Hired

Inside the Eldridge Pack Territory

The first thing I noticed was the sheer size of the place.

Massive gates lined with silver accents. Guards at every post. High walls. The Eldridge Pack didn’t feel like a pack. It felt like a kingdom.

Every move was calculated. Every wolf that passed me held their chin a little too high, shoulders a little too stiff. The scent of hierarchy hung thick in the air—Alpha blood leading it, disciplined betas right beneath, and not a trace of weakness in sight.

I adjusted the weight of the small duffel bag slung over my shoulder. My documents were forged well enough—clean, but not too clean. Former mercenary. No pack allegiance. Looking for stability and protection. Just another rogue trying to find a place in the world.

A woman led me to the training grounds without a word. The open field buzzed with tension, wolves sparring in tight circles while superiors observed silently from the edges. No growls. No chaos. Just clean, efficient fighting. 

“Next.”

I stepped forward, locking eyes with my opponent. A tall male, confident stance, muscles coiled and ready. He smirked like this was going to be easy.

Good. Let him underestimate me.

The whistle blew.

He lunged first—predictable. I shifted sideways, catching his arm and twisting him into a lock before he could blink. My movements were fluid, deliberate. Slow enough not to alarm.

I dropped him in under a minute.

Silence. Then a few murmurs of approval. 

I dusted off my hands and stepped back into line, expression unreadable.

Let them see what I want them to see: a rogue with potential, not a threat.

The last of the applicants hit the ground with a dull thud. A chorus of groans and gasps filled the air. Some were clutching bruised ribs, others lay completely still, wind knocked clean out of them.

I stood among them—barely winded, pulse steady.

Too steady.

I let out a slow breath and subtly rolled my shoulders, adding a slight stagger to my step as I walked back to the line. Just enough to make it look like the fight had taken something out of me.

“Number twenty-three.”

I looked up.

A man stood on the balcony, tall, broad-shouldered, dressed in black. Crest of the Eldridge Pack on his chest. But it was his eyes that made my blood freeze.

He’d grown into his father’s frame—but sharper, more refined. Still, those eyes were unmistakable. I’d never forget the color of the eyes that haunted me.

I didn’t trust my instincts back then, and it got my family killed. This time, I trust what I can prove—those eyes.

Gray.

Just like his.

Carlos’s son.

The child I spared a hundred years ago.

I may not be certain of his scent—scents change, fade, evolve—but those eyes? I’m sure of them.

The Solmere Pack is known throughout the werewolf community for one thing: their eyes.

That rare, unmistakable shade of gray.

No other bloodline carries it.

“Bring her to the Alpha wing,” he ordered.

The office was sleek, sterile, and far too quiet. I sat across from him—gray eyes, composed tone, perfect posture. His presence filled the room like cold authority.

“Name?” he asked.

“Raine,” I lied smoothly.

“Freelance mercenary, no pack?”

I nodded once.

He studied me for a moment. “You’re oddly disciplined for someone with no ties.”

I gave a faint shrug. “Survival teaches discipline.”

He hummed, not quite convinced. “You fought like someone trained for war. And yet… you say you’ve wandered.”

“I’ve been in enough battles to learn fast.”

Carlos would’ve smirked here. Tried to flirt. Show his teeth like charm was a weapon.

His son didn’t. His gaze was sharp but detached. More calculating. Less arrogant.

“I don’t trust easily,” he finally said. “But I recognize control when I see it.”

I didn’t answer that. Just met his gaze, steady and unreadable.

He leaned back, fingers steepled. “You’re quiet.”

“Is that a problem?”

“…No.” He gave the faintest nod, like he respected it. “You’ll be offered a personal assignment. Directly under me.”

Perfect. I nodded.

But then—

The door burst open.

A gust of noise and attitude swept in as a tall man strolled in like he owned the place, sipping something from a neon cup.

“Seriously, Sebastian, this place is dead. You need better vibes.” He tossed a gummy bear in his mouth and dropped onto the couch like a bored dog.

Sebastian. So that’s his name.

I stayed silent, watching. But then the man looked at me—and froze.

His sunglasses slipped just a little.

“Oh. Hi.”

The grin returned, sharper now. He stood and walked right up to me. 

This jerk… This is the man who told me I have perfect breasts and ass!

