Hermosa POV

The expensive perfume of the stranger filled the air—it was strong, commanding. He was definitely an Alpha. Maybe he mistook me for one of the whores.

Moon Goddess, I wasn’t even one. I needed to find help for Cammy before she died—if she wasn’t already dead.

What have I gotten myself into? I breathed heavily.

“Did you come here to mope?!” the stranger’s voice thundered, snapping me out of my thoughts.

“No!” I replied quickly, startled by his harsh tone.

“Undress,” he ordered, voice low and husky.

“I… I can’t,” I said, my voice trembling. Fear crawled under my skin.

“Are you challenging me?” he asked, surprise flickering in his eyes.

“I don’t even know who you are, dammit!” I snapped before catching myself.

“No, I wouldn’t dare,” I corrected hurriedly. *If I had a gun, I’d blow his brains out and run,* I thought bitterly.

“You don’t need the money?” he pressed, skeptical.

“What… money?” The words slipped out before I could stop them. Too late—I’d given myself away.

I wanted to explain, but a sudden knock interrupted me.

*Bang! Bang!*

“Who is that?” the stranger growled, his patience thinning.

“So sorry, Ragal,” came a voice from outside, deferential and nervous.

“Speak, Morgan!” he barked, irritated.

“It’s a matter of urgency, sir. I can’t say it outside.”

My knees weakened. *Raphael might have found me.* My heart pounded so hard I could hear it in my ears.

“Go away, Morgan,” the stranger snapped. “I’m with the informant.”

“That’s the problem, Ragal. She’s not the informant!”

“What?!” His voice boomed, shaking me to my core. I froze, trembling like a leaf in the wind.

“I’ll get back to you later, Morgan,” he growled.

Then his eyes turned to me, sharp and burning. “Were you trying to trick me?”

“No! I’m not!” I stammered.

“Oh, yes, you are. You wanted to steal my money and run, didn’t you?” His tone dripped with menace. “Turn on the light. I want to see your face.”

My hands shook as I searched for the switch. “Moon Goddess, please,” I prayed silently.

The light flickered on. My heart sank.

“Who are you?!” he barked.

“I—I’m a stripper,” I whispered.

“You’re lying,” he said coldly. “And I hate lies.”

My mouth went dry. I knew that voice. I knew that face.

“Answer me!” he thundered. His brows knitted, his piercing blue eyes burned into mine. His tousled hair framed a dangerously handsome face that could stop hearts—and lives.

My knees buckled. I dropped to the floor, sweat dripping down my face.

He wasn’t just any Alpha. He was *the* Alpha King—the ruler of all, Ragal, the Lycan King.

My tongue felt frozen. If he knew what I was, he’d kill me. Strip clubs were forbidden in his territories. Rumors said he was hunting them down.

But maybe… maybe he could help me escape Raphael.

“That doesn’t answer my question, little one,” he said, his voice low and cold. “Tell me what the hell you’re doing in my hotel room.”

I hesitated, trying to choose my words carefully. “I’m running away from my mate, my lord,” I said, keeping my eyes on the floor.

“And why would you do that here?” He raised a brow.

“I… I mistakenly came up here,” I lied, praying he wouldn’t see through me.

He scoffed. “You don’t ‘mistakenly’ walk into *my* room unless you have a reason. Are you wearing a wire? Is that why you refused to take off your clothes?”

“It’s the truth,” I said, voice trembling, sweat beading on my forehead.

“I don’t believe you,” he said coldly. “You reek of lies, little wolf. I’ll have your mate brought here to repeat everything you just said.” He turned toward the door.

“Please, sir! I’ll do anything you ask—just don’t call him!” I cried, panic rising in my chest.

“Who is your mate?”

“Raphael… the Alpha of the Blood Moon Pack,” I said quietly.

His eyes narrowed. “What are you scared of?”

“He’ll hurt me if he finds me here—with you,” I whispered.

“He won’t hurt you. I won’t allow it.” His tone softened as he reached for the doorknob.

I jumped up, pressing my back against the door. “Please, I’m scared of him. I don’t trust him.”

His gaze softened for a heartbeat, then hardened again. “You should know your place,” he muttered.

“I’m sorry, my King,” I said quickly, bowing.

“You should head back home and settle your differences with him,” he said, suspicion still lacing his tone.

“Yes, my King.” I raised my head, desperate to leave before he changed his mind.

I turned the knob, relief flooding through me as I stepped into the hallway. My breathing began to steady.

“Stop!” Ragal’s voice rang out behind me.

My heart stopped cold.