CHAPTER ONE

Warning: Graphic Content Ahead

This book contains explicit and graphic descriptions of sexual content that may be disturbing or triggering for some readers. Reader discretion is strongly advised.

*Content Warning:*

- Explicit sexual scenes

- Graphic descriptions of intimacy

- Mature themes

- Potential triggers

If you're sensitive to these topics, please consider reading with caution

Hermosa’s POV

I grabbed the pole, swinging my body on the metal as the Alphas gathered around laughed loudly, each cheering me on.

I danced to the rhythm of the loud music, ignoring their wild pleas filled with lust and desire. I hated this job, but I did it to survive.

My body was bare except for the bra and panties I wore to strip. This was my life as an Omega with bills to pay. I did jobs I shouldn’t do. I was never born to be a stripper at the Blood Moon Pack. This is what became my life.

Dollars hit my body, landing gracefully on the podium while I hooked my legs around the pole, dancing for extra bucks.

“Come on, baby. Dance for daddy!” an Alpha yelled loudly, throwing money at me. Some fell to the floor; others trapped inside my bra, mixed with my sweat.

I danced harder not because of their screams, but for the money. I had debts to pay. The debt a ghost mother left me with.

“I have some more.” An Alpha staggered toward my pole, eyes drunken and breath smelling of liquor that was sold here, a bundle of dollars resting on his palm.

His eyes, sick with lust, roamed over my body like a hunter seeking its prey. It sickened me, filling me with disgust, yet I couldn’t move or refuse to dance. The money and the bills I had to pay fought hard against my conscience.

As if sensing my indecision, he made a bold move with his filthy hand. I felt him spanking my ass like I was a whore—a whore he regularly patronized.

Rage flared in me for a split second. I wanted to jab my high-heeled shoes into his eyes, make him lose one of them.

At the same time, I was painfully aware of the consequences. I admit this job was crazy, but I wasn’t about to sell myself short to any man.

My body belonged to my mate, Rapheal, Alpha of the Blood Moon Pack, one of the packs ruled by the Alpha King. Our relationship was taboo, so he kept it hidden from the public. He watched my every step like a hawk, and I was glad for his protection.

He slapped my ass again. The pain hurt like hell, especially when it came from an Alpha. Betas weren’t as strong as them.

Suddenly, I wished Rapheal would appear somehow and shoo away this werewolf. Only an Alpha could speak back to one. Apparently, my mate hated the club business and always managed to stay away from it.

He had promised to take me away from this business, and I believed him. I hoped endlessly for that day to come.

“You want more of this?” The Alpha waved the dollar bills in his hands, watching my gaze land on the money.

Shame washed over me. My tears threatened to fall. I nodded.

“Then dance for me,” he smirked, swaying back and forth, eyes roaming on my V-area. His hands reached for it.

When… a voice broke out:

“Leave her alone!”

Cammy, my best friend, pushed me backward. I almost landed on the floor.

The Alpha was furious, his hot glare landing on Cammy. “Stupid little whores,” he whined under his breath, pushing through the crowd for his next victim.

He knew the stage was off-limits to the audience, yet he tried touching me.

“Are you okay?” Cammy touched my cheeks, pulling me offstage. I sank into her arms, tears rolling down my face. I had almost allowed him to touch me.

“You didn’t,” she said, patting me on the shoulder. Cammy was also a stripper but had years of experience on the pole; none of the Alphas had tried to pull a fast one on her.

“When will this ever end?” I whimpered in her embrace, tears streaming down my cheeks.

“Very soon, Hermosa,” she smiled, wiping the tears from my face.

I hoped my mate wouldn’t find out what happened today. My voice cracked at the thought of losing Rapheal; it was something I couldn’t bear.

I felt her tense grip on my body as my words fell: “Mate.”

“I promise he won’t,” she said sharply, leaving me alone in my despair, her outfit clinging to every curve of her body.

“Should I wait for you?” I managed to say.

“Yes,” she turned with a smile that never reached her eyes, walking back into the crowd of hungry Alphas and Betas to strip.

I walked around the dressing room, packing my clothes and Cammy’s, ignoring the nagging feeling of what today’s income would look like, especially after what had happened with the Alpha.

If there was one thing about the strip club—they hated leaving customers unsatisfied. I watched the clock tick; a few minutes in, and my best friend wasn’t back.

I guessed they were spraying her with a lot of money. She always knew how to hold the crowd down. She also had a hot body. I sighed, wondering what my mate was doing. He had warned me to stop stripping but still couldn’t give me money to pay off my debt. Not that I wanted him to—I just hoped he would realize I was suffering and needed help.

Thirty minutes ticked by, yet Cammy wasn’t back. I decided to get my cut and stroll inside to look for her.

This was certainly unlike her. As I walked toward the cashier, I saw many Alphas carrying young, unsuspecting Omegas to their cars, probably to take them to a nearby hotel and violate them—something forbidden inside the club.

I would give anything to save them, but speaking out would put me in danger, so I trudged ahead to the counter.

“My money,” I stretched out my hands.

The cashier’s red lipstick flared from her upper lips, giving her a grotesque image, while she chewed bubble gum loudly.

“No money for today. Everything went to your debt,” she loosely scanned through the computer.

“What!” I yelled, frustration coating my tone. Her eyes flashed a warning: “Be very careful.” I shut my mouth and walked away in anger, my stomach rumbling with hunger. Another day without money.

This life was becoming really depressing. Luckily, Cammy might make money today, judging by the time she spent on the pole. I smiled faintly at the hope for a hot meal.

I turned quickly toward the changing room when I caught sight of my best friend in the opposite direction, eyes darting around suspiciously before slipping toward the VIP section, off-limits to Omegas. Her strides gave off a mix of suspicion and danger.