Chapter 5 An Offer

*Selena*

**Four years later**

I stared helplessly at the stack of cash in my hand. We had half a month to get by with this meager amount, and it would be incredibly difficult.

"Ugh!" I groaned, running my hand through my hair before placing the cash back in the box where I kept it in my room.

My bank account was already empty, and without a proper job, I had no idea how I would provide for my family next month. Austin's birthday was just three months away, and the thought of failing him made me feel like a complete failure as a mother. My baby boy had asked for a game as a birthday gift, and I couldn't even afford to give him that.

Damn it. I felt so miserable, and my fate seemed even crueler than my circumstances.

I worked multiple part-time jobs, barely earning enough to cover our basic necessities, let alone any luxuries. The weight of my failures bore down on me even more because Austin wasn't just any child-he was a prince, an heir, and carried alpha blood. It broke my heart to see him endure a life of poverty because of my inadequacies.

Austin possessed a wisdom far beyond his tender age, and his physical stature surpassed that of his peers. As a born Alpha, he exuded an air of authority, appearing much older than his mere three years. Many mistook him for a five-year-old, captivated by his maturity and commanding presence.

With his father's features reflected in his appearance, Austin was the spitting image of him. His dark hair, pointed nose, sharp jawline, rosy lips, and sun-kissed skin were unmistakable reminders of his heritage. Yet, it was his piercing blue eyes that stood out the most-a striking feature that seemed to hold a world of depth.

"Mommy, is the breakfast ready?!" Austin's voice broke through my sad thoughts, pulling me back to the present. A warm smile spread across my lips as I turned to see the light of my life.

I tousled my son's hair affectionately while flipping the omelet sizzling in the pan. Once it was done, I carefully plated the fluffy omelet and set it on the table.

"Finish your breakfast like a good boy," I gently urged him, my tender smile lingering as I turned to tackle the rest of the household chores.

When I left the Moonglow pack, circumstances forced me to abandon my education and let go of my dreams of pursuing higher studies. My uncle and the baby growing inside me depended on my support. To make ends meet, I took up employment, working shifts at restaurants and general stores. However, the income was barely enough to get by, let alone provide a comfortable life, especially with the additional expenses of my pregnancy.

But, my talent for computers had always been exceptional, particularly hacking. In search of financial stability, I began working as a hacker on the secretive dark web. It allowed me to earn some quick and modest income.

But for days, I couldn't find a single hacking assignment. Darn it, it felt like all the odds were stacking against me at once, threatening to make my already miserable condition even worse.

In hope to find a new hacking job, I opened the dark web. As I navigated through the depths of the web, a message caught my attention, arriving from an unidentified sender. It contained an enticing proposition-an opportunity for a significant hacking project, accompanied by a lucrative sum of money.

*Hi, we can discuss the assignment.* I sent a reply promptly.

The temptation of the immense sum was so enticing, and I was in desperate need of money. I waited impatiently when a message box suddenly appeared on the screen.

*Security system of the Moonglow pack.*

The reply from the other end made my breath hitch.

That was an insane assignment, and who the hell was so desperate to die that they wanted to hack the system of the Moonglow pack? That Alpha Zander had himself made that system, and he was an expert. I had training under him when... when we were married. I knew it was impossible to invade the security of the Moonglow pack, and that includes all the details of the North. Hacking the Moonglow pack's security means gaining access to all the details of the security for the entire North and risking the safety of the whole region. No. I was in desperate need of money but not a fool to accept an offer of my own demise.

*Sorry, I can't do this.* I quickly typed the reply and was about to sign off.

*I can increase the offer and pay you even more if you're interested. But I really need your skills for this job.*

The reply came swiftly, accompanied by an additional zero at the end of the amount.

He was offering me ten million for this project. It was an absurdly high figure, but the task at hand carried grave risks. What he wanted me to do was very dangerous and if I were to be caught, my life would be forfeit.

*Apologies, but I can't take on this job.* I texted back without a moment's hesitation.

*Don't rush into a decision. I can add one more zero to the amount and pay you the entire sum upfront. Take your time to consider. I'll be waiting for your reply.* His message came through before he quickly signed off.

Holy shit!

A hundred million!

But was this amount worth risking my life and everything I had kept safe for so long?

