Chapter 6
1121 Words
Nicole's POV
The surgery date was approaching, but I still hadn't raised enough money for the medical expenses.
I had sold all our possessions and borrowed from everyone I knew, managing to gather $50,000, which was still far from enough for my mother's treatment.
I was contemplating borrowing from the mafia when a hospital staff member called me. Desperate times called for desperate measures, and I was ready to offer myself as collateral.
"Miss Nicole..."
Startled, I tried to understand why she was calling. "Yes...?"
"Someone is attempting to transfer your mother to another hospital..." she said, leaving me utterly bewildered.
Only one person came to mind as I rushed to the hospital. Could it be my father, Drake?
But he had outright refused to help with the medical expenses before, leaving us to fend for ourselves. What was he planning now? Anxiety gnawed at me as I hurried to the hospital and straight to the front desk. The nurse led me to a VIP room and then left.
Taking a deep breath, I cautiously grasped the doorknob and slowly opened the door, only to find my father sitting on the sofa, a cigarette in his mouth. I was stunned.
As soon as our eyes met, he motioned for me to come closer, but I refused, looking away instead. I remained where I stood, waiting for him to speak.
He glared at me before standing up and walking towards me. He took a drag on his cigar, exhaling a cloud of smoke into my face, causing me to cough.
"Why are you transferring my mother? What do you want from me?" I demanded angrily, glaring at him.
"Why are you so rude? I just want to have a good talk with you," he said, stopping his smoking and placing the cigar in an ashtray on the table. "I'll cover Irene's surgery costs, but you must pretend to be Vera and spend a night with Alpha Michael."
"Why me? Isn't Vera Michael's mate?"
Drake lit another cigar. "Because the Alpha's mate must be a virgin."
He wanted me to impersonate Vera to convince Michael she was untouched and pure. If he believed it, he would marry Vera. Vera, however, was anything but a virgin, having slept with many men.
"And if I refuse?"
"Then you can no longer stay in The Cold Moon Pack!" he snarled, his voice filled with fury. "Do you think you can bear to watch your mother die? I know you can't refuse me, Nicole. You have no choice but to obey my command!"
"No!" I shouted as I turned to leave, but he roughly grabbed my arm, preventing me from escaping.
"This entire pack is under my control. Do you think the hospital will continue treating your mother against my orders?" he hissed, his icy voice sending shivers down my spine.
He was right. With a single command, he could ensure my mother was denied treatment throughout The Cold Moon Pack.
I couldn't fathom why Drake harbored such intense hatred for my mother and me. Weren't Vera and I both his children? How could he be so biased?
But Drake knew I would never abandon my mother. I had no choice but to accept his proposition. Compared to my mother's treatment and surgery, sacrificing myself was a small price to pay.
...
Vera took me to the club. It was enormous. She escorted me to the VIP section reserved for us and pointed towards the dance floor.
"Michael is over there. You must succeed tonight."
Feeling incredibly nervous, I decided to get a strong drink.
"Hello, I'd like a strong drink," I told the bartender.
"I can get you a shot of tequila," he suggested.
"Sure, give it to me." I leaned forward, picked up the glass, and downed it in one gulp. The tequila burned my throat.
"Another one," I said, placing the empty glass back on the bar. He poured me another shot, and I drank it too. The alcohol gave me the courage I needed as I scanned the room. I made my way towards Michael on the dance floor.
Swaying my hips, I could feel someone's gaze on me. I was certain Michael had noticed me, his eyes accelerating my dance.
As I swayed, I felt a body press against mine. The scent of pine and mint filled my nostrils—it was Michael.
I tried to turn around, but he held my waist. I could feel his strong body close to mine, and honestly, I was tempted. I was confused by my own feelings. No man had ever been this close to me. I didn't know how to react.
Our bodies moved together. I followed his rhythm. He grabbed my hand, sending hots through me. Then he spun me around. My back was against him. He held me tightly. I swayed my hips to the music, gently rotating against him. What was I doing? But then I shrugged it off.
He spun me again, not letting go of my hand. And then I saw him clearly for the first time. Michael. He stood tall with short black hair and piercing green eyes. I was utterly captivated. I couldn't take my eyes off him. He stared at me as if seeing through me, almost as if he knew I wasn't Vera.
"Vera, is this your first time at the club?" he asked, clearing his throat. His question caught me off guard.
"Is it that obvious?" I asked, and he just smiled. God, his smile was irresistible.
"Let's get a drink or should I take you home?" he asked.
"Let's make love tonight," I said, perhaps because I was truly drunk, wrapping my arms around his waist.
"I'm sorry. Please don't mind..." I began, but he didn't let me finish. His lips brushed against mine.
My first kiss. How should I kiss back? Should I open my mouth?
I parted my lips, allowing him easier access. He was nibbling on my lips. I could hardly breathe. He pulled back and looked at me.
Maybe I didn't know how to kiss properly. Maybe I had disappointed him. But he grabbed my waist and whispered,
"First kiss, huh?" His words sent a chill down my spine. I nodded, embarrassed, and tried to pull away.
"Where are you going?" he asked in a firm, commanding voice.
"I just want to sit down."
"No, come with me. I'll make sure you have more fun."
He took my hand and led me downstairs. He made a call, and a Bugatti pulled up. We got in, and he drove us to his hotel. We kissed all the way. He carried me bridal-style from the hotel lobby to the top floor.
- Writer
