Chapter 6

The luxury vehicle stood starkly out of place against the slumish background of the outskirts of Blue Moon territory where I lived. Passersby took secretive glances, unsure whether to run away or move closer. What on earth was Lorenzo doing here? He was the alpha of the Black Moon pack; he couldn’t possibly be here for me… could he?

I shook myself free of my trance and walked to where my bike was locked next to my building. I noticed Lorenzo approaching out of the corner of my eye, but made no attempt to show him I would acknowledge his presence.

“Eleanor-” he started before I cut him off.

“What do you want, Lorenzo?” I asked without turning to him, keeping my eyes focused on my bike seat as I clipped my helmet into place under my chin. For a fleeting moment I thought about moving to a new apartment

— between Lorenzo showing up and the threats from my debt collector, I was truly fed up. Alas, that would require money which I so desperately needed but certainly didn’t have.

“I am here to sincerely invite you to become my lead dancer for the lycan luna’s birthday performance,” Lorenzo said in a steady tone, clearly not deterred by my lack of interest. I scoffed and mounted my bike, only pausing to look at him briefly before rolling my eyes and riding off.

“I haven’t danced ballet in a long time, and I’m not going to start again for you!” I called back at him as I pedaled away down the street, turning the corner to head towards the police station.

I had lied. In truth, I had continued practicing ballet in secret whenever I could; I didn’t want to give up on my dream. I may not have been where I used to be, but I still kept up my strength and flexibility, practicing positions and turns on any patch of hardwood floor I could find. Distracted by my wistfulness for my ballerina days, I almost didn’t notice Lorenzo’s car maintaining a discreet distance behind me. I tried to pedal faster as I saw one of the windows slowly rolling down.

"Oh come on Eleanor, I need you! Winning over the lycan luna is crucial since she controls most of the land resources in this country, this dance means everything to Black Moon. Besides if you refuse me, the one to shine at the queen's birthday banquet will be Cate. Are you really okay with letting her win?"

As much as I hated Cate, I couldn’t let Lorenzo manipulate me again like he had when we were young. His provocation left me unmoved: "What does that have to do with me? It's you who needs to please the lycan luna, not me."

"This isn't the way to the restaurant, where are you going?" The alpha ignored my comment, clearly trying to keep me engaged in conversation for long enough to sway me. I would not be so easily taken advantage of, and I was certainly done dealing with Lorenzo.

“Get lost,” I shouted as I made my final turn into the police station parking lot. I didn’t even lock up my bike in an attempt to avoid any further disruptions to my mission.

I entered the police station breathing heavily, unsure if it was from the rigorous bike ride or my anger towards my former fated mate. I needed to get all of these problems sorted so I could make my money and be free of my past. I hurried to the information desk where an officer sat working on a computer seeming utterly disinterested in my presence.

“I wish to file a harassment report, I’ve been receiving threats and no longer feel safe in my home. Can you please help me?” I tried to make my tone as urgent as possible but the officer was unphased. He didn’t even look at me as he reached into a file cabinet, fished out a set of forms, tossed me a pen and told me to go have a seat as I filled everything out. I coudln’t help but be offended.

"Is that all?" I was dissatisfied; this wouldn't solve anything. "My debt collector is stalking me, threatening me, and he's sexually harassing me on the streets."

"I understand, miss," the officer replied lazily, settling back into his computer work as though dismissing me was part of his daily routine. "We'll arrange something."

I was furious but had no choice other than to fill out the forms. I turned to move towards the waiting room when Lorenzo entered the station. Damn him for following me, but his presence instantly summoned the entire room’s attention, including the ignorant officer who immediately changed his demeanor. Lorenzo grabbed my shoulder and walked me back towards the desk — what was he doing?

"Is this the level of security in Blue Moon?" Lorenzo said casually as he rested his weight on the information desk. His right hand had dropped from my shoulder to my waist, keeping me close to him.

"That's worrisome. Seems like I should remind the alpha of Blue Moon, lest this place turns into a haven for crime." The officer, computer work and dismissive attitude suddenly forgotten, awkwardly smiled up at us.

“Well sir, I assure there’s no need to contact the alpha. I can have a patrol car dispatched to this young woman’s apartment block to monitor the situation for a few days. Don’t worry, we’ll take care of everything,” the officer stammered, reaching again for his file cabinet to grab dispatch requests. Lorenzo patted the desk, seemingly satisfied with the officer’s change of heart. He turned to leave the station, and after a moment of stunned silence I followed him.

“Thank you,” I said awkwardly, hardly believing the words that came out of my mouth. As much as I hated to admit it, thanking Lorenzo was only fair — he may have just saved my life. He stopped at the door to his car and turned to give me a blinding smile.

“Don’t mention it. I would advise moving to a new place though,” Lorenzo said as if that were the most obvious solution in the world. I rolled my eyes.

"Moving requires money," I said in response. It seemed Lorenzo had completely forgotten his humble beginnings, "Sometimes, I don't have a choice."

"I can give you money," Lorenzo’s smile grew, as if he had me right where he wanted me. "Just agree to become the lead dancer for Black Moon."

"I refu—"

“Oh come on Eleanor, give me a number,” Lorenzo said, pulling his wallet from his jacket pocket. “No absolutely not,” I interjected. No, I wouldn't let him do this.

"$50,000?"

Lorenzo dropped the number like it was nothing, but for me it was like he dropped a bomb.

That amount, on top of Cate’s money, could get me back into the Ballet Institute. For that, I was willing to set aside petty grievances and the pain of the past.

So why hesitate? Why should I pass up such an opportunity?

"I agree."

The words felt foreign in my mouth.

I was no longer 18 and Lorenzo was no longer my lover — he was now just my very generous employer.

What had I gotten myself into…