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EVELYN'S POV

I closed the door behind me and locked it twice but, I didn't really trust the old locks. I kept an ear out for any suspicious movements but the feeling of being watched was gone.

I stared at the note and the letter. The letter said my parents didn’t die in an accident.

The words were burned into my brain already. It had been years since anyone had mentioned my parents’ death. Everyone had moved on, assuming it was an unfortunate accident. I had never truly believed it. Well, not entirely and now, someone else seemed to know the truth. But who?

The second letter was just as confusing. It was an employment offer from the Lycan King's mansion, requesting me to serve as one of the housekeepers. I remembered vaguely applying and knowing I wouldn't get the job because of my conviction. But, I was surprised. I didn't know who sent it but the letter had an official seal and, a formal signature. There were precise instructions about when and where to go when I arrived.

Everything felt so overwhelming. The letter seemed like a lifeline, it was s chance to rebuild my life. But what if it was a trap? What the Lycan King's mansion have to do with the note?

I shook my head, chasing the thoughts away. I needed something to distract myself from the note. I looked around the livingroom again.

It was still a wreck, I had only cleaned up my room. Dust was everwhere, along with cobwebs in every corner. I decided to clean some more. I was tired but cleaning helps me clear my mind. I managed to clean until my fingers hurt.

Yet, it wasn’t enough. The house needed more than just a bit of cleaning, it needed a full renovation. There was so much to do like getting fresh paint, buying new furniture, repairing for the holes in the roof, fixing the broken windows and doors. And I had no money.

At least it was livable in for now. I’d make do until I could afford to make it better. I’d work at the Lycan King's mansion, save what I could and slowly fix things up.

I sighed, wiping my forehead with the back of my hand. But now that I was done with the cleaning, I was left alone with my thoughts again.

I couldn't shake the feeling that someone had been watching me earlier. I had heard footsteps and there had been that strange feeling. What if they came back? What if they wanted more than just to scare me?

I needed to get out. “I need a drink,” I muttered to myself. I hadn’t had a drink in forever. I was finally free and a full adult. It was now or never.

And besides, I don't think I can sleep in this house feeling so scared. I grabbed my jacket and the keys. Doing my best to secure the house, I set out into town.

I found myself at a bar.

It was crowded and filled with people dancing, laughing and singing over the music. It wasn’t exactly the kind of place I had imagined but I needed a distraction. This was a good place.

I pushed my way through the people until I found a spot at the far end of the bar. I collapsed into a stool and leaned against the counter. “Something strong. I don’t care what.” I told the bartender.

The bartender gave me a curious look. He was a tall man with a thick beard. He was accessing me, trying to gauge my age and if I had any money. I was wearing an old stained tshirt and ripped jeans. My hair was oily and messy. I looked homeless.

I slammed a few notes on the counter and quirked my brows. The bartender nodded and began mixing a drink. I rubbed the back of my neck, feeling a shiver go down my spine. 

The bartender placed the drink in front of me and I took a long sip. It burned down my throat and I coughed slightly, earning another look from the bartender. Still, I took another sip and closed my eyes, enjoying the feeling. “This is good,” I said, taking another sip.

Maybe this would be strong enough to make me forget about my parents death. It was an accident, I reminded myself, I just need to prove my innocence. I didn't kill the people I was framed of killing.

“You killed them!” a voice snapped. I turned my head around to look for who said that. No one was looking at me..

I took another shaky sip. The voices in my head were back to torment me.

I set the glass down and looked around the room. I watched the dancers, their bodies moving in rhythm with the music. A group of women danced on a small stage. For a moment, I relaxed.

But then, I felt it, that sensation on the back of my neck. All the hairs on my neck stood. I was being watched. I turned my head slowly, scanning the crowd. And that’s when I saw him.

He was sitting in the VIP section, his eyes fixed on me. His gaze was like a magnetic pull, drawing me in. His ocean-blue eyes gleamed in the dim light and there was a smirk on his lips. 

I felt my cheeks blush but I didn’t look away. I found myself smiling back instesd. What is wrong with me? I thought but I couldn’t stop myself. My heart was racing in my chest and excitement danced in my stomach.

Get a hold of yourself, Evelyn, I thought. But my body betrayed me. I stood up and my legs moved on their own. Before I knew it, I was walking toward him. What am I doing?

But I couldn’t stop. I reached the VIP section and the bouncer eyed me. But the man nodded and I walked through, towards him.

He was even more handsome up close, his jaw was sharp and although his hair was tousled, it looked just right. For some reason, I lost all control. I draped my hand over his shoulder and sat down on his lap.

“What’s your name, stranger?” I asked, finding my voice. I needed a distraction. This man could become the first of my many distractions.

“Bold, aren’t we?” His voice was deep. He leaned closer, his was breath warm against my cheek. “I don’t mind a little boldness. But do you know what you’re getting yourself into, sweet wolf?”

My heart raced. He knew I was a wolf. And he called me sweet wolf. No one had called me that. I swallowed, trying to keep calm. “Do I need to know?” I whispered. I decided to be daring. I brushed my lips against his ear.

He chuckled. “Perhaps. I’m not easy to handle, and I don’t stop when I’ve started.”

I bit my lower lip. “I think I can handle you,” I murmured. I wasn’t sure if it was the alcohol or the adrenaline that was running through my veins, but I was feeling bold and reckless. My wolf stirred inside me, a low growl of approval.

He smiled. “Is that so?” he asked, his hand sliding to the small of my back. He pulled me closer. “I like you already.”

I laughed. “I’m very likable,” I replied, my eyes locked with his. I surprised myself and him by straddling him. My knees on either side of his hips. I pressed my body against his.

His eyes darkened and his hands gripped my waist protectively. “Do you want to play, sweet wolf?”

I leaned in, my lips barely touching his. “I wouldn’t have come this far if I didn’t,” I whispered.

And before I could second-guess, I closed the distance between us, capturing his lips in mine.