Ryker's POV

Leaning against the doorframe of Room 39, I watched the aftermath unfold. The cheap, cloying scent of perfume and spilled liquor hung in the air, underscored by the sharp tang of blood. Vick stood there, a tissue pressed to the side of his head, his face a contorted mask of fury as he glared into the hallway where the girl had fled.

Pathetic, I thought. A pack Alpha, brought low by a single, desperate woman with a bottle.

I'd observed the entire encounter from a shadowed alcove, drawn by the commotion. It was a sordid little scene, but within it, I'd seen something unexpected. Not in Vick, whose predictable rage was as dull as it was volatile. But in her. The way she'd moved, the fire in her eyes before it fractured into fear. It wasn't the performance of a seasoned stripper; it was the raw, untamed reflex of a cornered animal.

Vick muttered darkly to himself, wiping blood with a shaky hand before stalking out. He moved like a thug through his own club, all bluster and wounded pride. I let him pass, a ghost in the gaudy darkness of Club Kill. My interest had already shifted, its focus narrowing with lethal precision.

For months, Vick had been a useful, if grating, associate-a blunt instrument in a city of scalpels. But now, he was compromised. His petty vendetta was a distraction, a messy variable. And I dealt in control.

I already knew more than Vick could possibly imagine. The dossier on my tablet wasn't about a stripper. It was about Lucia Castellano, the last surviving heir to a fortune buried under layers of legal obfuscation and tragedy. She was hiding in plain sight, a diamond covered in the grime of this pathetic underworld. And she had no idea.

My phone vibrated silently in my pocket. A brief, coded text confirmed she'd taken the bait, using the back exit. Vick's men, like obedient dogs, would give her a scare. It served my purpose-to soften her, to make her world feel even more unstable. But they'd been given strict parameters. The asset was not to be damaged.

An hour later, I stood before the polished oak of Vick's suite door. I could hear the restless pacing inside, the clink of a glass. He was waiting for his validation call, his pathetic hit of power. I didn't knock so much as let my presence announce itself. The pacing stopped.

When he opened the door, his attempt to mask his agitation was laughable. The swelling on his temple, the wild look in his eyes-he was a boy playing at being a king.

"Can I come in?" I asked, the question a formality that was anything but.

He stammered an affirmation, scrambling aside. The room smelled of cheap cologne and cheaper ambition.

I poured myself a drink from his bar, the rich amber of the whiskey a stark contrast to the room's tawdriness. I let the silence stretch, feeling his anxiety spike. He was so easy to read.

"Are you sure everything is alright?" I finally asked, watching him over the rim of my glass.

He nodded, a jerky, bird-like motion. He was lying, of course. But his lies were irrelevant.

"Lucy," I said, letting the name hang in the air. It had the desired effect. He froze, his knuckles whitening around his glass. "That's her name?"

"What about her?" he deflected, trying for nonchalance and failing miserably.

"She's interesting."

His brow furrowed, confusion battling with possessiveness. "She's just a stripper."

I allowed a low chuckle. "Is that what you think?" I took a slow sip, watching the gears turn-or rather, grind-in his head. "I've seen her file. She's not poor, Vick. She's an heiress. The last living Castellano."

The glass in his hand jerked. Whiskey sloshed over the side, staining his cuff. The shock on his face was pure, undiluted. It was almost satisfying. "You said what?"

"Hidden in plain sight," I confirmed, my voice calm. "Smart move. She came here thinking she was invisible."

His mind was racing, I could see it. The calculation, the sudden, terrified reevaluation of his petty revenge. Lucy was no longer a toy to break; she was a prize he'd almost shattered.

"She doesn't even know I've found out yet," I continued, moving closer. My gaze pinned him. "And that's why I'm here. I need her."

His eyes narrowed. "For the program?" The surrogate program. My legacy required certain... arrangements. Genetic excellence was paramount.

"Among other things," I said, giving a slow, deliberate smile. "As my surrogate, she'll be mine for the next nine months."

He laughed then, a bitter, hollow sound. "Good luck with that. She's not exactly cooperative."

"She will be." My tone left no room for doubt. "Especially once she understands the alternative. I'm prepared to clear her brother's medical debts. In full."

