Chapter 5 When Survival Becomes a Contract

Lucy's POV

I woke up to the kind of silence that didn't belong in my world. The world was blurry when I opened my eyes. Soft sheets cocooned my body, and for a moment, I wasn't sure if I was dead or dreaming. Dim lighting and a scent that was expensive and clean-cedarwood, leather, and something sinfully masculine beneath my breath.

Last night, the rain had stopped, but my thoughts stormed with fear.

I sat up slowly, pain shooting through my ribs like I'd been trampled by a stampede. My fingers brushed the silk of the nightgown I wore-clean, unfamiliar, luxurious. I was expecting to still be in his coat, but I was cleanly dressed and safe. That wouldn't have been possible if he wasn't there on time. Remembering what I went through last night still makes me shiver.

My breath hitched. "Where am I?"

I tried to flutter my eyes fully open. The room wasn't just expensive-it was exclusive. Elite. A place where girls like me didn't belong. I know this couldn't be a guest room. It should be the Alpha's penthouse, but why would he take me to his private home? I learned from my bedtime story that Alphas only take their true lovers to their home, but I was only a... strip..per...

Just then, the door creaked open, and in walked a middle-aged woman with silver hair tied in a neat bun and a warm, practised smile covering her lips.

"A good morning to you, beautiful," she said, her voice sweet like cool night music. "I'm Lady Mayer, the housekeeper. Alpha Ryker left strict instructions-you're to have anything you need at any time."

Alpha Ryker. I repeated

Just the sound of the name sent a tremor through my spine. The man with ice in his eyes and steel in his voice. The one who'd sat quietly while chaos unfolded in the club, only to emerge when it mattered most. The one who carried me like I weighed nothing of an adult.

"You said Alpha Ryker...?" I repeated, confused. "As in the Alpha Ryker Thorn?"

The elderly lady smiled knowingly. "There's only one Ryker Thorn, darling. Alpha of the Thorn Syndicate. This is his private estate, and yes, you're right."

I blinked. This couldn't be happening. "But... why would he bring me here?"

Lady Mayer chuckled, placing a silver tray beside me. Fresh fruit, croissants, eggs, bacon, and hot coffee. "I've been with Ryker since he was in diapers. He doesn't bring just anyone home. "In fact..." she leaned in like she was sharing a secret. "You're the first woman to ever sleep in his bed." She smiled.

I choked. "What?"

She winked. "Don't overthink it, dear. Just eat. You've had a rough night."

I made a face because rough was an understatement. My body still remembered the alley. The screams. The blood. The weight of fear pressed down until Ryker tore through it like a storm in the shadows.

I didn't belong here. I was a stripper, nothing more. And this wasn't a fantasy-this was the lion's den. The thought kept running through my head.

The Lady handed me a small note and a sleek black card. "He asked me to give you this. He said you'd understand."

Then she patted my shoulder gently and slipped out of the room like a ghost.

Immediately, I unfolded the note.

Hey, sleeping head, By the time you read this, I'll be gone for business. Check the drawer. There's $49. Use it, it will just be enough for now. I'll find you when it's time. - R.T.

Holding the note tightly, I stared at the words like they might burn me. How did he know I needed money? At least the money could cover my rent.

Quickly, I sprang from the bed, my instincts screaming to run. I threw open drawers until I found the cash-neatly stacked, crisp bills bound together like it was nothing and like something that didn't matter.

I held the money, but was this a hush money? Or something worse?

I was in need of money, too, and I didn't wait to find out. I grabbed a hoodie from the closet, pulled it over my nightgown, shoved the money into a backpack, and slipped out before anyone could notice and stop me.

---

Last night, heavy rain washed the filth from the streets, but not from my life.

My landlord kept to his wicked threat as I stood in front of my apartment building, picking up what was left of my things-every last one of them-scattered on the sidewalk like trash. My mattress was soaked, my clothes ruined, and the neighbours were pretending not to watch from behind their curtains.

I bend to my knees and continue collecting the remnants of my life. Tears burned my eyes, but I didn't let them fall. Not here and not now.

I shoved what I could into the backpack and collapsed onto the broken frame of my bed, letting exhaustion swallow me whole.

"Sobbing...what now?

I had money for my rent now, But money didn't fix broken hearts or erase shame. And it sure as hell couldn't turn what had gone through into something normal.

Beep. Beep.

My phone buzzed in my back pocket. I snatched it up, my heart racing when I saw the caller ID.

"Hello?" I croaked.

"Lucy," the voice was urgent-nurse Kara from the hospital. "It's your brother. He's not breathing well, the doctor said the surgery needed to be done immediately. You need to come quickly. Lucy now."

My world tilted again. Why's all this happening to me?

---

I burst through the hospital doors, they barely let me into his room. Machines beeped in a rhythm that sounded like a countdown.

I grabbed his frail hand. "No, no, no-Eli, stay with me, please stay with me."

The nurse stepped back to give me space. "His condition's worsening. We need the rest of the money by tomorrow, so the surgery will be performed, or we'll have to transfer him to a state facility, and you know what that means."

I nodded numbly. I promise to think of something. I said, sobbing uncontrollably and forcefully handling the doctor the money Ryker gave to me. I know it's not enough, but please help me start with this. I will make it up.

The nurse handed the money back to me, and nurse Kara pulled me outside.

"What are you doing, Lucy"? Is this how you intend to save your brother?

"Why not accept this surrogate contract and save yourself from this drilling pile-up bills stress?".

"So you think that is the only way out, Kara? I ask amidst a sob.

" Yes, Lucy." I'm your friend. I can't lie to you. Accept this offer and save your brother.

"Fine." Let me look at the contract.