Lavenia's POV
I stepped out of the bar into another room that was still part of the club. People usually called it the Mermaid Club because there was a large swimming pool where they often held pool-sex parties that were famous in their circle.
I wanted to know what a pool-sex party was like. Leaving two handsome men in a hotel room without me wouldn't kill them. If they couldn't control their desires, they were free to hire call girls or whoever.
However, I would say no if they were gay. I had emphasized that to them. If they were into the same sex, they still had the chance to leave before I got there.
My feet stepped into the outdoor garden with a large swimming pool filled with several men and women who were making out. I shuddered at the sight of them and turned my face away when one of them waved at me.
That was so... tempting. But, nope! That wasn't what I was looking for, but rather someone who would have the motivation and initiative to approach me.
I may not be the prettiest, but I have many things to be proud of. So, even without me paying them, they would definitely agree to pretend to be my future husband.
Yep, you didn't hear it wrong. I'm only looking for candidates for a charade. I'm not ready to get married, and after Damien's betrayal, I don't think I can trust men anymore.
"Lavenia... you're here. What are you doing here? The party is just for couple. Are you with... oops! I forgot. Your fiancé cheated on you, right?" The woman who just greeted me cover chuckled mockingly, then covered his mouth with his hands.
She was one of the many women Damien had slept with.
"Back off, Anita. I'm not in the mood to deal with you."
"Oh... is it because of Damien?" Anita rubbed my arm. "I told you, don't be too conservative or he'll find another woman to be his outlet. You didn't believe me."
I grabbed her arm and stared at her sharply. "I don't need your advice and no need to be cheap like you to get or keep a man, Anita. Look at yourself. Claiming to be my friend, but actually rocking your hips on my lover's lap. Disgusting."
Anita gasped. Her face changed instantly, looking left and right, as if to make sure no one was listening.
"Why? Are you ashamed if people find out what you're really like, huh? Are you affraid if they know you're a little whore who stolen my fiancé and fuck with him every night?"
"Stop it, Lav! Damien came up to me and started flirting with me. I didn't start it. So don't ruin my reputation."
"Oh, ho-ho, reputation..." I shook my head and walked away. I don't want to dwell with her or anyone related to Danien anymore.
However, I didn't expect something nad happen to me. She push me so hard that I fell into the pool.
The cold pool water felt bone-piercing and made me shiver.
I'm not a weak girl. I had received warrior training, although I didn't complete it due to many things, swimming was one of my skills. But the alcohol made all my muscles tense up. My stomach cramped. I just tried to stay afloat, but I kept sinking.
I held my stomach, hoping I wouldn't die tonight. Two men were already waiting in the hotel room and I only needed two more. But...
A pair of strong arms pulled me up. I didn't realize what was happening, but when I opened my eyes, the first thing I saw was a handsome face with eyes as blue as the ocean.
"Are you... an angel? Am I in heaven?" I rambled. He wiped his wet face.
"No. What is certain is that you are neither in heaven nor hell," he replied coldly. I was stunned and forced myself to get up, pulling his collar so that he was very close to me.
"My hotel is nearby. Come with me to dry your clothes," I said. He frowned, not understanding what I meant. "I promise it will be fun."
Although he still looked confused, he got up and helped me stand. I handed him a card.
"This is my room number. Wait for me there, I'll be right back and we'll start our event."
***
I managed to find a random guy I picked at a corner of the club. My body felt tired. It showed eleven o'clock at night and I had just arrived at the door of the hotel room where we were going to meet and discuss the business I was offering them.
I was staggering. I had lost count of how many drinks I had had. However, I was still conscious, it's just that...
"Hey, be careful... I've got you," said the man with a dark grin I was carrying. "Where's your room?"
Without answering, I opened the door. "Thanks. Come in."
He didn't seem pleased when he realized that it wasn't an empty room, but a party room where three men had already started—the television was on, drinks were available, and they were enjoying themselves.
"Uh... I thought we were going to—"
"Yes, we're going to do it here," I said. "Business. Please sit down."
I grabbed the TV remote and turned it off. Immediately, the three men turned and sat down neatly as if they had received my command.
"Good evening. I'll make this quick. I... need you to come with me to meet my father, to be candidates for my future husband."
Their expressions changed instantly.
"It's just for show. Yes, it's just a charade," I explained, unable to bear their expressions, which seemed disappointed with what I was offering.
Was it because of the word "pretend," because they expected more, or were they reluctant because many men avoid marriage? I could understand if that was the reason.
"So, what's your answer?" I asked, hoping they would all agree.
"This isn't free," said one of them. I didn't know their names, but I recognized their physical characteristics.
"What do you want in return?" I challenged.
The athletic man with blonde hair and grey eyes replied, "Be my luna. My pack has a beautiful garden and rich natural resources. You will never go hungry. Prosperity is a hallmark of our pack."
Well... so tempting.
I then pointed to another man. The one with jet black hair, unique eyes, and milky white skin. His jaw was clean-shaven, and I guessed he wasn't from the western region.
"My terms are not much different—be my luna. My pack is the most calm and peaceful, if you like that. However, we keep weapons and security in a hidden place. Technological advancement is our pack's advantage."
"Are you the alpha?" I asked.
"Of course," he said so clamly.
"Okay. I'll think about it." I turned to another man. The cold-eyed blue-eyed one who had saved me at the Mermaid Club. He didn't talk much or show off his pack's strengths. Was he... human? "What are your terms?"
"Be mine alone," he answered, cold and flat.
"That's it? What pride can you show me and give me if I want to be yours alone?"
"The whole world. Just choose."
He strong and mighty, I assumed.
I smiled slightly, then turned to the last man I had brought with me, and he was not much different from the cold one. He was calm, but dark. He often smiled in a way that made me shudder.
"What about you?"
"I want this to be real," he replied.
"What do you mean?"
"Make me a real candidate."
"What if my father doesn't choose you?"
"Whoever he chooses, you still have to be with me."
Dark and dangerous.
"All right. You have stated your conditions if you are chosen as candidates. If not, I may give you other compensation. I hope that's fair. If you agree, please stay. If not, please leave now."