Chapter 4
Erin's POV
I awoke in unfamiliar warmth, my heart racing. A strong arm wrapped firmly around my waist, holding me captive in his embrace. I blinked, memories flooding back—the bar, the alley, the man in the suit who called himself Jeffrey, and everything that followed...passion, desire, countless moments of ecstasy.
God, I really slept with a strange werewolf. Not just once...but all night long.
I carefully turned my head to look at his sleeping face. Morning light filtered through the gap in the curtains, highlighting his perfect features—thick black hair tousled across his forehead, that chiseled jawline now sporting a light stubble, long dense eyelashes casting shadows on his cheeks. Even in sleep, he radiated an undeniable power that commanded attention.
I couldn't help but inhale deeply, his scent filling my senses—strong, with notes of musk and pine. The scent made my instincts want to submit, but I quickly suppressed the urge.
This was just a one-night stand, Erin. Don't get carried away. He wouldn't take someone like you—an omega—seriously.
With extreme caution, I began extracting myself from his arms. His embrace was heavy and warm, forcing me to move inch by inch, terrified of waking him. When I finally broke free, soreness radiated from various parts of my body—inner thighs, waist, even my neck and breasts all bore evidence of last night's passion. Damn!
I stood naked beside the bed, quietly collecting my scattered clothing. Where are my underwear? I tiptoed around, finally locating them at the foot of the bed. As I dressed, my gaze kept returning to the man on the bed—the sheets only covered him to the waist, revealing his broad chest and perfect abs. That instinctual possessiveness began stirring inside me again.
Don't be stupid, Erin. He's clearly from an elite pack, and you? Just a pathetic loser who lost her job and can't even pay rent.
I buttoned my blouse all the way up, trying to hide the hickeys on my neck. My phone slipped from my purse, the screen lighting up. Three missed calls and one email.
Unknown Number. Yesterday 6:34 PM
Unknown Number. Yesterday 8:12 PM
Sofia. Today 7:23 AM
And an email from my company with the subject line "Termination Notice."
Shit!
I took one last look at the still-sleeping man, a complex mix of emotions washing over me. He was the sexiest, most dominant, most satisfying man I'd ever met. But my life was already a mess, and the last thing I needed was a complicated relationship.
Without leaving a note, I slipped quietly out of the room.
Chicago's morning remained bone-chilling, the biting wind clearing the last traces of sleep from my mind. I bought the cheapest black coffee from a corner café and huddled in a corner to check my phone. The termination email was straightforward and merciless—immediate dismissal for "not aligning with company culture."
Not aligning with company culture? I scoffed, anger bubbling in my chest. More like refusing to get on my knees under Thomas Green's desk.
I opened my email and my fingers flew across the keyboard, sending a scathing message to HR and the legal department detailing Thomas Green's harassment.
"That bastard Thomas!" I muttered through gritted teeth while typing. "He's going to PAY for this!"
After sending the email, a strange calm settled over me. At least I'd done the right thing, even if it meant I might never work in this industry again.
As I scrolled through other messages, a familiar number appeared, making my heart sink.
Sofia Grey. My adoptive mother.
I had been adopted by Sofia and her Alpha mate Charles from the Red Leaf pack. Red Leaf was once a small werewolf pack north of Seattle, always at the bottom of werewolf society's hierarchy. A few years ago, Charles died in a territorial dispute with another pack, and without an Alpha leader, Red Leaf was quickly absorbed by the more powerful Black Stone Tribe, becoming part of their territory.
My relationship with my adoptive parents was never good. Since leaving Seattle for college, my contact with Sofia had become extremely rare—usually only when she needed something or wanted to brag about her new life.
So when I saw her caller ID, my stomach knotted involuntarily.
Taking a deep breath, I answered. "Hello?"
"Erin! FINALLY!" Sofia's voice was as shrill as ever. "I've been calling since yesterday! What have you been DOING?"
"Sorry, I was busy," I answered vaguely, instinctively shrinking into myself.
"Listen, I don't have time for nonsense," her tone cold and urgent. "I'm getting mated! The ceremony is in three days, and I need you back in Seattle for it."
My brain froze for a few seconds. Sofia had been looking for another "meal ticket" since Richard died. Apparently, she'd finally succeeded.
"Mated? Well...congratulations, Mom. He must be special." I tried to sound sincere.
"Special? That's putting it MILDLY!" she announced proudly, her voice dripping with smugness. "Victor Ravenclaw isn't just special, he's one of the most powerful Alphas in Seattle! The Black Stone pack has ruled there for generations! They have the largest territory and control real estate, media, finance...practically the most powerful pack in the entire Northwest! Our Red Leaf pack has now been fully accepted by Black Stone, and I'll become one of them!"
I could almost picture her smug smile. Typical Sofia—always valuing material things and status.
"I'm...not sure I can make it," I said carefully. "I just ran into some work trouble..."
"What trouble?" she interrupted impatiently. "Whatever it is, you MUST come back! Victor wants to meet all my family members, especially everyone from Red Leaf. This is IMPORTANT to me, Erin!"
I took a deep breath, squeezing my coffee cup. "Mom, I lost my job today. I need to find new work, and my rent in Chicago is due. I'm struggling right now, could I..."
"Let me guess," she sneered, "you want to borrow money?"
"Just temporarily," I pleaded. "I'll pay you back as soon as I find a job."
"Fine," she finally said, her tone mixing reluctance with warning. "I can lend you some money, but with conditions."
I immediately grew wary. Sofia never gave anything without conditions. "What conditions?"
"First, you MUST come to Seattle for my mating ceremony; second, you will NOT cause any trouble or embarrassment at the ceremony; and third, most importantly—" her voice suddenly sharpened, "you will stay FAR AWAY from Victor, understand? Don't get near him with that damn scent of yours, don't smile at him, don't try to talk to him alone. I know your tricks, Erin. I won't let you seduce MY Alpha like you tried with Richard!"