CAELLUM’S POV
You will reject and let me go.
Naledi’s words burned in my mind as we shared a cracking silence.
She thought I couldn’t let her go. I couldn’t ignore how she boldly said it and insinuated I would have a problem letting her go.
The only thing I could pick from her words was the fact she was so sure if there were to be a problem with letting her go, it would be from me. Like she didn’t give a rat ass about me enough to know that it wouldn’t be a problem going forward.
I suddenly felt the need to defend myself.
“Naturally. There won’t be any need harbouring you here after the rejection.” I said flippantly, “Anything else?”
Naledi gauged me for a second. No doubt, trying to ascertain the genuineness of my words. Thank God I had the best poker face.
Let her go my ass. I had 100 days to seduce her and make her eat her words. Operation make her fall for me just started and she was clueless about it.
“I’ll need that in writing.” She cleared her throat. “So that it’s official.”
I hated the fact she didn’t trust me. “I am a man of my word.” I gritted, “A contract is not able to bind me, so you can take my word for it.”
I sensed her hesitation, but it was clear I wasn’t settling for anything else. If she couldn’t take my word for it then there was nothing I could do about it.
“Fine.” She finally said, getting up.
I held her wrist. “Not so fast, sunshine.” I gestured for her to have her seat. “I’m afraid we just finished the first phase of the agreement.”
“What are you talking about?”
“You just made your conditions clear. What makes you think I don’t have conditions of my own?” I said with my eyes corked.
“C-Conditions?”
“Yes, darling. To work with me, there are set ground rules you need to be aware of.” I began with a smirk.
Naledi sat down, grumbling under her breath. Such a baby. My baby.
“Let’s hear it then.” She said with a pout.
“First. You are to play the role of my mate.” Her eyes widened but I continued. “That means you will be the perfect mate in front of my people. You will not disrespect or show scorn, hatred or the likes to me, especially in front of my people.”
“Does that mean I get to do that in secret?” She asked with glittering eyes.
“Very funny.” There was nothing funny in my tone. I continued when she bit her lips. Her oh-so-beautiful lips. “You will be initiated into the pack and mafia family.”
Her eyes widened. “Don’t tell me you are one of those packs that brand their members with scars and stuff?”
“Yes.” She seemed shell-shocked and I couldn’t resist the urge to laugh. “You would be branded, but not in the way you think.”
I showed her the chain tattoo around my wrist. “This is what it looks like. However, since your stay here is numbered, you’ll get a temporary ink.”
As much as it killed me to say those words, it was worth it because I got to see the breath of relief she heaved. That would have to do. For now.
She nodded and I continued. “You would never betray me,” I said in a cold tone, portraying my threat. “The act of pulling a gun on me, or challenging me ends now. You must understand that I am your Alpha, your boss, and your mate. Is that clear?”
She nodded but I wasn’t satisfied.
“Use your words,” I demanded coldly,
“Yes, Boss.” Her tone made it feel like an insult, and I gave her a pointed look. “I’m not stupid, okay? No more trying to kill or challenge you. Got it.” She said with a pointed look of her own.
I couldn’t with this girl.
“Since that bit is clear, I’ll proceed. You will report directly to me. Matteo will be in charge of your stay and will oversee your duties until you are rejected. You will do any and everything I command without disobedience, and that within reason.” I rambled and she nodded in agreement.
I couldn’t think of any other condition. “That should be it for now. If there are any more amendments, you’ll be the first to know.” I said in a dismissive tone. “This night has been productive, I’ll let-”
“Oh no you don’t.” She cut me off, standing on her feet.
I didn’t appreciate her choice of words. I would have to teach her a lesson about how and how not to speak to her Alpha and boss. All in due time.
“What about my pay?” She asked and I corked my brows in amusement.
Did she think I was not going to pay her? What the fuck did she take me for?
A smirk graced my lips. “Naturally, you will be paid for your services.”
“No, no. None of that. I’d like an amount. A salary. Something to make this official. And don’t you dare tell me I have your word for it because it wouldn’t work.” She folded her arms around her chest. “This is business.”
Did she think she was intimidating? I scoffed. Yeah right. She looked as harmless as a little kitten.
“If you must know, the start-up pay would be 500k.” Her eyes widened, and I stared at her in amusement. It seemed my baby loved money. “Is that okay?”
“Yearly?” She asked, barely containing her excitement. One would think she hadn’t touched such an amount with how she behaved. But I knew better. If she worked for the Bravta’s, I’d like to believe she was able to get a hold of 500k in a few months.
Depending on how giving Alek felt. And from my deductions by their association, it was clear they were close. And I say that with all anger.
“Monthly.” Her mouth was shaped to an oh sound. “If you make me happy, I might add in some special bonus to it.”
“Awesome. When do I start?” She asked excitement in her eyes.
“Matteo will brief you on the job. Congratulations.”