Two days later…
My new car arrived the next morning. A sleek, safe SUV that screamed money. The neighbors stared as it was delivered, whispers already starting.
I ignored them and focused on work.
But at the office, things had gotten worse. The photos of John and me were everywhere now. Tabloids speculated about a love triangle. Anonymous sources claimed I was sleeping my way through the Blackthorn family.
I kept my head down and worked, but I could feel the judgment from every corner. Then Mr. Whitmore called me in again.
"Miss Bluey. We need to talk about your future here."
My stomach dropped. "Am I being fired?"
"That depends on you." He folded his hands on his desk. "These rumors are damaging the company's reputation. Unless you can prove they're false, we'll have no choice but to let you go."
"How am I supposed to prove a negative?"
"That's your problem to solve."
I left his office shaking with anger and fear. This was exactly what I'd been afraid of. They were using the scandal to push me out. I needed to talk to Jack. He had to know what was happening. But when I went to his office, his assistant stopped me.
"The Alpha isn't seeing anyone today."
"This is important."
"I'm sorry. His orders were very clear."
I returned to my office and tried to work, but I couldn't focus. My phone buzzed with an unknown number.
Come to the Wintermoon Hotel. Room 415. Come alone. It's about the photos.
My instincts screamed danger, but I needed answers. I needed to clear my name. I told my coworker I was feeling sick and left early.
The Wintermoon Hotel was upscale, the kind of place wolves with money frequented. The lobby was marble and gold, elegant and cold.
I took the elevator to the fourth floor, my heart pounding. Room 415 was at the end of the hall.
I knocked. The door opened immediately.
John stood there, his expression unreadable. "You came."
"You said this was about the photos."
"It is. Come in."
Every instinct told me to run, but I stepped inside anyway.
The room was a suite, expensively furnished. John closed the door behind me.
"Where are they?" I asked. "The photos. You said you had information."
"I do. Sit down."
"I'd rather stand."
He poured himself a drink. "Suit yourself. The photos were leaked by someone in the company. Someone who wants to see you fail."
"Who?"
"That's the question, isn't it?" He swirled his glass. "But I have theories. And I can help you. For a price."
My blood ran cold. "What kind of price?"
"Nothing too terrible. Just your cooperation."
"With what?"
He moved closer, and I stepped back instinctively. "My brother thinks he owns you. That you're his because of some child you claim is his."
"I don't claim anything. Cody is his son."
"Is he?" John's smile was sharp. "Because I remember that lunch we had. The way you looked at me. The way you smiled."
"That was just lunch."
"Was it? Because I think there's something between us. Something you're afraid to admit."
"There's nothing between us."
"Liar." He set down his glass and cornered me against the wall. "You feel it too. The pull. The attraction."
"John, stop."
"Why? Because of Jack? He doesn't own you. He doesn't even trust you." His hand came up to my face. "But I could. I could give you everything he won't."
"I'm not interested."
"Aren't you? Then why did you come here alone? Why didn't you tell Jack where you were going?"
My mouth went dry. "How did you—"
"I've been watching you, Aurora. Studying you. You're desperate. Scared. Alone. And I can fix all of that. All you have to do is choose me instead of him."
"This is insane."
"Is it? Or is it the smartest choice you could make?" He leaned in, his breath on my face. "Jack will destroy you. His world will chew you up and spit you out. But I'll protect you. I'll keep you safe. All I ask is your loyalty."
"And if I refuse?"
His expression hardened. "Then those photos will be the least of your problems. I have more. Images that will destroy any chance you have of staying in this kingdom. Images that will prove you're exactly what everyone thinks you are."
"You're blackmailing me."
"I'm offering you a choice. Be with me, publicly, and I'll make all the problems go away. Refuse, and watch everything you've built crumble."
I stared at him, seeing him clearly for the first time. Not charming. Not friendly.
Dangerous.
"I need time to think."
"You have until tomorrow night. Meet me at the Harvest Moon Gala. Come as my date, or face the consequences."
He opened the door, dismissing me.
I walked out on shaking legs, my mind spinning.
John was threatening me. Manipulating me. Using my desperation against me.
And the worst part? I had no idea how to fight back.
When I got home, Cody ran to me as always, innocent and happy. I held him tight, breathing in his scent, trying to ground myself. My phone buzzed. A text from Jack.
We need to talk. Tonight. My estate. This isn't optional.
I stared at the message, torn between two brothers, both dangerous in different ways. One who offered protection at a price I didn't understand. One who offered temptation with consequences I could see clearly. And me, trapped between them, trying to protect the one thing that mattered most.
My son. Our son. The son whose very existence had set this all in motion. I typed back.
I'll be there.
Because running was no longer an option. And maybe it never had been.