Chapter 2
Zoey's POV
At 3 AM, I sat in the darkest bar in Manhattan, my sixth whiskey sitting in front of me.
The scene from the storage room kept replaying in my mind: Asher and Janet kissing frantically, their malicious laughter, and those heartbreaking words - "Once she becomes my legal wife, I can take all her assets."
"Miss, you've had quite a bit to drink," the bartender looked at me with concern. "Should I call you a cab?"
"No, one more." I wiped away the tears from my eyes.
Seven years... seven whole years I've been played like an idiot.
The alcohol made my head burn, but my thoughts were surprisingly clear. I remembered how Asher used to curl up in my arms at the orphanage, all those sweet words...
ALL FUCKING LIES!
I slammed my fist on the table, drawing stares from other drunks.
I need someone truly loyal... a wolf who's loyal only to me.
I pulled out my phone, fingers shaking as I searched "werewolf shelters." One result caught my attention:
"Suburban High-Risk Werewolf Containment Facility - 24-Hour Adoptions Available"
High-risk... perfect.
I didn't want some docile lapdog - I wanted a real beast. A savage that would only obey me.
At 4:30 AM, I arrived at the facility.
It was a gray building surrounded by three layers of wire fencing with high-voltage electric lines. Seeing my license plate, the security guard immediately opened the gates respectfully.
"Miss Anderson?" A thin administrator came out to greet me. "Coming so late - how can we help you?"
"I want to adopt a werewolf," I nearly stumbled, still feeling the alcohol. "The most dangerous kind."
The administrator frowned: "Miss, perhaps you should consider a gentle type..."
"I said the most dangerous one." I cut him off. "Take me to see them. NOW."
He hesitated for a moment, seeing the determination in my eyes, then finally nodded: "Follow me. But please keep your distance - we have one werewolf who just... killed his abusive former owner."
Walking down the corridor, both sides were lined with iron cages containing various werewolves. Some cowered in corners, others paced back and forth, and some lay sleeping on the ground.
"This is him." The administrator stopped at the last cage. "Eric, number A-47. Scheduled for execution tomorrow morning."
I looked up and was instantly stunned.
He was the most perfect male specimen I'd ever seen.
Eric was about six-foot-four, with powerful muscles gleaming bronze under the dim lighting. Messy black hair, a perfect face - deep green eyes, a sharp nose, and a chiseled jawline.
His hands were bound with silver handcuffs, but he still maintained an arrogant posture.
When our eyes met, I felt electricity coursing through my entire body.
"Why is he being held here?" I tried to stay calm.
"Three days ago he killed his former owner's entire family," the administrator lowered his voice, "That family abused him, tortured him with shock collars, and forced him to do... inappropriate things."
I looked at Eric - he stared straight at me, his green eyes showing not a trace of remorse.
This is exactly what I need. A wolf who won't be bullied by anyone.
"I want him." I didn't hesitate.
"Miss, are you sure? He's extremely dangerous..."
"One million, cash." I cut him off.
The administrator's eyes widened. "But..."
"Two million." I kept raising the stakes. "Process the paperwork immediately."
An hour later, I was signing documents in the office. Eric had his leg shackles removed, but the silver handcuffs remained locked on his wrists, with two armed guards watching him closely.
"According to the Werewolf-Human Coexistence Act," the administrator read the clauses, "Eric will become your exclusive companion, and you will have complete control over him..."
I looked up at Eric - he stood in the corner, muscles tense, like a wild beast ready to pounce. The black prison uniform clung to his perfect physique, making my heart race.
"What's your name?" he suddenly spoke, his voice deep and magnetic.
I was stunned - I hadn't expected him to speak first.
"Zoey Anderson. From today on, you belong to me."
Eric slowly walked toward me, making the guards immediately tense. But Eric only approached me and leaned down to whisper in my ear.
"Your eyes tell a story," he said softly, his warm breath caressing my ear, "A very painful story."
My whole body shuddered - I nearly jumped out of my chair.
"That's none of your business." I said coldly.
Eric straightened up, his lips curving into a dangerous smile: "From now on, your business is my business, master."
The way he said "master" was wild and seductive, making my face instantly flush.
"Contract is effective." The administrator handed me a silver key. "This unlocks the handcuffs, but I recommend..."
"I know what I'm doing." I took the key and walked toward Eric.
He looked down at me, his green eyes sparkling in the dim light.
"Hold out your hands." I commanded.
Eric obediently extended his hands, and I used the key to unlock the silver handcuffs.
"You're free." I said. "Now you're my wolf."
Eric flexed his wrists, then did something that shocked everyone - he knelt on one knee and gently kissed my right hand.
"My queen." He looked up at me, his gaze burning, "I will be your most loyal beast."
My heart was about to explode.
What the hell does this dangerous wolf want?
