Sera's POV
The contract hit the marble floor with a sharp slap.
I stared at the papers scattered at my feet, my white dress suddenly feeling too tight, too heavy. Around me, the wedding hall buzzed with excited voices. Guests laughed. Someone popped champagne. But all I could hear was the roaring in my ears.
"Pick it up, Sera." Darius's voice was cold, nothing like the warm tone he used in front of others. "Sign it. Now."
My hands shook as I bent down. This wasn't how today was supposed to go. Just an hour ago, I'd been in the bridal suite, imagining my future. A real marriage. A loving husband. Maybe children who would grow up knowing both their parents loved them.
Not this.
I picked up the papers and read the words that made my stomach turn:
CONTRACT MARRIAGE AGREEMENT
Duration: Three years
Purpose: To produce an heir for Alpha Darius Kane
Terms: After successful birth of heir, Sera Williams will leave the pack with appropriate compensation and never return.
"You're joking," I whispered. "Darius, please tell me this is some kind of mistake."
He straightened his tie without looking at me. "No mistake. This is business, Sera. My pack needs an heir. You need protection from your father's debts. We both get what we want."
"But I thought—" My voice cracked. "You said you cared about me."
"I said what I needed to say." He finally met my eyes, and they were empty. Completely empty. "Three years. Give me a child. Then disappear. That's the deal."
The pen felt like it weighed a thousand pounds.
I thought about my father, dying in that hospital bed. His last words to me: "Find someone who will take care of you, sweetheart. I'm sorry I failed." The medical bills had crushed us. When Darius offered to pay everything, to marry me, I thought it was a miracle.
I was so stupid.
"What if I say no?" I asked, even though I already knew the answer.
"Then your father's hospital pulls the plug tomorrow. The debt collectors take your childhood home. And you have nowhere to go." He checked his watch. "We have two hundred guests waiting. Make your choice."
My hand moved before my brain could stop it. The signature looked shaky and wrong, like someone else had written it.
"Good girl." Darius took the papers and smiled, but it didn't reach his eyes. "Now let's go get married. And Sera? Out there, you smile. You act like the happiest bride in the world. Understand?"
I nodded because what else could I do?
The ceremony passed in a blur. I said "I do" when prompted. Darius kissed me, and everyone cheered. His lips were ice against mine. No warmth. No love. Nothing.
At the reception, I played my part. I smiled until my face hurt. I danced when required. I pretended everything was perfect while my heart shattered into smaller and smaller pieces.
"You make a beautiful bride," an older woman said, touching my arm gently. It was Luna Margaret, the most respected wolf in our region. "I hope Alpha Darius knows how lucky he is."
"Thank you," I managed to say.
She leaned closer, her voice dropping. "If you ever need help, child, you come find me. Something about this marriage doesn't feel right."
Before I could respond, Darius appeared at my side. "Luna Margaret, how kind of you to come." His hand gripped my waist too tight. "My wife and I should greet the other guests."
He pulled me away quickly.
"What did she say to you?" he demanded once we were alone.
"Nothing. Just congratulations."
"Stay away from her. She asks too many questions." His eyes narrowed. "Remember our agreement, Sera. Three years. Not a day more. Don't go getting ideas about making this real."
That night, in his enormous house that would never be my home, I lay alone in a guest bedroom. Darius had walked me to the door, handed me a nightgown, and left without another word.
I cried until I had no tears left.
Then I made myself a promise. Three years. I would survive three years. I'd give him his heir because I had no choice. But I wouldn't let him destroy me. Somehow, I'd find a way to protect my heart.
I must have fallen asleep because a crash downstairs jolted me awake. Voices shouted. Something glass shattered.
I crept to my door and opened it slightly. Below, in the grand entrance, Darius stood facing someone I couldn't see.
"You can't be here," Darius growled. "She'll find out everything."
"She already suspects." A woman's voice, smooth and confident. "Face it, Darius. You can't hide me forever. I won't let some random girl replace me just because you need an heir."
My blood turned to ice.
"Vivian, please—"
"No!" The woman stepped into view. She was stunning, with long dark hair and perfect features. "I've waited five years for you. I'm not waiting anymore. Either you tell your new wife the truth, or I will."
She turned toward the stairs.
Toward me.
Our eyes met, and she smiled. It was the cruelest smile I'd ever seen.
"Hello, Sera," she said. "I'm Vivian. Darius's true mate. And we need to talk."