Forced Marriage: Escaping Her Monster

Jerlina's heart pounded looking at the sharp eyes of Wyatt. The tiger was staring right at her and licked its lips.

Jerlina felt a shiver passing through her spine.

Fear of death...

She used to foolishly think for some time that death would end it all and death is a sweet release from worldly troubles. 

But now, facing the big threat in front of her, she realized that she wanted to live more than she thought she did.

She gulped seeing Wyatt taking a puff with an odd smirk looking at her. She was terrified.

But she stared right back at Wyatt. She remembered Jeremy's words that even Shaun's boss cannot hurt her. 

I am Joel's woman. I cannot show myself to be weak when he is near me!

She felt a big hand enveloping hers. That familiar big hand was rough and warm. 

Yeah, I am in the safest place on earth.

I am by Joel's side!

"Come to the point, Wyatt. Don't waste my time," Jeremy said placing her hand on his lap.

It was like he is assuring her that he is by her side and no one can touch her passing him.

Jeremy was alert but had a hunch that Wyatt is here in peace.

Even if he is planning on killing Jerlina, he won't do it now when he is on his turf, surrounded by his people.

Plus his son is not out of danger. 

Jerlina might never believe this, but if her life is threatened, he won't wait to use that boy to protect her.

No one is more important than her and he won't let no rule hinder him from protecting her. 

Yes, he'd be scum if he hurts a little boy who lost his mother, but he'd rather be a scum who protected the woman of his heart, than the hero who let his woman die for his principles or the greater good.

He had a hunch that Wyatt would add a "but"... He wished Wyatt would add a but.

"Ha..ha..." Wyatt let out a short chuckle seeing Jeremy's confident look. "But I have no plans to hurt this lady... Although Viper might be thinking differently."

Jerlina closed her eyes and let out a deep breath. 

"You see, Shaun said something that made me think... Shaun asked me to do something TJ would do," he took another puff.

Wyatt turned to see Benny now dressed warmly and he was telling the nanny to bring him to Jerlina. It seemed like he stopped talking and devolved to pointing to convey his thoughts. 

Wyatt scratched his eyebrow with his thumb looking at his son throwing his usual tantrum by screaming.

Jeremy noticed the little boy's tantrum too. And he could imagine what would happen if a four-year-old boy who recently lost his mother found someone resembling his mother.

He pitied that boy. But that's it. 

Jeremy's eyes trained on Wyatt. For him to reveal Viper's visit to him, he must be wishing for a deal. 

But what kind of deal?

Judging by the way he is eyeing Jerlina...

I don't want to kill.

"I haven't got all day, Wyatt," Jeremy wanted to get out of here soon.

"I'll need someone to take care of my kids, someone who can stay in my home, someone Benny likes, someone pretty like..." With a smirk, he looked at Jerlina.

Jerlina felt Jeremy gritting his teeth and Bobby cracked his knuckle.

"...the missus," Wyatt added.

He looked at Jerlina from top to bottom as if he was checking her out making Jerlina cringe.

"You're asking our Luna to be your..." Charlie spoke in a low voice. Jerlina could feel his rage.

It seemed like Wyatt suggested Jerlina live with him when she is Jeremy's wife. 

Isn't that an indecent proposal?

Jeremy got up from his seat pointing his weapon at Wyatt, the tiger growled and Wyatt's men lunged forward to protect Wyatt.

Oh, no! A fight's gonna break out!

"I have no desire to take on a job as your nanny Mr. Wyatt," Jerlina interjected. She stood up and hooked her arm with Jeremy's.

"I am already busy as my husband's secretary."

Shut up, Wyatt! And don't give such abhorrent proposals!

"You're gutsier than I anticipated, lady," Wyatt chuckled. "Quick-witted too... No wonder Shaun couldn't hold his praises of you."

Jerlina glared at him. He seemed to be provoking Jeremy on purpose. And Jeremy is getting affected probably because it concerns her. 

And she hated Wyatt for it.

"Will you come to the point if you have one, Wyatt?" Jerlina tried to be polite. "We saved your son's life and your pet's life today but you seem to be riling us up."

"Let's not waste our time here, Jerlina," Jeremy kissed her temple. He then pointed his finger at Wyatt. 

"I'm giving you two minutes before we open fire. Leave at your own pace," he held Jerlina around her waist and turned.

Charlie and Bobby nodded at him. 

Although Jerlina loved the child, his father seemed to be not caring for his life that much, and his behavior angered her.

But the poor child...

"Joel, let's bring the boy with us," she whispered in his ears.

Jeremy looked at her.

"No," his voice was stern. 

It is not wise to raise someone else's child when that child is the enemy.

"But-"

"I'll hand over my territory to you, TJ," Wyatt's loud voice swallowed Jerlina's gentle whisper.

Jeremy paused. Everyone who heard what Wyatt said was stupefied.

Jeremy let out a chuckle and started walking forward holding Jerlina.

"It's either you or Viper to take it," Wyatt added. 

Jerlina turned to look at Wyatt and he looked serious. Even his men were stunned but there was clarity in Wyatt's demeanor. 

"I'll give you half my wealth. Do what you did with your turf, with Grover and its surroundings. Make our place better. Make Grover a better place like Peyton."

Jeremy let out a snort and turned.

"In exchange... I'm gonna ask the missus' help with something." Wyatt added and Jeremy walked towards Wyatt at a large pace.

Jerlina sensed that he was angry and she couldn't find fault with Jeremy.

What does that guy need?

"Why should my wife help you? And why would I need your rat-infested territory? You ruin your place all you want and now want others to clean up your mess? And your dare to think you're doing a favor? You? What are you going to do? Go fishing?"

Jeremy fisted his hands to punch Wyatt but the tiger got in the middle.

Jeremy was so angry he didn't even consider the tiger. All he wanted was to punch Wyatt.

Charlie and Bobby were already engaging in a squabble with the two guys Wyatt brought and no one was looking at the tiger.

Jerlina noticed the tiger rushing forward and with a growl, it raised its front limb. The claws came out and it was ready to attack Jeremy.

"Joel!" She pushed Jeremy out of the way.

But she ended up tripping and fell on her knees right in front of the tiger.

Those 4-inch claws swiftly approached her.

Aww, shit!