“Hallie.” He breaks the silence first. My heart sinks instantly. Is he going to talk about Sydney? Is he divorcing me for her? But I’m not ready yet. So I change the subject awkwardly, “What’s your schedule next week? Are we still going to that convention in Portland?” He doesn’t answer. This silence is killing me. My heart aches. A huge downfall is waiting ahead but I’m trying to drag it as long as possible. “Do you think I should wear that necklace to the convention?” I ask in a light tone, “Or is it a bit too high-profile to—” “Hallie,” he cuts me off, determinedly. I stop, nibbling my bottom lip. “Let’s get a divorce,” he says deeply.

“Hey pretty, ” Olaf grabs the curtain from the other end and grins. “Maybe you and I can have a little talk in the locker room after my practice? You know, since messing around is in your family blood?” Seriously? I glare at him, prepared to shoot back. But the door flies open the next second and a tall figure marches in. Before I get a good look at him, a huge jacket is thrown on top of me, covering my wet body and vision. Then I hear a voice growling to Olaf, “That’s your reason to skip training? To harass girls?”

My father lowers his voice mysteriously, “—she can even become a top at your club, earning you a lot more money than 20 million. It’s good investment.” The godfather chuckles lowly, “Selling your own daughter as a mistress to me?” What does this mean? Am I the godfather’s mistress now? Is he going to have me entertain customers today? “Eleanor, is it?” he asks. I murmur a yes in fear. “My name is Theodore Vans. You’ll call me godfather as everyone else.”

I immediately take this chance to cry for help, “Help! Please! Help me—” “Shut your mouth!!” Thomas snarls pulls my hair causing me to wince in pain. “Sir,” the guard's spoke, “If you refuse to stop harassing this lady, I’ll have to call the police.” “Who are you to talk to me like this! I’m your precious customer! Where’s your boss! I demand to see your boss!” “I’m the manager here,” the guard says coolly. “If you are talking about the owner of this nightclub, it’s Mr. Hill. Yet I’m afraid Mr. Hill is too busy to deal with these trifles.” Mr. Thomas gulps down. And when he speaks up again, the rage in his voice magically vanishes and is replaced by a hint of fear, “…M—Mr. Hill?”

“Alpha,” Lady Vania begins. “Don’t let this filthy little trash taint your—” He cuts her off sharply and points at me, “I’ve made my choice. I want her. As my Luna.” The crowd bursts into a storm of confusion and noise. I think my heart literally just stopped beating. ** “Hey, do you know our master’s name?” I hear one of the girls ask Valda. “He is Simon Holmes, Alpha of Silver Blade Pack. The strongest pack in the world,” Valda says in a dreamy tone. “But I heard that this pack is cursed. They say it’s Alpha is destined to be killed by his Luna.” My heart tightens. I can’t help but lean forward and jump in, “Why?” Valda gives me an eye roll. “It doesn’t concern you, trash. Shut your mouth and be quite.” I sit back to my seat. Yet my eyes keep drifting towards the car window. I can see a black Bentley and a side-profile behind the dark window shield. It’s him. My savior. Simon. I repeat his name in my heart. I hope he can remember his promise.

Oh my god! It’s the monster I’m most afraid of. Gamma Karl! Normally I’d start running for my life right away. But knowing my mate is also behind that curtain, I can’t give up. “Gamma Karl, s—sorry to bother you.” I stutter under my breath, “But my mate is with you behind the curtain. Can you let me meet him?” There’s another torturing silence. Then I hear Karl’s voice again. “There’s no one else back here. Just me,” he says.