Chapter 2 Best Idea

For some reason, I found Maine's fierce suggestion amusing, and a ripple of laughter ran through me from her direction.

"That would be a bit messy, Maine. I think a good rejection should do the trick," I giggled.

"Maybe take a man home with you tonight and repay the favor," Maine smirked.

"Maine!" I protested, feeling the warmth from the wine deepen as my ears grew hotter.

Before long, a pressing need to visit the toilet arose. Navigating the maze-like corridors of private rooms and offices, I stumbled into what I assumed was the ladies' room.

As I adjusted my dress and sat down in a stall, the sound of footsteps entering the room made me stifle a giggle. The alcohol had indeed taken effect. Although my kind typically boasted a strong tolerance, the Merlyn witches had certainly perfected their line of fortified wines.

I swayed slightly as I stood and turned to flush, freezing at the distinct sounds of two male voices carrying into the room.

"Alpha, I know you don't want to discuss this, but you really must consider your options," a concerned male voice urged.

"Not this again, Alvin." Another voice, deep and husky, sighed heavily, weary of the topic at hand.

"Eavesdropping seems to be a new talent we've acquired," Maine slurred with amusement in my mind.

"Shhh! They might hear us!" I replied through our mind link, stifling yet another giggle.

"If the others discover the curse, you know it will lead to bids for takeovers."

"And what? If I don't have a Luna, I can't rule well? Give me a break, Alvin." The deep voice snorted derisively.

"If you can't produce an heir, the pack's future isn't secure! At least consider taking a chosen mate."

"And if my mate shows up in the meantime?"

"Can you be certain they would be honest about it? The curse took away your ability to..."

The curse? What curse were they talking about? 

"Can you be certain they'd be truthful about such matters? The curse has taken away your ability to find your true mate. Who's to say those meddling witches won't send impostors to seize control of the pack, hmm? This is not a trivial matter to be dismissed lightly!" the man identified as Alvin argued, frustration evident in his voice.

My eyes widened. What exactly had I stumbled into?

Though I didn't recognize the voices, the situation sounded serious. Leaning forward against the door to hear more clearly, I inadvertently caused it to swing open. I stumbled forward, crashing into the opposite wall with a loud groan.

Maine snickered in my mind. "Forgot to close the door properly?"

"You're not helping..." I muttered, clutching the spot on my head that had slammed against the wall, grimacing from the pain.

As I looked up, my eyes met those of two visibly shocked men, who had poised themselves to confront an intruder and now found themselves unsure of what to do next.

"Who are you? Explain yourself!" the man identified as Alvin blustered furiously.

Dropping my hand to my side, I looked at him incredulously. "Me explain myself?! Don't you think it should be the other way around?"

"Wha...?" he began, but I cut him off angrily.

"Two grown men using the ladies' bathroom to discuss such nonsense... What are you, perverts?!" I demanded, glaring at them furiously.

Alvin looked helplessly at the other man.

The man with the deep voice adopted a more relaxed posture, shoving his hands into his pockets as he regarded me quietly. "Interesting choice of attire for the men's bathroom... don't you think?" he commented dryly, eyebrow raised.

I blinked stupidly. Men's bathroom? Surely not... was it?

As my eyes swept across the room, the men's urinals glaringly confirmed my mistake, and I anxiously bit my lip.

Damn.

The man with the deep voice chuckled at my evident discomfort, turning away as if to leave.

"We can't just leave her. If your secret gets out..." Alvin protested loudly, causing the man with the deep voice to pause, head slightly turned in consideration of his friend's words.

After a moment's reflection, he nodded slightly before turning to leave once more.

Alvin's eyes flickered to a golden hue, a signal that a transformation was imminent, and my heart began to race wildly. Were they really considering killing me for overhearing their conversation?

"Let them try!" Maine growled in my mind, eager to confront the potential threat.

"Wait!" I shouted impulsively. "You need a chosen mate, and I need a way out of this wedding tomorrow. I'll do it! I'll marry you."

The man with the deep voice stopped abruptly, turning to face me. His eyes took in my appearance—slightly drunk and disheveled in a wedding dress—but what likely caught his attention was the boldness in my gaze, free from fear.

He reflected briefly on the situation before a slight smile appeared. "I accept. Alvin will draft a basic contract with you, and we can finalize the terms after you've settled your... non-wedding."

"Alpha, are you seriously—" Alvin began to protest.

"That's an order, Alvin," the man interrupted with commanding authority, eyes flashing silver.

Alvin paled slightly, swallowing hard before responding, "Yes, Alpha Calixto." He submitted by baring his neck to Calixto.

I blinked in surprise. Alpha Calixto? What had I just committed myself to?

Alpha Calixto watched me keenly from across the booth as Alvin prepared the initial agreement. I found myself wondering why I was so desperate to escape my meticulously planned marriage, considering how well the dress suited me.

Sighing, Alvin quickly typed out the agreement, occasionally consulting with Calixto about his expectations. Meanwhile, I was seated opposite, nervously clutching the fabric of my wedding dress beneath the table, feeling my stomach churn.

"I don't know why you're so anxious. He leads a strong pack, the most powerful in the country, doesn't he? Seems like a pretty good deal," Maine remarked casually.

True, but he had a fearsome reputation and seemed cold. I didn't know the first thing about his businesses or ideals—only that my father detested him.

"Better to deal with a powerful, cold man than suffer the pain every time your mate sleeps around." Maine's words were harsh, but there was truth in them.

I grimaced at her choice of words but couldn't argue with the sentiment.

"Miss?" Alvin said, a hint of irritation in his voice.

Realizing I had missed something he said, I smiled apologetically. "I'm sorry, my wolf was distracting me."

"Oh, really? I assume it means she isn't thrilled," Alvin smirked.

"Not at all. Quite the opposite. She thinks it's a good match. Her exact words were that the contract is better than a fated mate who can't keep his pants zipped." I replied without hesitation, offering him a sweet smile.