The Alpha's Borrowed Luna (Abigail Hayes) novel Chapter 11

Contract with a Stranger–1

“Has anyone ever told you how captivating you are when you’re afraid yet defiant?” he asked, studying my face.

I flushed despite myself. “Answer the question, Alpha.”

His gaze fon

as my mate.”

fixed on me, measuring and unrelenting. “I want you to come with me,

I stared at him, momentarily stunned into silence.

“What? You can’t possibly-

A slight smirk touched his lips. “I guess you heard me clearly, and you need a while to process it. Take your time.”

“No, I do not need a while,” I found my voice again. “This is absurd. I am not your mate; I know that; you know that. And I cannot–will not–leave my pack and come with you.”

“Your pack?” He raised an eyebrow. “The one where you were made to watch your mother serve drinks on her knees? Where your Alpha publicly humiliates you? That pack?”

I crossed my arms defensively. “You know nothing about my life.”

He stepped closer, his savage scent invading my senses. “I know more than you think, little wolf.”

I backed away instinctively. “That still doesn’t mean that I would want to come with you. You’re… you’re…”

“A monster?” he finished for me. “Yes, so I’ve been told.”

He switched to a more business–like tone. “Let me make this clearer. You would only be my mate for a period of time issued by me, and for this time you would be paid handsomely. I would give you whatever you want–clothes, jewels, comforts you’ve never known. All you have to do is agree with my rules, and when this is over, you’re free with enough wealth to never serve another Alpha again.”

My suspicion only grew. “I do not want your money, and I will never trust you.”

1/3

Contract with a Stranger–1

Genuine surprise flickered across his face. “You don’t want my money? But you seem like you need it. Your dress is patched three times over. Your shoes have seen better decades.”

I lifted my chin. “Are you calling me poor?”

“I’m calling you proud,” he said, amusement dancing in his eyes. “Unnecessarily so.”

He began circling me, his movements reminiscent of a predator stalking its prey. “This is an opportunity for you. I know how Dorian treats you, how he made you watch tonight

while he-

“And would you treat me any better?” I cut him off. “The Alpha known for bathing in

blood?”

His honesty was unflinching. “Not exactly, but you get your money at the end of the day; isn’t that what matters? Freedom purchased with temporary discomfort?”

I shook my head. “No, that’s not what matters. You can’t buy everything.”

“Then what does matter to you, Elowen?”

I hesitated, weighing my words carefully. “There are so many other things… I can never

leave my mother here. Never.”

“Then that’s fine; she comes with us,” he offered immediately. “Problem solved.”

crept

“You don’t understand anything!” Frustration into my voice.

His eyes narrowed. “Then make me understand. Now.”

I took a deep breath, reluctant to reveal any vulnerability. “She is a slave here; she had ten years left to serve. If I leave…” my voice broke slightly, “Dorian would make her life a living hell. He would hurt her to punish me, and I would never allow it.”

Something changed in his expression. “There. Something to bargain with. Finally.”