Silvia

The city was still ghostly when I stepped out of the hospital.

The cold dawn bit through my clothes.

I pulled my black coat tighter, trying to guard the fragile composure I had left.

Every step toward the Nightfang Pack's world was a step away from everything that had once been simple and safe.

Finding Carter Enterprises wasn't hard.

Everyone in Blackwood Pack and beyond knew those blue-glass towers marked Sherman Carter's domain--a monument to an Alpha's arrogance and power.

Still, as I passed through the shimmering glass doors in my wrinkled dress and rain-specked shoes, a part of me quaked.

What was I really about to do?

At the marble reception desk, a sharply dressed woman immediately rose.

Her gaze held a flicker of recognition. "Miss Silvia?" she asked, almost too polite. "Alpha Sherman Carter asked to be notified should you arrive. He's waiting for you on the 27th floor."

I stared, numb, as she handed me a glossy keycard.

Had he expected me? Or--worse--had he always been watching?

With no choice, I took the silent elevator up. Every new floor seemed to heighten my tension, my pulse roaring in my ears.

The doors glided open onto the 27th floor--quiet, understated luxury in soft grey and blue, smelling faintly of rum.

At floor twenty-seven, the doors whisked open to reveal a spacious foyer, where Alpha Sherman's Beta, Felix, smiled coolly and ushered me into the Alpha's lair.

Alpha Sherman Carter was right behind his desk--flawless in his tailored shirt, golden hair tousled just enough to look artfully effortless His eyes pinned me instantly, glacial blue and midnight.

It was as if he'd been waiting specifically for me all night.

"Silvia." My name rolled off his tongue smooth as whiskey.

He gestured to a leather chair across from him. "Please. Sit."

For just a second, I hovered, drawn between the urge to bolt and the impossible need for his help. Finally, I slid into the chair.

Alpha Sherman pushed a delicate cup across the table to me--sweet tea, just the way I liked it--and set a thin slice of Victoria sponge cake before me, light as spun sugar.

Vivaldi's Spring played quietly from invisible speakers, so peaceful it almost made me suspicious.

I blinked, thrown off by the details. "Did Zack tell you that?"

A twist of a smile--almost cruel--tugged at his mouth. "He talks more than he should, about things he ought to protect better."

There was a loaded silence.

For a heartbeat, I almost asked him what exactly he knew--about Zack, about everything.

But I forced myself back to reality. "You know why I'm here, don't you?"

His eyes flickered to mine, sharp and unreadable.

"I guessed." His voice was even. "You need something. Money for the surgery. You think I'll give it to you, because you have nothing left to lose and I hate Zack even more than you do."

"Did you know he was cheating on me?" My words came out colder than I intended. "Did you laugh?"

He didn't look away. "I warned you, Silvia. My brother is a spoiled fool."

I straightened in my seat, pulse hammering.

My wolf Keal stirred within me, wary and restless.

We could both sense that only ruthless honesty would cut through this.

"Let's not pretend, then," I said quietly, breath barely steady. "I can't pay for Noah's surgery. I will do whatever it takes to save my family. I know your dilemma, we can make a deal."

His lips twitched, but his eyes never left mine. "A deal? What exactly do you have in mind, little wolf?"

My heart was pounding so loud I could barely hear anything else.

All I could see was my brother Noah, hooked up to those machines, so pale. I had to do this. For him.

I took a shaky breath, trying to sound way calmer than I felt.

"As an Alpha, you don't have long to go on your bachelor vacation." I spoke, my gaze looking straight into those bottomless blue eyes, not daring to divulge a hint of cowardice, "The new rules of the Council of Elders...... I can help you. Marry you, play your Luna, help you stabilize the situation. And you just need to give me a sum of money to save my brother."

For a second, Alpha Sherman just stared. Then this cold, mocking smile spread across his face.

He stood up, and damn, he was tall.

"You?" he said, his voice dripping with sarcasm.

