Adina stepped through the front door, her gaze landing on Yara, who sat perched on a stool by the window, swinging her legs idly. She stared outside, lost in her own little world, completely unfazed by Adina’s presence.

A small voice piped up from behind the wall.

“Sister Adina, Yara’s been sitting there all morning. Even when Zain called her, she didn’t answer.”

Adina turned to see Talita peeking out, her round face partially hidden.

She smiled gently, ruffling the little girl’s hair. “Maybe her imagination is too rich. She just doesn’t want to come back to reality yet.”

Even as she spoke, a deep sense of unease settled inside her. Adina’s eyes lingered on Yara, her heart tightening.

Four years had passed in the blink of an eye...

“Adina! Good news!”

Maeve burst through the door, practically bouncing on her feet. “The manager at Pony Bar said we can still work there! But he warned us—no more trouble. And definitely no going near the Alpha.”

She grinned, excitement lighting up her face. “The pay is good, enough to cover Yara’s medical expenses.”

Relief washed over Adina. She had been worrying about money, but now the heavy cloud over her mind finally lifted.

Pony Bar…

---

Meanwhile…

“You’re telling me that woman stole from you, yet you still want me to call her back for a job?” Caleb leaned against the leather sofa, smirking. “What’s the deal, Alaric? You interested in her or something?”

Alaric’s gaze was locked onto the dance floor, his expression unreadable. Among the shifting bodies and flashing lights, he spotted her.

“Call her in.” His voice was calm, almost indifferent.

Caleb followed his line of sight and chuckled. “Well, well. Looks like someone’s hooked.”

Shaking his head in amusement, he signaled for an assistant to bring Adina over.

---

When Adina saw who had summoned her, she almost groaned.

Seriously? Of all the people she had to run into again, it had to be him?

“Come here.”

Alaric’s deep voice cut through the noise. He shifted slightly on the couch, his fingers lazily drumming against the armrest as he motioned for her to sit.

Adina hesitated, heart pounding, but forced herself to remain composed. With feigned nonchalance, she took a seat beside him.

The atmosphere in the private room shifted. Caleb, ever the entertainer, livened up the mood, making jokes and toasting drinks. But Adina barely heard any of it.

Alaric was too close.

His hand, which had been resting on the sofa, slid down, brushing against her exposed shoulder.

A subtle shiver ran down her spine.

Then his voice, low and laced with something unreadable, murmured, “How much for a night?”

Adina stilled.

Her head turned slowly, her lips curling into a teasing smile. “What? Thinking of keeping me?” Her gaze drifted over his features—his sharp jaw, the way his Adam’s apple moved when he swallowed. Her voice took on a sultry lilt. “You sure you can afford it?”

Alaric arched an eyebrow, the corner of his mouth lifting slightly. “Your imagination is impressive.”

They didn’t speak much after that, but Adina played her role well—pouring his drinks, occasionally taking a sip herself whenever someone joked.

Then, just as she was starting to relax, his fingers brushed against her bare back, a light, teasing touch that sent a jolt of electricity through her.

Adina inhaled sharply.

His hand slid lower, slow and deliberate, until his palm settled over the curve of her breast.

A quiet gasp left her lips.

She turned to him, her expression both daring and defiant. “Satisfied?”

Alaric’s grip tightened slightly, just enough to make her wince. She clenched her jaw, glaring at him.

Bastard.

Luckily, Caleb suggested a change of venue, and Adina wasted no time pulling away. She shot him a grateful look.

“You guys go ahead,” Alaric said, standing and grabbing his jacket. “I have something to take care of.”

---

In the car…

“Alpha, this is Adina’s background.” Beta Kaia handed over a folder, her voice impassive. “She has two younger sisters and a younger brother. No parents, no guardians. Their living conditions are… less than ideal.”

Alaric flipped through the documents, his gaze landing on one particular section.

Yara — Autism. Hemophilia.

So that’s why she steals.

So that’s why she works at the bar.

A bitter chuckle left his lips.

“What a kind little wolf.”

He snapped the folder shut. “Find her a job at one of the branch companies. Something with better pay.”

Kaia blinked, momentarily surprised. “Should we inform her?”

“No. Just make sure she gets the offer. And don’t let her know it’s from me.”

---

Meanwhile, Adina and Maeve were celebrating their night’s earnings.

Maeve checked her phone and suddenly froze.

“Shit.”

“What’s wrong?” Adina frowned.

“I need to go. David’s waiting.” Maeve grabbed her purse.

Adina’s expression darkened. “You mean that deadbeat?”

Maeve forced a smile, brushing off her concern. “Don’t worry about it. I’ll be fine.” Then she turned and rushed out the door.

Adina sighed. She knew David was bad news, but Maeve wouldn’t listen.

Oh well. Let her learn.

Stepping outside, Adina shivered as the winter wind bit into her skin. She pulled her coat tighter and made her way toward the bakery next door.

The shelves were nearly empty, but there were still a few slices of cheesecake left—the kids’ favorite. She bought them all.

When she got home, the children were fast asleep. Zain, the only boy in the family, had taken care of everything in her absence. He was only twelve, but he carried himself like a man twice his age.

Adina placed the pastries on the table, wrote a small note, then went to bed.

As she lay there, Alaric’s voice echoed in her head.

How much for a night?

Her wolf, Ava, stirred inside her. You know he wasn’t just making small talk, right?

Adina huffed. So what? He can feel the bond just like I can. What’s his deal? Push-and-pull tactics?

Ava snickered. Not push-and-pull. He’s just interested.

Adina groaned, burying her face in the pillow. The thought of him made her skin tingle in ways she didn’t want to admit.

She needed to stop thinking about him.

---

The next morning, Adina decided she needed a real job. She submitted her resume to several companies, but hours passed with no response.

“Ugh.” She slumped onto the couch, frustrated.

Meanwhile, Zain and Yara were quietly playing with blocks. Sunlight streamed in, catching on Yara’s golden hair. She smiled at Adina but still didn’t speak.

Adina sighed, ruffling Zain’s hair. “I’m heading out for a bit. Keep an eye on your sister, okay? I’ll bring you back a surprise.”

Zain nodded without looking up, his expression unreadable.

Minutes after she left, a sleek black Cullinan pulled up in front of their house.

A tall figure stepped out.

Alaric.

He knocked twice.

Zain peered through the peephole and frowned at the unfamiliar man.

“I’m looking for Adina.”

“She’s not home.”

“Then I’m here for you, Zain.”

Zain stiffened. How did this stranger know his name?

He hesitated, then cracked the door open.

Alaric’s gaze was cold, unreadable. “Tell me. Does your sister steal often?”

Zain’s expression darkened.

“Sister Adina never does anything wrong.”

Then—

BANG.

He slammed the door in Alaric’s face.

Alaric exhaled sharply, rubbing his jaw.

The little brat had guts.