Chapter 2

The heaviness in my chest jolted me awake. Without a word, I fled, leaving Michael confused.

"Hey! Where are you going?" he called, reaching out, but I shook him off.

"Sorry! Urgent matter! I have to go!" I stammered, hailing a cab.

At the hospital, a relieved nurse awaited me. "You finally made it! Your mother's treatment is suspended. We need payment to continue."

I froze, an icy chill spread through me. James's cruelty was the root of this. Years ago, my mother had shielded him from a rogue pack's silver blade, leaving her heart wounded. Though she survived, her wolf fell into a deep slumber, her health deteriorating. James's financial aid had been our lifeline, but he had heartlessly cut it off.

"How much?" I asked, my voice was strained.

"One hundred thousand dollars per month," the nurse replied. "Without it, we can't guarantee her care."

My head spun. The figure was utterly high. I sank onto the hospital corridor floor, planning to beg friends for help, work extra jobs; I'd find a way.

The next day, James's voice woke me. I had fallen asleep in the corridor.

"Emily."

He approached, impeccably dressed with knowing look on his face.

"I can pay your mother's bills," he said. "But I have a condition."

"What condition?" I asked, my voice trembling.

"Let's talk outside," he said.

We walked outside. He leaned against a tree, his handsome face, still carrying youthful traces, capable of making my heart flutter.

"Tell me," I urged.

He leaned closer, his breath brushing my ear. "Become my mistress, after I bond with another."

His words were a knife twisting in my heart. My stomach clenched and tears warred within me. How could he be so cruel?

"You cannot let him do this," my inner wolf snarled.

"I know," I replied, glaring at James. "I won't agree."

He sneered. "Then you don't care about your mother's life?"

"Silver has burned her heart. Only advanced medical techniques can keep her alive," he continued coldly. "You can't afford it, Emily. You might as well give in."

"Emily, I know you're angry," he said softly, stepping closer. "Once I become Alpha, I can give you a better life." He smiled slyly. "Bonding with another won't affect us."

He caressed my hand, and my body instinctively reacted. Damn this mate bond.

"I'm done with you," I snapped, my eyes blazing. "I don't need you, James."

"Emily, I'm about to become Alpha," he said, waiting for me to relent. "Being my mistress is your best choice. Your mother's life is at stake."

He turned to leave, adding, "You'll come around. Your mother can't wait."

"I don't need it!" I screamed after him, collapsing, tears streaming down my face.

Was there no escape? Would I watch my mother suffer?

A hollow ache spread through my chest as if my heart had been ripped out. It overwhelmed me. My hand brushed against something hard—Michael's business card.

Michael. Could he help? I dismissed the hope, but I had no other choice.

I gritted my teeth and stood.

At home, I hesitated before putting on my most revealing dress. If it meant saving my mother, I'd do anything.

I arrived at Michael's office building, my heart pounding.

Was I really doing this?

I handed his card to the receptionist.

She eyed me skeptically but made the call.

I stood outside Michael's office, taking a deep breath before knocking.

"Come in."

Michael looked up, he looked surprised. He should me. I was surprised too.

"It's you? What are you here for?" he asked calmly.

His lavish office made me dizzy. My wolf stirred, whispering, He might be your true mate.

"Enough," I thought. You've been hurt before.

"I... I need your help," I stammered. "My mother is sick. I need money."

Michael raised an eyebrow, watching me.

"Can you help me?" I asked, unzipping my coat, revealing the revealing dress. "I'll do anything."

His gaze burned through me. He stepped closer, examining me, then picked up my dress, covering me.

I froze, stunned.

"You think I'd be distracted by your body?" he smirked. "Your figure isn't even among the top in the North American werewolf community."

My face burned.

"I..." I stammered.

"The hardship is temporary," he said softly. "You're young. Don't fall into the abyss."

He made a call, and his secretary escorted me out.

"Emily, raise the money. Don't waste time here."

Head down, I left his office, feeling shameful and lost.