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

The na drop of the company felt deliberate to . A strategic reveal... of her own value. But there was sothing I could see underneath as she waited for 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 na or position. It was the first resort of so, but the last resort of soone accustod to garnering respect through presence alone.

Her brown eyes never left mine. Busily tracking every small movent as I studied her back, with an intensity that hinted at years of reading the strategies of her other corporate partners.

Like the calculating rchants that showed themselves within all courtly matters.

But unlike them, sothing 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 sothing 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 na, at least, of the Alpha of the Ricoat. Knew that she was apparently imnsely 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 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 assessnt of her intent and also gave off a little 'why not' that annoys .

"I'm not looking to be involved in... anything. Whatever narrative you are trying to write with . 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 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 mont I knew she was in the shop with . My system had warned of a 'threat', but after that?

It had been silent. If anything, it may have been increasing so 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 unwelco 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 .

To bite and mark 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 off again.

"This is ant to be a ans 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 mont as I reached..

The touch sent that strange sensation through 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 versus the supernatural pull of spirits and their magical contracts?

But I saw it clearer that ti. The ripple and tense of every muscle in her body. Miniscule layers of white fur that sprouted as the urge to shift slamd into her.

Because of my proximity and touch.

"I'd also like to leave you with sothing else."

She continued as if I hadn't just made her co close to losing her mind. Adjusting her hair with clean nails still just a bit too... pointy compared to a few monts ago.

The formation of claws that would have grabbed tight to hold as she bit down.

If the mory 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 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' cos 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 sothing you would allow?"

My eyebrow arched... with deep skepticism rather than amusent.

Access to money was a true concern of mine. It ant food and resources without having to steal or starve.

Really, it's the entire reason I ca 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, holess, 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 ca out of 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 ti. 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 sothing more from - 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 of theft and place under her control through that thod.

> 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 squird 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 that I sabotage her kindness.

"Cash... I don't keep that on . I have people to bring that to places if it is needed. And they..."

Sothing flashed across her face - a deep annoyance, if I were any judge.

"No, cash is impersonal. This card is mine. Not sothing I would offer just... anyone."

Her implication was not fully spoken, but it was clear she ant it was available to 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 rcantile 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 assessnt made shiver.

Because she would not agree with 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'.