Chapter 2 - Mira

I look at the man in front of me, still imposing even as he’s seated, and I wonder if I’ll make it out alive. Mikhail hated this man, the Alpha known as Nikolaos Ioannides, a Greek mafia boss who owns half of the city Mikhail deemed as his. 

What will happen once he finds out who I truly am? Will he use me as bait to kill Mikhail? Not that Mikhail will care about my life, just what my bloodline could mean to an Alpha like him. Well, that and -

“I’m waiting,” he says, his voice low as he continues to stare at me. “Who are you and why were you being chased by Bratva footsoldier wolves?”

Oh, no… How could he possibly have known that?!

“I’m… my name is Mi...a,” I can't tell him my real name, so I'll go by Mia while here. “But I… don’t remember anything other than that,” I lie, suddenly remembering the doctor mentioning I took a knock to the head. That can cause temporary amnesia, right?

“Hmm,” he says, holding two fingers against his lips. “So, you don’t remember why those fuckers were chasing you, Mia?”

“I escaped,” I blurt out and pinch my thigh under the blanket - damn it!

His eyes widen. “Escaped? They were keeping you against your will?” 

I nod. “I think so; why else would I have run away from them as if the devil was after me?” I say and bunch the blanket in my fists while averting my eyes. “I had a gun, but I have no idea where I got it from.”

“Hmm,” he says again. I peer up to look at him and he nods as if he’s come to a conclusion. “Well, Mia, my name is Nikolaos and I’m the Alpha of this pack - SilverCrest. I am sure you know my help doesn’t come for free.”

Fear pierces my heart when he says this. I knew his help wouldn’t come free, this is just how Alphas are. I’m the illegitimate daughter of an Alpha and his mistress, he offered me a place to sleep if he can use me to sweeten deals with other packs. My life has been all about not getting anything for free and being used, so why should this be any different?

“I understand, Alpha Nikolaos. What is it you need me to do?”

It’s probably sex work, as per usual. I’ve heard of this Alpha’s twin brother who holds an auction where anything can be sold for a high price. He rules Sin City and has the same reputation as this Alpha. Will he sell me to this auction too?

“Judging from the weapon I found on you, I know you’re running from very dangerous people. I sold those guns to that Alpha before things went south between us. Your escape must mean a lot to them if they had to run after you while encroaching on my territory, am I right?”

He’s hit the nail right on the head, but I’m not about to tell him that. 

“Anyway, I can assure your safety, freedom and help you get out of the country. I’ll even help change your appearance and give you a new identity along with three million to start your life anew,” he says, grinning when he sees the dumbfounded look on my face.

He would help me with all this? A new life, new identity, and money too? This must surely be a dream…for all that, what this Alpha wants must come at a high price. I’m too scared to know what he wants me to do.

I breathe out a sigh. “That would all be heaven, but why would you do that? What is it you require of me?”

“The doctor has informed me that you’re a healthy young woman, and for what I have planned, I need a healthy young woman,” he says cryptically before leaning forward and bracing his elbows on his knees. “I require your womb, Mia. More specifically, I need you to be the surrogate for my heir.”

I stare at him, blinking and uncertain of what I just heard. I have heard of some Alphas doing this, my own father did it and married the woman he got pregnant in the end, but me? Why would he choose me?

“You want to breed me?”

He cringes at the term, but then he slowly nods. “Yes, but I would only require one child of you, even if it turns out to be female. I need an Alpha heir, but in my position, I don’t have time to go out looking for a mate nor do I want a Luna.”

Mate; the one thing every wolf wants, but no one seems to have. The Mate Bond is so obscure that many wolves have decided not to chase after it anymore; we’ve given up on being blessed by the Moon Goddess. Most of us even doubt she cares about us anymore and has forgotten about us.

My breath hitches in my throat at the prospect of being pregnant. Would I even still be fertile after all the abuse I’ve suffered? What tests did the doctor run that she concluded I was fit to bear an Alpha’s pup?

“Why me? How do you know I’m fit to bear your pup or that my genes are good enough?” I ask incredulously, pulling my legs towards my chest as if it would protect me.

“I trust my pack doctor; she’s been with me for years,” he says nonchalantly, as if I simply asked him about the weather. “As for me choosing you; you have something I need and I can provide an escape from the people looking for you. It’s a win-win situation.”

This makes sense and I hate it so damn much. I saved up money for years to get away from my father before he sold me to Mikhail. It’s the reason I escaped when I did, but they caught me sneaking out and chased after me.

My mind wants to say yes, but my heart… Could I give up my child for my freedom?

He gets to his feet and places his hands in the pockets of his slacks. “I’ll give you a day to think it over. Have your decision ready by tomorrow; stay here or be released into the city,” he says, before walking out and leaving me shell-shocked by that threat.