Chapter 9: They will suffer in ten folds

Regardless of everything else, the fact that Mercedes was standing face to face with the only man her father pleaded with her to avoid had sent chills down her spine. And the fact that he was reacting this way made it worse.

She never understood the reason he wanted her to quit her job once he told her the company she was signed under. Now it has dawned on her that it was all because Aloha christian owned it.

If her father was to hear the trending news in the city, he would disown her out of the sheer disappointment of finally ruining her own life with her hands. Something he tried so much to avoid.

Christian, however, didn't feel the same way. When he noticed that his surprised expression was creating a tension within Mercedes, he lightened up his face a little.

Former beta Luciano and his wife played a major role in the death of his mother However, they still were the one that saved him that day from burning to death.

"You'd still meet my parents anyways . The date has been fixed. " Christian asserted with a tone of finality in his voice.

"I just said I am not interested anymore. How much do you want ? I will pay you for renting you as my mate. Mercedes stuttered but deep down, she knew money wasn't something she could negotiate with Christian.

Christian shaked his feet impatiently. He slowly took the remote control and turned on a few different news channels.

The whole headline was either about their engagement or how he managed to stand up for his mate. He then paused and glared back at her. " How much do you think would be enough to pay for this? If our wedding is to be suddenly called off , how much damage do you think you can pay for ruining my empire? For allowing you to kiss me passionately? How much is that worth?"

"You did kissed me back?" Mercedes retorted, trying to push the memory of that night off her mind. Her face flushed in embarrassment

"Ohh and how much do you think you can pay for swaying me? How much for standing up for you and declaring enmity with a pack? "

"I could pay with all my life savings"

"Your entire lifetime wouldn't be able to pay for that harm. You have no choice than to sign this. Not to worry, our marriage is contractual. I will let you off your depth after you have successfully stayed by my side and my wedded mate for a year. "

Christian brought a brown envelope, which contained the contract he had drafted. He handed it over to Mercedes who starred in Surprise at the title of the contract document.

"Substitute bride? Were you also rejected? And why would I be a substitute? " She mocked.

Christian never expected that question. He almost choked on his drink. Remembering Mirabel caused a sharp pen in his heart and he never believed they'd turn to strangers at one moment in their life.

It was a good thing though, she wouldn't have genuinely loved him if she knew how powerful he actually was.

Mercedes read through the rules in the contract and what could be considered a breach of contract. Unease burned through her as she wasn't still sure if she should be doing this but there weren't any other options for her. He was powerful and she must pay her debt.

" The last two sentences weren't necessary. I wasn't planning to fall in love with you along the line. You don't have many likable personalities apart from your beautiful face and the fact that you could protect me. And for the last, I wasn't planning on dating or getting married again. I can't trust a man with my love anymore"

"Are you sure I am not that likable? Judging by the rumors I have heard about myself, you are right but you are going to live right under my roof, sit beside me during pack meetings, knot my ties and make me breakfast, and wake up beside me every morning. Are you sure you won't be swayed miss Mercedes Blake?"

Mercedes resisted the urge to shift in her seat while he stared down at her, his face relaxed but his eyes like hot molten amber as they moved from the top of her head to her chest.

The scrutiny lasted less than five seconds, yet a trail of fire erupted in its wake.

Hot , calm, swayed. She pretended not to be as she smiled awkwardly.

"isn't that long enough to realize that you can't seduce me, Alpha? …" she tried so much not to stutter as she searched for the right term. " You aren't my type"

That wasn't the right term, but she didn't know how else to word it.

"I'm not? ," he said wryly." That's very nice and much appreciated however the world needs to believe the opposite. "

Mercedes nodded nervously.

Mercedes stayed up late watching the news. Stephanie has organized a small get together with some reporters, it wasn't big enough for her to call it a press conference. However she wasn't there to apologize. She claimed she was bitter and went too far because Mercedes betrayed her by cheating with her husband, presenting several pictures when Mercedes and Trevor were still together as evidence.

.... Stephanie and Trevor are going to suffer greatly more than she's suffering now. Mercedes swore to make that happen

In the eyes of the whole pack and the whole of America, her image had crumbled together with her career.

Stephanie ended by her speech dramatically passing out after a fake tears bawling episodes filled with lies.