y's

Soft sheets cocooned my body, and for a moment, I wasn't sure if I was dead or dreaming. Dim lighting and a

ad stopped, but my tho

htgown I wore-clean, unfamiliar, luxurious. I was expecting to still be in his coat, but I was cleanly dressed and safe. Th

hitched. "

n't belong. I know this couldn't be a guest room. It should be the Alpha's penthouse, but why would he take me to his private

middle-aged woman with silver hair tied in a neat

cool night music. "I'm Lady Mayer, the housekeeper. Alpha Ryker lef

ker. I r

nd steel in his voice. The one who'd sat quietly while chaos unfolded in the club, only t

I repeated, confused. "As

Ryker Thorn, darling. Alpha of the Thorn Syndicate.

be happening. "But... why

fee. "I've been with Ryker since he was in diapers. He doesn't bring just anyone home. "In fact..." she

ked.

ink it, dear. Just eat. Y

emembered the alley. The screams. The blood. The weight of fear pr

more. And this wasn't a fantasy-this was the lio

sleek black card. "He asked me to gi

er gently and slipped out

, I unfolde

for business. Check the drawer. There's $49. Use it, it will

like they might burn me. How did he know I neede

w open drawers until I found the cash-neatly stacked, crisp bills bou

was this a hush mone

hoodie from the closet, pulled it over my nightgown, shoved the money

-

hed the filth from the str

was left of my things-every last one of them-scattered on the sidewalk like trash. My mattress was s

remnants of my life. Tears burned my eyes, bu

nd collapsed onto the broken frame of my

ng...w

oken hearts or erase shame. And it sure as hell coul

p.

et. I snatched it up, my heart

?" I c

our brother. He's not breathing well, the doctor said the surgery

ain. Why's all thi

-

arely let me into his room. Machines beepe

"No, no, no-Eli, stay with

d the rest of the money by tomorrow, so the surgery will be performed, or w

llably and forcefully handling the doctor the money Ryker gave to me. I kn

ey back to me, and nurse

y"? Is this how you inte

ntract and save yourself from thi

the only way out, Ka

I can't lie to you. Accept th

me look at t