The silence this time was absolute, thick with his dawning realization. I was not just stepping in; I was rewriting the entire game board with a single stroke.

"What?" he hissed, the word barely audible.

"I'll have her sign the contract quickly. The moment she realizes her body is the currency that buys her brother's life, refusal becomes a luxury she can't afford."

His jaw clenched, fists curling at his sides. He was fighting the urge to snarl, to lash out. But he knew better. "She'll fight it," he insisted, a last, weak protest.

"Of course," I said, finishing my drink and setting the glass down with a soft, final click. "That's the fun part."

I watched the conflict rage behind his eyes. Possession, rage, and a sliver of cunning. He was thinking of ways to undermine me, to turn this to his advantage. He might even be foolish enough to try.

"You're sure she doesn't know?" he asked, a new, scheming tone seeping into his voice.

"Not yet," I confirmed. "And I intend to keep it that way. Knowledge is power. If she knew, she'd run. We both know she has a bite." I fixed him with a look that was both a directive and a threat. "Your role is simple. Keep an eye on her. But don't touch." I let the warning settle deep, a cold weight in the room's warmth. "Is that clear?"

He nodded, the motion tight. The resentment poured off him in waves, but it was shackled by fear. Good.

I left him then, standing amidst the ruins of his own plot, already working on a new, more treacherous one. It didn't matter. He was a minor piece now.

In the quiet hallway, the hum of the club felt distant. The picture was crystal clear. Lucy Castellano was no longer a stripper, or even just an heiress. She was the solution to a dynastic equation, a vessel of superior bloodline, and a fascinating puzzle of defiance. Vick saw a threat and a pawn.

He wasn't entirely wrong.

But he failed to see the most important truth: she was now mine. And I always took care of what belonged to me.

Ryker's POV

The next morning, I visited the hospital where Lucy's brother was hospitalized. The sterile scent of antiseptic filled my nostrils the moment I stepped into Saint Mercy Hospital. Nurses in pale scrubs bustled through the hallways, and patients whispered behind thin curtains. I wasn't here for Eli or anyone sick or dying. I was here to talk to Nurse Kara to help me persuade Lucy to be the surrogate mother of my heir. Not just because of my inheritance or the syndicated program but because of what I found out about her, and that "was the true icing to the cake".

But first, I needed Nurse Kara, and when I saw her, I moved toward her.

"Nurse Kara," I called out.

She glanced up from the nurses' station, startled when she saw me. Her eyes widened, and she immediately lowered her gaze.

"Alpha Ryker?" she said quietly, with the appropriate level of caution. "What brings you here?"

I leaned against the counter, my expression calm but my eyes sharp. "I need a favor. And you're going to help me, Kara, staring straight into her eyes."

Then, she straightened her shoulder, unsure whether to be afraid or flattered. "What kind of favor do my Alpha needs?"

Still maintaining my gaze, I dropped a huge stack of cash onto the counter. Her mouth parted slightly, eyes darting to the bills like they might bite her deep.

"I want you to tell me about Lucy Castellano," I said evenly. "You know her. Don't play dumb. I already know her brother is hospitalized in this hospital, and she visits often."

Nurse Kara hesitated, clearly protective of her. "I... I don't think Lucy is someone that would get into any trouble with Alpha-"

"Relax." She's not in any kind of trouble, I said, trying to keep her calm.

"Thank Goddess," she said... Lucy is a good girl, Alpha. She has just been through a lot. Her parents died a few years ago-leaving her nothing but debt and trauma. She's just trying to survive right now."

I leaned in, lowering my voice. "Exactly. Which is why she's the perfect candidate. Kara, I need her to be the surrogate for my heir, and this will only be possible if only you can help me persuade her... I promise to protect her and compensate you well." I said with all seriousness. It's all part of the syndicate's program, and you know there's more to it than just an offspring."

Kara tensed, shaking her head slowly. "She wouldn't agree to something like that. She's already hesitant about doing any surrogacy at all when I suggested it-she doesn't know it's for a werewolf bloodline, let alone you."

"She doesn't need to know everything." I smiled coldly. "Not yet."

