Of course, I didn’t fall asleep.

Thoughts kept circling in my head, refusing to let me drift off or relax.

I woke up early and made it my mission to see my friend and talk to her—no matter what it took.

Pacing from corner to corner, I felt my patience wearing thin.

My first attempt to knock on the door and call out for someone was met with silence.

So was the second. And the third.

By noon, footsteps echoed outside, and a key turned in the lock.

I sat on the bed, staring straight at the door.

At first glance, I might have seemed calm and composed—but in reality, I was a live wire, burning from the inside out.

Every muscle in my body was coiled tight, ready to spring into action the moment my mind gave the command.

The door opened.

A man stood on the threshold, hesitating before stepping inside.

Apparently, my calm posture didn’t fool him.

He crossed his arms over his chest and studied me with a serious expression.

“With that look on your face, there’s no way I’m taking you to lunch,” he said dryly. “I’d probably choke on my food.”

I snorted and turned away.

“What do you want?” I asked irritably.

“I came to invite you to lunch. We didn’t exactly get a proper introduction yesterday.”

“Where’s Maya?”

“Your friend is fine.”

“I want to see her.”

“If you have lunch with me,” he said with a faint smile, “I might be persuaded to ask my brother to let you meet her.”

I let out an exaggerated sigh, clicked my tongue in protest, and stood up.

He stepped aside, gesturing for me to follow.

“My name’s Max,” he said as we walked down the hallway.

“Fine,” I replied with a sly smile. “It suits you. I used to have a dog named Max.”

“You’re bold, aren’t you, beautiful?” he chuckled. “Just don’t try that joke in front of my brother, or he’ll kill you where you stand.”

A pang of guilt struck me. I lowered my gaze and walked the rest of the way in silence.

We ended up in a cozy kitchen, where a middle-aged woman was bustling about.

When she saw us, she smiled warmly.

“Took you long enough to feed your guest, Max. Kirill’s already brought his girl two trays this morning.”

“Mrs. Nina, please,” Max said with a grin. “Kirill’s girl is the future lady of the house. Mine’s just a hostage. No need to feed her that often.”

To say his words offended me would have been an understatement.

Clenching my jaw, I looked around the kitchen instead of responding.

Nina came over, gently took my hand, and led me to the table.

“Don’t mind him, dear. The brothers were never known for their manners. Just eat—you’re skin and bones.”

“Thank you,” I said politely, returning her smile.

While I devoured a salad and a cutlet with obvious pleasure, Max sipped his coffee and watched me in silence.

Once I’d eaten my fill, I picked up my cup and finally decided to speak.

“How long are you planning to keep me here?”

“Don’t worry. As soon as we figure out how to make sure you stay quiet, you’ll be free to go.”

“Let Maya go, and I’ll stay quiet.”

“I’m afraid Kirill won’t agree to that.”

After tea, Max walked me back to my room.

Just as he was about to lock the door, I grabbed his wrist.

His gaze dropped to my fingers wrapped around him, then lifted to my face—pausing briefly on my lips.

Damn. Awkward.

I quickly pulled my hand back and said, “Our deal.”

“What deal?” He raised an eyebrow.

“If I had lunch with you, I’d get to see my friend.”

“I’ll see what I can do.”

The door slammed shut in my face, and the key turned in the lock.

Left alone, I finally allowed myself to relax a little.

The moment I lay down, exhaustion from a sleepless night crashed over me.

There was no point in fighting it. I closed my eyes and drifted off.

A faint rustling sound woke me.

The sky outside had turned orange with sunset.

“How much drool did you manage to get on that pillow?” a voice drawled behind me.

I gasped and spun around.

Max was lying on his side, watching my startled reaction with an amused smirk.

Honestly—did he ever get tired of smiling like that?

“What are you doing here?” I snapped.

“I live here,” he said simply, getting to his feet. “I came to take you to your friend, but clearly, you’re not thrilled to see me.”

He moved toward the door, ready to leave.

“Wait!” I called, rushing over and grabbing his arm again.

Another awkward pause. His eyes drifted to my lips once more, lingering longer this time.

I let go and took a step back.

“Let’s go,” he said quietly, leading the way out.

When I saw Maya—safe, unharmed, smiling—I ran to her with open arms.

