Chapter 5

Claire’s POV "You mean help, as in becoming your mistress, right?" I gripped the phone, speaking angrily. "What's wrong with that?" he sneered. "Or do you prefer being everyone's whore?" Anger burned through my shame. "I'd rather serve every old man in that club than spend another minute with you," I roared. "At least they're honest about what they want." "Feisty," he mocked. "Is that how you talk to clients? No wonder you're so popular. But remember who you're speaking to, little girl. Remember who my father is. He controls the largest wolf pack in North America. Watch your tone." The New Moon Alpha. I'd never met him, but when Adrian spoke of him, his voice held both awe and fear—a ruthless businessman, an unyielding leader. He stayed out of the spotlight but his influence ran deep. If he truly wanted to destroy me, I stood no chance. I knew I'd reached a dead end, but no. I still refused to be meat on Adrian's plate. "You can't control me anymore, Adrian," I retorted. "We'll see about that," he said, the threat still dripping from his words. "They always come crawling back." Asshole. I hung up, fury burning through me. But when my gaze fell on Theo's jacket, a strange calm washed over me. The image of Theo surfaced in my mind—the power he radiated in the club, the effortless authority he commanded. Could I ask him for help again? "We're even." Theo's cold words echoed in my ears. The jacket still carried traces of his body heat. The closer I held it, the calmer I felt. Was there really nothing else between us? "Earth to Claire?" Jennifer's voice snapped me out of my thoughts. She set a coffee on the table and sat beside me on the couch. "You look like you're plotting murder." "Adrian called," I said flatly, recounting his latest threats. Jennifer's face darkened. "That arrogant wolf. What does he even want? You refuse his help and he throws a tantrum?" "His father is the New Moon Alpha," I reminded her. "When he growls, he means it." "Why don't you ask Theo for help again?" she said. "Yesterday, he helped you. Even gave you his jacket." I nodded. "But he also said we're even. He doesn't want to see me again." Jennifer immediately scoffed. "If a man doesn't want to see you, he doesn't give you his jacket. Especially dominant alphas like him—they're more careful than we think." Was that true? I frowned. "Either way, you need to return the jacket. Unless you actually want to see Theo again." Jennifer concluded. I hesitated. Dad's condition was critical. I had no job left. Theo might be my last hope. "You're exhausted. Sleep on it and decide tomorrow morning." Jennifer yawned and headed to her bedroom. I tossed and turned in bed before finally falling asleep. But Mom's text stabbed through me at dawn: "Claire, the doctors are pressing again. Our hospital account is running low." I sat up and immediately dialed the number on the business card. The phone rang twice before he answered. "Theodore Val—" "Theo? It's... it's Claire. I need to return your jacket," I interrupted, my voice barely above a whisper. A pause. Then his tone softened slightly. "I'll text you the address." He hung up. I took a deep breath and called a cab to Theo's apartment. This time, I told myself, I'd go with purpose—not desperation. The taxi stopped in front of the most affluent neighborhood in the city, before a towering skyscraper of glass and steel that pierced the clouds. Afternoon sunlight glinted off its windows like liquid gold. I double-checked Theo's address—this was definitely the place. "Here we are," the driver announced, eyeing the building appreciatively. I paid and stepped out, clutching my bag containing Theo's neatly folded suit jacket. It had been dry-cleaned, but returning it was just an excuse—a reason to see him again. My real purpose twisted my stomach into knots, mixing anxiety with something else I refused to name. At the entrance, a security guard eyed me suspiciously. "Can I help you?" His tone suggested he doubted I belonged here. "I'm here to see Theo. Penthouse suite." The guard's expression shifted from professional detachment to barely concealed disdain—noticing my thrift-store coat, my nervous posture, all the markers that screamed I didn't belong in this world of wealth and alpha privilege. "Mr. Theo resides in the penthouse?" He raised an eyebrow. "And you are...?" "Claire White. He's expecting me." I lifted my chin, refusing to be intimidated. The guard's lip twitched, amused. "I'm sure." His tone made it clear what he thought. "I'm afraid, miss, I can't let just anyone up to—" "Lin, is there a problem?" That familiar deep voice. I turned to see Theo standing just inside the doors, impeccably dressed in a navy suit that emphasized his broad shoulders. His expression was polite, but I recognized the steel beneath the courteous smile. "Sir!" The guard straightened immediately. "I was just explaining our visitor protocols to this young lady who claims to have an appointment—" "With me," Theo stated firmly. "Ms. White is my guest. I don't recall requiring such... thorough vetting." The guard flushed. "Of course not, sir. My apologies. I merely—" "Ensured the building's security," Theo finished smoothly. His gaze shifted to me, his voice softening just slightly. "Claire, please come in." As I passed the guard, he muttered, "My sincerest apologies, miss. It won't happen again." Theo's hand settled lightly on the small of my back as he guided me toward the private elevator. Even through layers of clothing, the contact sent warmth radiating through me. We rode up in silence, the tension between us almost tangible in the confined space. The elevator opened directly into his penthouse. In daylight, the space was even more breathtaking. Floor-to-ceiling windows framed the city skyline, while minimalist furniture in shades of gray, black and navy exuded masculine elegance without sacrificing luxury. "Make yourself comfortable," Theo said, gesturing to the living area before moving to a small bar. "Drink?" "Yes, please." My mouth had gone dry. He returned with two glasses of rich red wine, handed me one, then settled in an armchair across from the sofa. Those sharp gray eyes studied me openly, missing nothing. "Let's cut to the chase," he said after sipping his wine. "Why are you really here, Claire?" I pulled his neatly folded jacket from my bag. "I wanted to return this. And... thank you for your kindness the other night." Theo accepted the jacket with a slight nod, his expression unreadable. "You could have had it delivered." Heat crept up my neck. Of course I could have. The excuse was flimsy—we both knew it. "I wanted to see you again," I admitted, staring into my wine instead of meeting his eyes. Theo leaned forward slightly, his gaze intensifying. "Why? I told you—I don't want to see you again." His rejection sparked something defiant in me. I closed the distance between us, fingers toying with his belt. "Why do you keep rejecting me?" "I told you, age isn't the issue," I murmured, my lips brushing his. "So, Theo, are you saying you helped me just because I looked helpless—not because your cock actually wanted inside me?" My hand slid down to cup the hardness already straining against his slacks. He sucked in a breath—he couldn't hide that. I exhaled against his lips. "You don't have to hold back. I just want to thank you. I won't cling." As I began stroking him, a low growl rumbled in his throat. Just as I started to kneel, Theo shoved me back. "Enough! Claire," he rasped, voice rough. "I have a son your age. Buying a girl's youth—it's not right." "Get out. Now!" he barked. "No! I just need my father's medical bills paid," I cried. "Please." "That's not my concern. If you need money, get a job." He turned away, zipping his pants before kneeling to meet my eyes. "No! My ex threatened me, his father controls every company in this city—I have no options—" "Stop!" Theo snarled. "With your intelligence and courage, you'll find another way." I nodded numbly. His irises flickered red—his wolf was close to the surface. My shoulders hunched instinctively. Still, I whispered, "I'm willing. Admit it—you're dangerously attractive to me." "Maybe I'd believe that if you weren't so obviously desperate," Theo said coldly, rising to his full height. He opened the door, his gaze icy. "Leave." I stood, fighting back humiliated tears as I rushed to the elevator. He didn't stop me—but I felt his burning stare on my back until the doors closed. Walking down the hallway, I felt lost, drowning in confusion and shame. If Theo had never wanted me—if my offer disgusted him—why had he agreed to see me? Why had his eyes burned so hot? Why had he kissed me like he meant it?