Chapter four
1614 Words
Shirley's POV
My heart was thudding so hard in my chest as I shook my head.
"No, we've not met!" My voice came out sharper than intended and he raised an eyebrow.
"Why do you want the job?" He asked, his face a blank sheet. "Or why do you think you deserve to be given the job?"
I frowned in confusion. What job? Ava had only told me about strip dancing for a VIP customer just for today. She didn't say anything about a job.
I cleared my throat awkwardly as my instincts guided me. Maybe acting so rude would make them immediately send me out of the room because I didn't think I was ready to get a job that involved him.
"Anyone would tell that I obviously don't have a job and I need one. So, I came for this. But if you guys decide not to give it to me, then, I'll deal with my loss and look forward to another job opening."
The beta sprang up immediately. "Mind the way you speak to the Alpha king!" He chided but Alpha Lucas held his wrist and smiled.
He regarded me with fascination in his eyes. "Feisty. I like that. Cancel the rest of the screening. I'll choose her as my permanent strip dancer"
He rose. "8 am prompt tomorrow. I want to see you at the pack's palace! Any later than that and you might end up losing your chance."
He went out the door and I finally released the breath I hadn't realized I had been holding. My phone rang in my pocket and my heart sank when I read the caller ID. It was Dr Ryker and I knew it had to be bad news.
"Miss Shirley?"
"Yes, it's me. I hope my mom is fine?" I asked as I felt my heartbeat accelerate.
"Yes, she is but there's a little problem. The hospital director just ordered for all the patients with outstanding medical bills to be moved out by tomorrow's evening."
My heart jabbed violently against my chest and my lips quivered as huge lumps formed in my throat.
"Is there anything you can do to help me, doctor? I'm sure I'll be able to pay up next week."
He sighed. "I'm afraid I can't help you. You have to settle the bills tomorrow."
The call dropped and dread crept up my soul. There was literally no way anyone could be as unlucky as me. Wait a minute! The hospital's director was none other than Derek. Wasn't it enough to cheat on me and make me lose my job?
Now, he wanted me to lose the only person that mattered to me in this life. It was all Sarah's handiwork. I knew it. She wanted my mother to die just like her own did.
But I won't let it happen!
Only one person could help me now! Alpha Lucas. He could be my only chance at saving my mother's life. I'm done letting Derek and Sarah dictate my fate. If he can cheat on me, then what's stopping me from seducing his father and making him bow at my feet?
With determination, I went out of the clubhouse and went to a guesthouse. Using my last penny, I lodged a room.
****
The night seemed to have just passed in a flash because before I knew it, it was morning and I was fully dressed and standing in front of the pack's palace.
My mind was made up already. I'll make Alpha Lucas fall for me and make both Derek and Sarah kneel before me and beg for forgiveness. They denied me the most important four months of my life. The four months I needed to pay up my mom's hospital bills.
That same four months, I'll make them see hell. The next four months will be the most miserable months of their lives. I would make them pay!
"Miss Shirley?" A maid asked as I walked towards the chamber building.
I nodded and she signaled for me to follow her. At exactly 8 am, the time that Alpha Lucas Steele had requested me to come, I was standing in front of his room's door. I knocked twice but got no answer so I continued knocking.
Why wasn't he answering the door? I sagged against the doorframe, sighing in resignation but at that moment, the door squealed open and Alpha Lucas' figure appeared in the doorway, his face a few inches from mine.
The scent that wafted from his body tantalized my senses beyond measure and I had to fight for control. Focus, Shirley! I chided myself.
He donned a brown leather short and a sleeveless top, showing off the tattoo that adorned his neck. Tendrils of smoke curled into the air from the cigarette he was holding and my breath shuddered down my lungs as he turned his heated gaze on me.
Surprise registered on his face as though he wasn't expecting to see me. Why was that though? He had specifically asked me to come by 8 am or had he forgotten.
"You're late," He finally spoke.
A frown creased my forehead as I glanced at my phone to check the time. It was a minute after eight o'clock.
I exhaled and faked a smile. "I was here at exactly 8 am, but you wouldn't answer the door," I explained calmly. "Can I at least come in?"
"No," He shook his head as a smirk lifted the corners of his lips.
My heart skipped a beat as I realized he wasn't joking. He looked as though he was daring me to beg him or try to make him change his mind.
My smile faltered. "No?" When he affirmed, I grabbed his hands. "Alpha, I really need this job. I---"
"What? He cut me off as he let out a peal of unhinged laughter. "I didn't even expect you to come. You acted so fiesty yesterday so I thought you would turn down the job."
He puffed his cigarettes as his gaze trailed to my lips and lingered. "I almost thought I was finally going to have a fun chase. But here you are, clinging to an unmated man at this odd hour of the morning!"
I hadn't the slightest comprehension of what he was saying and I frowned as tension clouded my face. So, what if he was the Alpha? He couldn't just make an appointment and decide to cancel it just because it wasn't fun anymore.
I searched my brain for a way to save myself but it was kind of hard under his intense scrutiny. His eyes never left my face as a look of fascination darkened his gaze.
I managed a smile. "Can I at least come in, then we would talk about why I'm clinging to an unmated man at this odd hour."
"No need," He said flatly and closed the door.
I grabbed the door. I couldn't let my mother's only hope just slide past my fingers like this. I snagged at his wrist so that he spun on his heels and shot me a surprised look.
"No, You can't just leave. You definitely wanted me!" My voice broke. "You said I should be here this morning, dammit!"
He looked taken aback for some moment, then he masked his face again. "I wanted to have fun but you just ruined everything by acting too easy. I hate ladies who are too desperate for money!"
I fell on my knees with a loud thud. "Yes, I'm desperate but I'm not doing this just for money. I'm doing this so my mother can live!" I blurted as tears rolled off my face.
His face clouded immediately and for a second, a look I couldn't quite decipher crossed his face.
"Alright, get up!" He grunted as helped me up. "f**k! Why did you have to cry?" He palmed my face, wearing a complicated look.
My heart skipped multiple times when I saw his gaze linger on my lips then trail further and settle on my neck. Slowly, his head descended and I squeezed my eyes shut.
"Who did this to you?" He growled against my ears as his fingers trailed my neck.
My eyes fluttered open just in time to catch the possessive flicker in his eyes. I looked at the spot on my neck and realized it was the mark Derek had left on my neck when he strangled me.
But I couldn't possibly tell him that his son was responsible. I scoffed incredulously as I shrugged.
"It's nothing, really. It's just a minor injury."
His gaze grew dark and something dangerous glimmered in his grey depths. He shook with temper, as though he was trying to control a demon within.
"Who dared lay a hand on my woman?" He bellowed and the whole room vibrated with temper.
I frowned, completely taken by shock. Was he referring to me or---? I looked around to see if anyone else was behind my back. There was no one, so why did he call me his woman?
His fingers trailed a soft line down my face and a chill ran down my tuning. "Tell me who hurt you and I'll show them what hell looks like!" He growled, barely restraining himself.
I took a step backwards. "Sorry, Alpha. I think you---"
"Shh!" He placed a finger across my and my breath caught in my throat.
He suddenly sniffed the air and his pupils dilated in a very feral way. He bared his fangs as a growl worked its way out of his throat.
"My pup!" He croaked. "Why do I smell my pup in your belly?"
- Writer
