Page 1 of The Baby Contract

"Get up, girl!" My opponent jumped around me. "What, starting to get tired?"

The man in front of me was tall and lanky, jumping in circles around me as I collapsed in weakness in the middle of the dirt floor. My heart was beating out of my chest in pure exhaustion at this point, my legs and arms ready to give out.

The ringmaster was standing outside of the rusty gates, holding out his greedy hand, as spectators placed their bets. The boos rang loud as I hunched over on the ground for the first time in, however long I had been fighting, the wolves in the audience chanting and howling loudly.

I had lost count of all of the fights that I had fought in the time I had been here.

When I came, I had been so furious after my encounter with Grey and Jasper, that the ringmaster registered me for as many fights as he could back-to-back.

The anger I felt reflected greatly on my opponents, as they were knocked out by one over the past few days.

The ringmaster loved it, absolutely thrilled at the large amounts of bets I was bringing into his big game. He would even offer me more to keep fighting, as the spectators were enjoying the show I was putting on.

This was the first time I had truly gotten knocked down. "Finally, the little girl gets taken down. This is going to be great for me." He spat, getting cocky.

I recalled Jasper, Grey, and Alpha Orion. The Contract. Leaving Nova and the other maids. The mentions of my parents. I snapped my neck, my wolf getting ready to charge as our blood boiled.

My eyes switched colors, my body getting an unknown jolt of energy as I charged toward the man and knocked him against the bars. His head hit the heavy metal, an echo sounding throughout the colosseum as he lost consciousness and fell to the floor.

The crowd erupted, jumping from their seats. The ringmaster opened the gates, running into the ring. "Ladies and Gentlemen- "He grabbed my bloody hand holding it up to the crowd. "Another knockout for Millie Rose!"

The crowd cheered, as they left their seats to go and grab their money. "All right, Rose-"the ringmaster said, tapping his clipboard. "I have more wolves registered to fight. You in?"

I wiped my bloodied hand on my dirty apron.

"Yes, I'm ready," I said, trying to sound confident.

I knew after that fight I probably needed to stop, I was getting weak.

I mean, I had been fighting for days without any sleep and only a few pieces of scrap bread that the ringmaster had thrown at me between fights.

I probably could have stopped. Over the last few days, I felt like I had gotten my fury out for the moment.

But, I thought of Nova and the other maids, and how with me gone, for the next nine months, they wouldn't be getting any extra food or money from the fights that I brought them.

And even though the pack would be getting funds from Stormblade, after yesterday, I didn't trust Grey or any of the others to spend it on taking care of them.

The gates opened and my next opponent jumped into the ring with a newfound energy. This time, it was a young girl, who pounded her fists together. "Time for someone to knock you out, Rose!"

She bolted, sticking her fist out, which I easily dodged. She was quick with her punches, full of energy and life. But her movements were random and uncoordinated, making it easy for me to find her weak spots.

As she raised her fist to try and hit me, the gates opened, which caused us to stop. In the ring, the gates never opened during a match, that was illegal. Not until someone was knocked out.

"Everyone get the fuck out!" The ringmaster shooed, his tone harsh and urgent. "Our lookouts just spotted three of Stormblade's men driving onto Eclipse land! Run back to where you came from and don't get caught!"

The girl who I was fighting, backed away slowly before she broke into a sprint, running off into the forest. "What about our money?" Someone yelled from the seats angrily.

"There will be no money if the Stormblade pack catches us." The ringmaster scolded, getting rid of all the evidence that we were there. "Now scram!"

He was right, the fights were illegal.

The ring had been shut down by many other wealthy, populous packs in the past, to maintain order throughout the Kingdom.

The smaller packs had to prove that they were strong enough to be self-sufficient to take care of their pack members, without putting their rights and protections at risk.

"That includes you, Rose!" The Ringmaster groaned, shutting off the lights.

I didn't even realize I was still standing in the middle of the ring, the colosseum which one minute ago, packed with hundreds of spectators, was now eerily empty.

"Wait-"I ran, catching up to him. "Please. I need my money."

The ringmaster rushed off, with me on his tail. "Come back tomorrow." He said, looking to see if the coast was clear. "I'll give it to you then."

"No," I growled. "I need it now. I won't be back tomorrow. I'll be gone."

