Chapter 4 Ryker's Visit

Ryker's POV

The next morning, I visited the hospital where Lucy's brother was hospitalized. The sterile scent of antiseptic filled my nostrils the moment I stepped into Saint Mercy Hospital. Nurses in pale scrubs bustled through the hallways, and patients whispered behind thin curtains. I wasn't here for Eli or anyone sick or dying. I was here to talk to Nurse Kara to help me persuade Lucy to be the surrogate mother of my heir. Not just because of my inheritance or the syndicated program but because of what I found out about her, and that "was the true icing to the cake".

But first, I needed Nurse Kara, and when I saw her, I moved toward her.

"Nurse Kara," I called out.

She glanced up from the nurses' station, startled when she saw me. Her eyes widened, and she immediately lowered her gaze.

"Alpha Ryker?" she said quietly, with the appropriate level of caution. "What brings you here?"

I leaned against the counter, my expression calm but my eyes sharp. "I need a favor. And you're going to help me, Kara, staring straight into her eyes."

Then, she straightened her shoulder, unsure whether to be afraid or flattered. "What kind of favor do my Alpha needs?"

Still maintaining my gaze, I dropped a huge stack of cash onto the counter. Her mouth parted slightly, eyes darting to the bills like they might bite her deep.

"I want you to tell me about Lucy Castellano," I said evenly. "You know her. Don't play dumb. I already know her brother is hospitalized in this hospital, and she visits often."

Nurse Kara hesitated, clearly protective of her. "I... I don't think Lucy is someone that would get into any trouble with Alpha-"

"Relax." She's not in any kind of trouble, I said, trying to keep her calm.

"Thank Goddess," she said... Lucy is a good girl, Alpha. She has just been through a lot. Her parents died a few years ago-leaving her nothing but debt and trauma. She's just trying to survive right now."

I leaned in, lowering my voice. "Exactly. Which is why she's the perfect candidate. Kara, I need her to be the surrogate for my heir, and this will only be possible if only you can help me persuade her... I promise to protect her and compensate you well." I said with all seriousness. It's all part of the syndicate's program, and you know there's more to it than just an offspring."

Kara tensed, shaking her head slowly. "She wouldn't agree to something like that. She's already hesitant about doing any surrogacy at all when I suggested it-she doesn't know it's for a werewolf bloodline, let alone you."

"She doesn't need to know everything." I smiled coldly. "Not yet."

Kara frowned. "Carrying a werewolf child-your child-is dangerous for a human. You know that right."

I glanced around quickly and pressed a finger to her lips before she could say more. My voice dropped to a warning whisper.

"No one must know about this, Not about me, not even about the baby. Do you understand, Kara?"

She swallowed hard and nodded. "Yes... but Lucy isn't like the others. She's not desperate. She's scared. I only told her on her last visit that the child would be from a werewolf lineage, nothing more."

Though she bluntly refused, I believe I can talk her into taking the offer since she needs the money to pay off her debts and pay for her brother's hospital bill, too.

Ryker nodded his head," making her believe he understands everything, but inside him, he knows of the Castellano fortune, which was hidden years ago, and he had found traces of it...he wanted the child as leverage to it too. And doesn't think about loving or caring about her after the contract is signed."

Then, he stepped back and softened his tone. "Look, Kara... I don't need her love, care, affection or anything. All I need is her womb, and yes, I promise you that I'll protect her. Regarding compensation, I'll compensate her beyond her imagination. Just help me push her toward the decision."

She hesitated, then looked down the hall toward Room 208-where Lucy's brother lay.

"I just don't want her hurt," she murmured. "And Eli-he's... not well. The doctors don't know what's wrong with him. It's like something's... mutating him from the inside out. He needs care we can't afford. She's drowning in bills." We don't want to lose Eli.

Perfect.

"Just make her sign the contract. If she accepts, I promise to do all I can financially to save him. It's just so simple," I said.

"But you don't love her?" she asked, suddenly, staring at me closely. "Do you? Even a little?"

I..I don't..don't.. I hesitated, trying to find my voice. The question came from nowhere.

L..Love? I questioned.

"Yes, Love" Do you love her? Kara repeated.

I..I didn't have the luxury.

"No," I said flatly this time. "I don't."

Deep inside me, that wasn't entirely true. There was something about her-something that gnawed at my thoughts long after she was gone and the moment I held her in my hands when she was unconscious. Her fire. Her bulging and beautiful eyes. The way she moved fearlessly like she'd been forged in storms and fire.

Kara nodded stiffly. "Then don't lead her on. Don't break her more than she already is." I don't care if you don't love her or that you are only concerned about your offspring once your seed is planted in her, but please keep to your promise and treat her well," she said with such concern in her voice.

I nodded without responding, turned toward the exit door, and walked away fast on my heels.

I had what I needed. I left the hospital with a smirk dancing across my lips. The pieces were finally falling into place. Lucy Castellano-hidden heiress, human in desperation-was always the perfect vessel. She didn't know it yet.

By the time I returned to my penthouse, my phone buzzed. It was a message from Nurse Kara which says, "she's coming to see her brother tomorrow afternoon. I'll keep her in Room 402 until you arrive."