Chapter 8

Clara

I didn't protest as Damon dragged me from the room. We climbed into the car and drove off in silence. After a while, I sighed.

“What about my things? I have a lot of good clothes in there,” I murmured. His eyes briefly trailed down my body.

“Is what you’re wearing now one of your good clothes?” he asked. I glanced down and nodded.

“Yes.” He scoffed, and I narrowed my eyes.

“Don’t think I care who you’re with or what you do with your life. My wolf was the one who got angry earlier, not me,” he said. I rolled my eyes. Of course, it wasn't him. He'd made it pretty clear he could care less about me.

“So, what’s the plan? I’m still not clear on this marriage thing, and where are we going?” I asked as Damon swerved to a stop.

“We’re going to get married,” he muttered, then climbed out of the car. I sat there, wide-eyed. We were getting married now? I hadn’t even had time to think about it properly!

Damon opened my door and stared down at me with a bored expression.

“Are you going to get out, or do I have to carry you, Princess?” he said sarcastically. I rolled my eyes and climbed out, glancing around.

“Where are we?” I asked. Instead of answering, he grabbed my hand and led me into a building.

Inside, several men in black suits stood with their heads bowed as we passed. A man suddenly appeared in front of us. My eyes widened. Where had he come from?

He handed Damon a file, who then gave it to me.

“You have a few minutes to read the terms and conditions, then you’ll sign the contract,” Damon said. I stared at him, wide-eyed, as I reached for the file.

“How am I supposed to read this in a few minutes? It’s huge,” I murmured. He sighed and turned to the man.

“Summarize it for her, then meet me in the office in twenty minutes,” Damon muttered, then walked away, leaving me with a stranger.

“Don’t worry, he’s usually grumpy. You’ll get used to it,” the man said with a smile. Despite his rugged appearance, his kind eyes crinkled at the corners when he smiled, making him instantly approachable.

“Oh, silly me, I forgot to introduce myself. I’m Luca, Damon’s right-hand man—beta, whatever you want to call it,” he said, and I smiled slightly.

“I’m the mate Damon doesn’t want but has to marry for the crown,” I muttered. He laughed as if I’d told the funniest joke ever.

Luca: “I see he’s brought you up to speed. Your contract states that you both have to act like a loving couple in front of his father and the public, but in private, your business is your own. You are not allowed to intrude in his personal space or question his choices, and that applies to him as well. The contract lasts for one to two years, depending on when he’s given the title of Alpha King. Afterward, you’ll both get a divorce and go your separate ways. There are other things written in there, but those are the main points. You can read the rest later.” I frowned.

“What do I get out of all of this?” I asked. He smiled.

“Well, I’m glad you asked. You’ll receive thirty percent of Damon’s wealth, including his assets. Trust me, that’s enough to last you a lifetime,” he said. It made me wonder just how rich the son of the Alpha King was.

“Are you ready to get married now? Damon is a little impatient,” he murmured. I took a deep breath. I knew I’d regret it, but maybe it would be worth it. At least, by the time the contract ended, I could start my life with the money from the divorce.

“Okay, let’s go,” I said, and Luca immediately led me to Damon.

It was a courthouse wedding. After several signatures, we were pronounced husband and wife, with Luca as a witness. It felt surreal. If anyone had told me a few months ago that I’d be marrying a man other than Liam, I would have laughed in their face. But here I was, in a contracted marriage with my mate.

“So, what now?” I asked as we walked out, but Damon ignored me. I frowned.

“Hello? Husband?” I said. He visibly cringed before turning to me with a frown.

“Don’t ever call me that, ever. I almost died from disgust,” he muttered. I rolled my eyes. He was being dramatic! I wasn’t that bad!

“What happens now?” I asked. He placed his index finger on my head and pushed me away.

“How about we start by leaving me alone? Take her to the other mansion. She’ll be staying there,” he said, and I raised an eyebrow.

“We won’t be staying together? How are we supposed to convince your father, then?” I asked. I was fine with staying away from him, but the sooner his father thought he was ready to settle and become Alpha King, the better.

“Darling, I know you want to spend the night with me, but I can’t stand you,” Damon murmured. I rolled my eyes. He was so full of himself.

“We’ll cross that bridge when we get there. Take her home, Luca, and report back to me immediately,” Damon said. His phone rang.

He answered, then paused and turned to me. He shoved his phone angrily into his pocket, stalked toward me, and grabbed my hand.

“Change of plans. You’re coming home with me tonight,” he said. My eyes widened.

“What? Why?” I asked.

“My father wants to meet you.”