"Three days?" I raised my voice at Dr. Reynolds as my eyes widened in shock.

He was a pleasant fellow, but he was strict when it came to his job.

"Lena, we've done everything, and the hospital board won't cover more treatment unless you clear your pending payment. Sorry."

I gritted my jaws together and swallowed repeatedly, hoping to push the ball back down my throat. "I see. Thank you, Doctor."

Three days. These were the only three days that I had in which to get through to save my mother.

I exited his office, his words binding me. Three days to make six hundred thousand. My heart was racing and fear churned in my gut, but I could not surrender.

I had to work. I had to think of something, fast.

"Breathe, Lena," I instructed myself, re-ponying my hair, putting on scrubs and getting ready for my morning shift at the hospital.

The Moonlit hospital in the Shadow pack was a hospital donated by the Moonlit pack as a peace offering to my pack, the shadow pack decades ago.The elders of the pack decided to name it after the moonlit pack because the hospital had saved a lot of lives and created employment opportunities for people.

I moved the hospital halls with a knife stuck in my chest. With each beep of the monitor machine, each groan of each patient, each panicked flurrying of the nurse's feet, I was reminded of what rode. I could not focus as I moved ward by ward, reading charts, reassuring patients, weighted with IV drip tubes.

I'd been passing by and heard the sound of a familiar voice across the hall.

"Lucas, for Pete's sake, you're not getting any younger and I'm getting older. I need to see my great grandkids before I die." I heard Luna Flora nagged

Luna Flora was the Moonlit Alpha's mother and she was popular in the hospital because she was an indigene of the Shadow pack and was the real influence behind the peace in the two packs.

I heard she has always visited the Moonlit hospital anytime she was sick because she believed being in her hometown would make her heal faster.

"We've talked about it, Grandma," came a short, but direct response. "I'll get married when I'm ready. Besides, the doctor said you are okay, stop exaggerating your condition just to blackmail me into getting married."

"For God's sake, Lucas. You're the Alpha son.. You need your Luna by your side when you take over your father's position. I'm not going to give up.I will set you up on a thousand of blind dates if I have to."

He responded immediately. "No blind dates. On any terms."

The rumour of the Moonlit pack heir being unable to find his mate was indeed true.

There was silence in the room

"Ahh!" she started after a pause. "My chest hurts, Lucas. I think I'm going to die soon."

"Fine, I'll think about it."

I clenched my teeth so I would not laugh. Everyone was accustomed to Luna Flora overreacting just to get whatever she wanted.

Their conversation stirred something in me. My heart pounded faster, no longer shrinking, but in something else-desperation? Hope? Or maybe both.

I made my way into her room to administer her description. She smiled at me as soon as I walked in.

"Lena, sweetie. My favorite Doctor," she said, smiling and stroking my hand softly as I was giving her pills. "Lena, meet Lucas, my grandson." She smiled at me widely. "Is he not handsome?"

"He is." I turned to the handsome man in front of me and bowed in respect.

I had seen Lucas Anderson on Tv and social media but he looks so much better in person. But the way he stared at me intimidated me. Was it his Alpha Aura? Or something else entirely?

Shifting uncomfortable, I turned my attention back to Luna Flora.

"You're single, right? He's single too and he's a good husband material," she continued.

"Grandma!" Lucas cut off his grandma, clearly annoyed. He glanced at me with an apologetic look. "Ignore whatever she says."

"Okay." I whispered.

Luna Flora rolled her eyes and remained quiet.

Alpha Lucas took his grandmother out of the ward to be scanned, and I continued with my head spinning with different thoughts.

What if this was the key? The key to saving my mom's life?

After they came back, I saw Alpha Lucas standing outside the ward, on the phone. 'This was my chance.' I thought.

I wiped my wet palm on my scrubs and walked over to him.

"Alpha Lucas?" I called, trying to make my trembling voice unnoticeable.

He turned to my direction and was taken aback to see me standing before him. "Yeah?"

"Can i please..talk to you? Alone?"

His furrowed brow then nodded. "Okay."

He hung up the call and followed me down the hallway. I walked into one of the supply closets at the end of the hallway, creaking the door shut behind me when I confirmed that no one saw us.

He's in the middle of the room, arms crossed over his chest. This better be good."

My heart was pounding so hard he could have heard the ring of my hammer.

"I'd like to make a deal with you." I swallowed hard.

