4. Interrogation

Anika/Anya

The morning light filtering through the thick drapes did little to ease the anxiety that knots my stomach. The plush bed, with its satin sheets, felt like a cage despite its luxury. 

I barely slept, the events of the previous night replaying in my mind over and over. Alpha Bastien’s questioning gaze, and the stark realization that I was far from freedom.

My reflection in the ornate mirror opposite the bed showed a pale face, dark circles under my eyes, and disheveled hair. Is this how I looked last night? God, I need to shower and get out of these clothes.

A soft knock jolts me from my reverie, and I sit up. Before I can respond, the door opens, revealing Alpha Bastien, his presence immediately filling the space. 

His tall frame is clad in a crisp suit, but it’s his eyes, dark and probing, that catches my attention. There is a quiet intensity about him, and I felt like an open book under his gaze.

I swallow deeply, instinctively pulling the sheets closer around me. Bastien’s gaze meets mine, his eyes searching, trying to read the secrets I held close.

“Good morning, Koukla,” he begins, his voice smooth, yet carrying an undercurrent of authority as he calls me that odd name. “I hope you slept well.”

I nod hesitantly. “As well as I could, considering.”

He took a seat at the edge of the bed, the distance between us feeling both vast and suffocating. “Anika, or whoever you claim to be, I need answers.”

Swallowing hard, I met his gaze. “I’ve already told you everything.”

He smiles, but it doesn’t reach his eyes and I’m sure he can hear the way my heart is pounding right now. Why did he have to look at me like that?

“I had my people look into your background,” he starts, his tone careful. “There’s no record of an Anika that fits your description. No ID, no birth records, nothing.”

Panic surges within me. They were closer to uncovering my secrets. I take a shaky breath. “That’s impossible. I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

He studies me for a moment, his gaze unwavering. “I want to help you. But for that, you need to be honest with me.”

I knew this moment would come, but facing it now, the weight of my secrets bore down on me. “I told you the truth,” I reply, though my voice quivered.

Alpha Bastien’s eyes bore into mine. “Did you?” After studying me for what felt like an eternity, he finally releases a deep sigh. “You’re hiding something, and it’s not just your name. But I can’t help you if you don’t trust me, little one.”

A bitter laugh escaped my lips. “Trust? In my world, trust can be a death sentence.”

“You’re in my world now, and while you’re here, I’ll ensure your safety,” he says and leans closer, the intensity of his gaze making my heart skip a beat. “But I need you to be truthful with me starting right now.”

I feel an overwhelming sense of desperation, my heart sitting in my throat because I know I am an awful liar. This man will find out who I am eventually, but how long can I put up the pretense? How much can I lie to stay alive?

“Please, just let me go,” I say, feeling the tears welling up in my eyes. “I’m more of a burden here than anything else.”

He leans back, looking at me intently, then he smirks and it sends my heart rate spiking. “I can’t do that, Koukla; I bought you, remember? As of last night, you’re my property.”

I might have misjudged this man. He was kind to me last night, but right now he’s anything but. I forgot he paid for me, and I thought he was only doing the right thing.

It made me forget that Bastien Ioannides is not only an Alpha but a Greek Kingpin. This city is his and I’m just an insignificant mouse in the presence of a literal wolf.

“Your property,” I scoff. “So I’m your prisoner? You bought me and now you own me?”

Alpha Bastien seems to consider my words for a moment, his expression softening slightly. 

“Yes, as a matter of fact, I do own you now. Three Million isn’t exactly pocket change,” he says, crossing his arms. “You’re here on my terms, little one. The moment I feel you’re a threat, that will change.”

I hate that he calls me ‘little one’ in that condescending tone, and I hate that he’s right. I am here on his terms whether I like it or not.

“You can stay in this part of the penthouse for now. You’re not my prisoner and I won’t lock you up, but I need you to promise me you won’t wander off,” he says, crossing one leg over the other. “I have guests, and I can’t guarantee their discretion.”

My vision became blurry as tears filled my eyes. “Why are you doing this?”

As he leans forward, his voice becomes low and carries a dark undertone. “Because I can, little one. This is my city, whatever I say goes and right now, you’re a mystery I need to solve,” he says with a grin. “And until I sort this out, you’ll stay here with me and if I end up finding out nothing about you…well, then I guess you can work for your freedom. All 3 million dollars’ worth of it.”

My throat tightens, words forming but not leaving my lips. What do I say to this anyway? This man won’t let me go either way. Working for my freedom? That will take years!

 “I understand,” I say, because what else can I say right now? This man literally owns me now.

“Good,” he says. “I had a few women go out to buy you some clothing and whatever you may need. They’re outside the door right now and will help you settle in.”

I nod, and with that, he stands up and walks towards the door. Before leaving, he pauses, looking back at me. 

“We’ll talk more later. For now, try to rest and remember, the truth always finds a way out and if I find out anything that may be a danger to my pack, I’ll kill you myself,” he says and his eyes flash crimson, scaring the heck out of me.

My father is an Alpha, but he does not exude the raw energy Bastien Ioannides does. Oh my god, I am going to die, aren’t I?

Left alone in the lavish suite, I sink back into the cushions, feeling a mix of gratitude and fear. What had I gotten myself into? And how long until my past catches up with me?

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