"What makes you think you're the one? I could have any she-wolf I want. They'd be falling over themselves to be with me."

My stomach dropped, but I pushed back.

I forced a shrug, like it was no big deal. "Yeah, maybe. But here's the thing: I won't fall in love with you. When this is over, I'm gone. Plus, let's be real--it would really piss your brother Zack off. Isn't that what you really want? "

Something flashed in his eyes--anger, maybe, or just surprise.

He didn't say anything.

Crap. Was that not enough?

I was running out of options.

I turned like I was about to leave and dropped my last card, the risky one. "You know what? Forget it. I'm sure someone else will help me. Maybe your father--I hear he likes helping young women."

That got him.

"Don't you dare."

His hand shot out and grabbed my wrist--hard.

He pulled me close, so suddenly I almost lost my balance. His face was right in mine, his blue eyes blazing.

"Alright, Silvia Brown," he said, his voice low and dangerous. "You got what you wanted."

His thumb rubbed rough circles on my wrist, sending a weird shiver through me even though his grip was tight.

"But just remember," he said, locking eyes with me. "From now on, I make the rules."

And just like that, I knew--I'd made a deal with the devil to save my brother.

Silvia

Alpha Sherman's expression softened, if only slightly.

But the tension between us was thick, like ice that could crack with a single wrong word.

His eyes were locked on me--not just scanning my body, but reading something deeper. Something raw.

"I have to admit," he said finally, his deep voice low and measured, "you've got guts. Not many people would dare pitch a deal like that to an Alpha."

His thumb was still casually drawing slow circles on my wrist, sending a chill up my spine that I hated how much I felt.

"But courage is cheap," he added, eyes narrowing. "Tell me--what else do you have that a hundred other she-wolves don't?"

I swallowed hard, my wolf Keal growling protectively inside me.

This was the moment of truth.

"If you have more conditions," I added, "just say them."

Something flickered in his gaze--something dark.

Maybe interest.

Maybe something more primal.

"I like your honesty," he said, voice dropping a notch. "That's rare. So what I want... is obedience. In every way. " His voice dropped, roughened.

His hand dropped from my wrist, but he stepped in closer, towering over me.

"Including between the sheets."

His scent--woodsy, strong, spiced with rum--hit me like a wave.

I lifted my chin, forcing myself to stand my ground.

"Let's get one thing straight," I said, my voice low but clear. "This deal we're making--it's a public arrangement. Nothing more."

He tilted his head.

I could tell he wasn't used to hearing NO.

A slow, dangerous smile spread across his lips.

"If you want my name, Silvia," he said, voice dropping to a dangerous whisper, "you take everything that comes with it."

His meaning couldn't have been clearer.

"No," I shook my head sharply. "That wasn't part of the deal. I'll marry you for one year -- on paper only."

Alpha Sherman's laugh was cold. "Did you really think I'd agree to a sexless arrangement? You're offering me a business transaction, so let's be clear about the terms. You want my money, my protection, my name. I want a wife who performs all wifely duties."

My face burned. "I can't. It would complicate things."

"And why would that be?" His eyes narrowed, studying me.

I looked away. "Because feelings might develop. And that's not what this is about."

"Afraid you'll fall for me?" His tone was mocking.

"No," I said. "I'm afraid you'll develop expectations I can't meet when this ends."

Alpha Sherman moved closer, his fingers tracing a line from my jaw to my collarbone.

I tried not to shiver.

"Here's what I can offer you," he said, his voice like velvet wrapped around steel.

"I'll make sure Zack crawls on his knees. I'll have the world's finest cardiac surgeon fly in for your brother's operation. You'll never have to worry about money again --you can pursue your music, finish your studies, do whatever you desire."

He paused, his gaze intensifying. "But what you can offer me is far too little. I could form a pact with any she-wolf and indulge in carnal pleasure. You're merely a fun bargaining chip for my revenge against my brother. I don't want a Luna who's just for show."

My heart hammered in my chest.

