Page 7 of Alpha Wolf's Arranged Bride
When I pull up in front of my little cottage, I notice there is already a car in the driveway. A huge, gleaming Mercedes-Benz.
Uncle Azarian.
Jarrod and I get out of the car warily. Even though my uncle raised me after my parents were killed in a car crash when I was thirteen, I don’t have a lot of affection for him.
“Raised me” is pretty generous, though. My uncle hired a nanny to join his staff, and she was responsible for me. We barely saw each other in that huge house of his. I had a closer relationship with the butler.
As we approach, Uncle Azarian gets out of the car. As usual, he wears an expensive suit of an elegant cut. Tasteful gems glint from his fingers. They flicker, catching the light as he brushes back his thick, ash-blond hair.
“Scarlett,” he says smoothly. “I was wondering where you were.”
“Just out with Jarrod,” I answer, hurrying over to open the door. “I hope I didn’t keep you waiting, but it’s not like I knew you were coming.”
“Of course not, dear. Don’t apologize. I have important news to share with you, and I didn’t mind waiting.”
I tell Jarrod to go inside, turning around so I can meet my uncle on the front lawn. Whatever his important news is, I don’t want Jarrod to hear it.
“What can I do for you, Uncle?” I ask, keeping my voice steady. I can’t help the coil of anger that rises within me—that I have to bow and scrape to him, even though he’s treated me like shit for the last five years.
He was prepping me for an important marriage, one of the first families. Then I had to go and ruin it by getting pregnant. Damaged goods. Who would want me now?
“We have an offer from Rose Hollow,” he says, smiling. “The alpha wants to wed, and he has asked us, specifically, if we have a suitable bride.”
My heart freezes to a stop in my chest as I stare at him in disbelief.
“They are our enemies. Why would they ask this?”
“Precisely for that reason,” he answers. “For a peace treaty. I think it’s an excellent idea.”
“Okay,” I mutter, my breath caught in my throat. “Why are you telling me this?”
“Isn’t it obvious? I’ve chosen you to go.”
“Chosen me…” I choke on my own words. “You can’t just make me marry some random guy!”
“Listen!” he hisses, grabbing my arm and pulling me close to him so he can glare into my eyes. “You don’t get to throw any kind of attitude at me! I cared for you after your parents died. I gave you everything—and you repay me with this… this…”
He shakes his head, stepping back and letting go of my arm. I try not to tremble, but I don’t succeed, and I have to gasp for breath as I wrap my arms around myself.
“You’re perfect for this,” he says. “I’m not sending one ofourwomen out. You’re spoiled—damaged goods. The fact that you’re my niece makes it seem like a grand gesture. Apparently, he doesn’t care if you’ve had a kid. Proven fertility, they said.”
My cheeks flame up immediately from shame as well as anger, but I don’t dare speak.
“You’ll be leaving soon,” he says with finality. “Truthfully, I can’t wait to be rid of you. I think this is an excellent solution to all our problems.”
“Even mine?” I cry. “You say you’ve looked after me, but I can’t afford groceries, or Jarrod’s art program—”
“Your new husband will take care of all of that,” he answers, waving a hand dismissively. “That’s his problem now.”
“You can’t!” I beg, grabbing his arm. “Please!”
“I told you!” he hisses, shaking me. “I’m doing you a fucking favor here. A way out. You’ll take it, or I’ll have your son’s neck on the block. Do you understand?”
I let go of him, and he releases my arm, letting me shuffle back a step. I stare at him, more frightened than I’ve ever been in my life.
“Do you understand?” he repeats.
“Yes, sir,” I answer. “Perfectly. I’ll do as you say.”
