Kiara POV

My mother’s words hit me like a physical blow.

“They took your father.”

For a moment, the room spun. “What?!” I gasped, my voice coming out higher than I intended.

My mother wiped her tears with trembling hands, her shoulders shaking as she struggled to breathe normally.

“He was arrested,” my mother whispered hoarsely, my stomach dropped. “Arrested? For what?”

“He made an investment for some company… a very large one,” she explained, her voice cracking. “Something went wrong and the company collapsed overnight, the investors pulled everything out and your father lost a lot of money.”

My mind struggled to process her words. “Lost how much?”

She hesitated then whispered the number.

“He owes the pack treasury now, the Shadow council said until the debt is paid, he’ll remain imprisoned.”

My hands clenched into fists. “They can’t just come into our house and take him like that!” I snapped, anger flooding my chest. “Without any warning or trial?”

My mother gave a hollow laugh. “Of course they can.”

Her red eyes lifted to mine. “The Shadow only answer directly to the Lycans, Kiara. If they say your father is a liability, then he is one.”

My stomach twisted painfully, loan sharks and pack politics. All things we tried to stay away from but now my father had become their target.

Before I could say anything else, my phone started ringing inside my bag. I pulled it out absentmindedly and froze when I saw the name on the screen, it was Tristan.

My heart betrayed me instantly, skipping a painful beat. I hated that it still reacted to him. I answered slowly. “Hello?”

“I heard about your father.”

His voice was smooth and calm on the other end of the line, my chest tightened. “I might be able to help you,” he continued and suspicion flickered through me immediately. “Help?”

“Yes,” he said. “But it’s not a conversation I want to have over the phone.”

A pause, then.....

“Come outside.”

The line went dead, I stared at the screen for a few seconds before slipping the phone back into my bag. “I’ll be right back,” I told my mother gently.

She barely nodded, too overwhelmed to respond. Outside, the night air was cold against my skin and there he was leaning casually against his blue car under the streetlight, his arms were crossed over his broad chest, his dark hair slightly messy like he had been running his hands through it.

I stopped a few feet away from him, wrapping my arms around myself. “Why are you here?” I asked stiffly.

For a moment, he simply looked at me and his eyes slowly traveled over my face, lingering on the oversized shirt I was wearing. It was Xavier shirt and something unreadable flickered in his gaze. “I came to talk,” he said finally. “About what?”

His lips curved faintly. “Your father.”

My entire body tensed. "What about him?”

Tristan straightened and stepped closer. “The situation is worse than you think.”

My heart pounded loudly. “What do you mean?”

“Your father didn’t just lose money,” he said calmly. “He lost a lot of money and the pack treasury wants compensation immediately.”

My stomach twisted. “And you know he doesn’t have it.

He nodded. “Exactly.”

I searched his face. “Why are you telling me this?”

His eyes darkened slightly. “Because I can fix it.”

My breath caught. “You can… what?”

“I can pay the debt,” he said simply.

For a moment, I thought I had misheard him. “You’d pay it?”

“Yes.”

Hope surged inside my chest but it lasted only a second because I knew Tristan, nothing he did was free.

“What do you want in return?” I asked quietly.

He smirked and suddenly I wished I had never asked. “There’s one condition.”

I waited silently. “When Aurora and I get married,” he continued casually, “I want you to leave the academy.”

My brow furrowed. “Leave…?

“And move into the house I bought.”

The meaning slowly sank in and my stomach dropped. “You’d live comfortably,” he continued smoothly. “Anything you want be it clothes, money, security, it would all be yours.”

My throat felt dry. “And what exactly would I be to you?” I asked carefully.

His smirk widened. “My mistress.”

For a second, the world went silent and I stared at him, completely stunned. “You… want me to be your mistress?” I repeated slowly. “Yes.”

My chest felt like it had been ripped open. “How can you even ask me that?” I whispered.

Tristan stepped closer. “Because we were good together, Kiara.”

His hand reached out, brushing my arm and my skin crawled. “There’s still chemistry between us,” he murmured. “Even after the rejection, that doesn’t disappear overnight.”

My wolf whimpered painfully inside my mind.

“You’d still be taken care of,” he continued softly. “And your family would never struggle again.”

I jerked my arm away from him. “No.”

His expression hardened slightly. “I said no.”

“You’re being emotional,” he said calmly.

“I’m being human!”

“You’d rather let your father rot in prison?”

My jaw clenched. “I will find another way.”

He studied me quietly for a moment then he shrugged. “Suit yourself.”

He started walking back toward his car.

“But when you realize you don’t have ten million dollars lying around,” he added over his shoulder, “you’ll come to me.”

My heart stopped. “How much?”

He opened the driver’s door. “Ten million.”

The number felt like a punch to the chest.

“That’s impossible…” I whispered.

