Chapter 1
I wiped down the counter for the third time, trying not to look at the medical bill sitting next to the cash register. One hundred and twenty thousand dollars. For an Omega running a small diner on the edge of werewolf territory, it might as well have been a million.
"Mom, are you still working?" Felix poked his head through the back door, hair sticking up in every direction. Obviously just rolled out of bed.
"Just cleaning up, baby. You should be sleeping." I forced a smile. "Where's Ruby?"
"She's reading Mrs. Evie a story." Felix walked over, studying my face with those too-smart eyes. "Mom, is Mrs. Evie really sick?"
Seven-year-olds shouldn't worry about this stuff. I adopted them to give them a carefree childhood, but now even that simple wish was crumbling.
"She's going to be fine. The doctors are really good, right?"
Felix nodded, though I could tell he wasn't entirely convinced. When did this kid get so perceptive?
The phone rang. Dr. Martinez.
"Go keep Ruby company, okay? I need to take this."
Felix obediently scampered off. I took a deep breath before answering.
"Ms. Moorhaven, about Mrs. Evangeline's treatment plan..."
"Doctor, if this is about money, I just need more time—"
"Actually, I have another option I'd like to discuss with you. But not over the phone. Can you come to my office tomorrow?"
His voice carried tension I couldn't place. In the werewolf community, when doctors didn't want to talk on the phone, it usually meant trouble.
"You're joking." I stared at Dr. Martinez across his desk, certain I'd misheard something.
"I'm completely serious, Isla." He slid a document toward me. "The Blackthorne family needs a temporary pairing contract. The compensation is one hundred and fifty thousand dollars."
My hands started shaking. One fifty. Enough to cover Evie's treatment with money left over.
"What exactly does 'temporary pairing' mean?"
"Providing... companionship during an Alpha's heat cycle. Usually three to five days. The purpose is bloodline continuation, but in this particular case, I've been told that actual conception isn't required."
So this is just an act? But why would the Blackthorne family need to put on a show? Everyone knows they're the most powerful Alpha family in the region.
"Why me? There have to be plenty of Omegas willing to—"
"You're packless. Independent. And you have motivation to keep this confidential."
He was right. I needed this money, and I couldn't afford to lose it.
"What about the kids? And Evie?"
"They'll be taken care of. You only need three days."
I closed my eyes. Three days. For Evie's life, for Felix and Ruby's future, I could do this.
"I need to meet him first."
The Blackthorne family estate was even more imposing than I'd imagined. Beyond the iron gates stretched a winding driveway lined with ancient oak trees. My secondhand Honda looked ridiculous here.
A Beta male in a black suit answered the door. "Ms. Moorhaven? I'm Marcus, Mr. Blackthorne's assistant. He's waiting for you in the study."
The sheer scale of this house made the gap between us crystal clear. Who was I to think I belonged here?
When the study door opened, I caught his scent.
Oh God.
Pure Alpha musk mixed with cedar and something uniquely him. My Omega instincts responded immediately, my body relaxing against my will. This was exactly why I avoided dominant Alphas—my body betrayed my mind.
"Ms. Moorhaven."
His voice was gentler than I'd expected. I looked up and saw Caspian Blackthorne in person.
The photos hadn't done him justice. He was tall—had to be six-three—with broad shoulders, but not in that gym-rat way. Natural strength, predator grace. His dark brown hair was slightly messy, as if he'd just run his hands through it. But what shocked me most were his eyes—dark green like deep forest, and when he looked at me, there was something in them I couldn't read.
"Please, sit." He gestured to the chair across from his desk. "Can I get you anything to drink?"
"I'm fine, thank you. Dr. Martinez explained the... situation."
He nodded, but I noticed his jaw tightened slightly. "This contract is very important to my family. But I want to make sure you fully understand what you're agreeing to."
He sounded... guilty? Most Alphas discussing this kind of arrangement would be more direct, more entitled. But Caspian seemed to be apologizing.
"This is about bloodline continuation, right? Even if there's no actual... result?"
His gaze intensified. "There are family expectations that need to be... satisfied. But I want you to know, I won't force anything you're not comfortable with."
I blinked. "I don't understand. This is a pairing contract. Isn't that... the point?"
Caspian stood and began pacing. His movements had a restless energy, like a caged wolf.
"My family believes I need an heir. Soon." He stopped and looked at me. "But I don't want to conceive a child under these... business circumstances. So we'll perform. Let them think the contract has been fulfilled, but actually..."
"Actually what?"
"Actually, I'll find a way to protect your choice."
What? I'd prepared myself to do whatever was necessary to save Evie, but he was saying he wanted to protect me? This didn't make sense. No Alpha would refuse what he was entitled to.
I stared at the small vial on the nightstand. Heat accelerator. The doctor said this would trick my body into thinking I was in heat, making the whole charade more convincing.
The room was beautiful—all cream colors and soft textures, larger than my entire diner. But I felt trapped in a golden cage.
A knock made me jump.
"Come in."