ere. Ryker 's proposal played on a loop in his mind, insidious and disturbing. Part of her desperately wanted to reject the offer, convinced that the whole thing was too risky, to

s would all finally clear up. She would be able to understand what exactly he ex

able in a secluded corner, his gaze still intense, and his expression difficult to read. As soon

his voice calm, composed, but she sensed a cert

nderstand what you expect of me, to know what exactly I'm committing to. An

cted her to react like this. » I understand your doubts, Hope. I know this offer may seem unusual, but I assure you, I

ir, determined to stay in control of the si

rriage as you wish, with romantic or personal expectations. This is an agreement for the duration of a year and a half, where you

er gaze on him. "And... i

will receive substantial financial compensation. A sum that will allow you to r

o detect a lie in his eyes. She wasn't naive;

cold but unhesitating tone,

d work, sleepless nights, sacrifices. Two hundred thousand euros... It was more than she could have imagined earning in a lifetime

I need to know that I will have some control over my life. I mean, I ref

e no intention of controlling your life, Hope. Of course, there will be social obligations, public appearances

slightest flaw, the slightest lie. "S

please know that your presence will be required during certain events, pack meetings, ceremonies. The r

from me is for me to be some sort of... front? Just to m

a solid leader, an Alpha capable of stability and continuity. A marriage is a sign of maturity

n of appearances, of illusion. Nothing more tha

o find your interest there. You will not be there by constraint, but by choice. I

ing that would betray an ulterior motive. But he seemed perfectly sure of

," she said finally,

replied calmly, wi

ack obligations, I want to be able to use my time as I see fit. And... I want a clause tha

rms with almost disconcerting speed. " Alright. I accept. But know that I don't want you

uch about this stability disturbed her more than she would have liked. Perhaps she sa

ract, I ask that you not bind yourself to anyone else. The Elders and my pack will pay attentio

a deep breath, realizing that by agreeing to these terms, she was about to enter a world compl

agreement," she said, with a c

t a formality for him. He held out his hand to her again, and this time she s

boring into hers. She felt a shiver run down her spine, this strange sens