Chapter 2 The Contract
Xander
“Your Highness, your ascension is getting near. It is time to make a choice on a mate who will rule this kingdom with you,” says Wade, the Grand Marshal in charge of pack alliances.
I rub my temple, feeling the slight throb of a headache coming on. It’s a topic the members of the Royal Council never tire to include at the end of every meeting.
It doesn't help that my wolf has been restless and agitated since the encounter with the human a few hours ago.
And what a fiery little creature she was.
“Your Highness, may we have your permission to organize an event – maybe a ball? There will be lots of beautiful young maidens who would be honoured to be chosen as your bride.” Kershaw, the War Chief speaks up.
“You know his Highness has no interest in these things, Kershaw,” Elias speaks up. He is the keeper of lore and history. If anyone knows the history and origins of our kind and almost any other, it is Elias.
“Well then, why don’t you suggest something better?” Kershaw growled.
“I do not seek to instigate a brawl. I am only suggesting that his Highness would prefer something more. We could organize a hunt–“
Kershaw scoffed, “That is very absurd. His Highness wants to find a bride not an athlete or whatever humans call them.”
“Firstly, it is rude to cut me off in the middle of a speech. Secondly, I don’t-“
“Enough!” I command. Silence falls over the room immediately. I let out a long breath. “I will be picking a bride of my own choosing and at my own time. It Is not up for a debate.”
“Apologies, your Highness,” they chorus.
Suddenly, Dorian, the Captain of the Crescent Guards strides into the room with a concerned look on his face.
He stops right next to me and whispers, “your Highness, a human was found unconscious near the borders and she seems to have been in contact with dark magic.” He stands back upright.
What?
It can’t be…
I hear the whispers amongst the Royal Council members.
“Where is she?” I demand
“She has been admitted at the pack clinic, your Highness.”
Standing up immediately, I turn to them. “Your are all dismissed.”
Without waiting for a response I walk out of the meeting room. But just before I reach the door, Elda, the High Seer of the Royal Court’s voice carries through the air, “The child has come. The ruin of this kingdom will be in her hands.”
I have no idea what she is talking about and I don’t take the time to understand as I am escorted by Dorian to the pack clinic.
I sense her before I see her.
Firecracker.
She lays on her back on the tall bed. Her red hair sprawled around her, her electric blue eyes hidden behind her closed lids. Her posture is stiff, as if waiting to lunge at the slightest sign of danger. My wolf growls and paces harder.
“Have you gotten a name?” I turn to ask Dorian.
“Not yet, your Highness. But this piece of item was found beside her.” He hands me a little scroll. I roll it open and my brows draw close as I see a detailed map of the MoonVeil Estate.
Why does she have this with her? Who is this woman? Why is she haunted by dark magic and why does she bother me so much?
I continue to wonder as I stare at her still, unmoving form. If not for the slow rise and fall of her chest, one would assume she was probably dead.
“Max?” I call to my Beta.
“Yes, your Highness.”
“Find out whatever you can about this woman and get back to me immediately.” I stare at her again, my wolf’s protective hackles rising once again. “I think I just found my bride.”
Max’s eyebrows shoot up almost into his hair but I pay him no mind. He composes himself and nods once. Disappearing once again.
Almost immediately, she opens her eyes and sits up. She moved too fast though because she groans and curses, holding the side of her head.
“I was wondering when you were going to stop pretending to sleep,” I say to her. Her head snaps up and she gives me a wary glance while also glaring at me. She is probably pissed she got caught.
“Where am I?” she asks, deciding to ignore my comment.
“My pack’s clinic. My men found you unconscious in the forest where I left you.”
“Huh.”
That is all she has to say to that?
She swings her legs and tentatively places them on the floor to test their strength. Once she was sure she was indeed fine, she stands and heads for the door. "Thanks for the hospitality, but I think I’m good now.”
“Not so fast.” I obstruct her path and hold up the scroll. “Why did you have this with you?”
Her eyes widen briefly but she puts on an annoyed expression right after.
“It was just there. I don’t even know what that is.”
“Try again, Firecracker.” I blurt the name before I can stop myself, then step closer, her lavender scent wrapping around me so much it takes all of my willpower to keep my wolf from taking over. “This is a detailed map of my kingdom. Also, a necromancer was after you. Coincidence?”
Her nostrils flare, eyes narrowing to slits as she grounds out, “yes, a coincidence. That’s all.”
Right then, I receive a notification from Max detailing the personal information of her. Vanessa Collins.
A human…just one who needs protecting.
“What’s your name, Firecracker?”
“It’s none of your business and don’t call me that. Now move.”
Whether it is boldness or foolishness that fuels her, I don’t know. Maybe it is both. Either way, I like her fire and she is just the perfect person I need.
I step to the side to let her through, letting her snatch the scroll out of my hands. “What you encountered today wasn’t human. How long do you think you can survive that without protection?” I ask.
She knows exactly who I am talking about. Her hands tighten on the scroll so much they turn white.
“I sure as hell don’t need your protection, your Highness,” she grinds out.
“I can offer you something. It’s worth it,” I press.
She seems to think it over for a few moments and asks, “what?”
“A contract.”
She turns to face me then.
“A what now?”
“A contract. Be my short-term bride and I’ll save you from your demons.”
She laughs and scoffs, “I don’t need protecting your Highness. I can handle my own shit just fine.”
“Fine. You only have two options here, Firecracker. You either ensure your survival here or die outside these walls. The choice is yours to make.”
Her electric blue eyes darken greatly and she spins around. “Fuck off.”
“I’ll be right here waiting, Vanessa.”
She bolts and slams the door so hard the whole building shakes.
My lips tilt
up in a dangerous smirk.
She’ll be back.
My little firecracker.
When fate works, it always insists on it’s debt…