Kara frowned. "Carrying a werewolf child-your child-is dangerous for a human. You know that right."

I glanced around quickly and pressed a finger to her lips before she could say more. My voice dropped to a warning whisper.

"No one must know about this, Not about me, not even about the baby. Do you understand, Kara?"

She swallowed hard and nodded. "Yes... but Lucy isn't like the others. She's not desperate. She's scared. I only told her on her last visit that the child would be from a werewolf lineage, nothing more."

Though she bluntly refused, I believe I can talk her into taking the offer since she needs the money to pay off her debts and pay for her brother's hospital bill, too.

Ryker nodded his head," making her believe he understands everything, but inside him, he knows of the Castellano fortune, which was hidden years ago, and he had found traces of it...he wanted the child as leverage to it too. And doesn't think about loving or caring about her after the contract is signed."

Then, he stepped back and softened his tone. "Look, Kara... I don't need her love, care, affection or anything. All I need is her womb, and yes, I promise you that I'll protect her. Regarding compensation, I'll compensate her beyond her imagination. Just help me push her toward the decision."

She hesitated, then looked down the hall toward Room 208-where Lucy's brother lay.

"I just don't want her hurt," she murmured. "And Eli-he's... not well. The doctors don't know what's wrong with him. It's like something's... mutating him from the inside out. He needs care we can't afford. She's drowning in bills." We don't want to lose Eli.

Perfect.

"Just make her sign the contract. If she accepts, I promise to do all I can financially to save him. It's just so simple," I said.

"But you don't love her?" she asked, suddenly, staring at me closely. "Do you? Even a little?"

I..I don't..don't.. I hesitated, trying to find my voice. The question came from nowhere.

L..Love? I questioned.

"Yes, Love" Do you love her? Kara repeated.

I..I didn't have the luxury.

"No," I said flatly this time. "I don't."

Deep inside me, that wasn't entirely true. There was something about her-something that gnawed at my thoughts long after she was gone and the moment I held her in my hands when she was unconscious. Her fire. Her bulging and beautiful eyes. The way she moved fearlessly like she'd been forged in storms and fire.

Kara nodded stiffly. "Then don't lead her on. Don't break her more than she already is." I don't care if you don't love her or that you are only concerned about your offspring once your seed is planted in her, but please keep to your promise and treat her well," she said with such concern in her voice.

I nodded without responding, turned toward the exit door, and walked away fast on my heels.

I had what I needed. I left the hospital with a smirk dancing across my lips. The pieces were finally falling into place. Lucy Castellano-hidden heiress, human in desperation-was always the perfect vessel. She didn't know it yet.

By the time I returned to my penthouse, my phone buzzed. It was a message from Nurse Kara which says, "she's coming to see her brother tomorrow afternoon. I'll keep her in Room 402 until you arrive."

Lucy's POV

I woke up to the kind of silence that didn't belong in my world. The world was blurry when I opened my eyes. Soft sheets cocooned my body, and for a moment, I wasn't sure if I was dead or dreaming. Dim lighting and a scent that was expensive and clean-cedarwood, leather, and something sinfully masculine beneath my breath.

Last night, the rain had stopped, but my thoughts stormed with fear.

I sat up slowly, pain shooting through my ribs like I'd been trampled by a stampede. My fingers brushed the silk of the nightgown I wore-clean, unfamiliar, luxurious. I was expecting to still be in his coat, but I was cleanly dressed and safe. That wouldn't have been possible if he wasn't there on time. Remembering what I went through last night still makes me shiver.

My breath hitched. "Where am I?"

I tried to flutter my eyes fully open. The room wasn't just expensive-it was exclusive. Elite. A place where girls like me didn'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 home? I learned from my bedtime story that Alphas only take their true lovers to their home, but I was only a... strip..per...

Just then, the door creaked open, and in walked a middle-aged woman with silver hair tied in a neat bun and a warm, practised smile covering her lips.

"A good morning to you, beautiful," she said, her voice sweet like cool night music. "I'm Lady Mayer, the housekeeper. Alpha Ryker left strict instructions-you're to have anything you need at any time."

