2. A Tempting Offer

During the week, I’m a history teacher at the local school—where Tanya goes, too.

I stir the pot of borscht that should feed us for a few days, then shut off the stove and head for bed.

After groceries and cooking, I’m dead tired.

Luckily, Tanya handles most of the cleaning, and she’s good at it. She’s also a decent cook, but there weren’t many ingredients left, so dinner was on me today.

Tomorrow I’ll finally sleep in. Then grade final tests in the afternoon. Then back to cleaning offices in the evening.

Yay.

After a quick shower, I peek into Tanya’s room. She’s already in bed, reading.

Such a good kid. No teenage drama, great grades, even tutors younger students who need help.

I wish her goodnight and hug her tight before going to collapse into bed myself.

Just as I start to drift off, listening to the wind howling outside, my phone rings.

Cursing quietly, I check the screen—unknown number.

Who the hell is calling me at ten at night?

“Good evening. Is this Alina Olegovna Velichko?” a pleasant female voice asks.

“Yes,” I answer flatly.

“Sorry to disturb you so late. My name is Lakisha, and I manage staff for Alpha Wayland’s estate. We urgently need a housekeeper, and one of our employees, Maxim, highly recommended you.”

Wow. That was fast.

“Would you be available tomorrow at 8 a.m. to come in and discuss the details?”

You’ve got to be kidding me…

“Yes, of course,” I reply, groaning internally.

“Perfect. I’ll send the address now. See you tomorrow,” she says and hangs up.

I just keep staring at the ceiling.

Guess I won’t be sleeping in tomorrow either.

The address pops up on my phone. I enter it into the GPS and groan—it’s way out in the middle of nowhere.

Great. I’ll have to wake up before dawn.

With a pitiful whimper, I flop back onto my pillow and finally fall asleep.

Feels like I only blinked when the alarm goes off.

Groaning, I lay there for one more precious minute before dragging myself out of bed.

It’s still pitch black outside, and the cold from the windows is biting.

Please, old Opel, don’t fail me now.

I pull on my warm tracksuit, throw on a little mascara, and tie my fiery red hair into a high ponytail.

Even though I’m saving money, I still treat myself to keratin treatments. No more frizz—just smooth, silky waves past my shoulder blades.

I peek into Tanya’s room—she’s still asleep. I smile enviously and slip out.

The drive takes about forty minutes. I stop for strong coffee at a gas station, because falling asleep at the wheel is not on today’s agenda.

By the time I reach the elite neighborhood, it’s light out. The area is gated, with cameras and guards, but they were clearly expecting me.

They let me in and gave directions.

Ten more minutes of driving through streets so pretty I forgot to close my mouth.

Perfect lawns. Beautiful houses. Everything looked like it came out of a magazine.

And then I pulled up to his place.

No. Not a house.

A freaking mansion.

Three stories. Huge fence that seems to go on forever. There might even be forest and river inside the territory—it’s hard to tell. You can’t see the end.

I approach the guard at the inner gate and introduce myself. He lets me through.

I leave my car outside—no way that beat-up thing is ruining the perfect view inside.

The ornate wrought-iron gate with a wolf’s head opens. And… wow. The grounds are breathtaking.

Even in December, everything is spotless. Not a leaf out of place.

There’s a fountain, manicured flowerbeds, designer benches...

The wide stone steps to the entrance are clean, elegant.

Standing at the top is a blonde woman with a chic bob haircut, around my age, but she’s got style.

Gray suit, fashionable boots, expensive-looking coat, and a calm, no-nonsense look with flawless makeup.

Despite the power in her posture, I can tell—she’s human.

I’ve learned to spot the difference.

“Hello, I’m Lakisha,” she says with a surprisingly warm smile, offering her hand.

“Hi, I’m Alina,” I reply, shaking her hand.

“Nice to meet you. Let’s skip the formalities. Come inside—we’ll talk there.”