those words, my heartbeat and breath stopped for a moment.

I looked up in disbelief at his impeccable handsomeness, and I was in awe. Because of the scheme that I was focused on, I hadn't realized how breathtaking he was until that moment.

But my admiration for him immediately stiffened into unease.

Seeing my expression, his lips curved into an even wider smile.

"You don't want to? I won't force you." He turned his back to leave.

"No, I'm willing!" I yelled.

"Are you sure?"

His inquiry was calm. The type of calmness that caused my heart to constrict.

"Absolutely, I am certain," I answered loudly as if increasing my volume could silence the faint voice in my mind urging me to flee.

For a short while, he merely observed me. His stare was deliberate and evaluative, as if he were unraveling me piece by piece, measuring my desperation alongside his intrigue.

Without saying anything, he reached into the inner pocket of his suit and took out a shiny black card that gleamed beneath the hospital lights. It was sleek, understated, and luxurious in appearance, just like him.

He extended it toward me.

My breath stalled as I stared at the card.For a heartbeat, the world narrowed to it, as though accepting it would tilt my life permanently off its axis. This wasn't just a card—it was a doorway. And once I stepped through, there might be no turning back.

What if he later demands more than I can give?

I stretched my hands to accept it, my fingers grazing him for an instant. An odd shiver coursed through me upon the touch.

I checked his name on the card and I was absolutely right about him. He was indeed an Alpha.

Alpha Cassian Frostclaw.

He was the sole heir of Alpha Darius Frostclaw, the ruling Alpha of the Frostclaw Pack. Their lineage was known for having only one son per generation, and they were always born as an Alpha.

His pack ranked as the most powerful among the seven largest packs in the area. They were affluent beyond belief, dreaded for their power, and honored for their authority.

He was known to be damn ruthless.

I wondered why he put up with my nonsense.

My stomach turned when I understood I had surely upset someone as powerful and unforgiving as him. At this time, I was unwilling to accept his offer, yet I couldn't stand the thought of losing Aunty Jasmine. I had to push the fear aside.

"You can think about it," he replied calmly. "If you still wish to proceed, contact me on Monday morning. I will inform you about where and how to find me."

"Alpha, I've mentioned that I'm ready. Just send the money, and we'll proceed."

"No," he said with a stern voice. "That's not the way this works. Think carefully. The instant you enter, there's no going back until the time is reached. I don't break deals."

His gaze fixed on me, intense and unwavering.

"That's why I'm giving you today and tomorrow," he continued. "To decide whether you truly want this… or whether desperation is speaking for you."

I gulped nervously, gripping the card more firmly. My heart raced, yet I wouldn't allow him to notice my anxiety.

"Okay," I replied after a pause.

"What's your name ?"

"Thalia…Thalia Emerson."

He didn't say another word after my response.

Silently, he pivoted and headed for the door. Every step he took was deliberate, assured like someone who already possessed what he desired.

The door snapped closed behind him.

I breathed out unsteadily, looking at the card in my grasp, my heart racing.

Three years…

I wasn't sure if I had discovered my salvation… or if I was committing myself to a cage.

Soon, a nurse came. She flipped through the file at the foot of my bed. She asked a few routine questions.

How dizzy I felt, whether the pain had reduced, if I remembered the accident clearly. I answered most of them automatically, my attention drifting in and out as exhaustion.

She checked the bandage on my head, adjusted the drip, and scribbled something down before offering a professional smile. "You're lucky," she said. "No internal bleeding. Just take your medications exactly as prescribed and avoid stress."

Stress. I almost laughed.

After another hour of instructions, signatures, and pills I barely registered, I was finally discharged.