The office was spacious and meticulously organized. A large mahogany desk dominated the room, its surface spotless except for a few neatly arranged papers and a laptop. Behind it, a wall of bookshelves reached up to the ceiling, filled with leather-bound volumes. The room was dimly lit by a chandelier, casting a soft, warm glow that contrasted sharply with the chill emanating from Davian.
Roseanne took a hesitant step inside, her eyes darting around the room. She noticed a few personal items on the shelves—an antique clock, a framed photograph, and a few trinkets that hinted at Davian's past. Her gaze shifted to Davian, who was seated behind the desk, his piercing blue eyes fixed on her.
"Please, have a seat," Davian said, motioning to a chair in front of his desk. His expression was unreadable, and his tone was devoid of warmth.
Roseanne nodded and walked towards the chair, her movements stiff with nerves. She sat down carefully, placing her hands in her lap to keep them from trembling. She glanced at Davian, who was watching her intently, his face a mask of indifference.
"Do you find the room to your liking?" Davian asked, his voice flat.
Roseanne forced a small smile. "Yes, thank you. It's much more than I ever had."
Davian nodded, his eyes never leaving hers. "Good. I want you to be comfortable here."
Roseanne could feel the tension in the room, the weight of unspoken words hanging heavily between them. She swallowed hard, trying to steady her nerves.
"I understand this situation is... unusual," Davian continued, his tone still cold. "Our marriage was arranged for the benefit of our packs. I expect you to fulfill your role with the same dedication I bring to mine."
Roseanne nodded again, her throat dry. "I understand, Alpha Davian. I will do my best."
Davian leaned back in his chair, studying her. "I hope so. This is not just about us; it's about maintaining the balance and strength of our packs. Any mistake could lead to trouble."
Roseanne felt a lump form in her throat. The pressure of her new reality was overwhelming, and Davian's stern demeanor did little to alleviate her fears. She took a deep breath, gathering her courage to speak.
"I... I know this is important," she said softly. "I'll do whatever it takes to support you and the pack."
Davian's eyes narrowed slightly, as if trying to gauge her sincerity. "Good. That's what I expect. But understand this, Roseanne—there are no second chances here. Any failure, any sign of weakness, and the consequences will be severe."
Roseanne's heart sank. She had hoped for some hint of compassion or understanding, but Davian's words were as cold as his gaze. She nodded, unable to trust her voice.
Davian paused, his eyes piercing into hers. "There's one more thing you need to understand," he said, his voice dropping a notch colder. "Do not expect anything from me in terms of affection or love. This is a partnership of necessity, not a marriage of hearts. I will fulfill my duties as your Alpha and husband, but that is all."
The words stung, cutting through her like a knife. Roseanne fought to keep her composure, swallowing the lump in her throat. "I understand, Alpha Davian. I won't expect anything more."
Davian's gaze softened, but only slightly. "Good. I wanted to make that clear from the beginning. Our alliance is strictly for the benefit of our packs. Personal feelings have no place here."
For a moment, silence filled the room, thick and suffocating. Roseanne could hear the faint ticking of the antique clock behind her, each second amplifying her discomfort. She shifted slightly in her seat, feeling the weight of Davian's scrutiny.
"Is there anything you need to ask?" Davian inquired, his tone making it clear he didn't expect her to.
Roseanne hesitated, then shook her head. "No, Alpha Davian. I just want to express my gratitude for the room and for your... hospitality."
Davian raised an eyebrow, a faint smirk playing at the corner of his lips. "Hospitality, indeed. Make no mistake, Roseanne, this is not a charity. Everything here is earned, and you have much to prove."
The words stung, but Roseanne kept her expression neutral. "I understand."
"That will be all for now," Davian said abruptly. "You may go."
Roseanne stood up, her legs feeling unsteady. She gave a small nod and turned to leave, her mind racing with thoughts and emotions. As she reached the door, she paused, looking back at Davian. He was already engrossed in his papers, his attention no longer on her.
"Thank you, Alpha Davian," she said quietly, then slipped out of the room.
The hallway seemed like a relief next to the tense atmosphere of Davian's office. Roseanne took a moment to collect herself, leaning against the cool wall. She could still feel the intensity of Davian's gaze, even in his absence.
Her mind replayed his warning over and over, his cold words etched into her memory.
"Do not expect anything from me in terms of affection or love."
Roseanne's heart ached as she recalled those words. She had hoped for affection, but Davian had made it clear that there was no place for such sentiments in their arrangement.
They were a reality check, clashing with the dreams she once had of finding a loving partner.