10

I heard someone open my bedroom door, and my head was pounding, but I smelled tangerine. Can't believe I missed out on that smell all day. I opened my eyes and turned around. I saw Gruvv on the couch working on his laptop. He'd already changed into his comfy home clothes and had on glasses, with half of his hair still damp from the shower. With the soft glow of the nightlight, I could just see his silhouette, and he looked pretty good.

"You're home?"

He turned around and gave me a look from a distance. I was seated on the bed, rubbing my eyes and tucking the blanket in place. Gruvv got up from his seat and came over to me. He didn't say a word, but he put his hand on my forehead.

"You're catching a cold again." He said that when he was checking the IV drip. The liquid's almost all used up, I'm thinking this might be the last one. "And you can't take a stroll today, either. That's too bad."

"This situation is really getting me down." I said.

He sat down next to the bed and looked at me closely.

"You know, your body doesn't really react well to that other Alpha pheromone." He gave me the scoop, and I just nodded. The nurse had already explained everything. That's why I hated my body even more. "I'm sorry, it's 'cause George came to your room this morning."

He had a gentle voice and a different look in his eyes when he looked at me than when he looked at other people. There's something about him that just seems to be this big mystery to me.

I'm considering paying off my debt. I tried to steer the conversation to a topic he'd been dodging. I have to discuss it with him first, though. I'm here as a guarantor.

Gruvv didn't respond right away. I could hear him breathing, inhaling and exhaling. He took off his glasses and rubbed the bridge of his nose hard.

"I've been trying to help you pay off your debt. I've sold some assets owned by your family. The main debt is paid off, all you have to do is pay the interest."

My chest hurts, I never used the money, I never saw it, and now I have to deal with the whole thing.

"What's the best way to pay for it?" I asked him, trying to keep my voice even, but I still sounded a bit shaky. I didn't have anything to promise, and I was afraid of giving up my body. I still can't get past what some people did to me when I was working in that brothel.

Gruvv sighed again, leaned back in his chair, and looked at me.

"Just stay home. All you have to do is greet me when I get home."

"Huh?"

"Shiloh, you're really out of it right now. I want you to focus on getting better. Once you're back in the saddle, we can start thinking about how to pay off that debt."

"But..."

Gruvv took my hand—the one that was holding the blanket really tight—and played with my fingers in his big hand.

"Shiloh, you mentioned that my pheromones smell sweet." He said that, and I nodded. "This is the first time someone has noticed my pheromones like the way you did. I'm eager to learn more and I'd love your input. You're really sensitive to the other Alpha pheromones, but you're totally chill with my pheromone. You look way more relaxed. The docs are also interested in taking a closer look."

"Why?" I'm asking because I'm honestly having trouble understanding the situation here.

"I'm living with an incurable disease, just like you. I'm looking for a way to fix it."

I'm staring blankly. He's got a really healthy, athletic body, he's full of muscles and he's tall, with a sweet scent. I don't think there's anything unusual about him.

"Disease?"

With a nod, he said, "So, while you're still on your way to recovery, I'm going to use you to find a cure for this condition of mine."

I was still speechless. I didn't know how to react. As I understand it, Gruvv took my hand.

"I'll pay you on a monthly basis, set aside some money, and send you some cash. Then you can pay interest to my company every month until the loan is paid off."

I swallowed, staring at Gruvv, and said, "How long?"

"I'll definitely pay you more than enough. You can pay interest and keep the rest of your savings." He looked at me with those eyes.

"Just wondering, but, are you planning on using my body for that?" I asked carefully, though.

He gave me a little chuckle and shook his head slowly, "Nah, I won't touch you. The doctor said, I just need to interact with you. A lot."

I paused for a second, and then I asked, "You can't control your pheromones?"

I could see Gruvv's eyes widen in surprise, and he gave an slight smile before nodding.

"You know, for that reason, in this house, we only have Betas. I've got an issue with my pheromones since I can't control them myself, and that complicates things. But you don't overreact, my pheromones are totally different from what others smell when they come across me.""

When I saw Gruvv, I learned that people like Gruvv actually have their own condition. I see this as just a transactional relationship, so it's a good thing that my job is more low-key than having to deal with Alpha who wants to sleep with me.

"I'm pretty sure you're looking for my dad, right? Take me as a hostage until you find him." I know I sound super desperate, and I'm sorry about that.

He nodded and said, "I'll find your father. When he's caught later, I'll set you free."

That word feels really comforting. I want to be independent and not rely on other people. I'm 22, and I want to live my life the way I want to. My dad basically had me under his thumb. I couldn't even get out of the room that was totally dark. I'm not allowed to decide what I want or don't want, I always belong to someone.

Gruvv has really pulled me out of that dark place, and I have him to thank for that.

I'll do whatever I can to help. As soon as Dad is caught, I'll be free.