The ringmaster stopped, making me stumble at his abruptness. "Gone?"

"Yes. I don't have time to explain. But I'll be gone for a while." I shook my head sadly. "That's why I need it now, please."

He furrowed his brows, thinking about it. "You are one of my top money makers, Rose." He shook his head, opening his bag. "I don't know what you're leaving for, and frankly, It's none of my business. But, I hope you remain loyal to the ring when you return."

I held out my hand as he slapped down two thick wads of cash in my hands. I sighed in relief, stuffing it in my apron. "Thank you," I whispered.

He nodded, before running off quickly, leaving me in the Colosseum alone. The Stormblade pack were here to get me. Meaning it must have been five days.

My stomach turned; a wave of nausea pasing over me. I couldn't believe it was actually happening. The time had finally come. I had to move fast.

I spotted a few loaves of bread on the ground and in the seats that had gotten left behind that I quickly grabbed and stuffed in my apron along with the cash.

I stuffed what I could fit, before taking off towards the Eclipse pack. My heart thumped, half human half wolf as I thought about Nova. I had to get to her before the others saw me. I had to give her what I got.

I had to say goodbye.

My adrenaline pushed me forward even when my body wanted me to collapse in this forest. Soon, our small, Eclipse pack house came into view, the scene much different from usual.

A black SUV was parked out front, with three very large men standing in front of it, shaking the very happy Alpha Orion, Lily's, and Grey's hand. Jasper was there too, bowing respectfully, but his face was stern and serious, not as excited and thrilled looking like the others.

Two of the men were decorated in warrior's armor, their swords displayed across their chests. They stood in unity behind the much taller and bigger man, who wore a different uniform. He was even bigger in size than Alpha Orion, which I could tell intimidated him.

It intimidated me too. If I had gotten hurt by the Alpha and Beta here at Eclipse, imagine how the Stormblade pack was going to hurt me.

"Beta Boris Darkmoon, it is a pleasure to meet you." Alpha Orion beamed, laughing nervously. "We didn't expect you so early."

Boris nodded. "We did not come early; it's been a week." He said sharply, not reflecting their warm feelings. "I expect that Millie is ready to go?"

At that, I ran around the forest to the back entrance of the house. "Um- "Alpha Orion stumbled, clearing his throat. "Of course, the maid-"he coughed. "I mean, Millie, is ready. I will go and get her."

I looked around, ensuring the coast was clear as I opened the door. I caught Nova's scent as soon as I got to the basement, following it down to the laundry room.

"Nova!" I opened the door, Nova spinning around in surprise with a pair of pants in her hands. I sighed in relief when I saw her, immediately flinging myself in her arms.

"Millie!" She cried, dropping the pants. "You came back!"

I sobbed, burying my face into Nova's hair, desperate to get one last breath of her scent. "Stormblade's here, Nova." I trembled and gripped her hair as if it was the last time I would feel her. "I have to leave."

Nova did the same, her hands shaking as she pulled away to look at my face. "Oh goddess, your face. It's bleeding." She looked down, grabbing my arm. "Your hands too."

I gulped, looking back at the door, knowing I didn't have much time. "I'm sorry, Nova." I closed my eyes. "I know you don't like it when I go to the ring but I had to," I whispered, reaching into my apron.

"This should last you until I get back." I grabbed the cash, swiftly shoving it from my apron and into hers, making sure no one saw.

"Millie-" Her eyes widened, her face pale. "You-"

I shook my head, reaching in to grab the bread, doing the same thing, and stuffing it into her apron. "I grabbed as much bread as I could too. Ration it with the other maids until I can get more."

Nova cried, her tears trailing down her cheeks sadly. "Millie-"

"There is really no need to come down here, Beta. Millie doesn't need any help with her bag." Alpha Orion laughed awkwardly. "She packs quite light, that girl."

Nova and I's eyes widened as their voices got louder. Boris let out a thunderous growl, making Nova and I jump into each other's arms. "I've asked you twice, and I won't do it again, Orion. I haven't laid eyes on Millie yet. Where is she?"

"Nova listen to me." I hurried. "They are going to find me now. You have to go before the others punish you for being seen with me." I grabbed the laundry, shoving it in her hands. "Take this upstairs, go now!"

