Chapter 4 (A Contract)

Athena's POV

"Are you okay?" Tala asked.

"Yes, I'm fine. I just need a minute" I replied, quickly leaving the room. I couldn't comprehend what had just happened.

Was it a real vision? Why did I see Tala? Did that event truly occur? And why am I feeling the pain?

These questions circled in my mind until I could eventually calm myself down.

"Are you okay?" Tala asked as she found me outside.

"You don't have to accept the gift, if you don't want to. That was silly of me" she apologized.

"No, it's not that. I love the gift. It's just a migraine" I lied to her.

She looked relieved and sat beside me.

"Can you tell me about yourself, your childhood, I mean?" I asked her.

She took a deep breath. "Well that was out of the blue" she smiled.

"There's nothing much to it. When I was five, Ralph's Uncle Boris invaded our pack and killed my parents" Tala revealed. 

I almost felt remorse for asking, and making her reveal that, but I wanted to confirm what I saw.

"Boris tortured me for years, and I do not know why. Then, Ralph killed him and became the Lycan, setting me free. With no place to go, I decided to be a soldier. Ralph trusted me enough to be his Gamma" she concluded.

It seems the vision I saw was a reflection of a painful memory from Tala's past. 

Understandably, I wouldn't want to experience such intense emotions again. And I decided to keep that to myself.

"So, you mean Ralph is not as wicked as everyone says?" I inquired.

Tala chuckled. "He is not. He is actually the bravest man I've ever met. He sure has his downsides, but behind that grumpy face is a kind heart" she shared.

As we continued our conversation into the night, I learned that Ralph's hostility stemmed from the profound loss of his wife and child during childbirth five years ago.

Both Tala and Ralph have faced their own struggles and loneliness. 

It's commendable that Tala has emerged as a strong warrior despite her challenging past.

Ralph's internal conflict about fulfilling his duties to the pack adds another layer to his complex situation.

I lay in bed reflecting on their stories, as I empathize with their struggles. Forgetting my own dilemma.

"The next day, Tala left for a council meeting and returned looking worried.

When I inquired about what was happening, she shared that the council had decided that Ralph must get a breeder immediately. Someone to sign a contract and give birth to a child.

"So, do you have someone?" I asked her. I'm not sure why I was asking, but something compelled me to inquire.

"No, not yet. We'll have to inform the pack about this offer and see those interested" Tala explained.

Since then, the thought lingered in my mind. The fear of Damian finding me loomed, and the desire for protection and companionship grew stronger. 

Should I jump on the offer or not? Being with Ralph will be of advantage to me, he can protect me.

The next day, I approached Tala and asked if I could be allowed to try the contract, not revealing my main reason. She was surprised at first but later unexpectedly rejoiced.

"I'm glad you're moving on. On the said date, we'll go to the house together, and I'm sure you'll be selected" Tala assured me.

Perhaps I'm making a mistake but my heart wants this, and with nothing to lose. What could possibly go wrong?

On the day Ralph was supposed to select a breeder, I went to the house with Tala.

The sight of so many girls, including some who weren't from the pack, caught me off guard, making my heart race. 

Tala sat on the high table with the Beta and other members. We were called in and asked a few questions.

It seems they have specific standards for selecting a breeder to avoid potential complications. 

After answering a few questions, I took the opportunity to explore the impressive and spacious house.

Noting the beauty and the numerous servants attending to various tasks. It was quite an experience being in such an opulent setting.

Tala informed me through the mind link that it was time to seal the contract.

I couldn't believe it. I was selected among all these girls. My initial doubts about standing a chance melted away.

Entering the room, I found myself amidst the final agreements. The anticipation and curiosity surged within me. 

"Where is the Lycan?" I asked Tala through the mind link, eager to encounter the enigmatic figure at the center of it all.

I had expected him to be present, overseeing the selection or at least giving the final approval.

"You'll meet him once we're done" Tala reassured me.

After completing the necessary formalities, Tala guided me to his office. As we entered, he seemed very busy with paperwork at his desk.

"Here is who we found for you, her name is Athena George. She was born in Cone pack" Tala introduced me to the Lycan.

He continued working without raising his head or uttering a word.

"I'm sure you two will meet later" Tala commented, motioning for us to leave.

Exiting his office, I couldn't help but inquire, "Is he always this cold?" Tala responded with a small smile, "You'll get used to it."

"That sounded like a threat!" I exclaimed.

"No, trust me, it's not. We need to get you a few things" she added, leading the way.

We ventured into town, and Tala generously provided me with beautiful dresses and other essentials before returning home.

"Are you sure about this?" Tala inquired during our dinner.

"Yeah. I do not have any purpose. Perhaps this will fill my empty heart and the money will be useful" I reassured her.

The next morning, she informed me that I would be leaving for Ralph's place in the evening. 

Gathering the necessary items, I prepared to embark on this unexpected journey of my life.

Late in the evening, Tala accompanied me to Ralph's place, where a servant attended to us. 

My belongings were taken to the third floor, presumably where his room was located.

Nervousness gripped me at this unexpected turn of events. Rejected by my mate and now becoming a breeder for a Lycan. I hadn't anticipated this path.

At dinner, the Lycan joined us, remaining silent and avoiding eye contact.

He ate swiftly and left for his office. Tala reassured me, insisting that I would be fine and not to worry too much.

After Tala left, with the servants tidying up after dinner, I found myself with nothing to do. Not wanting to intrude, I decided to explore.

Heading upstairs, I heard some movement, indicating that Ralph was likely in his office.

Reaching the third floor, I discovered only two rooms facing each other. The simplicity surprised me. The whole floor consisted of just two rooms.

Opening the first door, I found my belongings neatly arranged. 

The room was well-furnished, far beyond anything I had ever dreamed of. Its size alone surpassed that of many houses back at Cone pack. The bed was very large.

Within the room, two doors caught my attention. One revealed a spacious and beautifully designed bathroom, while the other led to a mini kitchen.

Despite the lavish surroundings, I couldn't find any trace of Ralph's belongings. 

Curiosity getting the better of me, I decided to investigate the other room.

Exiting and sneaking into the second room, I discovered it to be equally spacious. The bed appeared larger, and his distinct scent spread throughout the entire room.

I approached his table, marvelling at the neatness and beauty of everything on it. A particularly beautiful portable lamp caught my eye.

Suddenly, the door swung open, startling me, and I accidentally dropped the lamp, smashing it on the floor.

As I turned, I faced Ralph's enigmatic figure. "I'm sorry" I uttered, referring to the broken lamp.

"Who are you?" he asked, catching me off guard. "I'm Athena, I'm your…" he cut me off abruptly.

"Now, listen to me, Athena. You're my breeder. You are not to invade my personal space. You have your room" he declared in a harsh tone, leaving me surprised and taken aback.

"I'm sorry, and I'm sorry about the lamp" I apologized, taking my leave.

However, he stopped me just as I approached. "Listen, we can only get intimate on odd days".

Silently, I stood there. "Answer me!" he shouted, his voice sending trembles down my spine.

As if he could see through me, he added, "Yes. Let your fear of me be a constant reminder".

At that moment, I was already quivering. 

Regret surged within me. Is this the life I chose for myself? I regretted ever coming to be chosen immediately.