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.

Lucy's POV

My palms were sweaty for no reason as I stared blankly at the paper before me.

There was black ink, with thick letters, all representing big trouble.

"Sign right here," Nurse Kara pointed out, pushing the clipboard in my direction, and one could easily conclude that she was handing me a death certificate, only waiting for my approval to strike.

"This, from the way it looks, isn't just a one-time baby mama deal, nurse Kara," I whispered only to her hearing, as I curiously eyed the golden seal attached to the bottom. "This, from all angles, represents my body. My fertile womb. My very soul."

"And what happens to your brother's life?" She didn't hesitate to whisper back, not missing even a dot.

Yes, I was touched, greatly moved.

I glanced tiredly through the boring letters of the terms again, not that I fully comprehended them. There were many clauses, including ones that had no connection in any way. Legal nonsense that sounded harmless, but would put one in danger if not handled with care. But the one that got my attention stated: "No termination would be granted under any circumstances."

So, this has turned me officially into a luxury womb.

I leaned back speechlessly against the cold, merciless hospital wall, tightly pressing the clipboard with both hands against my chest, my heart threatening to escape its abode.

"Is Ryker the real donor?" I asked, just for clarity's sake.

Kara hesitated, already tired of my many questions."Yes, and also the father."

Figures, that's the same.

Of course, it's no other than the ruthless Ryker. The broody Alpha with eyes like raging storms and a face carved only for sin. The one who did not mind his business but saved me.

The same man I have been running away from, refusing to abide by his rules because he made me feel things I never intended.

"You do have it in mind, I don't even as much as like him, right?" I muttered.

"Hmm," Kara hummed in frustration. "Which explains why your hands are shaking greatly and your pupils dilated funnily?"

I glared at her for not reasoning with me. She smiled mischievously.

"I don't even trust him."

"No one does that; trust is overrated. But the only thing you should know about this arrangement is that he pays well."

The low blow was hitting me directly.

I glanced again at the line-just one signature, done in one second. One second of scribbling my name and everything about me takes a different direction. Maybe forever, I guess.

"You don't owe him love, you are not obligated to do so, Lucy," Kara added gently, trying to comfort me. "You just have to pretend, tolerate and survive him."

And even that? I wasn't capable of making it possible.

But what would I possibly do at this dying moment? I was obviously out of options. My brother was just a few minutes away from dying. My landlord had succeeded in tossing my things out. My life was at a fast rate, circling a drain, giving me no room to scream for help.

So I did sign as expected.

Not just because I had no options and desperately needed to save my brother, but because for reasons I couldn't explain, Ryker already owned bigger pieces of me, and worst of all, I can't remember giving them to him.

Lucy Castellano.

It felt foreign, so unreal to see my name in such ink. I couldn't even explain the person I was fast becoming anymore.

When I finished, the door magically swung open, pen in hand, on the same clipboard. Speak of the ruthless devil.

Ryker stormed in like he owned the place, like the way sin would capture a body when with an agenda. He was dripping hot, with a black shirt and well-tailored pants with details, no tie to knot out his excesses, just clean, patterned lines and annoying alpha arrogance. His eyes landed on the contract, and then he remembered me.

"You signed?" he asked, like it was meant to be a challenge.

"You think you can break me, that I won't survive you?" I fired back, trying my best to maintain eye contact with him.

He smirked, the type that comes out very slowly in a sexy way, yet is dangerous. "Oh, my little sweetheart. I'm counting on your words then."

Kara cleared her throat to notify us of her presence. It was like a concerned adult catching two crazy teens about to commit a crime. "I'll, uhm, take my leave now, and give you two space to... finalize the arrangements."

She quietly slipped out, but not without an annoying grin.

The moment she was out of sight, Ryker took a few dangerous steps toward me, though not rushed, but also not slow. Everything was just controlled, well calculated.

He stopped to give me space, just inches away.

"I don't appreciate when people doubt me," he said.

"You are not alone; neither am I," I replied.

His lips slightly twitched. "You're a bag of trouble."

"You're more than poison," I said without smiling.

"Then, that made a pair, perfect for each other," he replied, grinning.

I rolled my eyes dramatically, but my breath unexpectedly hitched, embarrassing me when he reached out and brushed his fingers on the clipboard I just signed.

"You understand what just transpired here today, right?" he asked in a husky voice.

"That I'm lending you my womb just for nine months, and you'll, in turn, ensure you keep my brother breathing and healthy," I responded.

His eyes turned dark immediately. "And what would happen when that's finally over?"

"I would take a walk. You would disappear in thin air. We pretend we never crossed paths."

Ryker's jaw furiously clenched, as if I had said something wrong. My answer wasn't what he expected.

"Fine then," he yelled. "Then let's waste no time in making this official."

He reached out, pulled a black envelope containing some documents, and handed it to me. I opened it, curiosity taking a greater part of me.

I saw tickets, giving directions to his private villa, and a gold card, which I found had my full name strangely engraved on it.

"What is this for? When did all these happen?"

"There's no way I would be allowing you to carry my child in a rusting apartment with disgusting mold all over the ceiling. You are, by no choice, moving in with me. And it's tonight."

Excuse me, Mr arrogant?

I folded my arms, unable to believe he wants to cage me. "You think because I signed those damn papers would give you the right to control me, even to the point of where I sleep now?"

"No, not that," he said coolly. "Carrying my child does in your dry womb."

I opened my mouth to curse him, but nothing matched his energy.

"You should understand that I'm not the enemy here, Lucy. I'm simply the devil you couldn't stay having a deal with."

"Ensure you are ready by 8," he said with a knowing smirk. "And Lucy?"

"What again do you want? My head now?"

"Don't make me come here to get you myself."

I stood there frozen, my heart doing wonders with its escape tactics.

I had just walked into the devil's den and made a deal with him. And right now, it seems he isn't done collecting whatever he needs from me.