Chapter 2

~ALEX~

As soon as Elysia stepped in the room, my wolf howled, “Mate.” 

“That’s impossible,” I growled. “She’s human!” 

However, my wolf insisted “MATE!”

The scent of her, so sweet, so tantalizing, filled my nostrils. She smelt like fresh rain on a spring morning, mixed with the scent of jasmine. And she was mine. But she didn’t know it yet. She had no idea about the world she’d stumbled into. Yet, she was clever, she was a survivor, and she had a spark in her that I hadn’t seen in anyone in a very long time.

As soon as she had touched me, I’d felt it. The bond was forming, whether she liked it or not. I knew I’d need to be careful with her. To win her over, to make her understand. But first, she had to accept the world she’d entered—and she had to accept me. All of me.

The wolf inside me was already eager to claim her. To mark her as mine. But I knew better. Elysia was going to have to make that choice herself. And I’d be damned if I’d force her into it.

But she’d come to me. And she’d stay. Because she had no other option.

~ELYSIA~

Time ticked into hours as I waited in my cell, unable to think about anything but the man's offer. My decision weighed heavily on me. But there would be no turning back. I might be a thief, but I was a woman of my word.

As I was pondering over the fact I had no idea if I'd screwed up by agreeing to work for the man, the door to my cell creaked open, and the guard stepped in. His eyes scanned the small space before settling on me. "You're free to go."

"I am?" I gasped, not quite believing I'd heard right. To be honest, part of me had kind of figured the offer would be withdrawn. 

Still in shock, I gained my feet, my legs wobbling slightly from the sudden rush of adrenaline. "This is no joke, right?" I croaked.

"Your charges have been dropped." The guard's tone was that of impatience, as if he was ready to be done with me. But even with his assurance, I still couldn't shake my disbelief. 

After unlocking the handcuffs, he handed me my personal items and ushered me toward the cell door.

 I stepped through it tentatively.

Seconds later, a wash of apprehension stole away the moment of happiness when the guard led me down the same corridor. When we arrived before the door I’d faced earlier, I gazed apprehensively at the man leaning against its frame. His arms crossed over his chest, he gazed in my direction. "You made the right choice, you know?" he said, a smile playing on his lips.

Though I gave a small nod, I wasn't so certain I hadn’t just accepted a job by a wolf in sheep's clothing. However, minutes later, as I stepped out of the prison and into the sunlight, I couldn't help but do a small dance as I worshiped the morning that brought with it my freedom.

Half an hour later, back at my Papa's house, I sat on the worn couch, Mac squeaking happily in his cage beside me. With hands that shook, I opened the envelope I'd been given, to find a black business card with the name, Alex Landry, and an address.

After setting the card down, I made my way over to my refrigerator and pulled out the ingredients for a sandwich, then stared down at the things I'd brought out. Suddenly losing my appetite, I placed it all back on the shelves. Without a backwards glance, I made my way over to my bedroom, and crawled beneath the covers. Covering my head, I blocked out what remained of the day. I just wanted it over.

Early the next morning, I was up, showered and putting on my clothes. I'd gone back and forth between jeans and a skirt, finally settling on the skirt. Why I felt so nervous was beyond me; it wasn't as if how I dressed was going to be a game changer.

Half an hour later, when I finally stood before the address printed on the card, I gazed at the sleek office building, shoring up my confidence. With a nervous breath, I entered the building.

After I made my way to the elevator, I took it to the top floor, where I was greeted by a receptionist who seemed to know exactly who I was.

"Mr. Landry is expecting you," she informed me, her voice cool and professional. Afterward, coming around her desk, she gestured for me to follow and led me into a spacious office. Alex Landry sat behind a large desk, and looked up as I entered. Our eyes met as he held out his hand. I took it, though hesitantly. This was the man whose estate I'd broken into, the man who'd had the power to ruin my life or give me a second chance.

Despite the chaos of my thoughts, my voice was steady, as wanting to get to the point, I blurted, "What exactly does this job entail?"

Alex, dropped my hand, then sat back down in his chair. Leaning back in it, his eyes never left mine. "You're going to be catering to the elite at a BDSM club," he answered, his tone matter-of-fact.

I blinked, trying to process the information. The shock was incredible. "Excuse me? Did you say a BDSM club?" I breathed.

"Ah, cher," he murmured, his voice dripping with charm. "You heard correctly.”

My mind raced with questions, but I knew better than to show my hand. I nodded, trying to play it cool. "Alright," I said, my voice carrying no hint of what I was really feeling. "What will I need to do?"

Alex leaned forward, straightening in his chair. " First, you'll need to undergo training, of course—to learn the art of seduction, how to be the perfect... hostess."

A shiver ran down my spine, feeling a double innuendo in his words. This kind of  world was not mine. I'd only read about it in books, or seen it in movies. From what I knew, BDSM was where power and passion intertwined in a dance of dominance and submission, and I was about to learn a hell of a lot more of the lifestyle than I'd ever wanted to.

"You'll have to move to New Orleans," he said blandly. "It's where the club is. As well, my home."

The thought of leaving Chicago was not a welcome one, but neither was the alternative. "When do I leave?" I muttered.

"Tonight," he replied, his smile widening, reminding me of the Cheshire Cat. "I've taken the liberty of arranging everything for you," he continued. "There will be a car outside your house at seven sharp. Be ready."