"A deal? What kind of deal?"

With all the desperation in me, I summoned the courage and spoke up, "Take me as your mate."

Alpha Lucas raised his eyebrows and folded his arms. "Are you trying to sell yourself to me, Miss." His eyes glanced at my name tag. "Pretakis?"

I swallowed hard, trying not to cower at his cold blue eyes staring down at me and continued, "I'm just trying to help you out here. Luna Flora likes me and I won't even disturb you when we get married. I won't mind no matter how many women you have. You can always kick me out once you get what you want."

My heart was racing fast as I waited for his reply.

"Thanks for your consideration, Miss Pretakis but I hate women who try to sell themselves for money." His eyes scanned me from head to toe. "You look decent and innocent. I never expected you to be one of those cheap girls."

Putting my head down in shame, I clenched my fist tight, trying not to let his words get to me.

Alpha Lucas turned away and left me feeling embarrassed. I should have expected it when I had the audacity to walk to the Future Alpha of Moonlit pack and asked him to take me as his mate.

He was known to be cold, dangerous and had never fallen in love. He changes women like he changes his clothes. Why on earth would I believe that he would accept my deal and make me of all people his mate when he had more beautiful women dying for that position?

All these stress is starting to make me dumb and stupid.

After my shift, I snuck back into my office to have lunch. I was tired from doing all those rounds and my back and leg aches. As I was about to relax a little after my meal, I got a call from Dr. Samuel, informing me that my mother was being rushed to the emergency room.

It was as if a heavy bomb was thrown at me and I rose in haste, running to the emergency ward. I had to paced back and forth outside the emergency room, waiting for Dr. Samuel.

"Please let her be okay."

Dr. Samuel emerged from the room and I ran to him. "Doctor, how is my mother? Please tell me she's okay."

"Your mother is fine. it was not that dangerous this time," he said and I sighed in relief. "But we can't put her treatment off for much longer. it will only worsen her heart. You need to get the money as fast as possible."

My shoulder sagged when I remembered that I was out of options. My father was of no help, and my mate, that bastard just had to cheat on me with my best friend.

Alpha Lucas, I couldn't really blame him. A man like me wouldn't be thrilled to take someone like me as a mate.

There was only one option left for me and it was the option I was trying to avoid. Loan sharks. If I wanted to save my mother's life, I had no choice but to take a loan from them.

"Dr. Samuel, just give me till tomorrow. I'll get the money."

"Okay, that's good." He nodded.

I turned to walk away but I was met with a cold icy stare. "Is this why you proposed the deal?" Alpha Lucas said with a dominating voice. "I see." He nodded. "I agree."

"What?" my eyes widened.

"You said you wanted to be my mate?" He took predatory steps toward me. "I agree."

"Really?" I asked. I was finding it hard to believe that Alpha Lucas of the Moonlit pack was accepting my proposal.

He brought out a black card and stretched it toward me. "Since we are going to benefit mutually from this, you can have this."

I stared at the black card, then back up at him. "Aren't you scared that I will change my mind after I get the money I need?"

He leaned closer to my ear and whispered, "You wouldn't dare."

A shiver ran down my spine and I took a step back from him. He was right though, only a dead man walking would choose to anger or scam Alpha Lucas. He was dangerous and ruthless and no one dared to go against him.

I took the card from him and smiled. "Let's have wonderful cooperation."

Alpha Lucas smirked as he moved closer and snaked his arm around my waist, pulling me closer to close the space between us. "Let's have wonderful cooperation, Dr. Pretakis."

"What are you doing? we are in public." I glanced around to see people in the hospital staring at us.

"Are you shy?" he whispered to my ear and his hot breath fanned the side of my face. "You are going to be my mate and my wife, you should start getting used to it."

Even though our agreement was fake and no feelings attached, I knew I still had to fulfill my duties as a wife and that alone made me nervous. But I couldn't back out now.

He let go of me and stepped away. "I'm going to introduce you to my grandmother soon and you will have to attend public gatherings with me as my fiancè. The wedding will be held in three months."

'Three months?' my wolf yelled in my head. 'Are we really going through with this?'

'I have no choice. This is the only way to save my mother.'

Taking a deep breath, I replied, "I understand."

Just like that, I sold myself to the Devil.

