I put on the darkest, most hostile expression I can manage and cross my arms over my chest.
"We have good news. The young candidate who showed up earlier has returned and confirmed that he is still interested in your contract."
"What?" I blurt out instinctively.
Wow, and I have already given up.
A flood of completely contradictory emotions hits me.
On one hand, intense anger and resentment surge up, even stronger than before, because that bastard put me through several hours of self-doubt and pointless torment for reasons I still do not understand. And now he suddenly comes back? Is he playing some kind of stupid game with me? Just like that, he thought it over and decided? Incredible.
I hate indecisive people, since I am a simple guy myself. When I decide on something, I dive in headfirst, fully committed. I do not play silly games or dance around the issue. This makes a terrible impression on me.
"Yes. It took us a while. We had to deal with some legal issues and make a few phone calls. But we already signed his part of the contract. I have the second part here. All you need to do is sign, and tomorrow you will be transported by prison bus to the ferry at Hallwell Port, from where you will both be taken to the Beta Activation secure facility on Calsing Island."
I stare at him with my mouth my mouth hanging open. After a moment, I consciously close it and swallow.
"And what if I changed my mind? What if I do not want anything to do with a guy who cannot make a decision like a grown man?"
Storm closes his eyes briefly, his lips pressed together impatiently.
"Can you rein in your damn pride for a moment and put it in your pocket? Try showing a little sensibility, Salt. This man not only agreed to be in a relationship with a quadruple murderer, but also decided to participate in a risky experimental program, where, for all he knows, they might pump hormones into his veins. Making a snap decision on the spot would only prove he is reckless. A normal person would think it through. Maybe you should appreciate that."
I cock my head smugly, pouting with a hint of defiance. He is probably right, but wounded pride does not stop beingwoundedjust because logic says otherwise. And I have always been driven by emotion. Part of me still wants to say to hell with all of this, that I do not need him. But another part of me thinks of… Senu.
This is for my poor brother. Only he matters, and my revenge.
That damn alpha can be my ladder, one rung on the path leading to that revenge.
Also, his young age might actually work in my favor.
Maybe I can keep him at a distance, make sure he doesn’t dare touch me. That wouldn’t be possible with some older creep buying my contract for twisted reasons. He’d fuck me the first night. This guy… I doubt it.
Good.
For now, I have a decent plan, and I am not backing out of it. And that means signing the contract.
Suddenly, Storm straightens up.
"There is, however, one thing you need to know before you make the final decision and sign the marriage contract." He takes a deeper breath.
"What is it?"
"Eliano is part of a mafioso family. Raised by the mafia, bred by the mafia."
A short pause. My mind goes blank. I have no reaction at first.
Storm tilts his head, his glowing eyes observing me keenly.
"He’s in this difficult situation, without a home or cash, because he ran from them a few days ago."
That’s interesting. So, he has nothing right now, and suddenly he can have a comfortable place to stay, food, safety…and an ass to fuck. And not a penny spent on my contract; the BA program would buy it out! Sounds like not a bad deal at all…
"So… he saw an opportunity here and decided to take it? That’s his reason?"
Storm hesitates, then slowly nods.
"That may be the case," he adds carefully.
