CHAPTER 2: THE OFFER

Eve didn't sleep.

She lay in bed staring at the water-stained ceiling of her apartment, watching shadows shift as cars passed on the street below. Every time she closed her eyes, she felt those watching gazes from the VIP section...intense, predatory, claiming her before she'd even signed anything.

At 3 AM, she gave up and made coffee she didn't need. Her hands shook as she poured it, exhaustion and anxiety creating a toxic cocktail in her bloodstream.

"Two million dollars."

The number felt surreal. Impossible. Like something from a dream that would evaporate in daylight.

She pulled out her laptop and did what she should have done in Rick's office...researched the Blackwood brothers.

The results were... extensive.

Damian, Damon, and Silas Blackwood. Triplets, though not identical. Ages listed as twenty-nine, which meant they were six years older than her. They controlled the Northern Territory—a massive expanse of land that included three major cities and countless smaller towns. Their pack was one of the largest and most powerful in North America.

The business articles painted them as ruthless entrepreneurs. Blackwood Industries had holdings in real estate, technology, private security, and entertainment. They were billionaires several times over, though exact numbers were hard to pin down.

But it was the other articles...the ones in supernatural gossip blogs and whispered forum posts that made Eve's stomach clench.

"The Blackwood triplets don't date. They share."

"Girl from my pack spent one night with them. Came back covered in marks and wouldn't talk about it for weeks."

"They have a reputation for being... intense. And they always hunt together."

"My friend's sister was involved with them for a month. She quit her job and moved across the country after. Won't even say their names."

Eve closed the laptop with shaking hands.

What had she agreed to?

Her phone buzzed...a text from an unknown number. Her heart jumped into her throat as she opened it.

Unknown: Memorial General Hospital. Your mother's account has been credited with $100,000. Down payment on services rendered. The contract will be sent to you this afternoon for review. We look forward to working with you, Miss Chen. - D. Blackwood

Eve stared at the message, her coffee forgotten.

One hundred thousand dollars. They'd already paid her.

Before she'd signed anything. Before she'd even met them.

Her hands trembled as she opened her banking app. Sure enough, her account showed a deposit of $100,000, posted at 2:47 AM.

They'd paid her in the middle of the night.

She should feel relieved. Grateful. Her mother could start treatment immediately now.

Instead, she felt trapped.

They'd bought her before she'd even agreed. Like they'd known she couldn't say no. Like her acceptance was a foregone conclusion.

Eve grabbed her phone and called the hospital before she could second-guess herself.

"Memorial General, how may I direct your call?"

"Patient accounts, please."

Two transfers later, she was speaking with a tired-sounding administrator who confirmed that yes, Margaret Chen's account had been credited with $100,000, and yes, they could begin the experimental treatment protocol as soon as next week.

"It's a miracle," the woman said. "Dr. Williams has been trying to get approval for months. Your mother is very lucky to have you."

Lucky. Right.

Eve ended the call and immediately dialed another number.

"This better be important," Maya's sleepy voice answered. "It's not even four in the morning."

"They paid me," Eve said without preamble. "One hundred thousand dollars. Before I signed anything."

Silence. Then: "What?"

"The Blackwoods. They deposited money into my account. For my mom's treatment."

"Eve..." Maya's voice changed, becoming more alert and worried. "That's not normal. That's.."

"I know."

"That's a power move. They're backing you into a corner where you can't say no."

"I know," Eve repeated. "But Maya, my mom can start treatment next week. Next week. Do you understand what that means?"

"I understand that you're being manipulated by three dangerous men who clearly have more money than morals."

Eve laughed, the sound bitter. "Yeah, well, morals don't cure rare blood diseases."

Maya sighed heavily. "When do you meet them?"

"I don't know. They said they'd send the contract this afternoon."

"Don't sign it without reading every word. Actually, don't sign it without having a lawyer read every word."

"With what money?" Eve asked. "The money I don't have? The money I'm doing this to get?"

"Eve..."

"I have to go," Eve interrupted. "I need to shower and get to the hospital. I want to tell Mom the good news."

She ended the call before Maya could argue further.

********

The hospital was quiet this early, just the overnight staff making rounds. Eve knew the route to her mother's room by heart...third floor, east wing, room 3847.

Her mother was asleep when Eve entered, looking small and fragile in the hospital bed. At fifty-two, Margaret Chen should have been vibrant and healthy. Instead, the disease had aged her a decade, stealing color from her skin and weight from her frame.

Eve settled into the uncomfortable visitor's chair and took her mother's hand. The skin was papery thin, bruises blooming where IVs had been placed and removed countless times.

"Hey, Mom," she whispered, though her mother didn't stir. "I have good news. Really good news. They're going to start your treatment next week. The experimental one Dr. Williams has been fighting for. You're going to get better."

Her mother's fingers twitched in her sleep, and Eve squeezed gently.

"I got a new contract. Really good money. Exclusive performances for some high-end clients. Six months." The lies came easily now. She'd been lying about her job for eight months, letting her mother believe she worked corporate events and private parties for wealthy businessmen. "It's going to cover everything...the treatment, the hospital stay, all of it. You don't have to worry anymore."

Margaret's eyes fluttered open, hazy with medication. "Eve? Sweetheart, it's so early."

"I know. I just..." Eve swallowed the lump in her throat. "I wanted to tell you. You're going to get better, Mom. I promise."

Her mother's thin hand lifted to cup Eve's cheek. "You look tired. You're working too hard."

"I'm fine."

"You're lying." Margaret's smile was weak but knowing. "You've been lying to me about something for months. I'm dying, not stupid."

"You're not dying," Eve said fiercely. "Not anymore. The treatment..."

"Costs more money than we have," her mother interrupted gently. "I've seen the bills, Eve. I know what you've been doing."

Eve froze. "What?"

"I don't know the details, and maybe I don't want to." Margaret's eyes were sad but accepting. "But I know my daughter. I know you'd do anything for me. And I know that kind of money doesn't come from working regular parties."

Shame heated Eve's face. "Mom..."

"Stop." Margaret's grip tightened with surprising strength. "I'm not judging you, baby. I'm worried about you. Whatever you're doing to get this money... is it safe?"

Eve thought about the Blackwood brothers. The stories. The six-month contract she hadn't read yet.

"It's fine," she lied. "It's all perfectly safe."

Her mother studied her face for a long moment, and Eve forced herself not to look away. Finally, Margaret sighed.

"You're lying again. But I'm too tired to fight you on it." She pulled Eve's hand to her chest. "Just promise me something."

"Anything."

"Promise me you won't lose yourself. Whatever you're doing, whoever you're doing it for....including me...don't lose the person you are. Nothing is worth that. Not even my life."

Tears burned Eve's eyes. "Mom..."

"Promise me, Eve."

"I promise," Eve whispered, though she wasn't sure it was a promise she could keep.

Her mother fell back asleep within minutes, her breathing evening out. Eve stayed another hour, just holding her hand, memorizing the feeling of her mother's pulse beneath her fingers.

Nothing is worth that. Not even my life.

But it was worth it. It had to be.

Because the alternative...watching her mother die when Eve could have saved her...would destroy her more completely than anything the Blackwood brothers could do.