Chapter 2

The pack house was silent when I arrived at midnight.

I carried my single duffel bag up the back staircase. Juan  had assigned me a room on the third floor, right next to his office. It was a clear power move. He wanted me close enough to control, but far enough from his personal bedroom to draw a line.

I dropped my bag on the narrow bed and sat down. The room was plain. White walls, a small desk, a single window looking out into the dark woods. It felt like a prison cell.

A soft knock came at the door.

I jumped, my heart racing. I opened it to find Liam standing in the hallway. He looked terrible. His face was pale, and he had a dark bruise forming on his jaw.

"Liam!" I pulled him into the room and hugged him tight. He smelled like damp earth and fear.

"I'm sorry, Cora," he mumbled into my shoulder. "I'm so stupid. I just wanted to win enough to get us a real house. To get you out of that diner."

I pulled back and gripped his shoulders. "Did Juan  hit you?"

Liam shook his head, refusing to meet my eyes. "No. The guards roughed me up a bit when they caught me. Juan actually called them off."

That surprised me. Juan  playing the savior behind closed doors didn't match the cruel Alpha who had spoken to me earlier.

"He told me about the deal," Liam said, his voice thick with guilt. "You shouldn't have done it. You shouldn't have tied yourself to him for three years because of my mistakes."

"I wasn't going to let you be exiled." I forced a small smile. "It's just a job, Liam. I organize his schedule, plan a few parties. It will go by fast."

Liam looked at me closely. "You turned twenty today."

I froze. I knew what he was going to ask.

"Did you find your mate?" he asked softly.

I looked away, staring at the blank white wall. If I told Liam the truth, he would lose his mind. He would march into Juan 's office and demand the Alpha accept me, or he would challenge him. And Liam would die in a challenge against Juan .

"No," I lied. "No scent. Nothing yet. It's fine. Sometimes it takes a few days to settle in."

Liam sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. "Okay. Well, keep your head down around the Alpha. Juan  is... he's different from his dad. He doesn't forgive easily."

"I know. Go get some sleep, Liam."

After he left, I lay in the dark, staring at the ceiling. The scent of rainwater and cedar drifted under the doorframe. Juan  was in his office next door. He was awake. He was right there.

The bond pulled at my chest, a tight string demanding I go to him. I squeezed my eyes shut and pulled the blanket over my head, forcing myself to ignore it.

The next morning started at six.

I found a schedule taped to my door. It was typed in bold, neat letters. Breakfast preparation, email sorting, pack patrol logs, and a meeting with the caterers for the engagement party.

I dressed in a simple black skirt and a white blouse, tying my hair back in a tight knot. I needed to look professional. I needed to build a wall between us.

When I walked into his office, Juan  was already at his desk, drinking black coffee.

"You're three minutes late," he said without looking up.

"I had to find the kitchen to get your coffee," I replied, setting a fresh mug on his desk. "But I see you got it yourself."

He finally looked at me. His eyes swept over my outfit, lingering for a fraction of a second on my neck before snapping back to my face.

"Edith is arriving at noon," Juan  said smoothly. "She is my fiancée. She will be bringing her luggage. You will help her unpack and get settled in the guest suite."

My stomach twisted. "You want me to act as her maid?"

"I want you to make sure she feels welcome." Juan  leaned forward, his gaze locking onto mine. "This alliance is vital for the pack. The Redwood wolves control the northern borders. We need their numbers. Edith needs to be happy here."

"And if she isn't?" I challenged, crossing my arms.

"Then you have failed your first task." He stood up, walking around the desk until he was standing just inches from me. The heat radiating off his body made my skin prickle. "Do not let your personal feelings interfere with this pack's future, Cora."

"I don't have personal feelings for you, Alpha," I lied, keeping my voice steady.

Juan  stepped even closer. He lowered his head, his lips hovering near my ear. "Good. Keep it that way."

He walked past me, leaving the office. I stood there, my hands shaking, breathing in the scent he left behind.