Chapter 3 Bound by Papers and Lies

Sold.

The words slammed into me like a punch as I heard it. Suddenly, everything made sense. Gideon's words earlier and his sly smile.

He had sold me off to my enemy without batting an eyelash.

"I'm sorry. There has to be a misunderstanding. I'm not for sale." I whispered before turning around to leave.

"Stop."

His command made my feet freeze in place. My wolf growled at his presence, my eyes barely flashing red before it became normal again. I turned to look at him.

Orion rose from his seat, "Sit," he said quietly.

Despite his calm voice, I knew it wasn't a request.

My pulse roared in my ears. "You can't just....buy people."

His lips curved into a smile, "I didn't buy a person. I bought your contract."

I stared at him. "What contract?"

He reached for the folder resting on the table beside him, sliding it toward me. The gold-embossed seal gleamed under the dim light. It was the same one I had signed when I got here. I had been naive, stupid to believe I could seek shelter from just anyone. Gideon's signature glimmered under the blue lights.

"Gideon signed over your service rights to me," he said, his voice calm, but his gaze pinned me in place. "Legally binding. You're under exclusive employment for the next eight months. I know you're a teacher at Lunara Academy."

My stomach twisted. "How did you-"

"I always know everything about what I own," he interrupted softly, pulling the metal bracelet off my hand.

My eyes flickered to the floor as it hit it with a loud thud. Was this some prank?

My lips parted open but I stopped myself. Now was the best time to get close to him, to get my revenge and also make Adams pay for what he did to me. I could kill two birds with one stone.

" Don't worry. I have no interest in your body." he spat. " What I need is for you to help tutor him. Once he wins, I'll set you free along with $50,000. You will no longer be an Omega" Orion said, his eyes searching mine.

No longer an Omega.. As the Wolf Lord, he could do that.

I didn't ask anymore information. I just reached down and signed the other contract.

"Fine." I said, staring at him. "Don't forget your promise."

Orion smiled, his hand flickering over the paper that held my signature. "I won't."

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(A Few Days Later)

I stood in front of the Wolf Lord's mansion, the building towering over me as my hand gripped my suitcase. Everything I owned packed inside, which wasn't much. Moonlight spilled across my face as I took a steady breath and stepped forward. Before I could even knock, the double doors swung open on their own as if they'd been expecting me.

"Greetings, Teacher Avaline." The servants said making me swallow.

"I'll take you to your room." An elderly woman stepped up, her hands reaching for my suitcase when I stopped.

"It's okay, I can carry it." I said, feeling a wave of shame as my hand tightened around the handle.

The elderly woman said nothing and just led me upstairs. My eyes flickered around the mansion as she led me up to a room.

" The Wolf Lord is waiting for you." she whispered and then she was gone.

I took a deep breath and pushed open the door.

Orion stood by the window, his back turned to me. This time, he wasn't in a suit. He wore a black t-shirt that stretched across his chest and dark jeans that made him look dangerously male. Casual, yet every line of him still screamed power and sexy.

When he turned, his eyes caught mine and held them. "You're finally here."

I swallowed, my throat tight. "Well, let's just say that I got lost."

"Sit." He gestured toward the chair in front of him.

I sat, perching at the edge, my fingers curling around the fabric. It was soft. Softer than I had ever imagined. Everything in this place was beyond my wildest dreams.

"There are rules, Avaline," he said finally. "Three of them. Break any, and our deal ends immediately. I'll send you back to Gideon."

I nodded once, pretending to be calm.

"The first," he began, "you must not tell anyone about our contract. Not the servants, not your friends, no one. What happens between us stays between us."

He paused, watching my reaction but I gave none.

"The second," he continued, lowering his voice, "you must tutor my son for over six hours per day. His welfare and everything that has to do with his studies is now in your hands. I want to see improvements or our deal is off."

My breath caught. Improvements.

'Asshole' my wolf whispered.

I forced a nod again.

"And the third..." His eyes darkened, the air between us thickening with something unspoken. "You do not enter my private quarters. Ever. No matter what you hear, no matter who asks you to. That part of the mansion is forbidden to you."

A shiver ran down my spine. There was a slight warning tone in his voice.

I hesitated, then nodded slowly. "Understood."

"Good." His voice softened slightly, though his expression didn't. "You'll start tomorrow. My son, Leo, can be... difficult. Don't take it personally. Just do your job."

"I've handled worse," I said before I could stop myself.

A small flicker of amusement on his lips as he stared at me.

"You'll be given access to the east wing. Stay within it unless summoned. Meals are served at seven, one, and eight. If you're late, you'll eat alone. But I would not suggest that since you must eat with Leo."

So that was it. No warmth, no pretense of hospitality. Just rules. They weren't too bad.

"Do you understand everything I've said?"

"Yes."

"Then what do you want?" Orion leaned back.

Revenge.

I smiled sweetly, "Nothing. You've given me everything I ever wanted. My freedom and a place to stay."

My wolf growled at my act.

"Then you may leave."

I stood, smoothed my skirt, and turned toward the door. As I stepped out, the door closed behind me with a soft click, leaving me alone in the endless corridor. My pulse finally steadied, and I exhaled shakily.

Three rules.

No secrets.

No failure.

No trespassing.

Simple enough.

But something about the third rule bothered me. Why was he so adamant about me not going into his bedroom? What was he hiding?

I didn't know yet but I intended to find out.