Claimed By My Best Friend's Uncle, The Alpha

Erin Flynn POV:

I stumbled out of the hotel's revolving door, clutching my phone.

The cool morning air hit my face but did nothing to quell the fire of panic inside me.

"Erin? You there? What's wrong?" Harley's voice crackled with concern from the phone.

Before I could invent a lie, a pink Porsche screeched to a halt in front of me.

The window rolled down, revealing Harley's face, a perfect mixture of worry and gossip-hungry curiosity.

"Goddess, you look like you've been chased by a wolf pack for three hundred miles!" she exclaimed.

Seeing her, the dam of my composure cracked. Tears pricked my eyes, but I forced them back. I could not tell her the truth.

I hung up and threw myself into the passenger seat, the soft leather swallowing me whole.

Harley immediately leaned in, sniffing the air around me like an eager puppy. "Whoa. Intense man scent. And definitely not Kieran the Asshole's. Spill. You went out and had some fun, didn't you?"

Her eyes were bright with excitement for me.

My mind raced, desperately searching for a plausible story. I couldn't say it was a Rogue; she'd worry herself sick. I definitely couldn't say it was her uncle; that would be a death sentence for us both.

Her expression softened as she took in my pale face and shifty eyes. "Erin, are you okay? This Alpha... he didn't hurt you, did he?"

Her concern was a physical pain in my chest. I was lying to my best friend.

An idea sparked. It based on a male revue show she'd dragged me to once.

"I... I hired a male entertainer," I croaked, my throat dry.

Harley stared at me for a second, then burst out laughing. She slammed her hand on the steering wheel, making the horn blare. "I knew it! That's my girl! Best way to get over an old prick is to get under a new one!"

She grabbed my shoulders, her excitement infectious. "Tell me everything! Was he good? Worth the money? Judging by that scent, he must be an Alpha-grade dancer. Is that a thing now?"

I was dizzy from her barrage of questions. I could only manage a weak nod. "He was... powerful. But... a little too quiet." I thought of Barron's deep, silent eyes.

"The strong, silent type? I love it!" Harley whistled, pulling the car into traffic. "You have to take me with you next time!"

"No!" I almost shouted. "It was a one-time thing. We're done."

Harley pouted. "Too bad. But probably safer that way."

"How did you find me?" I asked, desperate to change the subject.

She rolled her eyes. "You, that's how! You weren't answering my texts last night. I was worried you'd do something stupid, so I tracked your phone. Imagine my surprise when it pinged you at the Black Wolf Summit Hotel!"

The Black Wolf Summit. A Winters Corporation property. My stomach dropped.

"I tried to come up, but security stopped me," she continued, oblivious. "They said the top floor was booked by a 'very important guest.' I guess that was your 'entertainer,' huh? Pretty generous."

Cold sweat trickled down my back. The important guest... it was him. Barron Winters himself.

Harley chattered on. "Speaking of which, my fossil of an uncle is supposed to be visiting the office today. It's going to be a nightmare."

I felt my body go rigid. "Which uncle?"

"Who else? The scariest one, Barron!" Harley made a face. "My dad's at some Elder council meeting, so he left my uncle in charge. I can already feel the icy grip of hell."

My breath hitched. Barron Winters... was coming to my office?

Harley was still complaining about her uncle's tyrannical rules—no being a second late for meetings, zero tolerance for typos, and that terrifying, soul-freezing low pressure he carried everywhere.

I couldn't hear a word.

One thought consumed my mind: I have to leave. Now.

The car pulled up to my apartment building.

Harley patted my hand. "Don't worry, babe. It's all going to be okay. Forget Kieran the bastard, and forget the one-night-stand dancer. Tomorrow is a new day."

I forced a smile, pushed open the door, and fled into my building.

My life was over.