Chapter 2
Zoey's POV
3 AM. Smoke filled the dimly lit Manhattan dive bar, making everyone's faces look blurred and ghostly. I sat in the corner booth with my sixth whiskey in front of me.
Damn it, why can't alcohol make me forget those images?
I downed the glass in one gulp. The burning liquid scorched my throat, but it was nothing compared to the agony in my chest.
Seven years... seven whole years I was played like a complete FOOL.
"Miss, you've had quite a bit," the bartender said with concern—a Black man in his thirties. "Want me to call you a cab?"
"No." I wiped tears from my eyes, my voice hoarse. "Another round."
Asher and Janet... the man I loved most and the sister I trusted most.
The alcohol made my head buzz, but my thoughts were razor-sharp. I remembered those nights at the orphanage, Asher trembling in my arms, all those sweet words he whispered...
ALL FUCKING LIES!
I slammed my fist on the table, drawing stares from nearby drunks.
I need something truly loyal... a wolf that belongs only to me.
The kind that would never betray its master.
I pulled out my phone with shaking fingers and searched "werewolf rescue centers." Several results popped up, but one caught my attention:
"Suburban High-Risk Werewolf Containment Facility - 24-Hour Adoption Available"
High-risk... perfect.
I didn't need some docile lapdog. I wanted a real predator. A beast that would obey only me.
4:30 AM. My Maserati bounced along muddy suburban roads. Alcohol still coursed through my veins, but the flames of revenge kept me terrifyingly sober.
The containment facility was a gray concrete building surrounded by three layers of chain-link fence topped with electric wire. The security guard saw my license plate and immediately opened the gate with respect.
Money really does talk.
"Miss Anderson?" A thin administrator approached me. "What brings you here so late? How can I help?"
"I want to adopt a werewolf." I nearly stumbled getting out of the car, still feeling the whiskey. "The most dangerous one you have."
The administrator frowned. "Miss, perhaps you should consider our gentler werewolves. They make better companions..."
"I said the most DANGEROUS." I cut him off, my voice sharp as ice. "Take me to see them. NOW."
He hesitated but saw the determination in my eyes and finally nodded. "Very well, follow me. But please keep your distance. We have one who just... killed his previous owner's entire family."
Perfect.
We walked down a long corridor lined with iron cages housing various werewolves. Some cowered in corners, others paced behind bars, and a few lay sleeping on the floor.
"Here he is." The administrator stopped at the last cage. "Eric, designation A-47. Scheduled for execution tomorrow morning."
I looked up and was instantly stunned by what I saw.
He was the most perfect male creature I'd ever laid eyes on.
Eric stood about six-foot-four, with lean muscle that gleamed bronze under the dim lights. His black hair was disheveled, but that face... God, that face was pure art. Deep green eyes, a strong nose, and a perfectly sculpted jawline.
His hands were locked in specialized silver cuffs, but he still carried himself with arrogant pride.
When our eyes met, I felt electricity shoot through my entire body.
"Why is he here?" I fought to keep my voice steady.
"Three days ago he killed his previous owner's family of three," the administrator whispered. "They abused him, tortured him with shock collars, and forced him to do... inappropriate things."
I looked at Eric. He stared directly at me, those green eyes showing no remorse—only wild, defiant pride.
This is exactly what I need. A wolf no one can break.
"I want him." I said without hesitation.
"Miss, are you sure?" The administrator stared at me in shock. "He's extremely dangerous, and he's scheduled for execution tomorrow..."
"I said I want him." I turned to face the administrator, my eyes blazing with determination. "How much?"
"This... this isn't about money. You'd need psychological evaluation, safety training..."
"One million." I interrupted. "Cash."
The administrator's eyes bulged.
"Two million," I doubled down. "Process the paperwork immediately."
An hour later, I sat in the office signing documents. Eric's leg shackles had been removed, but the silver cuffs remained on his wrists. Two armed guards watched him closely.
"According to the Human-Werewolf Coexistence Act," the administrator read the contract terms, "Eric will become your exclusive companion. You have complete control and ownership..."
I glanced up at Eric. He stood in the corner, muscles tense like a predator ready to strike. The black prison uniform clung to his perfect physique, making my heart race involuntarily.
"What's your name?" he suddenly spoke, his voice deep and magnetic.
I was surprised he'd address me first.
"Zoey Anderson," I replied. "Starting today, you belong to me."
Eric slowly approached. The guards tensed immediately, hands moving to their stun batons. But Eric showed no aggression—he simply walked up to me and leaned close to my ear.
"Your eyes tell a story," he whispered, his warm breath against my skin. "A very painful story."
My whole body shuddered, and I nearly jumped from my chair.
How the hell can he tell?
"That's none of your business," I tried to stay calm, but my voice trembled.
Eric straightened up, lips curving into a dangerous smile. "From now on, your business is my business, Master."
The way he said "Master" carried a wild seductiveness that made my face burn.
What the hell is this wolf's deal?
"The contract is in effect." The administrator handed me a specialized silver key. "This unlocks his cuffs. But I strongly advise..."
"I know what I'm doing." I took the key and walked toward Eric.
He looked down at me, those green eyes glowing in the dim light.
"Hold out your hands," I commanded.
Eric obediently extended his arms. I used the key to unlock the silver cuffs.
"You're free," I said. "Now you're MY wolf."
Eric flexed his wrists, then did something that shocked everyone—he dropped to one knee and gently kissed my right hand.
"My Queen," he looked up at me, something intense burning in his eyes. "I will be your most loyal beast."
My heart nearly exploded.
What the hell does this dangerous wolf want?