Nova stumbled back, her hands trembling. "Millie, I don't want you to leave." She pleaded, her tears flowing. "You can't go. I can't live here without you, Mills."

"I'll be back-" I cried, wiping her tears. "I promise. I'll be back here before you know it."

"No-" Nova sobbed, shaking her head. "You ca-"

I sighed, pulling her into a tight hug, the laundry between us. "You are strong, capable, resilient smart..." I pulled away. "You'll get through this."

The footsteps came next to the door, their scents heavy. "Go!" I pushed her shoulders, sending her out the other door as the other one opened.

"Ah! There she is!" Alpha Orion clapped his hands together. "On laundry duty today. You see Beta Darkmoon, the mai-"he coughed, correcting himself. "Millie-is very dedicated to her duties here at the Eclipse pack. Sometimes she gets carried away and forgets the time."

I shut my eyes, wiping my tears as I stared at the door Nova left from. I blinked, holding back the tears I had built up at our sudden goodbye. "Right, Millie?" Orion asked, trying to sound friendly.

I breathed heavily before grabbing the laundry in front of me, slowly facing them as I started folding. "Yes, Alpha," I whispered, keeping my head down.

"What happened to her?" Beta Darkmoon growled, his voice dark and menacing. "There's blood all over her clothes." He moved forward, his heat surrounding me. "She's hurt."

I focused on folding as he did so, trying to stay calm. He bent down, his face getting on the same level as mine as he inspected it.

"Hello, Millie." He softened, smiling kindly, unlike how he was just a minute ago with Orion. "I'm Beta Boris Darkmoon of the Stormblade pack. These are two of my warriors."

"Don't worry Beta Darkmoon, we will ensure that she is taken care of for the mess she's made before she leaves with you." Orion butted in, making sure I knew that I had punishments coming even before I left, for not being presentable in the Stormblade's pack's presence.

Boris looked up, catching Orion's sick grin. Boris stood, signing to his men, seeming to come to a conclusion. "There will be no time for that." He stated boldly. "We are leaving now."

"Fine-"Orion snapped, breaking out of his fake kindness. "Can we get the money now that you have the I mai- Millie?"

Boris grabbed my wrist lightly, being careful not to hurt me as he pulled me along. He ignored Orion as he trailed annoyingly behind us, the Stormblade warriors thankfully forming a barrier between us.

Boris opened the door to the SUV, lifting me onto the black leather with his impressive strength before buckling me in with the seatbelt and swiftly closing the door.

One of the warriors moved to stand in front of the door, making sure I didn't escape, while the other one slid into the driver's seat.

The trunk of the car opened and closed, Boris shoving a brown briefcase into Orion's chest. "Half now, half later."

Boris growled, before shaking his head in disgust as his warrior slid into the passenger seat, and he, into the seat beside me in the back, slamming the door in annoyance.

"Alright, we're ready to go, warriors." He ordered, as the warriors nodded in the mirror, the car engine rearing as the car started to move.

I leaned my head against the window, tears welling up in my eyes as I watched the pack house leave my view. I put my hand on the window, thinking about Nova, missing her, and feeling worried. My parents and their memories.

Boris cleared his throat beside me, shifting in his seat. His gaze was intense, now that we were out of the pack house and in the car. His eyes were scanning me up and down. I could tell he wanted to say something but wasn't sure where to start.

My tears slipped as the pack house left view, a silent sob leaving my mouth. Boris watched me, scratching his head. "Oh." He whispered. "I'm not very good at talking about feelings. Sorry."

"I'm more of a fighter." He clarified, a tissue appearing in front of me. I looked up and saw Boris holding out a tissue to me, a sympathetic look on his face.

I reached out cautiously, taking it from him, nodding in thanks as I turned away, leaning my head facing away from him on the window. "What happened to you, Millie?" he asked softly.

I shivered, remembering the events from the last few days. I couldn't tell him I needed to keep my mouth shut if I wanted any chance of survival when I returned to the Eclipse pack. Physically and Financially.

"You know-" Boris sighed. "Sorry I asked, that's just the Beta in me. You must be so overwhelmed and exhausted." He softened. "Why don't you rest until we get to the pack house? I'll be quiet." He joked, laughing softly, before relaxing in his seat.

He was right, I was tired. After a few minutes of silence, I let sleep take over me.

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