Aiden's eyes locked on hers, a hint of warning in his voice.
She scoffed, looking up at him squarely and irritated. "And what are your expectations for my behavior, if I may ask?"
He leaned against the table, his eyes narrowing slightly as he looked at her, his voice low and smooth. "I expect you to be compliant, obedient – to play the part of my mate convincingly, without causing any form of scene or embarrassment." He paused, his eyes locked on hers as he regarded her. "I expect you to be respectful, to follow my every command, and to avoid drawing any form of negative attention to yourself or me." He straightened up, his voice taking on a slightly harder tone. "And, of course, I expect you to maintain the illusion of our union at all times, both in public and in private."
Amber eyed the contract, considering his terms. "How long do I have to review it?"
His voice was calm and low. "A few minutes. I'll wait. The terms are non-negotiable, very reasonable, and straightforward. And there's no backing out once we both sign the contract." His eyes were cold, his voice firm.
"Someone's in a rush," she murmured sarcastically.
He responded in an equally sarcastic tone, "I can hardly wait, love."
She wanted to scream, but she wouldn't give him the satisfaction of knowing he was making her miserable. She rubbed her face in frustration and turned her attention back to the papers on the table. She picked it up and began to go through its contents. And it read...
MARRIAGE OF BENEFIT CONTRACT
LORD AIDEN BLACKWOOD and LADY AMBER AISLING
Purpose and Term:
_The parties agree to enter into a marriage of benefit for a period of one (1) year from the Effective Date _______.
_The marriage will be conjugal, and the parties will be expected to consummate the marriage.
_The parties will reside together under the same roof for the specified period and will share the same bed only when they choose to for purposes of intimacy and procreation.
Obligations of Lady Aisling
Pretend to be his mate in all public appearances, be submissive and faithful to him, and bear him a male heir. If unsuccessful, the contract will be extended for a grace period of another year; if yet again unsuccessful, the contract will be void and terminated. She is to relinquish all rights to the child upon birth and will only serve as its primary caregiver until the contract expires. She must maintain confidentiality regarding the terms of this contract and the nature of the union. She shall not engage in any behavior or act that may damage her mate's reputation. She shall surrender the rights to her past; she is expected to leave her old life and ways behind and start anew.
Obligations of Lord Blackwood
Provide for his mate with a comfortable and suitable living arrangement. Cover all expenses related to the mate's public and private appearances. Pay her a handsome payment, negotiated by both parties, upon completion of the agreement.
_Upon completion of the Term, the parties shall dissolve the union amicably
...
Her eyes scanned the contract again; his signature was already on it. Her mind racing. Was she beginning to have doubts? She had known what to expect but seeing it all written down and laid out made it feel more daunting, bringing the reality of the situation into sharp focus. It was going to be harder than she thought. Even though it was just for show, to make everyone around them believe the act, the thought of sharing a bed with the Alpha made her cheeks flush. She was overthinking it. She was going to be smart about this; there was always a way out. She sighed, rubbing her temples. What had she gotten herself into? Her eyes avoided his burning gaze, fixated on the floor.
The Alpha could read the tension and unease written all over her. "Are you done?" he asked.
"Yes," she said quietly, picking up the quill, signing it, and handing him the contract.
"And...are you satisfied with the terms?"
"I can live with them," she said, looking up at him. "Will I be required to change my last name too?"
Aiden gazed back at her, his expression neutral. After a brief moment, he nodded slightly. "Yes, as my mate, you'd be expected to take my last name, Blackwood."
She considered his answer, then nodded subtly. The weight of her decision settled in – she had signed the contract, surrendering herself to him, she was at his mercy now, and there was no turning back.
He leaned against the wall, his eyes fixed on her, the air thick with tension. The silence was a palpable reminder of the irreversible path they'd embarked upon.
She broke the silence, her eyebrows furrowed slightly. "What now?" Her voice was barely a whisper, yet audible enough to convey quiet strength. Looking up at him with large, innocent eyes, vulnerable and fragile, her slender frame seemed almost swallowed by the plush furniture.
To him, her innocent looks were a facade, concealing a cunning and sinister woman who had agreed to a questionable deal, driven by self-preservation and greed for wealth. He wouldn't be fooled; he knew the truth about her. She was but a mere thief, a means to an end, a pawn. She was not the epitome of passion, allure, and fierce sensuality. He was a man who didn't easily yield to emotional vulnerability, succumb to a woman's touch, or crave affection. Frailty was an alien concept to him; he was a bastion of discipline and unyielding in every situation, especially when it came to women and war.
He concealed the document in his coat. "We get married."
She looked up at him with questioning eyes. "When?"
His lips pressed into a grim line, but his body appeared relaxed. "Now."