'S

h floor-to-ceiling windows and the sof

s felt like silk against my skin. The room was enormous, with vaulted ceilings, elegant

ories came f

erek. Richard.

hard Welling

y sat up. "Come in," I called, m

aid's uniform entered, pushing a cart laden

e Alpha instructed us to bring you

Welli

years, I had imagined marrying into the Wellington family. I had

ver supposed

," I manag

with fresh fruit, pastries, eggs, bacon, and a steaming po

g the bell," she said. "The Alpha is

losing the door

ding me that I hadn't eaten properly in days. Between my father's illness, his funeral

iece of toast a

ooked better than anything I'd ever had at home. He was treating me almost like a re

ok my

my. He's simply making sure hi

l a little better. At le

edroom, with marble tiles, a huge mirror, and a rainfall showerhead. I stood beneath the hot

d out, I realized

no c

my father's funeral. It was wrinkled, stained with tears an

, hoping I might find something in the closet. I opened the

resident here. Why would Richa

p hair. There was nothing else I could

rinkles, but it was no use. I looked exactly

ded downstairs. The mansion was quiet, but I coul

it to a l

k to me. He wore a perfectly tailored charcoal suit, his d

phone. "I don't care how long it takes. Every single one of them needs to be vetted be

r a moment bef

e received reports of rogues gathering in the area.

sounded more like a general giving ord

ed at the

man who had built an empire from almost nothing and turne

bout to bec

rned around. His green e

d, his voice noticeabl

I don't think that

ed his lips. "How a

to go home and change. Then I'll he

ed black dress, damp hair, an

th

e any other clothes with me. And I can't ex

'll get

ked. "

ople will be watching you and judging you. Every detail matters. Your clothes, yo

me. Perfectly fine cl

my

m, leaving little

bout to become one of the most powerful wom

took my hand and started

ere are w

opp

Richard, I don't have time for that. My mot

ut first, we're going to make sure you have

omething about the calm certainty

e mansion and into the back of a sleek b

neighborhood was bustling with activity. There were shops, cafes, parks, and schools

place had once been little

d built al

e of the most prosperous territories in the city. I was

Its large windows displayed designer dresses that looked a

essed just sta

n hurried toward us

pleasure to see you. How

chard said. "Dresses, suits, casual wear,

idened. "Of course, Alph

n," Richard cor

, startled by how n

iately. "Of course, Mrs. We

Silk dresses, soft blouses, tailored pantsuits, and cas

quisite. Everythi

her, stepping out of the fitting

crossed over the other, watching wit

in a simple green dress. "And the bl

h," I protested. "I can't

hint of amusement in his voice. "I'm

hy

ched me, his eyes m

ne who looks at you to

returne

re worth everything i

I didn't kno

obvious thing in the world. As thoug

t belie

a black card to

and have it delive

urse,

lowing him out. Back in the SUV, I was still trying

d at the

Hos

art l

immediate

Nurse Patricia. Yo

th, tears alread

ispered. "Is she ok

you. Come whenev

all and looke

d, my voice trembl

tely turned tow

to the