Alpha Ryker. I repeated

Just the sound of the name sent a tremor through my spine. The man with ice in his eyes and steel in his voice. The one who'd sat quietly while chaos unfolded in the club, only to emerge when it mattered most. The one who carried me like I weighed nothing of an adult.

"You said Alpha Ryker...?" I repeated, confused. "As in the Alpha Ryker Thorn?"

The elderly lady smiled knowingly. "There's only one Ryker Thorn, darling. Alpha of the Thorn Syndicate. This is his private estate, and yes, you're right."

I blinked. This couldn't be happening. "But... why would he bring me here?"

Lady Mayer chuckled, placing a silver tray beside me. Fresh fruit, croissants, eggs, bacon, and hot coffee. "I've been with Ryker since he was in diapers. He doesn't bring just anyone home. "In fact..." she leaned in like she was sharing a secret. "You're the first woman to ever sleep in his bed." She smiled.

I choked. "What?"

She winked. "Don't overthink it, dear. Just eat. You've had a rough night."

I made a face because rough was an understatement. My body still remembered the alley. The screams. The blood. The weight of fear pressed down until Ryker tore through it like a storm in the shadows.

I didn't belong here. I was a stripper, nothing more. And this wasn't a fantasy-this was the lion's den. The thought kept running through my head.

The Lady handed me a small note and a sleek black card. "He asked me to give you this. He said you'd understand."

Then she patted my shoulder gently and slipped out of the room like a ghost.

Immediately, I unfolded the note.

Hey, sleeping head, By the time you read this, I'll be gone for business. Check the drawer. There's $49. Use it, it will just be enough for now. I'll find you when it's time. - R.T.

Holding the note tightly, I stared at the words like they might burn me. How did he know I needed money? At least the money could cover my rent.

Quickly, I sprang from the bed, my instincts screaming to run. I threw open drawers until I found the cash-neatly stacked, crisp bills bound together like it was nothing and like something that didn't matter.

I held the money, but was this a hush money? Or something worse?

I was in need of money, too, and I didn't wait to find out. I grabbed a hoodie from the closet, pulled it over my nightgown, shoved the money into a backpack, and slipped out before anyone could notice and stop me.

---

Last night, heavy rain washed the filth from the streets, but not from my life.

My landlord kept to his wicked threat as I stood in front of my apartment building, picking up what was left of my things-every last one of them-scattered on the sidewalk like trash. My mattress was soaked, my clothes ruined, and the neighbours were pretending not to watch from behind their curtains.

I bend to my knees and continue collecting the remnants of my life. Tears burned my eyes, but I didn't let them fall. Not here and not now.

I shoved what I could into the backpack and collapsed onto the broken frame of my bed, letting exhaustion swallow me whole.

"Sobbing...what now?

I had money for my rent now, But money didn't fix broken hearts or erase shame. And it sure as hell couldn't turn what had gone through into something normal.

Beep. Beep.

My phone buzzed in my back pocket. I snatched it up, my heart racing when I saw the caller ID.

"Hello?" I croaked.

"Lucy," the voice was urgent-nurse Kara from the hospital. "It's your brother. He's not breathing well, the doctor said the surgery needed to be done immediately. You need to come quickly. Lucy now."

My world tilted again. Why's all this happening to me?

---

I burst through the hospital doors, they barely let me into his room. Machines beeped in a rhythm that sounded like a countdown.

I grabbed his frail hand. "No, no, no-Eli, stay with me, please stay with me."

The nurse stepped back to give me space. "His condition's worsening. We need the rest of the money by tomorrow, so the surgery will be performed, or we'll have to transfer him to a state facility, and you know what that means."

I nodded numbly. I promise to think of something. I said, sobbing uncontrollably and forcefully handling the doctor the money Ryker gave to me. I know it's not enough, but please help me start with this. I will make it up.

The nurse handed the money back to me, and nurse Kara pulled me outside.

"What are you doing, Lucy"? Is this how you intend to save your brother?

"Why not accept this surrogate contract and save yourself from this drilling pile-up bills stress?".

"So you think that is the only way out, Kara? I ask amidst a sob.

" Yes, Lucy." I'm your friend. I can't lie to you. Accept this offer and save your brother.

"Fine." Let me look at the contract.