She did the same, but our reunion was cut short by a massive wall of muscle.

Or rather, an Alpha built like one.

“One more step, crazy woman, and there won’t be any conversation,” he growled.

“Crazy woman”? That was new.

If looks could kill, the beast would already be writhing in agony.

“Come on, brother,” Max intervened, slinging an arm over the Alpha’s shoulder. “Let’s give the ladies some space.”

He guided him out of the room.

I hugged Maya tightly. She looked happy—too happy for someone being held captive.

“He didn’t hurt you, did he?” I asked anxiously.

“No, he’s been kind. Though… his motives do make me wonder.”

She blushed and lowered her gaze.

“What do you mean?”

“Do you believe in love at first sight?”

“Oh no, don’t start. Please don’t tell me that nonsense. No, I don’t. What did he say to make you melt like that?”

“Vera, he didn’t promise me anything. I just… didn’t tell you. We met yesterday morning at the restaurant. The moment I saw him, my heart started pounding.”

I stared at her in disbelief.

This couldn’t be Maya talking.

But then again—she was his fated mate. Maybe she truly couldn’t resist him. Damn it.

“You want to stay with him, don’t you?” I asked quietly.

“I… I don’t know,” she murmured dreamily.

Yes, she did. And it stung.

Why did these wolves always take the people I cared about most?

A lump of despair rose in my throat.

Before I could say something I’d regret, I turned and stormed out.

I heard Maya calling after me, but I didn’t stop.

Max caught up with me near my room.

I shot him one last furious look, went inside, and slammed the door in his face.

Morning came again, and once more, I was locked in the room.

My nerves were completely shot. I wanted to break something-anything. I couldn't take this anymore.

If Maya wants to be with him, fine. She's a grown woman; she'll handle it. The mate bond won't let the Alpha hurt her anyway, so there's no reason to worry. And if she ever decides to leave him, I'll help her.

I walked to the window and looked outside. With nothing else to do, I watched the guards patrolling the grounds. The window opened easily, so when one of them passed directly beneath it, I made a desperate decision.

Climbing onto the windowsill, I carefully swung my legs over onto a narrow ledge on the other side-and jumped. My natural agility hadn't failed me. I landed softly on the grass and slipped into the garden, deciding to hide there before making my way toward the small gate that led out.

Step by step, I reached the exit-only to find it locked tight.

"Damn you," I hissed, kicking the gate.

There was no other option. I would have to climb the wall.

Time was running out. Rolling up my sleeves, I grabbed the top edge of the stone fence, wedged my foot into a crack between the rocks, and started hauling myself up.

Something snagged on my shirt, and I heard the fabric tear. I didn't bother looking back-I had plenty of shirts. I pulled harder, the rip growing louder.

That was when I heard the growl.

A deep, menacing sound-right behind me.

My heart stuttered. Slowly, I turned my head.

A massive black wolf stood there, his teeth sunk into my shirt, tugging me down. One of the guards, obviously. I let out a sharp breath and dropped back to the ground.

The wolf released the fabric and sat back on his haunches, watching me. He was enormous-at least a meter and a half at the shoulder. We locked eyes, neither of us blinking.

"What do you want from me?" I demanded, folding my arms across my chest.

He tilted his head toward the house and gave a slight nod.

So that was how it was going to be. I had to go back.

I tried stepping left to slip past him, but he mirrored me flawlessly, blocking the path again. I shot him a glare and feinted right.

My mother always used to say, "Don't run from a wolf-he'll catch you, and it'll be worse."

She was right.

A hard shove to my back sent me sprawling. I rolled across the grass and ended up flat on my back.

Damn four-legged bastard! The look on his face-as he had just won a championship-infuriated me. He even planted a paw on my chest in triumph.

Anger flared through my veins.

"What do you want, you mutt? Planning to roll me in the dirt for fun?"

The wolf lowered his head and began sniffing me. His nose nudged beneath my shirt and brushed against my pendant.

"You like it?" I snapped. "Sorry, you can't have it-it's a family heirloom."

I could have sworn he smiled.

And then all hell broke loose.

His wet tongue dragged across my face.

"Ugh! Stop it!" I tried shoving him away, but he only licked my hands, my neck-and then his nose found the open collar of my shirt.

"You filthy dog!" I shouted, pushing at his paws.

