THE BARGAIN

Evelyn's POV

Inside the dimly lit study, we sat on the couch across from each other. His eyes were piercing into my soul, searching as if he wanted to get the truth from my expression.

“You want me to help you call off the wedding?“ He asked, his voice reverberated through the study.

He was smirking playfully, his gaze falling to my ripped wedding dress, lingering far more than necessary.

“Yes,” I said, my voice firm.

I realised that being a weakling was what ended my life in my previous one. If I want to survive this life… I need to be strong. Bold. Selfish.

“Help me and I will work with you.“

“Work with me?” His sharp, mocking laugh cut through the air. He brought a hand to his mouth, trying to muffle it. “Sorry… I just can’t help it.”

Then his expression turned serious.

“The reason I let you into my palace was because I thought you were feisty. But I didn’t know you were a stand-up comedian too. Tell me… what could you possibly do for me, huh?”

I know what he was thinking about. He must have thought I was some weak, useless Omega. Yes, I'm still weak…. but I have something no one else had. The future. I have the account of every single thing that happened.

And I know in three months time, the Apex Alpha of Werewolves would pass away. Lucas and Sebastian would bid for the throne since the king has no child of his own.

I know every of the strategy Lucas had used to win against him because I was involved in it. I was by his side as he bribed and manipulated the Elders.

Then the contract with the biggest construction company in Oxford, I worked hard on that and secured it for him.

I was an expert in manipulation and negotiation—all thanks to Lucas trainings, so I can be of help to him.

“I can help you become The Apex Alpha of Werewolves?“ I said, crossing my legs.

“The Apex Alpha of Werewolves?“ He repeated. “The Supreme Alpha is still alive, so how can I be the next Alpha?“

I didn't answer. I regretted saying that for a second. And I wouldn't like to go into details before he thinks I'm weird or something.

I forced a smile at him in response.

“Why are you so hellbent on not marrying Lucas?“

I didn't answer immediately. My chest tightened as I remembered the memories from my previous life. The betrayal. The lies…. The fall on that cliff. My eyes blurred with unshed tears.

“Because I'm going to die, Alpha,” I said, my voice was hoarse and thick with emotions. “That man is going to take everything away from me until there is nothing left. And the thing is….. even the people I call family are in on this.“

I was pretty sure Elara would have known about this, but she didn't care anyway. I'm not her real daughter after all.

He didn't talk for a moment; just kept staring. But I think I saw  something softening in his gaze but just as quickly it disappeared.

“You sounded so sure of everything. Are you from the future or something?“

Yes… I'm from the future, but I didn't say that out.

“I just know how exactly desperate men like Lucas can be,” I simply said, blinking away the tears. “And you know him too.“

He nodded. “Fine… I will help you stop the wedding,” he said at last, voice calm but edged in steel.

Relief surged through me, not until he added, “But I want something in return.”

I stiffened.

“What do you want?” I asked cautiously.

His eyes gleamed under the low lighting. “You.”

I blinked, stunned. “What?”

“I want to marry you. Own you,” he said, leaning back against the leather seat like he was discussing a business deal. “Not as a toy. But as a partner. As my wife, since I needed one anyways."

I stared at him, trying to make sense of his words. Marriage? Was that advisable even though I'm desperate?

“Why would you want to marry me? You don’t even know me.”

“I know you’re bold enough to walk into the lion’s den wearing a ripped wedding dress.” His lips curved slightly. “I know you're bold enough to want to change your fate. And that tells me everything I need to know.”

I swallowed hard. Fate? He sounded like he knows everything. “Are you going to kill me after?“

He arched a brow. “Why would I kill something I find useful and interesting?”

Something? Am I like a product now? I didn’t know whether to feel insulted or relieved.

Then he stood up and stretched his long arms lazily, turning toward the window. “Ironically, I was supposed to meet with your sister today. Ava. My mother arranged it.”

My heart froze.

Ava? With him?

This never happened in my previous life. In fact, I had no memory of Ava ever meeting Alpha Sebastian, let alone being set up with him.

He turned back to me, his face unreadable. “But I’ve changed my mind. I’ll be rejecting her. I choose you instead.”

“What?” I breathed.

“I don’t repeat myself, Evelyn.” His tone made it clear: this wasn’t up for debate.

This would cause a problem in the family. But I know this is no time to think about someone else except me. They wouldn't care if I die anyway, so why should I care if I take Ava's man?

He walked toward the door and pulled it open—a subtle sign that the conversation was over. “I’ll make the necessary arrangements. The wedding to Lucas will fall through publicly. From this moment on, you’ll be under my protection.”

I stood, still processing his words. My voice was soft. “Thank you…”

He gave a small nod. “Don’t thank me yet. This is only the beginning.”

I stepped out into the corridor, pulse racing. Just as I turned the corner toward the exit, I nearly collided with someone.

Ava.

Her expression flickered from relief to suspicion and then to rage.

“What are you doing here?” she asked sharply. “Everyone’s been looking for you. Mother's furious, Lyla and Lucas are—”

“It’s none of your business, Ava,” I snapped, stepping around her.

But before she could say more, the study door swung open again.

Alpha Sebastian stepped out, his presence filling the hallway like a thundercloud.

“Miss Ava,” he said coolly. “There’s no need for that meeting anymore.”

She blinked. “Excuse me?”

He paused just beside me, then spoke without a hint of emotion.

“I’ve made my choice. I’m taking your sister instead.”