Chapter 2

Elara's POV

"There has to be some kind of curse on me. Maybe I should find a witch and ask why all the misfortune keeps befalling me."

I stared into my glass of rum, feeling completely hopeless.

"Elara, it's all just a coincidence." Cora sat down beside me and patted my shoulder. "Your birth parents probably ran into trouble. Your adoptive father was a Gamma, and he died in battle. And Adrian... he's just a total asshole. That's it. That's all there is to it."

I watched the blue-purple foam drift in my glass and whispered, "And me? I'm a she-wolf nobody wants."

"You're a she-wolf with terrible luck in love," she said, shoving her fruit wine into my hand. "Forget Adrian. If he won't mark you, that means you're free to live your own life."

My throat tightened. "I've spent nearly all these years existing for him. If I lose him... how can I ever have a life of my own?"

"You just need a real job," Cora said, nudging me toward the bar. "Don't tie your life to Adrian's so tightly."

I looked at her. "But who will ever need me?"

Cora knocked on the bar. "Lilith! I got a question!"

Behind the counter, Lilith was testing a custom blue cocktail. She looked up, her red hair gleaming like fire under the dim lights.

Cora pushed me forward, "Look at her. She's beautiful, right? Can you give her a job?"

Lilith's gaze swept from my face down my body, and my palms went slick with sweat.

"She's definitely beautiful," Lilith said, pushing the shaker aside. "Appearance matters here. Paul will be happy to hire her."

She dug her phone out of her apron pocket and dialed a number.

I held my breath.

"Hey, boss? We've got a new girl. Yes, she meets the requirements. You want to see her? Great, I'll send her up."

She hung up and looked at me with a smile. "Second floor, office on the left. Paul wants you to go up."

Cora hugged me tight. "Go, babe! Your free life starts now!"

I looked at Cora. Under her gaze, I knew I had to summon the courage.

The stairs to the second floor were narrow and dark, as if deliberately cutting off the chaos of the bar below. I followed the corridor to the left, but soon realized it wasn't a single hallway. It was split into four.

Lilith had said left, so I took the farthest left path. The light was weak, the dark walls pressing in on either side. Every step felt like I might stumble into some unseen abyss, one wrong move away from danger.

I held my breath and told myself it was no big deal. But when I reached the end of the corridor, I still froze.

A massive metal door stood in front of me. Four wolves in black suits guarded it. Tattoos curled up their necks and disappeared beneath tight collars. Their expressions were hard and unreadable, and their broad chests stretched the fabric of their clothes. They looked like private guards for someone powerful.

One of them looked me over. "What do you want?"

I hesitated. "I... I am here to apply for a job."

They exchanged a look, then nodded. The door swung open, revealing a space nothing like the office I had imagined.

It was an incredibly luxurious executive suite. The carpet was thick under my feet, crystal chandeliers cast a cold, white light, and one whole wall was made of glass, giving it the feel of a top-tier billionaire's private space.

I scanned the room and saw no one.

Carefully, I spoke up. "Sir? Hello. I am here for an interview."

The words had barely left my mouth when an angry growl thundered from the bedroom.

"Get out. I told you I don't need any service."

I froze. When had he changed his mind?

"Sir?" I tried to take a step forward. "I really—"

I strode to the bedroom door and grabbed the handle, only to find it locked.

I clenched my teeth, my voice shaking. "Sir, I'm here for an interview. Is it really that hard to say one word to me?"

No answer came, only silence.

A tight knot formed in my throat, making it hurt to breathe.

There was a change of plans, again.

I had dealt with too many changes today.

The bedroom door didn't budge. I stood there, feeling cut off from the world.

My fingers tightened around the handle. The aluminum bent under my grip, letting out a strained creak.

Damn it. Damn it!

No one was going to stop me from getting a job today!

My breathing grew heavy, like a beast that had been caged for years and finally driven into a corner.

I stepped back half a pace, gathered my strength, and kicked.

Bang!

The door flew open.

The next second, a thick, overwhelming scent of rut crashed over my senses. I was knocked off my feet instantly. My knees scraped against the carpet, and a cry tore from my throat.

"Sir, please at least... ah!"

I didn't finish the sentence.

Before I could finish speaking, he lifted me completely off the ground. I opened my mouth to scream, but no sound came out.

The next second, a massive force slammed me against the carpet. Above me, a man's deep voice rumbled.

"I'm guessing you have no idea what kind of job this is, do you?"

His voice was low, almost resonating from deep within his chest. I tried to see him clearly, but the next moment, his hand clamped down on my cheek, sharp pain forcing my eyes open.

I froze, finally taking in the man before me. He was more striking than I could have imagined. I couldn't look away.

His golden eyes were sharp and commanding, framed by strong brows. Brown hair fell across his forehead in soft shadows under the dim light.

His gaze was intense and heated.

I could tell he was no ordinary wolf.

My voice was barely a whisper. "If you don't need an employee, I can leave... ah!"

He practically threw me onto the bed like I weighed nothing.

"Okay, it's just a job! I don't care, sir! I'll pay for the door!"

He pressed down on me like a wild beast. All I could see was his open shirt and the muscles beneath.

I tried to struggle, but he pinned me by the chest. Heat flared like fire, scorching me, forcing a startled cry from my lips.

He frowned. "For a call girl, your looks are just barely acceptable, but your personality? Too jumpy."

I screamed. "What are you talking about? I've never—"

The words "call girl" caught in my chest. Obviously, I had barged into the wrong room.

This man clearly had other intentions, but what did it matter? He was a thousand times better than Adrian. At least tonight, I was the only one he wanted.

I grabbed his hand and pressed it to my chest, clumsy and nervous. "Of course, sir. Do as you wish."

He smiled, his handsome face leaning in slowly. I caught a hint of smoky sandalwood and lifted my head to meet his kiss.

The moment our lips met, a strange thrill ran through my body, and a soft whimper escaped my throat.

He tilted his head, studying me. "Enjoying that?"

I gasped for breath. "Aren't you?"

"Maybe." He pulled my hand away and smiled. "After all, it's my first time with a prostitute."