Chapter 6

~Jasmine~ Shock pinned my feet to the floor; I couldn’t believe what was unfolding before me. My heart raced while my mind went blank. I froze, the pen in my hand halting midair. The tension in the room thickened as my gaze shifted between the Alpha and Logan. Before I could react, Alpha dropped to one knee and slid a diamond ring onto my finger. My heart pounded against my chest at his claim, stunned by his choice, a clear indication that he was not one to be influenced by perceived loyalty to bloodline. I couldn't believe that this mystery man did not flee after all. But the question burning in my mind was: how had he uncovered the truth? Glancing around the room, I noticed the shocked expressions on everyone’s faces as he got off his feet, admiring his assertion on my fingers. He quickly glanced at the papers on the desk, grabbed them, and flipped through them. “One hundred percent of marital assets to you, Logan? What a joke. How did you think I would be a party to this atrocity?” He ordered Beta Kazeem, who came alongside him, to bring in the divorce papers they prepared, shocking us all. “Sign this, Jasmine. It's over between you two.” A smirk curved his lips as he said my name, savoring it. My heart skipped a beat, and the craziest part was I loved the way he said it. Logan was the first to break the silence. “What do you mean, Alpha? That is my wife right there,” he protested, his voice rising. Rage flooded through me, but I fought to keep my emotions in check, holding my anger on a tight leash. How dare he refer to me as his now? “Your wife?” Alpha Maverick snapped, beating me to it. “How dare you utter that? Aren’t you a little shameless, Logan?” “After all you’ve put her through? She is no longer your wife, get that? The moon goddess has fated her to me. There will be no contention. So don’t argue with me, or I swear you won’t like what comes next.” His voice rumbled with authority, shaking the ground beneath us. Logan gulped, his body trembling despite the false bravado on his face. “Here you go, sign it,” Alpha Maverick commanded, pushing the divorce papers toward me. “From now on, the bond between you both is severed under my witness.” I turned to Logan; his face was drained of all color as he glanced between me and his uncle. Alpha Maverick’s voice cut through the silence again. “Logan, you have lost your position as the CEO of Prime. And, Jasmine retains 100% of the marital assets.” He strode toward Logan, his large frame dominating the space as he leaned down to meet his eyes. In a low, commanding voice, he said, “You will start again from scratch. Build your own name—not under my shadow. You are unworthy of being called the CEO of Prime because of your dishonesty. I gave you that privilege as my nephew, but now, stand on your own feet and be your own man. I will take charge now, try collecting your spot back, and prove yourself if you can. For now, I shall sail the ship.” After he was done, without hesitation, I signed the divorce papers, severing all ties with Logan. “Everyone out,” Maverick ordered as soon as Logan signed. “I need to be alone with my significant other.” The room cleared quickly, leaving me alone with Alpha Maverick. Not even Samantha could talk in his presence. I thought she would foolishly bring up her claims. My breath became uneven as he stepped closer, the warmth of his body enveloping me. The scent that clung to him overwhelmed my senses, driving me to the edge. My wolf stirred, salivating in response. “Nervous?” he whispered, his breath fanning against my skin, leaving goosebumps in its wake. There was barely any space between us. I gulped hard, a brief vision flashing in my mind; my legs wrapped around the Alpha’s waist as he thrust into me. The dark look in his eyes told me he’d thought the same. But just as quickly as the thought appeared, it vanished. I tried to blink away the image, fearing he’d catch the scent of my arousal. “Alpha Maverick,” I began hesitantly, “as your fated mate, I know it means I am the Luna of the Gold Pack. But… I have been a full-time housewife for so long. I’m not sure if I can fulfill the role efficiently.” I forced myself to continue, even as his intense gaze threatened to distract me. “And… it could tarnish your reputation if the pack finds out I was your nephew’s ex-mate. It might even affect your alliances.” He smiled softly, brushing a strand of hair behind my ear. The gentle gesture sent a shiver down my spine. “Is that what you’re worried about, Jasmine?” he asked. “This is just the beginning of our relationship. I’m not suggesting you force anything. You can lay low and start slow. The fact that you’re already thinking about my reputation shows you’re more than capable of being a Luna.” His reassurance eased the tension in my body that I didn’t even acknowledge. I felt myself relax in his presence, my initial stoicism melting away. I nodded, before adding, “But before I can find my way as Luna, I need to find myself first. I have to rediscover who I am. And although we’re mates, we need to get to know one another—see if we’re truly compatible.” “We—” he began, cutting through my train of words. “No, Alpha Maverick. Let me speak my mind, at least permit me to,” I interrupted. “I’m not done. I suggest we try a contract marriage for a year. If we’re a fit, we can accept the bond. If not, we can reject each other.” My voice wavered as I continued. “I can’t make the same mistake again. Once bitten, twice shy.” His hand cupped my cheek, stroking gently as I leaned into his touch. “You’re mature enough to know what you want, Jasmine. I won’t dictate that for you. If you need time to explore the world or seek security in a contract marriage, I’ll respect that.” His words stirred something in me. He wasn’t just physically attractive—he was intelligent and understanding. Before I could process it, his thumb grazed my lips, and he lowered his head, capturing my mouth in a kiss. When he pulled back, he licked his lips as though savoring the taste of me. “Just like your name.” He whispered, but I heard him loud and clear. “No matter how far you go, you’ll come back to me,” he murmured, his tone cocky. “I’m a magnet, Jasmine—an inescapable one.” Something about his arrogance triggered me, lighting a spark of defiance in me. Summoning my strength, I pushed him away. “I’ll let you know my terms, Alpha Maverick. But I need some time.” I left immediately without waiting for another word from him. My destination was the home I once shared with Logan, where I would gather my belongings and close the door on that chapter of my life. I resolved to embark on the contract marriage with Alpha Maverick, and there was no turning back. I walked straight to my room to find the door jammed shut. Soon, I’ll leave this place that was once filled with my love for Logan. I sighed. Unlocking it, the door creaked open, revealing the dark, cold space. It felt soulless, as though no one had ever lived there. I flipped the light switch, and as my eyes took in the brightness of the room, I froze in place. Standing in the center of the room, with a crazed look in his eyes, was Logan. My voice caught in my throat as I whispered his name.