Chapter IX

My mind was filled with worry and fear. The events of the past few days had been overwhelming, and I wasn't sure how much more I can handle. My Dad had been vague about what was going on, but I can tell that it was serious. The attack by the wolves confirmed my suspicions, those people had found us he was trying to lure them away from me when he traveled but they somehow figured out his plan. No matter how much I don't want to admit it I am glad Luciano found me that day if not I could have been taken back to that awful place.

Now, the only option I have is to stay with Luciano until my Dad finds a safe place for us. But how am I supposed to cope? My wolf is threatening to get out of control, and I don't know how to keep it in check without my potion that subdues it. And these foreign feelings I have for Luciano only added to my confusion. How could I be attracted to someone I hardly know? How can it be possible after all I had seen and been through?

I know that I can't survive a month of hiding my real identity without the aid of my magic. My magic is the only thing that kept me sane in this treacherous journey called life. Without it, I am at risk of losing control and putting everyone around me in danger.

As I looked at the paper in my hand, I felt a surge of determination. I couldn't let my fears and doubts get the best of me. I had to find a way to control my wolf and my emotions, even without my magic. And I have to help my Dad and I can only do that after I speak with Luciano, I need to gain his trust if I want everything to work out smoothly without him interrupting me.

With a deep breath, I lay down on the bed and closed my eyes. I tried to focus on my breathing and clear my mind of all distractions. It wasn't easy, but after a while, I felt myself relaxing, after all, I can only achieve all I wanted with a clear mind. And maybe, just maybe, I could find a way out of all this and if I survive I can live the life I have always dreamed of.

******

Luciano

I heard a knock on the door I lifted my head and answered "Come in," without hesitation because I can smell Alexander from right here.

He came inside and sat on the Chair in front of mine without a word. I dropped my pen and lifted my eyes waiting for him to start talking but he never did.

"If you are not going to state your business here, get out," I said and continue working.

He smiled shaking his head "You have intentions of Changing Luciano."

I raised an eyebrow, feeling annoyed. "What do you mean by that?" I asked, my tone sharp.

Alexander leaned forward, resting his arm on my desk. "You're always so focused on your work, even when there are other things going on around you," he said. "It's impressive, but sometimes it's pathetic too."

I frowned, not sure what he was getting at. "What are you trying to say?"

He sighed, running a hand through his hair. "Look, I know things have been tough lately. With Amanda's Condition and everything. But the way you treat Natacha is Completely wrong, She's your mate, bordel de merde."

I felt a pang of guilt in my chest. He was right, of course. I had been so wrapped up in my own worries and fear to notice how badly I treat her. I was so used to getting everything I wanted that I find it so hard to accept the fact that the one Person I yearned for, and wanted the most doesn't want me.

I spend hundreds of years praying to the moon goddess and looking for her. I can't just let her go even if it kills me. Dreaming about her existence was the only thing that kept me sane throughout all those centuries. "I know," I shrugged nonchalantly. "But I can't let her go."

Alexander scowled. "I get it. But no one is saying you should let her go. Convince her to stay with you, make her fall in love with you so that you won't have to force her or kidnap her to stay with you."

As he spoke, I couldn't help but feel a deep sense of shame and regret wash over me. How could I have been so blind to my behavior and the pain I was causing Natacha? It was as if a veil had been lifted from my eyes, and I could finally see the damage I had been inflicting on her.

But even as I acknowledged my wrongdoing, I couldn't shake the overwhelming sense of longing that consumed me, from the moment I perceived her scent I couldn't get her out of my head even before seeing her. And when I saw her, she was everything I had ever wanted and more, the thought of losing her is unbearable. It was as if my entire existence had been leading up to this moment, everything I wished for coming true, I can't bear to let it all slip away.

The alluring scent of my mate is what brought me out of my thoughts, I looked towards the door as she walked in, and I felt a rush of emotions flood through me. Her alluring scent filled my senses, making my heart race with excitement. I couldn't help but stare at her in awe, as she looked more stunning than ever before.

Her hair cascaded down her back in soft curls, and her eyes sparkled with a hint of mischief. Her lips were curved into a gentle smile as she looked towards Alexander, and I felt myself getting lost in the depths of her beauty yet rilling up with jealousy because that smile should only be meant for me not Alexander or anyone else.

