Chapter 2 : The Five-Year Deal

“Did your father not tell you?” Declan’s expression changed a bit, when his brows moved in accordance with his a little perplexed eyes. “You’re going to bear my child, Eve.”

“I beg your pardon.” I tilted my head. “I’m sorry. I must have been hallucinating—”

“You’re going to bear my child, Eve.”

“What?”

Confusion filled my eyes as I stared back at the King. What bear his child is he talking about? He chose me to be his concubine, and that was it. The only agreement was that I’d live with him, be his woman and serve him. No additionals, nor less. Though he might ask me to sleep with him, and as his mistress, I will be compelled to do so, that was the extent of it.

‘Goddamn, Eve.’ Lexi cursed.

“You look uninformed,” he commented, scrutinizing me. “But it is in the contract. Did you not read it?”

I refused to! I was forced to make that decision, so it hurted me everytime I think about it. The past days, after both parties announced the treaty, I wanted to release even a bit of uneasiness in my chest so I let my father do all the work. The reviewing of contract. The preparation. Everything.

I at least wanted to manipulate myself that it was going to be okay. That five years wasn’t long and that before I even knew it, it’d be over.

But now, what was this?

My brows met. “My father did not mention anything, Your Majesty. Did you specify that term to him personally? I conclude he probably also didn’t know.”

“That would be impossible,” he said before he took a small step forward. “Afterall, the reason why I chose you in exchange for the treaty was because of that reason. Because I wanted a woman to have my child.”

My heart almost stopped beating. I breathed hard, unable to say anything. I was speechless. Stupefied. What he said surprised me a lot, but more than that, if my father knew, why didn’t he say anything? Because he knew I’d disagree the moment he speak of it? Because he knew it would go against what I believed in?

Was that why he said I was the key? Was that why my mother told me that my father tried to offer him anything else? Because I’d be a vessel?

Was that the reason why my father sounded certain when he said that over the time, the Lycan King will learn to trust us, wolves?

This was utterly ridiculous.

“I’m afraid I have to excuse myself to talk to my father.” I lowered down my gaze. My heart was starting to beat rapidly. “If I may…”

“Very well…”

I immediately turned around. I didn’t even bother to give him a once-over. I was fixated on the fact that my father attempted to betray me again, for the second time. I’m going to have the Lycan King’s child? Is that even possible?

Wolves and Lycans cannot be mated for a reason. We were two different species. What were my father thinking? Who knew what would’ve happened if I walked right through the path they created? I could die. And for the Moon Goddess’ sake, why did it have to be me? Why can’t he just let his wife have his child?

Vexed, I went straight to my father’s chamber without notice. I didn’t stop even when his first rank betas, Albert and Miraculo forbid me to come in saying my father was talking with the Lycan King’s advisers. I was blinded.

“As planned, we will procceed with the inauguration of the treaty tomorrow. In exchange, the Canine family will have to make sure—”

“Did you sign the contract?” I asked as soon as I opened the door. “I appreciate if you’ll answer honestly, father.”

“Genevieve!” My mother called my name in a warning tone. “What are you doing here?”

My mother closed the gap in mere seconds. She reached for my arm, in which I immediately jiggled for release. My heart was heavily pumping blood, and I felt too overpowered by my emotion to even talk about this matter privately.

They technically sold me to the Lycan King in exchange for the peace and security. But not only that. They lied to me, even when I already tried to overlooked the fact that they decided to to lay me as an exchange without my opinion!

I was his daughter! I was their daughter! Did that not mean anything?

“Eve, please” My father gave me a stern look. He swing his right hand, giving a signal to his betas, but I moved before the two of them can even get me.

“I apologize…” My mother tried to excused my behavior as she walked close to me. “My daughter seemed to be troubled with something, so I’ll have to talk to her for a minute—”

“Why did you lie to me?” I asked my father in a heartbeat. “I agreed to be his Mistress, but you didn’t tell me about—”

“I have already signed the contract, Eve.” My father’s brows sloped inward. He looked mad as he threw me a glare. “I have just handed it to the King’s advicers.”

I swallowed hard. “Take it back.”

“Eve—” My mother tried to stop me, but I was unstoppable. My emotions were.

“Take it back, father.”

I was courageous. Not once in my life did I try to disobeyed my father, because I had always believed he was wise and calculative. I knew his decisions were planned, and that he could stand strong for it.

He let me live a meaningful, and extravagant life. Gave me what I wanted, trained me how to defend myself. Fed me, protected me. He was a great father and leader.

But I wished he knew I wanted to live a life, too. Not just the way he wanted it.

“I tried to be considerate and let you know, Eve. But the decision isn’t yours to make. I am the Alpha, and I am entitled to make commitments that would benefit the pack.” My father stood up, with his words as hard as his gaze.

My lips pursed.

It was everything I wanted to hear, Everything I was confused about. Everything… I didn’t know he was capable of making me feel.

I was disheartened. “What about the five year deal? Was that also a lie?”

“Yes.”