7: Entertain Him

SIERRA

“Did Beta Harper really make remarks about women and then stay standing because you weren’t allowed to sit?” My father asked me. We shared a telepathic bond, so I knew Kaven must have relayed Harper’s words to him. But why did it matter?

“He did question why I wasn’t permitted to sit. Lycan customs differ from ours. In their territory, it’s unusual for a woman not to be seated first or considered equal in most aspects,” I explained. I wasn’t naive enough to believe all wolves were noble creatures who cherished their women. Every race had its share of bad apples.

“It seems he might have a soft spot for women. I know he’s fond of his sister. His influence over Alpha Axel is significant, and he clearly doesn’t like Kaven,” Adis observed. It didn’t take a genius to figure that out, but Kaven wasn’t exactly easy to get along with.

“I think you’re right, Father,” I agreed dutifully. I wasn’t sure why he’d kept me behind. I assumed I’d be tasked with drafting a bunch of documents for them. Kaven and my father usually just reviewed them.

I wasn’t ignorant. I was educated. I just needed to understand my place in our society.

“Sierra, I have a different task for you. Gaining an advantage in their manufacturing and pharmaceutical sectors would be crucial. They’ve shown they’re willing to invade other territories to reclaim improperly distributed resources. If the lycan territory starts distributing, we know many will be drawn to him. Regardless of personal feelings, the alpha has been honest.”

My father’s tone suggested he wasn’t thrilled about it. The lycan pack was straightforward and confrontational.

“I’m not sure what you’re asking me to do, then?” I asked, puzzled.

“I’m willing to bet that Beta Harper will be making the decisions about this facility. He oversees their medical operations with Luna Layla. Axel is smart; he’s chosen a strong beta who’s practically an alpha himself. I want a stronger connection with Axel and his lycan pack. If Harper has a soft spot for women, we’ll use that to our advantage. I want you to keep him company while he’s here. Make him believe he can trust you, exploit his weakness for women.”

I stared at my father, stunned. Was he suggesting I offer myself to Beta Harper for his benefit? We were alone in the room; everyone else had been dismissed.

“Are you asking me to converse with him or to…” I couldn’t finish my sentence. My father looked at me as if I were a fool.

“I’m asking you to do whatever it takes to win his favor. If that means offering him your body privately, then so be it. You’re not in heat, and there’s much to gain from the lycans. So, do what women do best,” he said.

I must have looked shocked. My father had never asked me to prostitute myself like this. Except to Kaven, to provide him an heir.

“While I’m pleased to see you’re disgusted by the idea of sleeping with an animal, you’ll still do your duty. You’re not in heat, and I see this as a good use for you. Practice to keep your bonded satisfied and learn to please,” he said.

I wasn’t repulsed by the idea of sleeping with a lycan. I was horrified that my own father was trying to sell me to one. I’d hoped he wouldn’t sink so low, but it seemed I was wrong.

“And if I refuse?” I asked quietly, tensing as Adis approached me. I glanced at his hand to see if it was open or closed. It was a habit, a sad one, to know what to brace for. The kind of blow I’d receive if I pushed any further.

I’d been punished with his blood magic before. I had the same ability and knew how painful it could be when used against you. I swallowed hard.

“You know exactly what will happen if you disobey. Whose orders do you follow?” he asked.

“Yours,” I replied.

“Why is that?” he pressed. It was more of a reminder of my place than a genuine question. He wanted me to say it.

“Without you, I’d be nothing. I’d be worthless, better off dead,” I said stoically. My father was a cruel man. I’d heard him say similar things all my life. It didn’t hurt anymore. I didn’t love my father. I didn’t seek his approval. I just wanted to avoid pain and enjoy brief moments of freedom.

“Then do as you’re told,” he commanded, making a sharp noise. His eyes turned a dark red as he looked at me. As vampires, our features sometimes changed. That sign told me to be careful.

Miguel entered the room.

“I’ve instructed her to entertain one of our guests, Beta Harper. Let her do as she pleases with him and don’t interfere. If she avoids him, inform me immediately.”

Miguel simply nodded. I moved to leave the room. I had nothing more to say to my father. As I stepped out and the door closed, I took a deep breath and looked at Miguel.

“Where is Beta Harper?” I asked Miguel. He looked at me thoughtfully, keeping his thoughts to himself. He checked his phone before answering.

“It seems Beta Harper is at the bar and lounge. His companions have retired to their rooms,” Miguel informed me.

I nodded and turned, walking down the hall deep in thought. I was about to find out what kind of man Beta Harper was. I stopped at the elevator, not wanting to take the stairs.

“Lady Sierra,” Miguel called. I barely turned my head to look at him. Our eyes met for a moment.

“Do you really want to go down?” he asked, compassion in his eyes.

I looked away. At least I wasn’t surrounded by heartless people.

“What I want doesn’t matter, and we both know it. Thank you for asking, Miguel,” I said quietly.

“Forgive me, my lady,” Miguel said. We stood there, enveloped in silence, before stepping onto the elevator. Once we descended, I made my way to the lounge area. Miguel positioned himself off to the side, close enough to keep an eye on things but far enough to not intrude.

I took a moment to scan the room and there he was—Harper. He was more draped over the stool than sitting on it. I noticed him twirling the glass in front of him, his gaze fixed on it. He seemed deep in thought, like he was wrestling with something.

I was at a loss as to how I was going to flirt with him, let alone fulfill my father’s request.

Me, date? You’ve got to be kidding. My father would have a heart attack if he caught me messing around with someone of a lower class.

But here I was, contemplating the unthinkable. Maybe we could just get really drunk. That seemed like a plausible plan, right?

A part of me was hoping that Harper was as respectful as he appeared to be, and that it wasn’t all an act. On the other hand, it might be interesting to discover if sex was always this dreadful.

Or was it just with Kaven? Maybe I’d enjoy it more if I was drunk and carefree.

Taking a deep breath, I moved toward Harper, hoping my approach wouldn’t be met with disdain. It was time to see if I could be the woman my father wanted me to be and win Harper’s favor.

At least I found him attractive and worth a woman’s time. So, there was that, right?