They slipped, and I kicked him-hard-right under the tail.

He yelped and jumped back.

It wasn't my first time dealing with a wolf, so I knew exactly where to strike.

Without wasting a second, I scrambled to my feet and bolted toward the house.

The wolf didn't follow.

And, as if fate had a twisted sense of humor, I ran straight into one of the guards.

He shot me a stern look and escorted me right back to the room.

Before the door closed behind me, I glanced over my shoulder-toward the spot where the black wolf had stood just moments earlier. But he was gone. Not even a paw print remained.

Alone again, I hurried to wash off the foul scent of wolf.

I stripped out of my clothes, tossed them into the small washing machine, and drenched myself in soap and shampoo, scrubbing under the hot spray until my skin felt almost raw.

When I finished, I pulled on the bathrobe hanging from the door and lay down on the bed. That was when I realized just how hungry I was. They had fed me only once yesterday. If this kept up, I really would starve.

To distract myself, I replayed what had just happened.

Who was that wolf?

I didn't know why, but I had a feeling it was Max. That smug, self-satisfied expression-it was exactly like his.

A knock at the door pulled me from my thoughts.

"Come in," I called.

I sat up, holding my breath.

If it were Max, I would give him a piece of my mind.

But it wasn't him-it was Nina, a kind woman with a warm smile.

"Mr. Kirill asked me to bring you some food," she said gently, "and then take you to him."

She set the tray on the small table by the window and turned back to me.

"Eat, dear. I'll come for you in half an hour."

I devoured the food as if I hadn't eaten in days. Within minutes, the plates were empty.

Nina returned exactly on time, just as she had promised. I threw on my clothes-wrinkled and torn, but at least clean-and followed her.

When I stepped into the Alpha's office, he was standing by the window, lost in thought. He stroked his perfectly groomed beard, then turned toward me. His eyes flashed with anger, and a chill slid down my spine.

"There's a document on the desk," he said coldly. "Sign it and leave."

I walked over, picked it up, and smiled as I read it. They were trying to buy my silence-with a couple of million. Generous, really. All I had to do was keep quiet about what I had seen.

I folded the paper in half. Then again. And again.

The pieces fluttered down across his desk.

"I don't need your money."

"Then what do you want?" he snapped.

"I want to see Maya once a week. That's it. I'll stay out of your business, and I'll keep my mouth shut."

His eyes blazed. For a moment, I thought he would refuse-and that his wolves would tear me apart and dump my body somewhere in the woods.

"Fine," he said at last. "You'll see her on Saturdays. I will personally bring her to the café where she used to work."

"Deal. So, am I free to go?"

"Yes. You may leave."

"You brought me here against my will," I said, lifting my chin defiantly, "so be kind enough to take me back to where you found me."

I was finally released and allowed to go home.

As it turned out, my friend's belongings had already been removed from the apartment - and, to my great disappointment, some of mine had disappeared along with them. It seemed I would have to speak to Maya about getting back what rightfully belonged to me. They had taken mostly the clothes I wore most often.

The apartment felt painfully empty without her. I sank onto the couch and let the wave of melancholy wash over me.

I had truly enjoyed her company. I was usually too afraid to let people into my life, but Maya had been the first real friend in all my darkness. I suppose I would simply have to get used to it. Sooner or later, she would have found her mate and moved away. I had no such plans. Once, I had considered binding myself to someone in an ordinary human marriage, but my family had disapproved - and it had ended in tragedy.

The ringing of my phone pulled me from my thoughts. I picked it up and froze when I heard the voice on the other end.

"Beautiful, how could you leave without saying goodbye?" The tone was teasing.

Oh, wonderful. Just as I was beginning to settle back into something resembling normal life, the world of werewolves pushed its way in again.

"Hi," I said uncertainly. "I think your brother was more than ready to get rid of me by any means necessary. I doubt he would have tolerated me under his roof a moment longer than required."

A quiet chuckle came through the line.

"Yes, he can be a little too direct. It runs in the family." He paused. "Are you free tonight?"

"No. I'm busy," I replied curtly.

I knew exactly where conversations like this tended to lead, and it was better to stop it before it even began.

"That's strange. I thought you'd want to see your friend. You did say that was one of your conditions."

Damn it. That had been a mistake.

