HAILEY

The first thing I noticed when I opened my eyes was the overwhelming scent of cedar and pine, a familiar scent I could never forget. My head throbbed painfully, and my vision was still blurry, but I knew exactly where I was. Alpha Grant’s mansion. I struggled to sit up, my wrists aching from the tight restraints I hadn’t realized were binding me to the bedposts.

My heart sank as the memories came rushing back: the net, the black wolves, the authoritative voice. I scanned the lavish room, adorned with heavy drapes and dark wooden furniture, every corner echoing the wealth and power of the man who ruled the Wolf Shade Pack. I had never imagined that one day, I would end up back here, especially not like this, not as a prisoner.

“Good, you're awake.” The deep, commanding voice cut through the silence, jolting me from my thoughts. I looked up to see Alpha Grant standing in the doorway, his broad figure dominating the space. His piercing gaze bore into me, and I felt my stomach churn with unease.

This was the man who was the source of my pain. The man Argon had accused me of sleeping with, the lie that had torn my life apart. But what was I doing in his house? Was this another one of Argon’s cruel games to turn the rumors into truth?

“Good morning, Alpha,” I greeted, bowing my head slightly. No matter how much I despised his son, I couldn’t afford to show disrespect. Grant was a man of power, one whose word could spell life or death in an instant.

“You look well-rested,” he said, a faint smirk playing on his lips. “I’ll have someone bring you something to freshen up. We’ll talk over breakfast.”

I nodded silently, watching as he left the room. Moments later, a maid appeared with fresh clothes and led me to a washroom. I cleaned up quickly, my mind still reeling with questions. Why was I here? What did Alpha Grant want from me now? I didn’t have long to ponder before being escorted to the grand dining hall where Grant waited.

Breakfast was laid out on a long oak table, a feast fit for royalty. I sat across from him, barely able to stomach the sight of food. Grant, however, seemed completely at ease, enjoying his meal as if nothing was amiss.

“How’s Argon?” he asked casually, his eyes watching me with a predatory interest. I paused, the question catching me off guard.

“We’re… not on good terms,” I said, choosing my words carefully. “He believes the lies, and I have no reason to defend myself anymore.”

Grant chuckled softly, clearly amused. “Lies about you sleeping with me?”

“Yes,” I replied fiddling with my fork. If he knew already, why did he seemed so comfortable around me?

“So, he threw you out like yesterday’s trash? I can’t say I’m surprised. Argon’s always been… impulsive.”

I clenched my jaw, biting back the urge to argue. He knew exactly what his son had done to me, yet here he was, pretending to be concerned.

“You’ve made quite a mess of things, Hailey. Causing a scene in a public bar? That’s not the kind of behavior I expect from a Luna, even an ex-Luna.”

“I'm sorry!” I apologized biting my lower lip in regret.

“It's okay! You’ve got nowhere else to go, do you?” he continued, his tone suddenly more serious. “You can stay here, with me.”

My heart skipped a beat as I flung my head straight to look at him. Staying with Alpha Grant was dangerous and it would make people believe the rumors that I really had something to do with him, but what other choice did I have? A twisted part of me that considered the power I could gain from being under his roof. A way to get closer to my revenge on Argon. But the thought of being near this manipulative, cold-hearted Alpha made my skin crawl.

“Take your time to think about it,” he said, wiping his mouth with a napkin. “When you’re ready to talk, you know where to find me.”

I watched as he left the dining room, his presence lingering like a dark shadow. I was alone with my thoughts once again, and a dangerous idea started to form. What if I played along? What if I used this opportunity to turn the tables on both father and son?

But as tempting as the thought was, I knew Alpha Grant wasn’t easily swayed by charm or seduction. He was calculating, always one step ahead. If I was going to survive here, I would need to be smart, I mean smarter than him, smarter than Argon. With a determined sigh, I pushed my plate away and made my way back to the room Grant had given me.

I sat on the edge of the bed, staring at my reflection in the ornate mirror. Alpha Grant’s offer lingered in my mind, filling me with a mix of dread and dark excitement. The idea of staying here, under the same roof as the man who had played a part in my misery, felt both foolish and irresistible. But the more I thought about it, the clearer my plan became.

Revenge wasn’t just about punishing Argon, it was about reclaiming my power, showing them both that I was not the weak Luna they had tried to break. I needed power, and if I had to use my body to get it, then so be it.

I slipped into the nightgown the maid had left for me, a deep blue silk that clung to my curves in all the right places. It was soft against my skin, barely reaching my thighs, and the neckline plunged low, exposing just enough to catch anyone’s attention. I looked at myself one last time, my eyes hardening with resolve. This was a dangerous game, but it was one I was determined to win.

I made my way down the long, dark corridor, the faint sound of my footsteps echoing in the quiet mansion. At the end of the hall was Alpha Grant’s room, the door slightly ajar. I paused, taking a deep breath to steady my nerves, then pushed it open, slipping inside without knocking.

Grant was sitting in a chair near the window, his back to me as he stared out into the night. He didn’t turn around when I entered, but I knew he was aware of my presence.

“I’ve made my decision,” I whispered, my voice deliberately soft and seductive. I let the door close behind me with a quiet click, moving closer to where he sat. My movements were slow and deliberate, each step calculated to draw his attention.

He finally turned his head, his golden eyes locking onto mine. There was no surprise on his face, just a cool, measured interest as he watched me approach. I let my hands trail along the armrest of his chair, leaning down slightly so he could catch the scent of my perfume.

“And what decision is that, Hailey?” he asked, his voice calm but laced with a dangerous edge.

I didn’t answer immediately. Instead, I slid onto the bed beside him, crossing my legs and letting the nightgown ride up just a little higher. I tilted my head, giving him a coy smile. “I’ve decided to stay. With you.”

He didn’t flinch, but his gaze darkened, studying me with a mix of curiosity and something I hoped was desire. “Is that so?” he murmured, his tone dripping with skepticism.

“Yes,” I said, my voice breathy as I leaned in closer, close enough that I could feel the heat radiating from his body. “But I need more than just a place to stay, Alpha. I need… protection.” My fingers grazed his shoulder, tracing the hard lines of his muscles through the fabric of his shirt.

He watched me carefully, his expression unreadable. “Protection from what? Or should I say, from whom?”

“From Argon,” I whispered, letting my lips hover near his ear. “He’s ruthless, impulsive. You know that better than anyone. I need someone strong, someone in control.” My hand trailed down his chest, feeling the tension beneath his calm facade. “Someone like you.”

Grant remained silent, but his breathing deepened, the only sign that my words were getting to him. I slid off the bed and stepped closer, positioning myself between his knees. I leaned down, letting my hair brush against his face, my breath warm against his skin.

“Grant,” I murmured, using his name for the first time. It was intimate, deliberate, a test to see how far I could push him. “I’m tired of being treated like I’m worthless. I want to feel… desired. Wanted.” I let my fingers slide beneath the collar of his shirt, brushing against his skin. “I want you.”