Chapter 12~Marriage and Rules

~ARIELLA~

My heart beat tremendously, and my gaze was vaguely fixed upon the man whom I had just granted access into my life a few days ago.

I'm about to say yes, I do, to the man whom I think may end up bringing death to me.

But can I stop my heart from wanting him?

Can I stop myself from craving and desiring him all the time?

With each deep breath, I found myself relentlessly wishing and praying to the moon goddess that I was making the right decision.

I knew this may be tragic.

I knew what he wanted, and yet I was still accepting this because my heart yearned for him.

"And you two can now be pronounced husband and wife," I heard the words that sounded cringe to my ear.

Husband and wife?

Everyone clapped. They were all joyful, even while we were at the altar.

I could feel his distance. 

Each time his eyes collided with mine, my heart ended up beating very fast, and I felt steady hotness within me.

I couldn't explain why it happened, but all I knew was that he had a great effect on me. I wanted him always.

I desired him, and I hoped one day he'd realize how much I loved and craved him.

"You may now kiss your bride," the pastor announced, and my heart thudded.

Kiss!

We were going to kiss!

If that happened, I wouldn't be able to control my feelings, and I might end up wanting him more.

Slowly, he moved towards me, like he was being controlled, and he grabbed hold of my waist.

My eyes darted to him every second. I knew he could feel my heartbeat and, at the same time, how aroused I was currently.

He slowly leaned his head in, and I didn't know when I closed my eyes to welcome his soft, delicate lips, which matched mine.

I couldn't resist him. I found myself clinging to him and holding his neck, but he pulled away before I could go further.

When his lips matched mine, I could tell he was fighting his own demons.

Anxiety coursed through me the moment the pastor declared the party open, and everyone started congratulating us.

I could feel the cold serenity in the atmosphere and how each member of the pack was staring at us.

Jaden's cold demeanor still overshadowed the pack, even on his wedding day. It showed how much respect they all had for him.

Alphas from different packs were present, including those staring lustfully at me during Dante's engagement.

The only alpha not present was Dante, and I believed Jaden warned him sternly against coming.

While still examining the crowd, he wrapped his hands around mine. "We should head in, you look tired and exhausted," he muttered. I didn't think he would notice.

I was tired, but not because I was exhausted. I was consumed by anxiety and self-doubt, and I wouldn't want to deny it.

I knew he was intimidating, ruthless, cold-hearted, and didn't give a fuck about anything.

At a constant reminder of this, I kept wondering about his personality after the wedding.

Will he be any different now that I am his wife?

Will he treat me better?

He didn't want me from the very beginning, and will he still deny his feelings for me?

All these thoughts continued to wander in my head while I glared at him.

"I'll walk you in," he told me, and I nodded. If avoiding the gathering and being in his room would take away this anxiety and fear, then I'd gladly oblige.

"I'll be out tonight. I've got some business to attend to. Linda and Kate will show you around. Call them when you need anything," the man I had just married announced the moment we walked into our matrimonial home.

We had just gotten married, shouldn't we be spending the night together?

Oh!

What was I expecting?

He specifically stated that he only wanted an heir and a Luna.

"Don't expect anything. We aren't consummating our relationship until I am ready," he rasped.

His tone was icy and cocky.

"I know, you don't have to spell it out," I replied.

His words cut deep into my chest. 

I wasn't expecting to be turned down on our wedding night.

"You can come out for dinner if you wish, or let the maid bring your food," he instructed. "And one more thing, you are their Luna. Do not behave like their subordinate, you are superior to them," he warned for the last time.

This time, he gazed at me sternly, and his eyes read coldness. He had changed from being lovely and caring.

"Goodnight," he declared, tapping on my back.

I watched as he slammed the door against me, and I couldn't help but sigh.

I plopped onto the bed after he left, and I was left to wonder. He's my mate, shouldn't he have spent the night with me?

At least, that's what couples do.

~~

I woke up the next morning to a man staring at me in a weird manner, and I quickly jolted from the bed.

 Jaden flinched.

"Sorry I scared you," he apologized. "Didn't mean to," he added, and he stood up from wherever he was sitting.

"Here," he threw a paper at the bed, more like a document. "Drafted rules and regulations for our terms of contract," he said after that.

My eyes followed him as he moved to his wardrobe.

"You can read through and tell me whatever doesn't please you in it," he added.

I nodded. I

 wasn't expecting a contract.

 I had thought he'd just make it simple, but I guess I didn't know what I signed up for before I entered.

"Rule one: On no account should you have any affairs aside from this. We are married," I read out.

"Two: The aim is to bear an heir and be a Luna, never cross the line," I read again.

"Three: This is strictly a marriage of inconvenience. No fling attached," I read out.

Why all these rules?

What is he trying to protect?

I have never seen someone who wants his mate but hates it at the same time.

"I'll be at the company, hit me up when you need anything," he said.