Chapter 5 New Relationship

********** Sigewuf ***********

Alpha Sigewuf took a final, scrutinizing glance at the contract Lex had emailed him that morning before storming out.

He had one goal today, as his mind stayed fixed on the south-toward Aston-Lakenheath; Camille.

He had instructed Lex-his gamma-to relay a crucial message to Alpha Loeka: "The marriage contract cannot be broken under any circumstances, and if it is broken, the defaulter will face severe consequences."

The girl was stubborn, like a wildfire that couldn't be contained. I needed something to solidify my grip over this marriage.

"The car's ready, Alpha," Beta Roxan's voice came through the pack link.

"Tell Lex and two others to follow in the second car," Alpha Sigewuf commanded.

That was what he did-commanded-and then sat back to watch others scurry to fulfill his desire.

"Understood, Alpha," he replied before the connection severed.

A sickening unease churned violently in the pit of his stomach-a feeling that had taken root the night he decided to use marriage as bait to form an alliance with the White Moon pack.

Brushing the feeling aside like a pest, he gathered the last document with measured urgency into a black pouch and strode toward the car, determination pumping through his veins.

The servants were all lined up, heads bowed low, a routine masked more from fear than respect.

**************

The drive to Aston-Lakenheath was going to take two long hours, enough time to gather his thoughts and steel himself before confronting the mysterious girl.

"Alpha, shall we?" Beta Roxan asked, his voice breaking through Sigewuf's contemplation as he settled into the front passenger seat.

"Yes," Sigewuf replied, his gaze fixed on the landscape rolling past.

"So much for having power. No one talks about the sacrifices. The loneliness. The cost," Sigewuf thought as he closed his eyes.

---

A pair of steel blue eyes ruptured from the shadows, overwhelming and piercing. Yet, it did not strike; it simply watched, akin to a predator savoring the moment before the kill.

Sigewuf yanked violently at the cuffs binding his wrists, frustration surging through him when they wouldn't yield. He tried to shift, but his wolf refused to respond.

Slowly, the creature advanced, moving its paws deliberately, each step bringing it closer, its fierce gaze locked onto him.

It lunged with breathtaking speed, fangs plunging deep into his neck. "Nooooooo!"

Alpha Sigewuf awoke with a gasp, eyes flung open, his pulse pounding wildly as he sucked in air greedily. It was the same nightmare-grim flashes of impending disaster.

He wiped sweat from his brow, heart racing, and swallowed two shots of the prazosin Beta Roxan had provided, desperate to find relief.

Beta Roxan expertly whipped the car left, maneuvering around a corner and rolling into the driveway of the formidable, gardened fortress.

The car finally pulled to a stop after three security checks, circling into the grand driveway.

Aston-Lakenheath was a breathtaking sight.

Stepping out, the dense air pinched at his skin, igniting goosebumps.

Alpha Loeka stood before the front door, dressed in a tailored green suit, a suppressed smile playing on his face.

"Welcome to Aston-Lakenheath," Loeka said as their hands connected.

"Thank you for having me," Sigewuf replied, exhaling calmly as he followed behind Loeka.

It was time.

---

"Where's the girl?" Alpha Sigewuf asked immediately as Alpha Loeka began signing the final contract.

"Can't wait to get right to it," Loeka smirked wickedly. "She'll be here any minute."

Suddenly, the study door creaked open. Even though he couldn't see her, Sigewuf felt the shift in the room.

Speak of the devil.

The scent of hot chocolate mixed with cream filled the air as she moved, commanding the space with an energy that electrified the room.

And when she spoke, her voice was rich and confident, while Loeka listened intently.

She was like a drug; the more he inhaled, the more she drove him crazy.

"Mate!" he heard Khona growl.

Loeka reached out, his arm gleaming with traces of gray hairs above the silver wristwatch he wore, gesturing for her to approach as they conversed.

Following her father's gesture, she stood directly in front of Sigewuf. Her limbs were feminine yet strong. Atrue hunter, poised and ready.

But she was wolfless!

He pulled the hair on his face backward, staring blankly.

How could the moon goddess consider checkmating him like that?

As far as Sigewuf was concerned, she was nothing. She would mean nothing to him without her wolf.

She couldn't rule beside him. What would his father, Ultima Rhaul Rawson, make of his ridiculous joke of a mate?

Beautiful. Strong. Sexy as hell. And what? Wolfless?

She was not worthy of his mark, and he wouldn't dare mark her!

---

The next thirty minutes dragged by before Loeka resurfaced, but Camille was nowhere in sight.

Sigewuf stood in the family gallery, hands crossed gently behind him.

"I see you have taken care of the situation," Sigewuf said without turning to face Loeka.

"Hahaha," Loeka laughed from his belly.

"Children always need to be reminded of their place. No matter how fast they grow. Isn't that right, Sigewuf?"

"Of course, it is," Sigewuf replied, turning to face Loeka, a fake smile on his face.

"Speaking of children, where are your boys? No sign of them around."

"Ah, my boys," Loeka's eyes glistened with pride. "They're on some special assignment. They'll be back soon. You know, Conrad has something special-he got the entrance mail into Aston-Lakenheath Academy. He takes after me."

"I see. And since we're done here," Sigewuf extended his hand, "it was nice doing business with you."

He noted the small scowl that flickered across Loeka's face at being cut off mid-musing.

He loved being in charge. They both did. They wanted the same thing.

Sigewuf smirked. "To new relationships?"

"To new relationships," Loeka agreed, shaking his hands