"I'll make time for my friend. When and where?"

"And there's no time for me at all?" he asked in a mock-wounded voice. "I heard my brother was planning to take Maya to a café, but I convinced him to move it to a restaurant instead. Naturally, I'll be there as well - I wouldn't want you to feel like a third wheel."

"There's no need to worry," I replied coolly. "It takes a lot to make me feel out of place. What time, and which restaurant?"

"You're such a grump," he complained lightly. "Seven o'clock. I'll pick you up."

The line went dead before I could respond. Well, for Maya's sake, I could endure a small inconvenience.

Before dinner, I decided to stop by work. My boss should have been there, and I needed to smooth over the mess my two-day absence had likely caused.

"Mr. Victor, may I come in?" I asked, knocking on the office door.

He lifted a tired, displeased gaze toward me and motioned to the chair. He was clearly in a foul mood. This was not going to be a pleasant conversation. Perhaps I would have to start looking for a new job after all.

"Vera, in the future," he began slowly, his tone sharp enough to send a chill down my spine, "if you intend to take a vacation, you need to inform me first."

"Vacation?" I repeated, confused.

"First, the head chef quits, and now I find your resignation letter on my desk this morning. Have some mercy - I'm not getting any younger! When exactly were you planning to return from this unexpected unpaid leave? I need to find a replacement for Maya immediately."

I froze, bewildered - I had left no letter. Then understanding dawned. The wolves.

"I apologize for my... impulsive decision," I said carefully. "I would like to return to work tomorrow."

After leaving his office, I felt somewhat better and decided to go shopping. The wolves had taken my favorite pajamas, so I needed new ones.

I had always enjoyed wandering through the mall, though doing it alone still felt strange.

I bought a few things, picked up some groceries for dinner, and headed home to get ready for the evening.

Halfway there, I noticed a black car that seemed to be following me. The hairs at the back of my neck prickled. Not again... I quickened my pace and slipped through a narrow passage into the inner courtyards - no car could follow me there. Perhaps I was simply becoming paranoid after everything that had happened.

Once inside my apartment, I locked the door - every single lock.

By the appointed time, I was ready. I had repaired a couple of broken nails from my earlier attempt at climbing over a fence, and I pinned my chestnut hair into a loose bun with a delicate clip. My dress was knee-length - a soft cherry red, light and elegant. Black heels completed the look.

Right at seven, the doorbell rang. When I opened the door, I drew in a quiet breath. He must have spent considerable time preparing - Max looked striking in his dark suit. His gaze swept over me, and a radiant smile curved his lips.

"You look incredible. Ready to go?"

"Yes," I replied simply.

I locked the door and stepped ahead of him. He opened the car door for me, helping me into the front seat before taking his place behind the wheel.

To be honest, I had expected the same arrangement as before - a driver, perhaps a couple of guards. But no. Just the two of us. The awkwardness was almost palpable. I wanted to ask whether his tail was all right after my less-than-gentle attack, but I held my tongue. He clearly had no intention of bringing it up either - which was probably for the best.

The silence stretched too long, and I finally broke it.

"How is my friend?"

"You can ask her yourself," he replied lightly. "Why don't we talk about something more pleasant?"

"Like what?"

"Like you. How long have you lived in this city? Where is your family? Is there anyone special in your life?"

"I thought wolves were capable of uncovering that kind of information on their own," I shot back.

"Oh, we are. But not this time. It turns out your documents are fake."

My heart began to pound. My palms grew damp. Max noticed my tension and tried to reassure me.

"Relax," he said calmly. "Everyone has secrets. You simply weren't of interest to us, so no one bothered digging deeper. Trust me, if we truly wanted to know, we would already know. But we're not going to. I would rather hear your story from you."

A flicker of irritation surprised me. Was I actually offended that I hadn't been interesting to them? Ridiculous. I should have felt relieved.

"I don't like revisiting my past," I said coolly. "And I certainly don't share it with strangers."

He smiled, casting me a sideways glance.

"That's all right. Soon we'll be closer - and then I'll hear it."

"That's not going to happen," I snapped.

I had no desire to continue arguing. So when the car finally pulled up to an upscale restaurant, I exhaled in relief. Soon, I would see Maya again. Last time, I had run away foolishly, leaving too much unsaid.