Chapter 2

Aurelia's POV

I thought catching my mate in bed with my sister was the worst thing that could happen to me.

Apparently, I had underestimated how creative my family could be.

By the next morning, I was sitting in the back of the car on my way to meet Richard, a man nearly twice my age, whom my parents had decided would make a perfectly acceptable replacement for the fiancé my sister had stolen.

It would have been almost funny if my father hadn't given me an ultimatum.

Marry Richard, or leave the Crimson Fang Pack.

Unfortunately, leaving wasn't an option. In Crimson Fang Pack, being disowned meant losing my family, my home, and my place in the pack. I'd become a rogue, with nowhere to go and no way back.

I wasn't exactly thrilled about either option. But I didn't need to reject Richard. I just needed to make him reject me.

"Ma'am? We are here." My driver's voice pulled me from my thoughts.

L'Étoile was as grand as ever.

I spotted Richard at a table by the window. He stood the moment he saw me, his eyes shamelessly sweeping over me from head to toe before a satisfied smile spread across his face.

"Good to see you, Miss Aurelia."

"Richard." I sat down across from him.

He picked up the menu. "What would you like?"

"Nothing. I'm not hungry."

He raised an eyebrow but didn't seem bothered. After ordering for himself, he leaned back and looked at me again. "I have to say, your father didn't exaggerate. You're even prettier in person."

I forced a smile. Apparently, my father had described him as successful, mature, and accomplished. I was beginning to wonder if we'd met the same man.

Richard straightened his expensive watch and continued, "I'm forty-eight. I own several businesses, I have properties in three packs, and I've already paid your dowry in full."

He paused, "I may be older than you, but that's actually a good thing. I'm experienced, financially secure, and I know how to take care of a wife."

Right. Nothing said romantic future like a man listing his assets on a first date.

He smiled confidently. "Your father told me you're twenty-seven. At your age, you should be thinking seriously about marriage."

There it was. Not only was I supposed to marry a man nearly twice my age, but I was apparently running out of time. I took a slow breath.

"So," Richard continued, "since we're getting married soon, I think we should announce our engagement at the Moon Blessing Banquet."

I almost laughed. He really thought I'd come here to discuss wedding arrangements.

"I'm afraid you misunderstood."

His smile faded slightly.

"I don't want to marry you."

Richard stared at me. "What?"

"I said I don't want to marry you. You should cancel the engagement with my parents."

His face tightened. "Your father already agreed to this marriage. I even paid your dowry in full."

"I know. I'll pay you back."

He gave a short, disbelieving laugh."You think it's that simple?"

"It is."I picked up my purse. "I'm sorry my parents made this arrangement without asking me, but I'm not going through with it."

I stood. Richard suddenly grabbed my wrist.

"You can't just walk away after my family has paid your dowry."

"Richard, you're making a scene."

"I don't care." His voice hardened. "Your parents promised me this marriage. You will marry me."

I tried to pull my wrist free, but his grip tightened.

"Let me go."

People around us had started looking over. A few had already taken out their phones.

"Richard, everyone is watching."

"LET HER GO."

The voice was low and calm.

Richard turned and froze.

The man standing beside us was tall and broad-shouldered, easily towering over him. His rolled-up sleeves revealed strong forearms, and the cold look in his eyes made Richard's confidence falter.

"Who the hell are you?"

The man didn't answer.

"Leave." Just one word.

Richard's face stiffened. He glanced at the man, then at me. Whatever he saw in that cold expression made him finally release my wrist.

"You'll regret this." He shot me one last glare before walking out.

I watched him leave and finally let out the breath I'd been holding. "Thank you!"

The coldness in the man's eyes softened as he looked down at me. "You're welcome."

I glanced at my wrist. The red marks left by Richard were already starting to fade.

Everyone else had watched while he grabbed me. This stranger was the only one who had stepped in.

And now that I was standing this close, I couldn't help noticing the obvious difference between them.

Richard was nearly twice his age, while this man was tall, broad-shouldered, and annoyingly handsome.

I quickly looked away. "I really appreciate your help."

He returned to his table, and I followed after a moment's hesitation.

He picked up his wine glass and took a sip. "I'll need a favor in return."

I blinked. "What favor?"

He lowered the glass and looked straight at me. "Marry me."

I froze. "What?"

"A marriage of convenience."

Of all the things I expected him to ask for, that wasn't one of them.

I stared at him. "You just helped me get out of one marriage. Now you're asking me to marry you?"

But as ridiculous as his proposal sounded, I couldn't deny that it was tempting.

If I married him, I could get out of the marriage my parents had arranged with Richard. I wouldn't have to leave the pack, and Richard wouldn't be able to force me into anything.

"Why me?"

"Because I need a wife."

That was it? I studied him again.

He was calm, respectful, and nothing like Richard. More importantly, he wasn't looking at me like I was something he had already paid for. Maybe this wasn't the worst deal in the world.

I took a breath.

"Fine. But I can't promise I'll love you."

His gaze remained steady.

"You don't have to love me. You only have to marry me."