2: Long Time, Alpha

Katherine's POV

Why was he here? Without thinking, I dropped my gaze instantly, avoiding his eyes. Turned around and left before he could recognize me.

I can't let him find me. He would definitely kill me or continue his revenge once he found me again. Elena was right. Andy saved me. I have to live for her.

But first, I needed to get a job. Elena gave me a note before I left her office. "Although Alpha made the order, you may find a job there."

It was already midnight when I arrived at the address written on the note, only to find myself standing in front of a grand, gold-trimmed building.

"A club?"

I checked the address again. No mistake. I’d heard of the club before. It only open to ranked members in packs, know for its luxurious clientele and the most beautiful escorts from every pack.

Would they really offer me a job? If I worked here... would I run into Harrison? I gulped, only the thought of meeting him again sped up my heartbeat.

"Are you lost or here to apply?" A sharp voice snapped me back to reality. I looked up and saw a stunning blonde eyed me with obvious suspicion. "You need to leave..."

"Someone sent me." I began before she finished her refusement, "I’m here to apply for a cleaning position."

"You?" She scanned me from head to toe, her face contorting with disdain. Her eyes burned into me, but I pretended not to notice. I had changed so much from the weight loss and weakness. She probably wouldn’t recognize me… would she?

"Yes," I nodded. "I really need this job. Please help me."

She let out a mocking laugh, crossing her arms over her chest. "Do you even know where you are? Girls like you just being seen here would upset our clients. We don’t have anything for your kind. Lower and ugly omega."

"Please... at least give me a chance to be interviewed." My voice cracked with desperation. Harrison had made sure no welfare centers or shelters would offer me food or housing. If I wanted to survive, I had to fight for every sliver of opportunity.

"Security! Get her out of here!" She waved at a few men nearby. They stormed over and grabbed me roughly by the shoulders, preparing to drag me out like trash—

"Stop."

A deep, commanding voice echoed through the lobby. The guards immediately released me. And the miss blonde’s face changed in an instant.

"M-Mr. Blackwood! What brings you here?"

Blackwood? That was our pack. And Harrison’s family name.

My heart leapt into my throat. I lowered my head, tried to hide myself in the shadow.

"You’re fired." The voice came from behind me. It was low and magnetic, but it sounded not like Harrison.

A tall man walked in from outside as I slowly turned and stole a subtle glance from the corner of my eye. He looked to be in his early twenties. Tousled dark brown hair and striking, deep-set eyes. He looked somewhat familiar, but I was sure we’d never met before. But since he was a Blackwood, I should never get close to him. I moved a few steps away from him, lowering my head.

"Are you... firing me?" The blonde looked visibly shaken.

"Yes. As a receptionist, you have no right to deny someone an interview." He said flatly, but the blonde fell to her knees. It's my chance. I was about to make my escape, but his hand closed tightly around my wrist. The sharp pain shot from the my wound made me gasp.

"Shit." He muttered under his breath as he noticed it. "I'm sorry."

I saw something flicker in his eyes, disgust. I instinctively tried to pull away, but his grip tightened. No matter how hard I tried, I couldn’t break free. As a unforgivable, I shouldn't touch any member of the royal family. He might get angry, or even have me killed.

"I’m sorry, Sir." I said quickly, lowering my head in silent submission, shivering in fear. My voice shivering. "It was my fault to come here. I overestimated myself. Please... just let me leave. Please Sir."

But he still didn’t let go. Instead, he leaned in, his lips brushing my ear. "You won’t find work anywhere else if you leave, Katherine Dalton."

My eyes widened in shock. He knew me!

As I turned my head reluctantly, my forehead accidentally brushed his lips. I flinched and quickly apologized.

"I-I’m sorry. What do you mean by that?" His body stiffened for a second before he straightened up, towering over me. His eyes were unreadable.

"Because no one around here would dare hire you under the order of Harrison. Except me."

"Why? Why are you helping me? You’re from Harrison’s family." I looked at him, wary and confused.

He didn’t answer. Instead, he took my hand and placed it over his chest. "Feel that? That’s Andy."

My breath caught. That's Andy's heart. Tears rushed to my eyes as I stared at him.

"You’re the one who received her heart? You got me out of prison? Who... who are you? I never saw you before in Blackwood pack." Even though I tried to steady my voice, it trembled uncontrollably.

Harrison destroyed me. And now someone from his family carried my best friend’s heart and gave me another life. The Moon Goddess must have a twisted sense of humor.

"Lucien. Lucien Blackwood," he stated, "I’m Harrison’s half-brother. My mother was the first Luna of the former Alpha. And when she died, our father found his second chance mate and gave birth to Harrison."

He gently brushed the tear from beneath my eye and continued, "I received Andy’s heart, so I have to honor the promise. I will protect you and make sure you would survive."

I stared into Lucien’s eyes, totally dumb. Before I knew it, I stood on tiptoe and pressed my ear against Lucien’s chest, listening to Andy’s heart beat in his body.

Andy, thank you. I’ll live for us. I’ll keep our promise.

"Harrison, look! Isn’t that Lucien? Who's he with?" A sneering voice rang out behind me.

Allen. My heart tightened. Before Elisa died, we used to be friends.

"Well. Long time, my dear brother." Harrison's voice rang in a sarcastic way.

I stayed on my toes, frozen. Allen and Harrison are both here. What should I do? I can’t let them recognize me.

Just when I was lost in my anxiety, Lucien's strong arm wrapped around my waist. He pulled me against his chest and gently pressed my face into him.

I couldn't see anything but heard his voice from right above me. "That’s none of your business. Welcome to my club, and have a great evening here."

"Your taste is absolute shit as always." Harrison's voice rang. It sounded like he took a few steps closer and stood there, staring at me and Lucien. Even though I couldn’t see him, I could tell from his voice that he wasn’t pleased.