Chapter 1 Chapter 1 Devil's Lair

Victoria

I never thought my eighteenth birthday would be the day I'd have to fight for my freedom, but here I was, in a nightclub called "Devil's Lair," searching for a man who could help me escape my fate.

My name is Victoria Howlthorne, a wolf-human hybrid born to the once-powerful Howlthorne pack. With my father's pure wolf blood running through my veins alongside my human mother's legacy, I should have been cherished. Instead, I became a commodity.

The bass pounded through my body as I navigated the crowded dance floor. The five thousand dollars I'd stolen from Enzo's secret stash felt heavy in my purse – a small price for the freedom I deserved.

"I still think this is crazy, Vic," my best friend Emma whispered, her eyes darting nervously around the club. "There has to be another way."

I took a long sip of my cocktail, feeling the burn slide down my throat. "There isn't. By tomorrow, I'll be shipped off to Alpha Moretti as payment for Enzo's gambling debts. I refuse to be a virgin sacrifice."

The truth was brutal but simple. Six years ago, my father and stepmother died protecting our territory borders. My half-brother Enzo – a child from my father's affair – somehow managed to claim the Alpha title despite his weakness. Now he was drowning in debt and had found the perfect solution: me.

"But Alpha Moretti..." Emma shuddered visibly. "The rumors about him... they say he's been cursed by the Moon Goddess herself. His mates don't survive his... appetites."

I knew the stories. Alpha Moretti's sexual sadism was legendary among wolf packs. Five million dollars in debt had pushed Enzo to offer me as payment.

"That's exactly why I'm here," I said firmly. "If I'm no longer pure, maybe he'll reject the deal. Either way, I refuse to let my first time be with a monster."

My eyes scanned the club until they locked on a figure at the bar. The sight of him made my breath catch in my throat. He leaned against the counter with casual confidence, but there was nothing casual about his presence. Broad shoulders stretched his black henley, the fabric clinging to defined muscles underneath. His jaw looked like it had been carved from stone, strong and angular, with just enough stubble to look dangerously sexy. From his profile, I could see a thin scar tracing down his cheekbone, adding character rather than detracting from his beauty.

But it was more than his looks that drew me in. Something primal emanated from him – a magnetic pull I couldn't explain.

"That one," I whispered to Emma, a sly smile on my lips,"He's perfect."

"Holy shit," Emma gasped, eyes wide. "He's gorgeous, but Victoria, he looks... dangerous."

"Good," I said, smoothing down my little black dress that barely covered my ass. "Dangerous is exactly what I need tonight."

I picked up my drink, walked over in my heels like a quiet cat, and slid onto the barstool next to him. I crossed my legs slowly, letting just enough thigh show. Leaning forward, I rested my elbow on the bar, giving him a perfect view of my chest.

"Buy a girl a drink?" I asked, my voice playful.

His eyes were hazel with gold flecks, glowing under the dim lights. He didn't leer-he looked at me like a hunter deciding whether I was worth the chase.

"Shouldn't you be in college studying for finals?" he said, his deep voice rolling through me like thunder. There was a faint accent-Italian maybe? Sexy as hell.

I smiled and flipped my hair over my shoulder, letting it fall down my back. I licked my lower lip slowly.

"It's my birthday," I said, lowering my voice. "I'm celebrating. survival."

He raised an eyebrow, amused. "Survival?"

"Eighteen years of being good, quiet, obedient." I picked up a lemon slice from my drink and traced its edge with my finger. "Tonight, I want to be reckless. Just once."

He didn't answer right away. He just smiled-a slow, dangerous smile that made my stomach twist. I reached for his hand resting on the bar. It was big, warm, with veins showing beneath the surface.

"Your hands look like they could hurt me," I said softly, running my fingertips across his knuckles.

Only if you ask nicely," he replied, voice low and rough, eyes darkening.

I bit my lip, teasing.

"Then maybe I will," I said, leaning in close until my lips brushed his ear. My breath touched his skin. "But you better make it worth it.Tequila. Straight."

The corner of his mouth curved upward. "Bold choice."

"I'm feeling bold tonight." I extended my hand. "I'm Victoria."

He hesitated before taking it, his much larger hand enveloping mine. The contact sent electricity shooting up my arm. "Leo."

Leo. Simple. Powerful. Like the king of beasts.

"So, Leo," I said, leaning closer so my scent would reach him, "what brings a man like you here alone?"

"Business." His eyes never left mine as he lifted his glass. "Until you interrupted it."

"Do you want me to leave?" I challenged.

He studied me for a long moment. "No."

The tequila arrived. I threw it back in one swift motion, welcoming the burn. Leo watched me, his expression unreadable but intense. When I set the glass down, his fingers brushed against mine.

"Another?" he asked.

"I'd rather dance."

We moved to the dance floor, the crowd parting instinctively for him. Once surrounded by bodies, I pressed against him, my back to his front. His hands found my hips, strong and possessive. The music pulsed through us both as I moved against him, feeling his body respond.

"What game are you playing, little wolf?" he murmured against my ear, his breath hot on my skin.

The way he said it sent thrills through me. I turned to face him, wrapping my arms around his neck.

"Who says I'm playing a game? Maybe I just see something I want."

His thumb traced my lower lip, and I resisted the urge to take it into my mouth. "And what is it you want?"

"You," I said simply. "In a room. Alone."

His eyes darkened dangerously. "Careful what you wish for."

I reached into my purse and pulled out the hotel key card I'd acquired earlier. "Room 1503. Fifteen minutes. Your move."

Before he could respond, I turned and walked away, heart hammering in my chest. As I passed Emma, I gave her a nod, and she slipped out to wait for me in the car as planned.

In the elevator, I pressed my thighs together, already feeling the heat and dampness building between them. The scent on Leo's skin - earthy and sharp, like pine and deep forest - stirred something wild and primal inside me. I had never felt this kind of raw, magnetic pull before.

In the hotel room, I freshened up quickly, then paced nervously. Would he come? What if he didn't?

But exactly fifteen minutes later, a knock came at the door. When I opened it, Leo filled the doorframe, his powerful presence making the spacious room feel suddenly small. Without a word, he stepped inside, closing the door behind him.

"Last chance to back out," he said, his voice low and controlled.

I moved closer, placing my hands on his chest. Through the thin fabric, I felt his heart beating steadily – much more composed than my own racing pulse.

"I don't want to back out," I whispered, raising myself on tiptoes. "I want you to fuck me, Leo."

His control visibly fractured. His large hand slid up my thigh, the heat of his palm sending electricity through my skin. I gasped as his fingers traced higher, teasing the edge of my panties.

"You smell sweet," he growled, burying his face in my neck. I arched into him, already desperate for more contact. The subtle forest scent that surrounded him grew stronger, and my body responded instinctively. I wrapped my arms around his neck, boldly climbing onto his lap as he sat on the edge of the bed.

"Room 1503," I breathed against his ear. "I'm all yours tonight."

His hands gripped my hips, and I could feel his impressive hardness beneath me. For a moment, something like hesitation crossed his features, but when I rolled my hips against him, whatever resistance he'd been holding onto snapped.

"Be careful what you ask for, little wolf," he whispered against my lips. "I might just ruin you for anyone else."