With that kind of money, I could live a peaceful life without having to work and even start my own computer business. The person behind this offer must be immensely powerful and influential, seeking my expertise to breach the world's most intricate security system.

It felt like staring into an abyss with no bottom.

Incredibly dangerous.

Unbelievably treacherous.

With a frustrated groan, I forcefully slammed my laptop shut, distancing myself from the enticing allure of dangerous possibilities.

"What's troubling you, Selena? You seem agitated," Uncle inquired, his gaze filled with concern. He was elderly and had grown weaker after surviving the war. He couldn't assist me financially or with household chores.

"Oh, it's nothing, Uncle! I have an interview today. Will you look after Austin for a while?" I smiled, asking him a genuine question, not revealing the reason behind my irritation from the tempting offer I had received.

In the dark web, I was known as C-tech. Our real identities and faces remained hidden, while payments were discreetly transferred to our dark web accounts. We could withdraw the funds in cash, maintaining our anonymity. So, how did he find me, and why did he need only me to do this job? A strange coincidence, if it was one!

"Of course, Selena. But are you sure you'll get a decent job? You dropped out of school," Uncle reasoned.

"Let me give it a try, Uncle. What if they really can see my incredible skills in computers and hire me without a degree?" I shrugged with hope in my heart.

Uncle had been a pillar of support in raising my son, Austin. Whenever I couldn't be at home due to work commitments, he was there, ensuring Austin's well-being.

"You're right, Selena. You should try. Don't worry about Austin. He'll be fine with me. You focus on getting a high-paying job," my uncle reassured me.

I nodded, grinning with encouragement. Yes, I could do it. I had to get a decent, well-paying job ASAP-for Austin's future.

Uncle reached for the remote control, an air of boredom evident on his face. "It's the same old news again! Let's switch channels and see if we can find something more interesting," he grumbled, flipping through the various options until he stumbled upon a set of headlines that caught his attention.

"Alpha King, Zander Blake, to wed his childhood sweetheart, Avery Wright, next month. Preparations for the grand event are already underway," announced the news anchor, his voice capturing my full attention. Every fiber of my being became acutely aware of whom they were discussing.

My eager, yet treacherous, gaze fixated upon the television screen, and the sight that greeted me stole my breath away.

Alpha King, Zander Blake!

The very image that had haunted my sleepless nights and tormented my heart appeared before me. He was the architect of my wretched existence, the cause of my misery.

Despite the passing years, the despicable man still exuded an irresistible allure. In fact, during that three-year absence, he had only grown more striking and captivating. His sculpted physique emanated dominance, a mere glimpse of his imposing build enough to instill fear in anyone. His short, dark hair was slicked back, emphasizing his sharp features, while his piercing blue eyes seemed to penetrate the screen, as though he possessed the power to see through it.

His perfectly tailored suit clung to his form, emphasizing his chiseled chest and showcasing the defined contours of his rock-hard eight-pack abs. It was no wonder women yearned to throw themselves at the feet of this cruel and heartless Greek God. The first time I laid eyes on him, he captured my heart effortlessly. Little did I know then that it would be the worst decision of my life, a stark reminder that appearances could be deceiving.

He appeared blissfully content in his new life without me. Of course, he would be ecstatic with his chosen mate, the one he was now preparing to marry. I tore my gaze away, my attention drifting from the news. The news anchor delved into intricate details about the extravagant wedding and the opulent ceremony that would seal their bond as Alpha King and his future Luna.

A twinge of pain gripped my chest, and I attempted to push the thoughts aside. Perhaps three years and my immense hatred for him weren't enough to erase him from my memory.

Everything was still fresh in my memory, haunting me even as I attempted to forget. From the day I married until the moment I escaped my cruel husband, the memories were etched into my mind like deep scars. Despite my efforts to move on, painful recollections threatened to consume me, and the urge for revenge surged, overtaking every other emotion. But above all, I had a greater purpose-to ensure my son, Austin, did not suffer because of the burning fire of revenge within me. As much as I longed for retribution against my ex-mate, Alpha King Zander Blake, I refused to put Austin's well-being at risk.

But the truth was, taking down the invincible Alpha King was no easy task. It required a foolproof plan and abundant resources to challenge the mightiest, most merciless, and seemingly indomitable ruler. The rumors of his heartlessness were undoubtedly true, and I feared he wouldn't even hesitate to kill his own son if it served his pride and ambitions.