For a moment, I forgot about everything else around me, as I focused solely on her but I was brought back with the sickly sweet smile Alexander sent to her. I had to restrain myself from wiping that smile off his face with my fist.

He quickly walked out without a word as he read my expression.

As she approached me, I find it harder to resist the urge to reach out and touch her. My fist clenched as a tried to control myself.

I raised a brow in question waiting for her to speak.

She sat down on the chair Alexander left and turned towards me full of confidence.

"I want to discuss with you," She said holding my gaze.

"What do you want to discuss?" I asked with my eyes flickering to her lips as she smiled.

She leaned forward and placed her hand on my desk. "About us,"

I leaned back on my chair looking at her as I urge her to continue. I can't be too close to her or I might not be able to control what I will do next.

She straightened up "I want us to draw a contract,"

"A Contract," I repeated confused.

"Yes," she answered. "You brought me here against my will, act as if I am a possession. You have no respect for my wish."

"What are you getting at?" I asked unfazed, even though I am a bit ashamed of all these things she listed.

She smiled "You wanted me to stay, I will but there's a catch,"

"What is it?"

"You'll remove this pendant from my neck, and you'll not mark me or start the mating rituals without my consent." She stated.

"How can I know that you won't run away the moment I removed the pendant,"

"You don't trust me," she smiled "Fair enough"

"I know of something called the Witch Oath," I added. I know that making her do the Oath is the same as forcing her to stay with me or worse. It went against everything I believed in and everything I knew to be right. But, I can only win her heart if she stays with me that is the only way I can make her see just how much she meant to me.

She scowled and glare at me, I couldn't help but feel a twinge of worry. I knew that she was a strong-willed woman and that she wouldn't hesitate to speak her mind.

For a few moments, she remained silent, as if deep in thought. I could see the gears turning in her head, as she contemplated her next move.

Finally, she spoke, her voice low and measured.

"Fine, I will do the Oath," she said, "but I will have to add a clause to our agreement."

I felt a knot form in my stomach at her words. What kind of clause could she possibly want to add? Was she going to ask for something unreasonable?

But before I could voice my concerns, she continued. "I want to make sure that we both have an equal say in our relationship. That we both have a voice and that our opinions are heard and respected."

I nodded and she continues.

"I want this agreement to be for just a duration of 6 months, if by that time I do not wish to stay, you will let me go."

I felt disappointed in her words, but I knew that she was right. I was even surprised she agreed to stay after all that happened between us. But, it is important to make her feel comfortable and respected in the relationship.

"I understand," I said, trying to keep my voice steady. "I want you to feel happy and fulfilled in our relationship. If after six months you feel like it's not working out, I will respect your decision." I lied knowing that I will never let her go.

She smiled at me, her eyes softening. "Thank you for understanding. I just want to make sure that we're both on the same page."

I nodded, feeling a sense of relief wash over me.

I quickly grabbed the paper and pen, jotting down the key points of our conversation.

I handed the paper to her and watched as she read through it carefully before taking the pen and adding a few things and her signature. Read what she added.

'We both agreed to prioritize an open and honest communication, respect each other's boundaries, and reassess the relationship after six months

I signed, feeling a sense of relief wash over me as I handed her back the paper.

I watched as she lift the paper speaking some incantation. "It's done," she said handing me back the paper.

"I thought you can't do magic?" I asked intrigued.

"That is not magic, it's an Oath, even you can do it." She answered.

I nodded.

She smiled at me, her eyes sparkling. "Now let's get this thing off me."

I stood up and went to stand behind her, she moved her hair to one shoulder giving me a perfect view of her beautiful slender neck. My fingers gently brushed against her skin, sending pleasurable shivers down my spine. I could feel how deep the connection between souls is, one that went beyond words or actions. I couldn't resist leaning down to inhale her tantalizing scent.

I slowly unclasped the pendant, taking my time to savor the moment. The pendant fell into my hand. I turned her around to face me, she looked up at me.

"You are free now," I said softly looking deep into her eyes. I expected to see happiness or a smile on her face but instead, she frowned her eyes filled with frustration, and confusion vividly written on her face.

She clutched her head as she staggered to fall but I quickly caught her.

"What that fuck is happening to me," She voiced trying to get out of my hold.