Chapter 6 The Wedding Contract

I woke up to the sound of someone knocking on my door. Sunlight came through the tall windows of the suite. My body felt heavy after having strange dreams that made my night restless and that constant pull in my chest. I sat up, pushed my hair out of my face, and called out.

"Come in."

The door opened. Alice walked in carrying a thick folder of papers. She wore her usual warrior clothes, and her silver-streaked hair was tied back tightly. Her eyes scanned the room before they landed on me with clear dislike.

"Good morning," she said in a flat voice. She dropped the folder on the small table almost near the window. "The Alpha asked me to deliver these." 

"What are they?" I asked, hating how loving I sounded.

"The formal marriage contract. You should read every word carefully before you sign anything." 

I stood up and walked over to the table. "Thank you, Alice."

She did not leave. Instead, she crossed her arms and looked me up and down. "Outsiders don't last long here, Charlotte. Especially ones who don't belong. This pack has survived a lot of threats. We don't need more trouble brought in by a pretty face with secrets."

Her words were sharp, but I kept my expression calm. I had dealt with worse from my own sisters in the coven. "I am not here to cause trouble. I am here to fulfill a contract, just like everyone else expects."

Alice stepped closer. "Good. Because if you hurt him or this pack, I will be the first one to make sure you regret it." She turned and walked out without another word, closing the door hard behind her.

I let out a long breath and opened the folder. Pages and pages of legal language stared back at me as I sat on the bed again. Marriage terms, alliance conditions, and expectations. The more I read, the more my stomach tightened. This was really happening.

A short while later, another knock came. This time a young pack member brought me clean clothes and afterwards led me to a private dining room on the second floor. The room had large windows that overlooked the forest. Sunlight danced on the trees below and Arthur who already sat at the table wore a simple black shirt that stretched across his broad shoulders. The moment he saw me, his golden eyes softened a little.

"Charlotte," he said, standing up. "Hope you slept well?"

"Not really," I answered honestly as I took the seat across from him. Servants brought plates of food, boiled eggs, fresh bread, meat, and hot coffee. The smell made my mouth water as they left them on the table.

We ate in silence for a few minutes. Then Arthur set his fork down and looked at me directly. "The contract. Did Alice bring it?"

"She did." I took a sip of coffee. "We should talk about the terms before I sign." Paused "get me the folder please." I communicated with the one who led me here. 

Arthur nodded. "Fair enough. First, we will appear together in public as a real couple." He leaned back "Especially in meetings with other families, events, infact everything. The Hyacinths and the other syndicates need to believe this marriage is genuine."

I expected that. "Alright. What else?"

"Shared sleeping quarters for appearances," he continued. His voice stayed steady, but his eyes watched me closely. "Your room stays as it is, with the adjoining door. We keep it open or unlocked when others are around. But I give you my word, I will not cross that line unless you invite me."

Heat rose to my cheeks. I remembered how close we had come last night which gave me concerns. "And the no touching rule?"

Arthur leaned forward slightly. A small smile touched his lips. "You once said no one touches you without permission. I respect that. But we will need to look natural in front of the pack and our allies. A hand on your back, an arm around your waist when necessary. I'll keep it that way and nothing more unless you say so."

"Don't forget to not get too attached as well." 

"Believe me, I won't." His voice sounded like a liar and his golden eyes darkened when he spoke. The air between us felt thicker. I could almost feel the heat coming from him across the table. My magic stirred again as if reaching toward him like it had a mind of its own.

I cleared my throat. "Limited freedom within pack lands. I can move around the castle and the immediate grounds, but not beyond without an escort. Is that correct?"

"Yes," he said. "That's just for your safety and ours. At least until the alliance is secure. And in return, I vow to protect you with my life. That way, no one in this pack or outside it will touch you while you are under my care."

We looked at each other for a long moment. My heart beat faster. Part of me wanted to believe him. Another part reminded me why I was really here. The contract folder was placed before us now. 

I picked up the pen. "This is temporary," I said quietly, more to myself than to him. "Six months at most. Then we both get what we need and go our separate ways."

Arthur's jaw tightened. I saw the same struggle in his eyes, the one that says he wanted this to be real. I could feel it, but he did not argue. "Sign when you are ready."

I read through the final pages and signed my name on every line. When I finished, Arthur signed as well. His handwriting was strong and sure.

Right then, a screen on the wall lit up. Pendragon appeared on the video call. His sharp eyes studied us both.

"Congratulations on the paperwork," he said smoothly. "I am calling to witness. Charlotte, I just found out the Wilberforce name still carries power in circles most people have forgotten. Your family once tried to bridge the gap between the supernatural lines. Wolves, humans and some kind of magical people. That is why this marriage could work for everyone."

My pulse jumped. "What do you mean, bridge the gap?"

Pendragon smiled slightly. "That is a story for another day. Secure the alliance first. Then we will talk more about your family." The screen went dark.

I stared at the blank screen. More questions rising in my mind, always more questions.

That night, the pack held a small welcoming feast in the main hall. Torches burned along the walls. Long tables held food and drinks. Pack members talked loudly and watched me with curious eyes. Arthur sat at the head table and kept me close to his side.

Alice stood up during the meal. She raised her glass and spoke in a voice that went across the room. "A toast to our Alpha and his new bride. A human who appeared so suddenly. Tell me, Charlotte, what makes you think you are suitable to stand beside the strongest alpha in this region? Many stronger women have tried and failed."

The hall grew quiet. All eyes turned to me.

I stood slowly and met her gaze. "I do not need to prove myself to you, Alice. I saved your Alpha's life on the highway when most people would have driven away. I agreed to this contract knowing the dangers and what he is. Can you say the same about your loyalty, or do you question your Alpha's choices in front of everyone?"

A few warriors murmured in approval. Alice's face tightened, but she sat down without another word.

Later, after the feast, Arthur took my hand and led me out to a quiet balcony overlooking the forest. Moonlight glowing brighter now and the night air felt cool against my skin.

He stopped and turned to face me. "Charlotte, I feel a pull towards you. It is not just desire. The Moon Goddess is guiding this. I have never felt anything like it."

His voice was low and sincere. I could smell his wild scent as he stepped closer, full of strength. My body leaned toward him without thinking. Our faces drew near. I almost moved to taste his lips.

Then Lucy's cold voice sliced through my mind.

Charlotte. Do not forget your purpose.

I pulled back quickly, heart racing. "I need time alone, Arthur."

He let out a slow breath but did not push. "You will have it. But this thing I feel is real. And I can sense you do too. Sooner or later, we will have to face it."

"I don't. My body reacts this way with other man I get too close to. You'll surely get a heartbreak if you get too attached. Don't say I didn't warn you." 

He stood in silence as I walked away. The contract was signed. It's game on now. And I was no longer sure I could play it without losing myself completely.