Tristan gave me one last confident smile.

“When you’re ready to be reasonable,” he said, “you know where to find me.”

Then he got into his car and the engine roared to life only then did my legs give out.

I sank onto the cold ground, tears blurring my vision.

The next morning felt like a nightmare I couldn’t wake up from but I forced myself to attend classes anyway.

If I lost my training now, I would lose everything, my first class was combat training and the second was shifting practice.

I had always planned to join the Shadow forces after graduating from the academy.

It would have given me status, money, and independence but now it felt like my only chance to save my family. “You look like absolute hell.”

I looked up and my friend Nyra dropped down beside me under the giant peach tree on campus.

This was our usual spot. “Rough night,” I muttered and she leaned closer, studying my face.

“You disappeared from the engagement party,” she said suspiciously. “Tristan should be the one scared and not you but where did you go?”

I hesitated and my cheeks warmed slightly as memories from last night flooded my mind.

“I… ripped my shirt,” I admitted awkwardly.

She blinked. “What?”

“Someone helped me upstairs to change.”

Her eyebrows shot up. “You went to someone’s room?”

I stared down at my book. “Yes.”

Her voice dropped. “Kiara… whose room?”

I bit my lip there was no way she’d let this go.

Slowly, I looked up at her. “I left with… Xavier.”

Her eyes widened in shock. “Xavier… who?”

I swallowed hard. “Xavier Lycarr.”

Kiara POV

“Shut up!”

Nyra voice shot up so loudly that several students nearby turned their heads. I lunged forward immediately, nearly knocking her backward as I clamped my hand over her mouth. “Please lower your voice!” I hissed.

Nyra jerked away from me, eyes wide with disbelief.

“How exactly am I supposed to whisper,” she demanded dramatically, “when my best friend casually tells me she went to Xavier Lycarr’s private suite last night?”

Her voice rose again at the end, I groaned and dragged my hands down my face. “Yes,” I muttered. “That Xavier.”

Nyra stared at me like I had just announced I have robbed the Alpha’s vault.

“To be clear,” she said slowly, leaning closer, “you mean the Xavier Lycarr. Chairman of the Lycan Council and the most powerful man in the werewolf world.”

I pressed my lips together. “Yes, Nyra”

Nyra slapped her hand over her mouth. “Oh my Goddess.”

She looked like she might faint. “Kiara,” she whispered loudly, “that man could buy half the continent if he felt like it!”

I glanced around nervously. “Nyra.”

“Sorry!”

Nyra lowered her voice, but the excitement in her eyes only grew. “How did this even happen?” she demanded.

Nyra worked part-time as a waitress at Michaels Hotel and Suites, the massive luxury hotel where the engagement party had taken place.

The hotel was owned by a wealthy Northern Pack family, which meant it frequently hosted high ranking pack members and the powerful Lycans.

She’d seen celebrities, Alphas and Council members but even she looked shaken at mentioning Xavier name.

“It was an accident,” I said quietly. Nyra crossed her arms. “Start talking.”

I sighed. “It happened after I left the ballroom,” I explained. “I was at the bar because my shirt ripped when I tried to leave, and I nearly fell.”

Nyra raised an eyebrow. “And?”

“And he caught me.”

Nyra jaw slowly dropped. “You’re kidding.”

“He offered me a shirt from his suite,” I finished weakly, Nyra eyes sparkled with curiosity. “And?”

My cheeks warmed slightly as memories rushed back, the way his arms felt around me.

The intensity of his gaze and the heat of his kiss.....

I couldn't tell her that so i cleared my throat. “That’s all.”

Nyra stared at me. “You’re lying.”

“I’m not!”

“Kiara.”

I looked away and Nyra grabbed my arm.

“What happened?”

Her voice softened slightly that was enough to break my resistance.

So I told her everything, from the kiss to almost losing myself in that suite and Tristan showing up at my house later that night.

By the time I finished explaining his offer, Nyra looked like she was ready to commit murder.

“That bastard,” she growled and I flinched slightly.

“How dare he?” she snapped. “He rejects you, humiliates you publicly, then expects you to become his side piece?”

Her fists clenched. “I swear if I see him....”

“Nyra,” I interrupted softly.

She looked at me, still fuming. “I don’t know what to do,” I admitted quietly.

My voice cracked slightly..“Ten million dollars is a lot,” I whispered.

The number hung heavily between us and Nyra anger faded into concern. “That’s… a lot.”

I laughed bitterly. “A lot?” I repeated. “Nyra, it’s impossible.”

Silence settled between us as students passed nearby, laughing and chatting about classes and training sessions.

Their normal lives felt painfully distant and Nyra suddenly snapped her fingers and my stomach dropped because I knew that look.

She had an idea and Nyra ideas were rarely safe. “You said he gave you his shirt,” she said slowly. “Yes.”