LENA'S POV

"Grandma, I'm serious. Lena is my mate." He placed his hands on my shoulder as Luna Flora looked back and forth between us. "I found out yesterday, I just wanted to confirm before telling you anything."

Luna Flora covered her face with her hand and I heard her sniffing. Alpha Lucas quickly rushed to her side. "What's wrong, Grandma?"

"Nothing. I'm just so happy." She removed her hands from her tears-streaked face and stretched her hand to me.

I took her hand and the guilt bit me deep inside. I couldn't believe I suggested to deceive such a kind woman just for money.

'It's not just for money, it's to save your mother.' My wolf tried to justify my actions and I took a deep breath before forcing a smile.

"You have no idea how relieved I am that you turned out to be his mate. It's like a huge burden has been lifted off my chest." She caressed my arm. "I know he might seem cold and unapproachable but I promise that he has the sweetest soul when you get to know him. If he ever mistreats you in any way, let me know right away. I'll make sure to teach him a lesson."

"Okay." I nodded and glanced at Alpha Lucas who came to stand next to me.

He wrapped his arms around my waist, pulling me closer to his side. I was used to being so close to him but he acted like it was the most normal thing. I took a deep breath to calm my nervousness before plastering a smile on my face.

"Grandma, Lena has to get to work now."

She released my arms and I said my goodbyes before Alpha Lucas led me out of the ward.

"I'll call you whenever I need you," that was the last thing he said before walking back in.

Two weeks passed and I didn't receive any call from him, not that I was complaining. His Grandma was discharged a week ago and my mother's health had improved greatly after her treatment was conducted.

That fateful day, I was extremely tired from working all night and slumped on the couch the moment I got home. My phone rang in my bag and I groaned in frustration because I had to get up to answer it.

I dragged myself to where I tossed my bag and brought the phone to see that it was Alpha Lucas calling.

'He ghosted me for half a month, why was he suddenly calling now?'

Taking a deep breath, I answered the call, "Alpha Lucas."

"You're accompanying me to a charity event tonight," he said, going straight to the point. "I'll take care of your clothes and hair, just get some sleep and make yourself look presentable."

There were bags under my eyes from working the night shift and my lips were dry but my beautiful face was still intact.

But wait, did he just imply that I didn't look presentable? That bastard.

"What time will you be picking me up?" I asked.

"Be ready by 5." He hung up without waiting for my response.

I sighed and dragged myself to my room and put on a facial mask before going to sleep. I knew there were going to be eyes on me for being Alpha Lucas fiancé, so I couldn't afford to look miserable.

LUCAS'S POV

The car pulled up in front of Lena's apartment. I texted her that I was waiting outside and she came out not long after.

Caleb, my driver got out to open the door for her. She nodded at him as she got in and I noticed Caleb staring at her body.

Lena was a beautiful woman with an amazing figure that could make head turn but that didn't give Caleb any right to stare at my "mate" like that.

I narrowed my eyes at him and he met my stares before putting his head down and closing the door after her.

Lena made sure to put a lot of gap between and she fiddled with her fingers on her lap as the car drove away from her apartment building.

"I don't bite, you know." I said and she immediately turned to me.

She looked at me and I gestured to the space between us. She sighed before scooting closer. I shook my head at her and grabbed her waist to pull her close to my body, making her eyes widened in surprise.

I leaned to her ears and whispered, "If you are going to pretend to be my mate, you need to act the part, we can let people see through our lies now, can we?"

She swallowed hard and nodded before relaxing into my arms. I smirked, seeing the effect I had on her. I knew my time with her would be so much fun.

We arrived at the fashion house and I held her hand as we walked in together. The staff stared at us, wondering who Lena was but she did a good job ignoring them.

The manager came to welcome us and took us to the VIP section after making everyone leave.

"I want you to style her for a charity gala." I ordered and took my seat. "Go all out and don't hold back anything."

Lena followed them while I brought out my phone to scroll through social media for a while.

Two hours later, the manager walked out with Lena behind her. She was dressed in a light blue mermaid gown that hugged her curves perfectly and the perfect set of diamond Jewelry to match it.

Her face was not caked with too much makeup and her hair was up in a hairdo, leaving her creamy back and shoulder exposed.

My eyes scanned her body from head to toe and I could see her squirming under my gaze. I felt myself getting aroused by just looking at her. She looked so sexy.

I cleared my throat and grabbed her hand before walking out.

I had to snap out of it before I lost control.