Chapter 2

Veronica’s POV

Logan’s chest raised and fell as he took a big breath before speaking, “If it such a big issue, that it was worth wanting to hit the maid, maybe…” He looked around thinking what to say, “Maybe you should go and get the correct wine, seeing that the maid is incompetent.”

“Wait… What?”

“Maybe you should show sincerity and go to the wine cellar and get the wine.”

“Alpha-“

“Now.”

“But, I… You can’t be serious.”

“I’m dead serious. Now, be a loyal mutt and go and get the wine.”

Marcus's gaze met mine. I quickly looked away before I stepped on any more toes. With a growl he stepped away, as he passed me he kept his gaze on me. With my eyes fixed on the ground, I saw that Alpha Logan turned around to face me. My heart started to beat faster.

“Maid. Well, I don’t believe that is your name. What is your name?”

“I’m…” I replied softly.

“You need to speak up. And you need to speak full sentences.”

“I’m Veronica.” My voice was still soft but loud enough for him to hear.

“Veronica.” He nodded, “So, Veronica, tell me how old are you?”

“I’m… Um… I just turned eighteen…”

“When?”

“When what Alpha?”

“When did you turn eighteen?”

“Well… Um… Today.”

I looked up and then saw the confusion on his face. Then our eyes met, he had the most beautiful ocean-blue eyes. When staring into his eyes it felt as if I was fading away. Like I was swimming in the ocean itself.

“Today. Interesting. Tell me little one, what is the story between you and that arrogant man?”

“Well, um. He… Is… Kind of my…” I looked down, unable to look him in his eyes, and whispered, “Step-brother.”

“Your what?”

“Step-brother.” My voice got a little bit more audible.

“And he fucking tears you like that? Like fucking trash? How dare you stand for that?”

I closed my eyes. Scared he might raise his hands to me. Then I heard him sigh, slowly I opened my eyes. Slowly lifting my gaze, he placed his hand on his face and shook it. A loud growl came from behind me, as I turned around I saw Marcus standing behind me. His face was blood red from anger.

“Fall to your fucking knees mutt!”

“But…”

“Drop! And apologise to the Alpha this instant, you have only caused trouble the entire night.”

I nodded and started to make my way to my knees, but before I could reach the ground I felt a hand grabbing my arm. Shocked, I didn’t say a word and didn’t move. I stood rock solid.

“Marcus, I thought we were here to talk business. Seeing that Alpha Ethan couldn’t make it. But now you're only causing a scene. At this moment I’m starting to wonder why I even came here.”

“Alpha. I apologise, but if it wasn’t for this maid. Think she can leave now so that we can continue our discussion of earlier.”

“Beta, I don’t think you are taking this situation seriously. I think it would be best if I just leave.”

“Please! I mean, please, Alpha Ethan sent me to make sure that our packs would still be in alliance with each other. Please, I can’t mess this up.”

“Then tell me what are you going to do? What do you offer me to keep my pack protected?”

The tension was building between them. I wanted to leave to let them talk in private but Logan’s hand was still gripping my arm. Keeping my gaze fixed to the floor I heard my brother say my name, “Veronica.” I looked up in shock. Why did he just say my name? I did nothing but stand here, “Our pack will give you Veronica.” My eyes widened because of his words.

“What?” The word escaped my mouth louder than I had planned.

“Shut up.” Marcus looked at me with anger.

“Go on.” Logan said, his interest peaked.

“Our pack offers you Veronica as payment.”

“Marcus, you can’t do this to me. Please.” I begged.

He pulled me closer and whispered in my ear, “You are nothing to this pack. If you want to mean something you will go with him. Willingly. You will be the only thing that can protect our pack. Got it?”

I nodded in agreement. My breaths started to get louder with each passing minute. How can they do this to me? What would my father say if he found out what Marcus was doing? Maybe he wouldn’t even notice that I was gone. Maybe this would be for the best.

“You got yourself a deal, Beta. Veronica for the safety of your pack.” Logan said as he extended his hand for the closing of the deal.

“Thank you, Alpha. Alpha Ethan will be pleased to hear that our pack still has you and you people to help keep our pack safe.” Their hands met for a handshake.

Tears started to fill my eyes. First I was a useless mutt and now I’m some consolation prize. My eyes fell to the floor. Then Mia’s voice echoed through my ears, “Veronica. How dare you stand here next to the Alpha?”

“Don’t speak to her that way.”

“But Alpha, she needs to get back to work.”

“I don’t think so. She isn’t yours anymore. You’re not allowed to tell her what to do anymore.”

“What? Marcus, what is he talking about?”