Everything I needed --Noah's life, revenge against Zack, financial security to pursue my dreams --all within reach, but at what cost?

"You're asking me to prostitute myself," I whispered, even as Keal whined in conflict inside me.

"I'm asking you to be my mate in every sense of the word," he corrected smoothly. "The choice is yours."

I closed my eyes briefly.

Noah's pale face in that hospital bed flashed through my mind.

My brother, who had always protected me, who needed me now.

"Fine," I finally said, my voice stronger than I felt. "But if you go back on any of your promises, I will ruin you, Alpha or not."

Alpha Sherman's laugh was genuine this time, almost warm. "You can certainly try, little wolf."

He checked his watch like he owned time itself. "We leave now. My chaplain will have us married by sunset."

My stomach dropped. Now?

Panic fluttered behind my ribs.

"I can't--not yet. Noah needs me at the hospital. And I have to file a leave from university, quit my job--"

Alpha Sherman studied me, his icy blue gaze lingering as though I were a puzzle he'd only just decided was worth solving.

There was something in his expression--not quite respect, but something close to anger.

Then his eyes darkened, as if remembering something unspoken.

Noah.

Alpha Sherman knew more than he let on--I could feel it.

The way his jaw tightened slightly at the mention of my brother's name...

"Your brother comes first," he said, and for the first time, his voice held something almost resembling softness.

"That's... admirable."

Before I could process what felt like a moment of genuine acknowledgment, he'd pulled out his phone.

My breath caught as he dialed, his eyes never leaving mine.

"This is Alpha Sherman Carter," he said, cool and commanding. "Prepare an OR immediately. Bypass surgery. Patient's name is Noah Brown."

My heart stuttered.

He's doing it. Just like that.

"Yes, today. Within the hour. VIP treatment--private suite, dedicated staff, whatever he needs."

A pause.

Then, his voice lowered, deliberate and clear.

"My relation?" He held my gaze, unwavering. "He's my brother."

The world tilted. My brother.

Shock rendered me silent, my thoughts spinning.

Why would he say that?

Was it protection?

Or possession?

He ended the call, a faint, knowing smile playing on his lips.

"How did you--" I started, my voice thin, disbelieving.

"I'm your Alpha, Silvia," he said smoothly, as though that explained everything.

And perhaps it did.

He guided me toward the door, his hand resting firmly against the small of my back.

Silvia

I followed Alpha Sherman out of his office, my mind racing with everything that had just happened.

Was I really ready to be his wife, his lover?

The weight of my decision pressed down on me like a physical force.

As we stepped into the elevator, I found my voice.

"You don't need to come to the hospital with me," I said quietly. "Someone of your position would draw too much attention."

Alpha Sherman pressed the lobby button and leaned against the elevator wall, studying me.

"Family comes first, Silvia. That's something my mother always insisted upon."

The mention of his mother caught me off guard.

Everyone in the werewolf community knew about the Carter family scandal--how Alpha Rooney Carter had flaunted multiple affairs while his devoted Luna wasted away from illness.

"Your mother was a remarkable woman," I offered cautiously.

His blue eyes flickered with something unreadable. "She was. And I've always tried to honor her teachings--even with a pretend wife."

The elevator doors opened, and we stepped into the marble lobby of the Carter Industries building.

Wolves from every department paused to watch us pass, their curious gazes making my skin prickle.

"Though I should warn you," Alpha Sherman added with unexpected self-deprecation, "I'm not exactly what most would consider good husband material."

Despite everything, I found myself smiling. "No one would ever picture you as a good husband. Throwing traitors into the dungeon fits your image better."

"Do you think I'm a brutal, bloodthirsty bastard?" He raised his eyebrows, guiding me toward the parking garage with a light touch at my lower back.

"Maybe we should pick a nice omega to sleep with after the fight ends." I dodged his touch and turned to meet his gaze. "Your reputation with she-wolves isn't any better than your brother's, Alpha."