Nyra grabbed my shoulders. “Kiara, don’t you see it?”

“See what?”

“Xavier likes you.”

I blinked then burst out laughing. “You’ve lost your mind.”

“I’m serious!” Nyra insisted. “Nyra, he was just being polite.”

“Polite?” she scoffed. “Do you have any idea how many women throw themselves at that man every night?”

I shrugged awkwardly. “Well......”

“Thousands,” she said firmly. “And he ignores every single one of them.”

I frowned slightly, Nyra leaned closer. “You’re the first woman I’ve ever heard of that he personally helped.”

“That doesn’t mean anything.”

“You also said he kissed you,” she added.

My face burned instantly. “That… happened.”

“And you kissed him back.”

I stared at the ground. “Yes.”

Nyra grin slowly grew. “That means something.”

“Or,” I muttered, “I was drunk and heartbroken.”

Nyra waved her hand dismissively. “Drunk actions usually reveal sober thoughts.”

I sighed. “You’re impossible.”

“Listen to me,” she continued excitedly. “You might actually have leverage here.”

I looked up. “What do you mean?”

Nyra leaned in closer, lowering her voice conspiratorially. “You should go see him.”

My eyes widened. “Absolutely not.”

“Why not?”

“Because that’s insane.”

Nyra smirked. “Not if you do it right.”

My stomach twisted. “What are you planning?”

“Remember that lingerie you bought for your wedding night?”

Heat rushed to my face. “Nyra!”

“I’m serious,” she said calmly. “You walk into his office looking irresistible and offer him a deal.”

I stared at her. “You want me to seduce him.”

Nyra shrugged. “If Tristan can treat you like an option, why can’t you play the game too?”

Her words stayed with me all day and all night.

By the next morning, my decision was made.

So I stood in front of my closet staring at the red lingerie hanging inside, I had bought it months ago for my wedding night.

My chest tightened painfully at the memory.

I pushed the thought away before the tears could start again. Instead, I took the lingerie and slipped it on, the delicate fabric hugged my curves perfectly.

Then I pulled on a long black trench coat over it, tying it tightly around my waist, my hair fell loosely over my shoulders and a little makeup highlighted my eyes and lips.

When I looked in the mirror, I barely recognized the woman staring back.

She looked bold and almost reckless.

My mother had barely spoken since my father was taken away, she spent most of her time calling lawyers or visiting the prison.

Which meant she didn’t notice when I slipped out of the house. The headquarters of Lycarr Corporation stood proudly in the center of the city.

A towering building of glass and steel everyone knew it and knew who ruled inside it.

My heart pounded nervously as I walked through the revolving doors, the lobby was massive and elegant, there were security everywhere. I approached the reception desk.

The woman behind it barely glanced up from her computer. “Good morning,” I said politely. “I’m here to see Mr. Lycarr.”

She sighed. “Do you have an appointment?”

“No, but......”

“Then you’ll need to leave,” she interrupted flatly. “Mr. Lycarr doesn’t meet with random visitors.”

“I just need five minutes.”

She rolled her eyes. “Look, sweetheart, you’re not the first woman to show up hoping to see him.”

My jaw tightened. “And you won’t be the last,” she added dismissively. “But Mr. Lycarr doesn’t have time for fan girls.”

My temper flared. “I’m not.....”

“And what exactly gives you the authority to turn people away from me?”

A voice echoed through the lobby and the receptionist froze.

Slowly, I turned around and there he was, Xavier.

Kiara POV

“Mr. Lycarr!”

The receptionist’s voice changed instantly and gone was the dismissive tone. She shot to her feet so fast that her chair nearly tipped over.

I didn’t turn immediately because I felt the same overwhelming presence from the night before. “And what exactly,” his deep voice cut through the lobby like a blade, “gives you the authority to turn people away from me?”

The receptionist was apparently froze. “I....I was just.......”

“You know the protocol,” he interrupted coldly. “You inform my office and I decide who I see.”

His tone wasn’t loud but authority dripped from every word. “Yes, sir,” she whispered, lowering her head.

My lips almost curved in satisfaction but I held it back. “Come with me.”

For a second, I didn’t realize he meant me then he started walking and I scrambled after him.

We moved through a sleek waiting area, past glass walls and silent staff who didn’t dare look directly at him.

Then we stepped into a private elevator and the doors slid shut behind us, silence filled the space.

He stood beside me close enough that I could feel the heat radiating from his body and his scent wrapped around me.

My heart started beating faster but he didn’t look at me and didn’t say a word but suddenly, doubt crept in.

Maybe Nyra was wrong and last night meant nothing to him or I had just been another moment… another distraction.

Meanwhile, beneath my coat, I was practically naked and the thought made my stomach twist.

When the elevator stopped the doors opened and my breath caught because the space in front of me was breathtaking.

