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.

LENA'S POV

All eyes turned to us as Alpha Lucas and I walked into the Charity hall. The entire place screamed glamour and luxury, and all the women were dressed in their best attire to show off their wealth.

Thanks to Alpha Lucas, I didn't look out of place.

They began to whisper, wondering who I was to be standing next to Lucas Anderson.

"She must be his newest toy," someone whispered.

"What does he see in her? I'm definitely prettier," another said.

I could feel the burning gaze on my skin and Lucas snaked his hands around my waist.

Some men approached us and greeted Lucas with smiles on their faces as they complimented and buttered him up. It was obvious that they were trying to impress him.

The attention I was getting was getting overwhelming and my chest began to tightened. Lucas must have noticed my anxiety as his hands began to rub my back in a soothing way. "Relax, I'm right here."

That helped me calm down a bit and I took a deep breath before plastering a huge smile on my face again.

"This is my mate and my fiancé, Lena Pretakis." Lucas introduced me to his colleagues.

"Wow, she's really beautiful." One man shook my hand.

"Definitely, Alpha Lucas deserved the best. The moon Goddess blessed him with a beautiful mate."

I chuckled at the compliment and Lucas glanced at me with a proud smile on his face.

The charity was going to start in the next thirty minutes, so I excused myself to quickly use the restroom.

The restroom was empty when I entered. I quickly did my business and stood in front of the mirror to wash my hands. I glanced at myself in the mirror to see a completely different person staring back at me.

Just two weeks ago, I was begging my father under the rain to save my mother. On the same day, I caught my boyfriend with my best friend cheating on me. But today, I was standing by Alpha Lucas's side as his fiancé.

People might judge me for selling myself to him but I didn't care as long as I got what I wanted. The people I trusted and valued had turned their back on me and betrayed me without thinking twice, so why should I keep playing righteous and letting others march all over me?

"Lena, you can do this," I said to myself. It was only a matter of time before I leave Lucas and move on with my life and then by that time, I would have benefited a lot from Lucas.

There was a proud smile on my face as I stepped out of the restroom and walked back to the charity hall. I was about to go back to Lucas when a familiar voice stopped me.

"Lena, It's really you." Alina said from behind me and I turned to her. "I didn't expect that you would turn out to be Alpha Lucas's new toy. You look. different."

I opened my mouth to talk but Trevor appeared behind her and snaked his arm around her waist before leaning down to kiss her right in front of my face.

Shameless people, I rolled my eyes at them.

Trevor released her lips and glanced at me. "You look different today. You never cleaned up like this when you were with me. This must be all to seduce Alpha Lucas."

"Excuse me?" I glared at him.

"Come on, Lena, don't pretend in front of me." He stepped closer to me. "I can't believe you stoop so low to sell your body to Alpha Lucas because of money. Your mother should be ashamed of you."

Anger boiled in me as my fist clenched on my gown. "Don't you dare mention my mother."

"How would your mother feel when she finds out that her precious daughter sold her body to pay for her treatment?"

I froze as I thought about what she would actually think. Would she understand me or would she judge like they are doing? she should understand, right?"

"She doesn't know?" Alina gasped. "She would be so disappointed. How about this?" She held on to my hand. "I have some money saved up, I can give it to you. You don't have to continue selling yourself to Alpha Lucas. Just take my money and you can return it whenever you're ready." She gave me a pitiful look but I knew it was all fake.

I yanked my hand away from her and stepped back. "I don't need your help. You can go to hell with your money."

Her eyes narrowed at me and folded her arms with a cocky smirk on her face. "Who do you think you are? Just because you are now Lucas's new toy, you are starting to act important, huh?"

"I'm not a toy. You don't know anything about Alpha Lucas and I, so mind your fucking business."

"Oh please, don't pretend you are not using your pitiful situation to get close to him, so he would get attracted to you. That's just a waste of time." She shook her head at me.

Trevor placed his hand on her shoulders. "If you think you can use tricks to get Alpha Lucas to fall for you, you must be really dreaming. Alpha Lucas change women like he changes cloth and you are no different from those women. Alpha Lucas will never fall for a woman like you."

I was about to defend myself when a voice cut me off from behind me. "So what kind of women would I fall for?"