Coldsnap: The Billionaire Alpha's Fated Pregnant Princess (GL)-Chapter 15 - Free Money Is Never Free

Chapter 15: Chapter 15 - Free Money Is Never Free
The name drop of the
company
felt deliberate to me. A strategic reveal... of her own value. But there was something I could see underneath as she
waited
for me to respond - a vulnerability that hadn't been there before.
> Like the kind I so often felt when I must rely on presenting myself as the First Princess... with nothing else to offer in negotiation. <
When all your
natural qualities
- your beauty, your wit, your strength - must be bolstered by the power of a name or position. It was the first resort of some, but the last resort of someone accustomed to garnering respect
through presence alone
.
Her brown eyes never left mine. Busily tracking every small movement as I
studied
her back, with an
intensity
that hinted at years of reading the strategies of her other corporate partners.
Like the
calculating merchants
that showed themselves within all courtly matters.
But unlike them, something in her expression suggested this wasn't her
preferred
approach. That she'd rather have
connected
without invoking her position at all.
Which is truly something I
could have
understood, when I was younger and more
naive
.
"I see."
Now, the struggle of what to
possibly
do from here is my
problem
!
Helene knew the name, at least, of the Alpha of the Rimecoat. Knew that she was apparently
immensely wealthy
by this world's standards.
Though whether that was
personal funds
or tied up entirely in the company she ran, the original soul of this body was not
aware
.
Which leaves me with just a few details to make my
decision
on. Her power and her...
interest
.
As well as how such dynamics between people like her and people
in my position
worked in the other world. And that?
> I'm not ready to commit to being her plaything or servant. <
The whine feels both confused by my assessment of
her intent
and also gave off a little '
why not'
that annoys me.
"I'm not looking to be involved in... anything. Whatever narrative you are trying to write with me. I just wanted a place to be safe and was willing to do that my own way."
I spoke with a
polite enough refusal
and her response was as unexpected as most of this had been.
"And you don't feel safe with me yet, because of the way I approached you. I understand. However, what narrative would that be? What do you think... has been happening here?"
The question of hers hung in the air not as a challenge, but a genuinely
curious
inquiry. My arms lock at my sides as my
nerves
grow worse.
I didn't want to
look away
, but I did while thinking of everything... since the moment I knew she was in the shop with me. My system had
warned
me of a 'threat', but after that?
It had been
silent
. If anything, it may have been increasing some of these...
feelings
. I'm not sure I'd know the difference.
> You've also been behaving this way. Why? <
Fated mates
. My wolf's sudden push of 'insight' that I
finally allowed
was unwelcome but illuminating.
> Okay, so I can't really deny it. I'll admit that's why I have been like this. I understand. <
Then what
exactly
was this woman feeling?
Kyrie Voss had not moved closer or attempted another
intimate gesture
. Despite the fact that everything I know of this world suggests she should be feeling a
very intense pull
to claim me.
To bite and
mark
me as hers with the
blessing
of the Lunar Goddess.
Instead, she produced a
business card
and held it out in a way that felt almost... tentative. Like she was very worried about what may
set me off
again.
"This is meant to be a means of contact. Nothing more."
She sat the piece of paper between us on the counter... and my
silly body
was already on the way to take it. My fingers
brushed over her hand
for just a moment as I reached..
The touch sent that strange sensation through me again.
It was not what I would call a
traditional
attraction, exactly. Though if asked about attractiveness, I would say she is very...
No, how much of that is
me
versus the supernatural pull of spirits and their
magical contracts
?
But I saw it clearer that time. The ripple and tense of every muscle in her body. Miniscule layers of
white fur
that sprouted as the
urge to shift
slammed into her.
Because of my proximity and touch.
"I'd also like to leave you with something else."
She continued as if I hadn't just made her come close to
losing her mind
. Adjusting her hair with clean nails still just a bit too...
pointy
compared to a few moments ago.
The formation of claws that would have
grabbed tight
to hold me as she bit down.
If the memory of Jace doing it to Helene is anything to go by, it would have felt...
great
. She thought so afterward. But that's only because she
wanted
it.
> Stop looking at me like that and whimpering. I'm not so curious that I would just- <
Her hand slips into the inner pocket of her jacket as I
berate
the spirit in my mindscape..
"However, I'm not sure how to offer it. Without seeming as if I'm trying to buy your forgiveness. Or your attention."
A
nondescript
white 'bank card' comes out. With her hair, her fur, and the suit... this woman seems to
really like
the color.
Which is fine. It
looks good
on her. Though... so does the
red
. I wet my drying lips as I squint at the piece of 'plastic'.
"I don't seem to understand what you are suggesting."
"Is trusting you with these funds something you would allow?"
My eyebrow arched... with deep
skepticism
rather than amusement.
Access to money was a true
concern
of mine. It meant food and resources without having to steal or
starve
.
Really, it's the entire reason I came to this shop and that I've
been caught
here by her. Looking for this.
The ability to extract myself from my current
precarious
position as poor, homeless, and
pregnant
.
> Well, the money won't stop the last thing. I guess it could, theoretically, but I won't let it. <
A
reassurance
to the wolf spirit came out of me before it could bark or growl. I'd already made up my mind to birth her last soul-twin's child, if I am to remain here in Helene's body.
During these thoughts, my eyes have never left
the card
she holds up between us.
Not placed
on the counter
this time. Plenty close enough to grab for, since I haven't... moved back yet either. It's as if she
wants
to risk our hands touching again.
"And what would be the terms of such... generosity?"
Accepting it from this werewolf - this 'stranger' who clearly wanted
something more
from me - felt like a potential trap. A way to
call in the debt
later.
Or if I think back to cases I'd heard of in the palace, to accuse me of theft and place me
under her control
through that method.
> Okay, stop growling, I know I'm reaching for the worst scenarios even when she has been... too understanding. <
Her thumb rubbed along the item in her hand, flipping it around as if she was actually considering the details.
"No terms. Use it freely. So that I know you'll have a way to get whatever it is you need. Nothing more."
The potential of that offer was so generous that I frowned
awkwardly
. My posture was
ruined
... as I squirmed a little. Like half of my body wanted to move closer toward it on its own.
Am I like this because I know what
having money
is like, or is this just the reaction to anyone without it?
"Would it not be... safer for you to just hand over cash? Why do this?"
The question felt valid enough. My
distaste
at having to consider this offer at all demanded of me that I
sabotage her kindness
.
"Cash... I don't keep that on me. I have people to bring that to places if it is needed. And they..."
Something flashed across her face - a deep
annoyance
, if I were any judge.
"No, cash is impersonal. This card is mine. Not something I would offer just... anyone."
Her implication was not fully spoken, but it was clear she meant it was
available to me
because of the
fated mate
pull between us. However, that didn't make sense on any level!
It was more...
emotional
than primal - than
logical
. A choice I would not expect of a leader of a mercantile empire - or the ruler of a pack.
Words fell from my lips before I could
stop
them.
"I look like I've just been dragged out of a forest, I can't possibly be so enchanting."
"I offered because it's what I wanted to do. The choice to take it is entirely yours."
Her smile was tight and controlled, but her eyes
squinted
just a fraction and began tracing the edges of my form. The unflinching assessment made me
shiver
.
Because she
would not agree
with me and those words, I was certain.
> All of you are so stupid. <
I slowly moved my hand and
took the card
. Feeling like I was once again deciding that I must 'do as the Romans do'.