Tergoda Mantan

Alpha Thomas

The Moonlit Den was full of energy. The air was filled with the thick scent of pine and musk.

Music rolled through the room like a pulse. Heavy and Wild. Lights flashed across bodies pressed together in shadow.

It was a sensory assault that usually soothed my wolf.

but not tonight.

Right now, the beast beneath my skin was clawing to get out.

I swirled my whiskey. The amber liquid hit the glass in a slow circle.

My trip to the rival pack’s territory had been a disaster of diplomacy and suppressed rage.

Now, my wolf was pacing. His hackles were raised and he refused to settle.

"Alpha King Thomas.” a voice grated against my nerves.

Marcus, the bar manager, stood there with his head bowed low—a smart move. Most men who looked me in the eye ended up regretting it.

"You haven't come in ages. Did we upset the pack?"

"No," I bit out. My jaw was so tight it ached.

"Want me to get a girl for you tonight?" Marcus pushed. "We’ve got fresh blood. You might like what you see."

"No." The word was a growl.

I didn’t come here for women.

Not for sex.

My wolf didn't want a distraction; he wanted blood.

But Marcus was a salesman and salesmen never knew when to shut up.

Within minutes, he had ushered a line of women into the VIP shadows.

They were beautiful, sure—painted faces.

With practiced smiles and scents of cheap perfume designed to mimic a mate’s pull.

They bit their lips, swayed their hips. Desperate to catch the eye of the Alpha King.

I didn't care.

I didn't want any of them. I was about to dismiss a lot of them when the air changed.

A scent hit me like a physical blow. Wild honey and moonlit roses.

My hand froze on my glass. My heart thundered against my ribs. A frantic drumming that drowned out the bar’s music.

My wolf snapped to attention. His ears pricked. His growl turned into a confused, desperate whimper.

Then I saw her.

Kiara

Standing at the end of the line. Dressed in thin black silk that clung to her curves. I didn’t believe in my eyes until I saw her expressions mirroring mine.

My mate.

The woman I had rejected. The woman I had broken with my own hands and left a year ago.

Her wide, dark eyes met mine and I saw the reflection of my own shock. The same agony. She was trembling. Her pale skin ghostly under the dim lights.

"These are the new girls, Alpha." Marcus chuckled. He was unaware of the tension in the air. "Fresh, and at Alpha king’s service."

The other women stepped forward. bit their lips, hands moving under my shirt. They made every move to seduce me. Their breasts trying to block my view.

But I didn’t see them. I couldn’t.

The world had narrowed down to the girl at the end of the line. Kiara.

I rose slowly. My height cast a shadow that made the others flinch. Every girl in a line thought I would stop at them.

But I walked straight. My boots heavy on the floorboards, until I stopped directly in front of her.

"This one," I said. My voice was a low, dangerous rasp. “I want this girl for tonight.”

Marcus’s grin was sickening. "Excellent choice, Alpha! She’s the most beautiful we have. The most demanding tonight. I’ll send her to your room immediately."

Kiara’s eyes widened in disbelief. Pure shock. I read her face. Her head shook in refusal.

Before she could process anything I handed my platinum card to Marcus.

“Make sure you send her within two minutes. You couldn’t afford to offend Alpha king.. ” I growled and walked away.

My wolf rumbled in dark satisfaction but my chest felt like it was being crushed. The last time I’d talked to Kiara, it was in the moonlight pack’s family courtroom.

How her eyes stared at me without a blink when I signed the divorce papers.

I had torn our vows apart and cast her out. I haven't seen her since that day.

I was convinced I had buried her memory forever.

I thought I was done with her. I thought I was free.

I was wrong. Fate hadn't just brought her back—it had put her on her knees in front of me.

I had never thought I would see her lined up with high profiled prostitutes in the city. But what makes her take this step? Why did she end up being a prostitute? I wanted to know that.