Chapter 1: The Beast

The bass throbbed on the floor like a second heartbeat, shaking off the walls of The Crimson Veil underground elite club with every pulse. Smoke curled into the air like spirits dancing to the beat, red lights bathing the space in a lustful hue.

The VIP section was packed tonight with hungry eyes, powerful men, and mortal men with filled-up pockets. But no one looked away from the stage.

Because Nyra had just stepped into the light.

She walked. Her heels clicked once, twice, before she reached the pole at the center and wrapped her legs around it. Her skin glistened under the light, catching every curve; The tight silver dress she wore barely covered her body.

She moved with a confidence that made men sweat and the few of her female coworkers grit.

Cheers exploded from the upper deck as she twirled, flipping upside down, her body arching like a bow. Hair trailing, thighs gripping the pole. She spun and landed with feline grace.

“That's it, baby!” someone shouted.

An old man in his late fifties sat near the front of the stage. He leaned forward as Nyra dipped low, teasing closer to the edge. His breath was thick with whiskey, his fingers twirling with need. As her hand extended toward the audience, he reached out to grab her wrist. 

Immediately, Nyra slapped his hand away with a sultry smile. It wasn't rage but dominance. To her, it was a silent command that she was untouchable. The old man jerked his hand back, startled and slightly aroused.

The VIP section erupted in applause and laughter.

She twirled again, slower, her back arching as her gaze scanned the room. She could feel them all watching and panting for her. But she didn't damn care. This was her stage.

Across the city, the air smelled of sweat, sex, and impatience. The sound of flesh slapping against flesh echoed through the hotel suite.

Alpha Kael grunted as his hips rocked forward, his dick slamming into the woman's pussy beneath him with fast, brutal strokes. Her nails dug into his back, her moans high-pitched and desperate. 

“Oh my! Fuck, yes, I'm cumming!”

She kept chanting his name, but they only dropped as noise to Alpha Kael's ears. 

He stared past her, eyes dark. She was fucking wet. But she wasn't what he needed. Her scent was wrong, her voice irritating. He pulled out of her immediately.

He didn't come. Because he never did. To him, it was impossible.

“What… What are you doing?” The woman whispered. 

“You can go now.”

“What? We aren't done. Another round.”

Alpha Kael ignored her, walking into the bathroom without another word. He turned on the cold water, letting it run down his broad, scarred chest. The steam mixed with chill as he washed her scent off his skin.

Minutes later, he emerged from the bathroom dressed in a black button-shirt tucked into tailored pants. He added a jacket and put on silver cufflinks which gleamed as he adjusted them.

Downstairs, his black SUV was parked in the lot. Alaric, his beta, stood waiting.

“Are we still good for tonight?” he asked.

Kael slipped on his watch. “You’ll stay back when we get there. Handle anything that comes up.” 

“Why?” Alaric replied. 

Kael shut him a look and rolled his eyes. “Do as you're told, Alaric. Don't get on my nerves. I want to see this partner myself.”

Alaric raised a brow but nodded. “Okay. If you say so. It's understood.”

Kael hummed in response as they hopped into the car.

The ride was silent until they arrived at The Crimson Veil.

“Stay in the car,” he said, and Alaric threw his head back with a groan. “Fine. Whatever.”

Kael stepped out of the car, handed a bundle of cash to the security at the entrance door of the club and collected his black-gold VIP ticket. The hostess who met him wore a see-through dress, her voice flirtatious and knowing.

“We have a special show tonight, sir,” she said, her eyes lingering on his chest. “Let me take you there.”

Kael said nothing. He followed her past the bar, through velvet ropes and up to the upper level of the VIP section.

He scanned the place, searching for the man he was meant to meet. Instead, his attention suddenly caught something else. Someone else.

The stage lit up again.

Nyra twisted her hips and spun, her hair fanned like a whip. Her movements were deliberate, sensual. She wasn't just stared at but devoured. 

Alpha Kael's gaze locked onto her like he'd just spotted his prey.

She moved as though she felt his eyes on her. And then…her gaze shifted. Their eyes met.

Everything else melted away.

Nyra felt her chest tighten. The man sitting alone in the midst of the audience, drinking nothing, radiated a presence that made her skin prickle. 

Suddenly, she missed a beat and, for the first time, her rhythm faltered. But she caught herself instantly and dragged her gaze away with a smile.

Kael didn't blink. His blood ran hot. She'd just looked directly at him, and that one stare did more to him than the sex from earlier. His body responded immediately and his wolf stirred.

She danced for him now. He knew it. Every move, every drop to her knees, every roll of her hips.

He watched her like he was already inside her. 

Nyra's thighs tensed as she claimed the pole one more time. Her gaze flicked back to his seat. As the final note of the music rang out, she slid down with elegance until her feet touched the floor and she bowed slightly.

Another round of cheers and applause rented the air for the next few seconds.

Kael sat perfectly still, his breathing low but uneven. The business was suddenly irrelevant to him.

He stood slowly, adjusting his jacket to cover the ache in his pants. 

For the first time in a long time, a woman had just caused his erection to stand dangerously hard.