Chapter 7 One Million＄ Per Day

(Siena's POV) I am stunned. Of all the possible outcomes for this narrative, this is the one that eluded my attention. My fingers tremble slightly as I clench my fists at my sides, willing a composure that threatens to break at every turn. “Why?” I demand, my voice raw. “Why refuse divorce? Windhowl Pack is of no use to you now! Do you love me suddenly, Raiden? ...Is that it?” The words escape before I can stop them, and I hate the way they sound—laced with foolish, ironic hope, a desperation I despise at my core. Even I find it laughable. Love? What nonsense. Raiden pauses at the door, his glowing orange eyes regarding me with something unreadable… untouchable. His lips part as if he means to speak, to finally put this nonsense to bed for good. But before a single syllable can force its way from his heart, his truth, a delicate hand slides into his arm. Lila. She isn’t pleased. “Raiden,” she nearly whispers, as if she’s now slimed her way into the spot of exclusivity she’d never thought possible. “Why did you leave me?” I watch silently as the man who just spoke so coldly to me turns toward Lila—an instant softening, an instant love comes forth. He reaches, tucking a stray lock of blonde hair behind her ear with a gentleness that makes me nauseous. Never once has he touched me like that. Not even in the beginning of our marriage. Am I jealous? Is he right? “I’m sorry,” he responds smoothly. “I didn’t mean to leave you all on your own.” Lila sighs dramatically, but a small, satisfied smile crosses her face. “It’s okay,” she shrugs, a leg kicking up behind her. “It was just awkward standing here alone. Vaughn left me…” “I know, he’s just doing his job.” His voice is slow, almost soothing. And then, Raiden’s face shifts back to ice as he allows his eyes to meet me. “Siena, you’re going to stop playing these pup’s games. This is a foolish joke, and you have embarrassed yourself and your pack.” “I shouldn’t have to tell you why this union is necessary—I don’t want to have to teach you again like I did your father.” His voice hardens. “Divorce is not possible. Do not frustrate the consequences of these actions any further.” I can only stare at him, his words settling heavy in my chest. ...So this is his answer? Not love. Not even consideration. Just cold, calculated necessity. Lila tilts her head, her gaze flickering between the two of us. “What were you two talking about?” she asks. Her voice is casual, innocent—like a child with the curiosity to match. “Terms of the divorce?” “The Summit of the Alphas is coming up soon,” Raiden explains. “As the King of the Alpha territories, it is prudent that I secure a position for Silverfang Pack. The public image of this pack is most important.” “I must retain a stable Luna wife. That is a necessity.” Stable. Like a decorative piece, an accessory to his rule. Not a partner. Not a wife. "So that's how it is." In the corner of Raiden's blind spot, Lila shoots me a mocking look. Raiden still watching me. “I don’t know what you are up to. If you want more money, I will see to it you are paid handsomely. But absolutely, I will not entertain divorce, and I will not have this news traveling through the packs. You will fix this immediately.” The words are like a slap. My throat tightens. Why does he always see me so tiny...?! The accusation is a deep wound, sharp. The sense of humiliation seeps into my bones. Straightening my spine, I lift my chin in quiet defiance. Raiden doesn’t care. By now, he has turned away, leading Lila toward the banquet. My heart is pounding, but I cannot move—there’s no escape. Suddenly, I hear the swift shuffle of footsteps behind me. “Siena?” “Rairity!” I breathe out in relief. “We need to talk.” “Rairity, can this—” “No, it can’t wait. We need to make a decision now. The pack has consulted the damage. The debts, Siena. They’re… beyond overwhelming. We have to do something now. Right now, or we will have no choice but to fold. The numbers are too large. They can’t be paid back. Not in our lifetimes.” My blood runs cold. I have tried. With every ounce of my being, with the strength granted by my forewolves, I have tried to save Windhowl Pack, but Raiden’s refusal to divorce has shattered any hope of securing alliances and aid. A decision. There seems only one left to make. My fingers dig into fists, nails biting into the soft flesh of my palm. Fine. If Raiden thinks I am a gold digger, if he is so convinced that I seek only his money — then I will give him exactly what he expects. （Raiden's POV) Lila clears her throat. “Raiden, after the Summit of Alphas… will you divorce her then? Siena?” Her eyes flicker with the hope of a pup. It’s endearing but not the serious type of wife I need to achieve the status I want—the status the pack needs. I barely hear her. My mind is stuck on Siena’s strange reaction. Love? Do I love her? Have I ever? Something about this revelation nags at me, refusing to let go. The papers will be ablaze with rumors tomorrow. I need better terms. I need a press conference to clear this mess up. “Raiden? Did you hear me?” My wolf snorts. [Admit it. You have feelings for her. You still care for your Luna.] I shut that down immediately. Horace, that is impossible. We are not fated. This is business. “Raiden,” Lila whines, tugging at my sleeve. Though she is adorable in her own right, times like these test the last of my nerves. Siena doesn’t do this. Horace is right, but I have not built this empire on the premise of my wolf’s opinions—I’m not going to start now. Exhaling sharply, I tug my arm away, suddenly aware of the sets of eyes following my every move. The rumors are already alight. Before tonight, I wouldn’t have cared. Why not give them a little something fun to talk about over their dinner plates? My phone buzzes—a small but welcome distraction. [From Siena: I agree with what you said about compensation. We can temporarily keep up the marriage.] A muscle tightens in my jaw. This is good news, but what’s the catch? With Siena, there’s always a catch. [From Raiden: What are the terms?] Her reply comes instantly. That I can't believe what I see. "What...?" I stare intently at the screen. "What's wrong, Raiden?" Lila's gentle voice feels distant, as if it's coming from far away. But all I can see is the message Siena just sent. [From Siena: One million dollars per day to be transferred into my account.] [— Let's Fake Marriage.]