Chapter Two

I squinted my eyes around the room, trying to take a look at the stranger, but everywhere was dark and the curtains were closed.

What have I gotten myself into? I breathed in heavily.

“Did you come here to mope?!” the stranger's voice rose higher than usual.

“Noooo,” I replied, unsure of what was happening. His voice was harsh, and it startled me.

“Undress,” he pressed on, voice low and husky.

“I can’t,” I replied in a shaky voice, afraid the stranger might figure out my identity.

“Are you challenging me?” He was surprised at my response.

I don’t even know who you are, damnit!

“No, I wouldn’t dare,” I answered quickly, thinking maybe he had sent for a whore.

“You don’t need the money?” he asked again, not believing I had just said no.

“Whatttt money?” I bit my tongue, but the words had already left my mouth. I realized I had just given myself away.

I wanted to tell him the truth, but I was disrupted by a knock at the door.

Bang. Bang. Someone knocked firmly on the room door.

“Who is that?” the stranger growled, his patience wearing thin.

“So sorry, Ragal,” the voice outside spoke in a servile tone.

“Speak, Morgan!” he yelled, clearly irritated by the interruption.

“It’s a matter of emergency, sir. I can’t say it outside,” the voice replied hastily.

I instantly felt weak all over. *Rapheal might have found out where I am.* My heart pounded hard against my ribs.

“Go away, Morgan,” the stranger responded. “I’m with the informant.”

“That’s the problem, Ragal. She’s not the informant!”

“What?!” Ragal’s voice boomed loudly, making me clench my skirt in fear. I stood still in the room, trembling like a leaf.

“I’ll get back to you later, Morgan.”

“Were you trying to trick me?” the stranger growled menacingly. For a moment, I wished I had just faced Rapheal instead of being here.

“No... I’m not,” I spoke up, my nerves trembling.

“Oh yes, you are. You want to steal my money and take off,” he mumbled. “Turn on the light! I want to see your face.” His voice sparked with fury.

My hands were clammy and sweaty. *Moon Goddess, please help me,* I silently prayed as I searched for the switch.

Slowly but surely, I turned on the room light, my hands shaking like a leaf in autumn.

I stared at the stranger’s face, my own turning pale with fear.

“Who are you?!” he barked, fuming at me angrily.

“I-I-I am a stripper,” I stammered, trying to find my voice.

“You are lying to me, little one, and I hate lies.”

My mouth suddenly went dry. I knew who he was.

“Answer me right now!” he yelled, his voice booming across the room.

His knitted brows and piercing blue eyes were hard to miss. The way his hair tousled raggedly beneath that handsome face left me unable to speak for a while.

I threw myself to the floor, cold streaks of sweat spiraling down my face. He was the King of all Alphas—their ruthless and ultimate ruler—Ragal, the Lycan King.

I couldn’t dare speak. It was as if my tongue wouldn’t move. If he knew I was a stripper, he might kill me. Strip clubs were forbidden in all the packs he ruled. There were even rumors that he was investigating packs.

“That doesn’t answer my question, little one. I prefer it if your lips start moving and tell me what the hell you're doing in my hotel room!” His foot tapped the floor impatiently.

I paused, deliberating on what to say.

“I’m running away from my mate, my lord...” I faced the floor, afraid he would see through my lie.

“Why would you be doing that here?” he probed further, raising a brow.

“I mistakenly came up here,” I lied, unsure if the truth would set me free.

“You don’t mistakenly come up to *my* hotel room if you didn’t have a plan. Are you wearing a wire? Is that why you refused to take off your clothes?”

“It’s the truth.” My body was covered in sweat as I pressed my lips together.

“I don’t believe you,” he scoffed. “Little wolf, you smell like your lies. I’ll have your mate brought before me to repeat everything you just said.” He moved toward the door.

“Please, sir! I-I’ll do anything you ask. Just don’t call him, sir!” I begged, staring at him.

“Who is your mate?” he asked.

My voice dropped.

“Rapheal... the to-be Alpha of the Blood Moon Pack.”

“What are you scared of?” He seemed surprised that anyone would fear their fated mate.

“He might hurt me if he finds me here... with you.” I shifted my eyes awkwardly around the room.

“He won’t hurt you. I won’t allow it.” His hand reached for the doorknob.

I sprang up quickly, pressing my back against the door.

“I’m scared of him. I don’t trust him.”

I felt his gaze soften as he looked at me. My stomach did a little flip-flop. *I’m surely crazy—having a crush at this critical moment.*

His hand dropped from the doorknob. He frowned.

“You should know your place.”

“I’m sorry, my lord.” I bowed.

“You should head back home and settle your differences with your mate,” he said curtly.

“Yes, Lycan.” I raised my head quickly, fearing he might change his mind and punish me.

I turned the doorknob, breathing a sigh of relief as I stepped into the hallway. My breathing slowly returned to normal.

“Stop!” Ragal’s voice called from behind me.