Prologue
Swallowing hard, I stare into those burning depths that seem to pierce right through me—down to the bones, into the furthest corners of my soul.
Damn... he's actually really handsome. In that masculine, dangerous kind of way. Jet-black hair in a stylish cut, a neat, well-groomed beard, strong eyebrows, a straight nose, and thin lips now pressed into a furious, tight line.
I wonder what color his eyes are when the beast inside him isn't in control?
Hello?! Alina! You're about to be fined for every last penny you’ve got—if you’re lucky—and you’re wondering about his eye color?!
Angry. That’s what color they are. Furious and pissed off—that’s what they are!
Lying won’t help. Neither will making excuses or trying to talk my way out of this. I messed up. Big time. On my very first day!
And let’s be honest—this is probably not just my first day, but my last… and hopefully just my last work day, not my last day ever.
He’s an Alpha, after all. A figure of power and law. He’s not actually going to kill me... right?
But the way he’s looking at me, I’m starting to think otherwise. I can’t forget he’s a beast. One of the most dangerous of his kind. You never know what to expect from them—and they never face the consequences.
He could tear me apart, bury the pieces in his massive territory, and good luck to anyone trying to find me.
Even Lakisha said he doesn’t tolerate mistakes and punishes harshly.
I try to shift, just to get into a more comfortable position to receive whatever verbal, moral, or most likely financial punishment is coming… but the second I move under him, I hear a low, guttural growl and see a flash of sharp teeth.
Oh God. He’s pinning me down even harder now.
My heart’s about to explode from fear—and, let’s be honest, the compromising position I’m in.
That’s it! I’m dead. He’s going to kill me, right here, right now.
I wonder if I’ll get a grave?
Wow, what a thought…
I squeeze my eyes shut and sigh heavily. Bad idea.
My lungs fill with a scent—his scent—that sends chills all over my body.
He smells just like his bed... only stronger, deeper, intoxicatingly better.
I inhale once.
Twice.
And my eyes fly open in shock as I feel him leaning down, nuzzling my neck, breathing heavily, his nose tracing over my skin with a low rumble in his chest.
Welp. That’s it. He’s going for the neck. Just like every predator documentary ever.
This is where my life ends. Fitting that the bedsheets are black—easier to hide the blood...
******
A Tempting Offer
"Alina, you know Maxim got a decent position working with the ruling pack, right?"
Jasmina started gently, after our short chat. "He’s part of the Alpha’s personal guard now, and he’s got connections—human and wolf.
Anyway, there’s a housekeeping job opening. Temporary. I don’t know all the details, but I’ve got a number you can call. I really think you should try. Why not? The pack pays really well, and you could really use the money."
Yeah… money. I could always use more of that lately.