"I hope those she-wolves' comments satisfy you." He leaned down toward my face, his low voice brushing past my ear, sending a tingling sensation through my spine.

Oh my God, he's insufferable.

"Well, our relationship is just a contract. So it doesn't really matter to me," I reminded him, trying to ignore his actions. "And it's only for a year."

Alpha Sherman's gaze lingered on me for a moment too long, something calculating in his expression. "Right," he finally murmured. "Only a year."

--

At the hospital, Alpha Sherman's influence transformed everything.

The moment we arrived, a team of medical professionals descended, whisking Noah away for immediate pre-op preparation.

The astronomical medical bills that had been haunting me disappeared with a single swipe of Alpha Sherman's black credit card.

"The surgeon will be arriving within the hour," a wolf in medical scrubs informed me, his respect for Alpha Sherman evident in his deferential posture. "We'll do everything possible for your brother, Miss Silvia."

Relief washed through me, so powerful I had to grip the edge of the reception desk to keep from swaying.

Noah would get the care he needed.

He wouldn't die because I couldn't afford to save him.

But as quickly as relief came, grief followed.

The antiseptic smell of the hospital, the beeping monitors, the hushed voices--it all brought back memories of days ago, when I'd stood in a similar hospital, watching as the doctors failed to save my adoptive parents after the car crash.

I sank into a waiting room chair, suddenly overwhelmed.

I'd been an orphan twice now--first as a baby, then when the Browns died.

If Noah didn't make it through surgery, I would truly be alone in the world.

"He's going to be fine," Alpha Sherman's deep voice came from beside me as he took the seat next to mine.

I hadn't even noticed him approach.

"The surgeon I've called in has performed this procedure hundreds of times."

I nodded, fighting back tears.

"I should sign the papers tonight," I whispered. "We can do the actual ceremony later, but I want to make sure everything's official before..."

I couldn't finish the thought.

"That's fine," Alpha Sherman agreed, his tone softer than I'd heard it before. "My lawyer can bring the contracts to you here."

I took a deep breath, trying to regain my composure. "You should go. I could handle things by myself."

I paused. "I don't want to seem ungrateful, but I still have other debts that need taking care of."

Alpha Sherman frowned. "Once we're married, your debts become mine."

I shook my head. "Some things aren't that simple."

I was thinking of the high-interest loan that had led my parents to take that late-night drive in the first place--a desperate attempt to secure emergency funds that had cost them their lives.

It wasn't just money; it was guilt I carried.

"I'll send a car for you at seven," Alpha Sherman said after a moment, rising to his feet. "We'll finalize everything tonight."

Before he left, his hand suddenly closed around my wrist, turning my palm upward.

My breath caught as his fingers found the promise ring Zack had given me months ago.

With deliberate slowness, Alpha Sherman slid it off my finger.

"You won't be needing this anymore," he said, a mocking edge to his voice.

In one swift, dominating move, he pinned my hand against the wall, fingers locking tight between his.

My back hit the cold surface hard, and his body pressed flush against mine--all heat, muscle, and intent.

Keal let out a shaky, confused whine. Fucking traitor.

Alpha Sherman didn't hesitate.

He dropped his head to my neck, breath scorching my skin right where my pulse hammered like I was already his.

Then his tongue--rough, wet--dragged slowly over the spot where my shoulder meets my neck.

I gasped. Couldn't help it.

My body arched into his like some cheap fucking offering, my pussy already throbbing, begging for contact.

He didn't stop there. His mouth moved up, crashing against mine.

His tongue shoved past my lips, deep and possessive, tasting me like I was his to claim.

And fuck, I melted. My knees went weak.

When he finally pulled back, his eyes were pitch-fucking-black with hunger.

He leaned in, mouth brushing my ear, voice nothing but a gravelly growl that went straight to my core.

"See you tonight, Silvia."

Then he was gone. Just like that.

Left me standing there, dizzy, confused, my lips swollen and tingling.

The echo of his words hung in the air, a promise and a threat woven together.