Catherine stepped into Chris' private chamber. The heavy curtains shut out the sunlight, and could perceive the faint smell of cedar and alcohol.
Chris was leaning against his desk, a glass of dark liquid in his hand, swirling it slowly as if he had all the time in the world.
"I need your help, Chris." Her voice came trembling.
Chris didn't look at her at first. He took a slow sip, then set the glass down.
"Help?" he asked, finally turning to her.
"My son, shawn… he's dying," she said quickly. "The healer said he needs surgery now, or… or he won't survive."
Chris's eyes didn't even flinch, he didn't even look surprised at all.
"How much?" he asked.
Her heart leapt for hope. "You… you'll help me?"
"I didn't say that," he replied calmly.
"I'll pay you back, I swear. I just need time. Please, Chris."
He took a step closer, the shadows making him look taller.
"I'll pay the bills," he said finally and her face lit up.
"Really?"
"Yes… but on one condition."
Her smile died immediately. "What condition?"
Chris set the glass down again, locking eye contact with her. "You will marry me."
"…What?" Her fell dropped in horror.
"You heard me."
"I… I don't understand, Chris. Why would you even say that?"
"Let's not pretend, Luna. You know I've always liked you. I'm offering to help, but I won't do it for free."
Her chest constricted. "Chris, you're my husband's best friend! This isn't right! I still love my husband, I can't—"
"And where is he?" Chris cut in, immediately.
"I said I'll pay you back," she retorted. "Don't bring him into this.... just help me save my son. Please."
Chris looked away. He was cold and didn't have one bit of sympathy.
"When you're ready to be serious, you know where to find me," he said and walked toward the window.
"Chris… please!" she called after him, the desperation making her voice to shake.
Just then, her phone rang. She looked at the screen and picked immediately.
"Luna?" the healer's voice came urgently through the phone.
"Shawn's vitals are dropping fast, we don't have much time. If we don't operate now, the human heart can't survive the wolf inside him. He'll—he'll die, Luna."
Her stomach dropped. "No… no, you said we had time—"
"I'm afraid we don't."
The line went silent for a moment. Catherine looked back at Chris, everything clicked in her head.
The delay… the sudden pressure… the timing…
"You knew," she whispered.
Chris didn't answer.
"You blocked the pack funds…" she said slowly. "You did this to make me come here?"
A small, satisfied smile touched his lips.
"You—" her voice broke "—you're using me while my son is dying?"
The sound of Shawn crying echoed faintly through her phone and that broke her completely.
Tears filled her eyes, but she squared her shoulders. She was still the Luna. She still had to act.
"I'll do it," she said finally, then ended the call
Chris's eyes gleamed. "I knew you would."
"I'll marry you," she continued. "Just save him… please."
Chris stepped closer. "Good."
"But we're not waiting," he said.
"Waiting? What do you mean?" she asked.
"The wedding… it must happen tonight," he said firmly.
"Before sunrise, the pack will watch me mark you. You'd become mine."
Catherine froze in place, the mark… it wasn't just marriage. It would erase everything with her husband.
"Chris… that's too fast," she whispered.
"Your son doesn't have time," he said.
Tears ran down her cheeks.
"Is achieving your selfish goal, more important than a life!" She barked.
He stepped closer, tilting her chin up with one hand. His golden eyes caught the dim light.
"So tell me, Luna," he said, ignoring her question "how much is your son's life worth to you?"