Marble floors stretched endlessly beneath our feet, polished to perfection. Floor-to-ceiling windows revealed the entire city skyline, glittering under the morning sun.

Everything about this place screamed power.

We walked deeper inside until we reached a massive desk positioned near the windows.

I glanced around, confused. “Where’s your office?” I asked and he looked at me briefly.

“This is it.”

My eyes widened, Xavier Lycarr didn’t need walls because he was the power in the room and just like that… all my confidence began slipping away.

He looked devastating handsome in that white shirt, sleeves rolled halfway up his forearms, exposing veins and muscle and the black trousers fitted perfectly to his frame.

Every inch of him radiated control, my wolf stirred inside me drawing to him.

I found myself staring longer than I should.

He noticed and his lips curved slightly. “Enjoying the view?” he asked and heat rushed to my face. I quickly looked away.

“I came here for a reason,” I said, trying to steady my voice. “Then speak.”

Straight to the point and I swallowed. “My father was arrested,” I said quickly. “His business collapsed, and he owes the pack a large debt.”

He didn’t react. “Ten million,” I added quietly.

Still nothing, rather the silence stretched.

“I need your help,” I finally said. “I was hoping you could… clear the debt.”

He exhaled slowly, dragging a hand across his jaw then his gaze sharpened. “And what,” he asked calmly, “do I gain from this?”

There it was, the question I’d been preparing for. I lifted my chin and stepped closer.

“If I’m being honest…” I said softly, lowering my voice, “I think we both felt something the other night.”

His eyes darkened slightly so encouraged, I moved closer. “And I thought…” I continued, my fingers brushing the edge of my coat, “maybe we could come to an arrangement.”

My heart pounded violently but I didn’t stop.

I untied the coat slightly, just enough to reveal the red lace beneath and his gaze dropped and for a moment something raw flickered in his eyes, desire.

A rush of boldness surged through me and I stepped closer enough to touch him, my fingers lightly brushed his arm. “I can make it worth your time,” I murmured.

My voice came out softer than intended. “I’m not… experienced,” I admitted quietly, “but I....”

That was as far as I got because suddenly, he moved not toward me but away and his hands reached for my coat and pulled it closed covering me completely.

I froze, confused and embarrassed.

“Do you really think,” he said slowly, his voice now colder, “that I need to pay for a woman’s body?”

My cheeks burned instantly. “I......no, I just......”

“You assumed wrong.”

Each word landed like a slap. “You’re young Kiara,” he continued. “Don’t make the mistake of thinking this is your only option.”

My throat tightened, he knew my name because he had looked into me, of course he had.

“I thought…” I whispered, my confidence shattering. “I thought you might want.....”

“What?” he cut in.

I fell silent because now, standing in front of him, I sounded ridiculous, desperate and cheap.

His expression softened slightly. “I have a daughter,” he said quietly.

That surprised me, “I would never want her to believe she has to trade herself for survival.”

His hand lifted and his fingers brushed lightly against the back of my neck.

A simple touch but it sent heat down my spine.

“I expected better from you, Kiara.”

That hurt more than anything because he was right. I closed my eyes briefly because shame burned through me. “I’m sorry,” I whispered.

Footsteps echoed behind me and I turned.

Security, oh my God.

“I think we’re done here,” Xavier said calmly.

My chest tightened. “Escort her out.”

The guards stepped forward. “Yes, sir.”

I nodded and didn't dare argue or fight.

There was nothing left to say. “Thank you… for your time,” I managed quietly before turning away and I didn’t look back.

By the time I stepped out of the building, the humiliation hit me fully, what had I been thinking?

Trying to sell myself like that?

I wrapped my coat tighter around my body.

I needed money and if no one was going to help me then I’d help myself.

“Okay, but hear me out,” Nyra said later that evening, practically vibrating with excitement. “This job is perfect for you.”

I looked down at the outfit she had forced into my hands. “Perfect?” I repeated flatly.

The uniform was barely there, a short skirt and a fitted top that showed way too much. I felt exposed just holding it. “It’s a high-end lounge,” Nyra explained. “Rich clients and big tips.”

“I look like I’m for sale,” I muttered. Nyra shrugged.

“Only if you act like it. Otherwise, you’re just smart enough to take advantage of the opportunity.”

I hesitated then sighed because at the end of the day I didn’t have a choice.

An hour later, I was standing inside the lounge.

Music pulsed softly in the background, dim lights, dangerous men and myself. Can't still believe I agree to this.

I was trying not to feel completely out of place.

“You look amazing,” Nyra said, nudging me.

I forced a smile. “Thanks.”

She glanced over my shoulder. “Oh… looks like you’ve got your first table.”

I turned and froze even my blood ran cold because Kaelan was sitting at the table, watching me and a knowing smile was spreading across his face.