“I know you,” he said, way too close. “You’re the trash angel.”

I stared at him, deadpan.

Sebastian sighed. “Marcus, she’s already assigned. To me.”

So, Marcus, the jerk, didn’t even blink. “I don’t care. You don’t need protection. I do. Mentally. Emotionally. Physically. Spiritually.”

He waved over a disheveled guy loitering in the corner. “This guy’s fired. I want her.”

The assistant groaned. “Oh thank God.”

I smiled politely, because that’s what normal wolves do.

But inside?

I was seething.

Of all the wolves in this cursed territory… it had to be him?!

The same sleaze from the alley who thought his charm could buy forgiveness. His aura was loud, chaotic—like a bonfire set in the middle of a war table!

He was the complete opposite of Sebastian. Where Sebastian’s energy was sharp, calculated, and quiet, this jerk Marcus, radiated reckless privilege. And now, he wanted me as his shiny new toy?!

He’s going to ruin everything!

I didn’t survive a hundred years, burying my past and hiding my strength, just to be stuck shadowing the most annoying wolf I’ve ever met!

Sebastian pinched the bridge of his nose. “You don’t need a bodyguard, Marcus.”

“Yes, I do,” Marcus said, gesturing dramatically with his smoothie. “You weren’t there when I almost died last week!”

“You tripped on your own shoes.”

“They were untied! That counts!”

Sebastian exhaled, slow and irritated. “She’s not here for your games. She’s skilled. Disciplined. I need her.”

“And I need emotional support, someone to hold my drinks, and possibly save my life when I dive into dumb situations. Which I will. Who knows… maybe later.”

“I don’t think you understand the level of clearance required for—”

“She passed the test, didn’t she?” Marcus flashed a smug smile. “And she clearly likes me.”

I blinked. What?!

Sebastian side-eyed me. “She looks like she wants to kill you.”

“Same thing,” Marcus said, grinning. “It’s passion.”

I kept my expression blank.

But if looks could kill, Marcus would’ve been buried twice.

“I’m so sorry to interrupt you, Mr. Marcus but… I applied for a job under Alpha Sebastian,” I said flatly.

Marcus leaned in closer, with eyes narrowing. “Oh? Do you like him or something?”

In my head, I was already choking him with his own hoodie.

Sebastian raised an eyebrow, but said nothing.

Marcus gasped mockingly. “Wait—don’t tell me you’ve got a thing for Mr. Alpha Agenda here? You poor thing!”

I stared at him, deadpan.

Marcus gave a playful shudder. “So cold. I like it.”

He turned to Sebastian. “Anyway, she’s way too fun for you. You’d probably ask her to alphabetize your books or something.”

Sebastian’s jaw ticked. “We’re done here.”

Marcus grinned. “You hear that? He’s kicking you out of his life already. Tragic. Told you—nerd!”

Sebastian stood still for a long second, eyes locked on Marcus like he was weighing whether murder was still illegal.

Then, with a sharp breath, he stepped back. “Fine. Take her and just please make sure that this is the last time you barge in my office.”

What?! He is giving me this…

Marcus fist-pumped like a child. “Uh-huh.”

I nearly twitched. “But Alpha Sebastian…”

“Oh, come on, we will have a good time together!” Marcus butted in.

I looked at him with horror when he said that. 

This wasn’t part of the plan! I didn’t apply, forged documents, and infiltrated one of the most secure packs in the region just to end up babysitting the loudest idiot in it!

Marcus clapped once. “Alright, let’s go, assassin Barbie. I’ve got a whole list of emotionally draining situations you can protect me from.”

I didn’t move.

Sebastian gave me a look—apologetic, tired, and a relief that his brother is now leaving his office. 

Then Marcus threw an arm around my shoulders like we were old friends.

My body went rigid, and I instantly shrugged him off, glaring at him deadly.

He just laughed. “Okay, boundaries. I respect that!” He walked ahead of me and even whispered. “Physical touch is surely not your love language.”

I have no choice but to follow this jerk.

I guess this is better than nothing… but damn it!

I didn’t plan on staying longer than a week. One damn week—that was the plan! Work under Sebastian! Get close and kill him in the most brutal way I know! 

But now?!

I don't want to even think about it anymore!