2. The Price

Jordan seemed amused by my words and glanced over his shoulder at the men behind him.

“I thought I’d made a better impression on you that night.” He crossed his arms, and the others stepped away, leaving us alone.

“A lot has happened since then.” I stood up, refusing to appear fragile in front of him.

“You humans have a terrible habit of needing to justify everything.” He sounded bored, and I grabbed his arm, forcing his attention back to me.

Somehow, he noticed I wasn’t the same. My hair was no longer as long, and my expression lacked the confidence it once had.

“Say what you want and leave.” His tone was sharp, his patience wearing thin.

“Let’s go somewhere else, please.” I pleaded, trying to make him understand the urgency clawing inside me.

“Greyson?” He looked toward the waiter behind us, who handed him a silver key. “This way.” We walked to the back of the bar, where a small, hidden door waited. He unlocked it and stepped aside to let me pass.

As I entered, I realized it was a small office. A narrow desk, a large armchair, and in the corner, a brown leather couch completed the space.

“Don’t tell me you came all this way just to talk.” Jordan pressed against my back, his nose brushing my hair. His right hand settled on my stomach, pulling my body against his.

I stepped away, trying to keep the overwhelming attraction I still felt under control.

“I can’t.” I turned to face him, watching his expression darken with annoyance.

“Then say what you want and leave.” His response irritated me, but I swallowed the words burning in my throat.

“I need your help.” I said it all at once. I studied his face and grew even more irritated at the mocking expression there.

“I thought you had money.” He walked past me and dropped into the armchair, turning to face me.

“What I need, money can’t buy.” I bit my lip to keep from crying in front of him. “If it could, I would never have come looking for you.” Anger laced my voice.

“I don’t see how I can be useful.” He folded his hands on the desk, watching me.

I pulled my phone from my pocket and opened a photo. It was me and Benjamin on his first birthday. I placed the phone on the desk and slid it toward him.

“He needs your help.” Jordan looked at the photo, confused, then back at me as if the pieces were starting to fall into place.

“Are you saying this pup is mine?” My blood boiled at the way he referred to my son.

“Watch your mouth, you idiot. Don’t call my son that.” I slammed my hand against the desk, and a cruel smile curved his lips.

“I don’t think he’s mine.” He pushed the phone back toward me and leaned into the chair again.

“You don’t get to think. I know, and that’s enough.” He stood, bracing his hands on the desk as he leaned in, face to face with me.

“If you don’t need money, then what do you want?” I stepped back, grabbing my phone again and switching to another photo. This time, Benjamin lay in a hospital bed, tubes in his nose and wires attached to his small body. I pushed the phone toward him once more.

“My blood isn’t compatible.” He picked up the phone, studying the image far more carefully this time. “He has a rare form of leukemia. The doctors don’t even know what it is.” His eyes lifted to mine. “My son is dying, and you’re the only one who can save him.”

Jordan set the phone down and stepped away, processing my words.

“If you want payment, or any kind of deal, I’m willing. I’ll do whatever you want. Just save my son.” He turned back to the phone, still deep in thought.

“How can you be sure he’s mine?” The question ignited my anger, but I needed him to understand.

“I haven’t been with another man since that night.” He turned fully toward me. “The moment I found out I was pregnant, everything became about him. Nothing else has mattered since Ben got sick.”

“And you only thought to tell me about this child now? That seems a bit illogical. I’ll think about it.” He shrugged and headed for the door.

“Think?!” I said, stunned.

“You really expect me to take your word for it, human? I’ll conduct my own investigation. If he is my son, I’ll help him.” He opened the door, but I stepped in front of him and shut it again.

“You don’t believe me?” I pressed myself against the door, blocking his way.

“No.” He leaned closer, his face inches from mine. “I don’t believe humans.” He inhaled my scent, something sparking in his expression. “Your scent has changed.” His jaw tightened with a sharp click. “How did I not notice?” His irritation deepened.

“Jordan, please.” I dropped to my knees in front of him. “Please, I don’t know what else to do.” I lifted my face to meet his, the air thick with his superiority. “I’ll do whatever you want.” My voice broke.

“Get up, weak human.” He stepped back, and I collapsed forward from the sudden loss of support. “I said I’ll assess the situation myself. Send me the boy’s medical tests. I’ll take them to a doctor I trust. And if,” he emphasized, “if that boy is my son, I’ll do whatever is necessary.” I stood, trying to hold back my tears. “But that will come at a price.” My eyes locked onto his.

“What price?” I asked, already knowing I wouldn’t like the answer.

“If that boy is my son, he will be raised by me.” My jaw dropped instantly. “You’re far too weak to train him.”

“He’s not a dog to be trained.” I snapped, stepping toward him.

“But he is the son of an Alpha… and he will be trained as one.”