Chapter 1

Erin's POV

"What? This can't be happening!"

"We're pleased to announce that Anna Miller has been selected for the permanent Project Specialist position..."

I slammed my laptop shut with such force that several colleagues nearby lifted their heads.

This isn't fair! I've busted my ass for two years, and Anna's only been here for three months!

My name is Erin Grey, and I'm different from most people around me. I'm a werewolf—an Omega, the lowest rank in the pack hierarchy. For ten years, I've lived among humans, hiding my true identity, struggling to build a life for myself far away from pack politics. The path hasn't been easy, but I've gritted my teeth and persevered, only to have everything I've worked for seemingly mocked right in front of me.

I needed some air before I did something I'd regret. Taking a deep breath, I grabbed my coffee mug and bolted toward the break room, trying to hide the tears welling in my eyes.

In the break room, Mark and Liz huddled by the coffee machine, their conversation halting abruptly when I entered. Their guilty expressions told me everything.

"Erin, you okay?" Mark asked cautiously.

"You all knew, didn't you?" I demanded, my voice surprisingly steady despite the storm raging inside. "You knew that position was going to Anna."

Liz shifted uncomfortably. "Look, Erin, it's complicated..."

I let out a bitter laugh. "Complicated? Where was she when I was pulling all-nighters on those projects? She hasn't even completed a single market analysis on her own!"

Mark glanced nervously around before lowering his voice. "Anna has connections. And Green gives her... special attention."

"What's that supposed to mean?"

"Well..." Mark hesitated, "office rumor is that Anna frequently visits his office for 'private meetings.'"

Liz shot Mark a warning glare. "Shh, don't start rumors."

I was about to press further when my phone vibrated. Looking down, even worse news awaited me. "OVERDUE PAYMENT NOTICE: Student loan payment #48 is past due. Second notification." Followed immediately by a text demanding this month's rent.

PERFECT fucking timing!

"I need to finish that client report," I muttered. "Maybe that will change something."

Long after everyone had left, I remained hunched over my computer, ignoring the sympathetic glances thrown my way. Hours of hunching over my keyboard left my neck and shoulders aching, but I was determined to complete this project flawlessly.

If I nail this report, maybe Green will reconsider.

At 9:30 PM, the office was eerily quiet except for the hum of the air conditioning. As I stood to stretch my stiff muscles, I heard voices coming from Thomas Green's office at the end of the hallway. My heightened werewolf hearing picked up the conversation with crystal clarity—too much clarity.

"Thanks for giving me that position, Tommy baby. I REALLY appreciate it," a woman's voice purred—Anna Miller.

"Keep making me happy, sweetheart, and promotions won't be a problem. You know how much I love that little mouth of yours," Green responded, his voice thick with desire.

Curiosity drove me to quietly approach the half-open door. Through the crack, I saw Anna on her knees, her head bobbing between Thomas's legs while he half-sat on his desk, one hand gripping her blonde hair.

"That's it, you little slut, take it deeper," Green groaned, clutching Anna's hair.

"You like that, boss? Am I doing good?" Anna looked up with exaggerated enthusiasm.

"So good, baby," Thomas panted, "now bend over the desk and stick that ass up."

My stomach turned as Anna climbed onto the desk, positioning herself provocatively. "Hurry and fuck me, Tommy, I can't wait," she moaned.

"Quiet, bitch. Who decides when you get fucked?" Green growled.

"You, Tommy, only you."

What followed made my cheeks burn—Thomas roughly entering Anna, each thrust making the desk creak loudly. Anna made no effort to muffle her moans, performing like a cheap porn actress.

So that's how she got the position... using her body...

I tried to back away quietly, but accidentally bumped into a file cart in the dark hallway, its metal wheels screeching. Shit! Green immediately looked toward the door, whispered something to Anna, and quickly adjusted his clothing before striding toward the door.

I wanted to duck into a nearby storage closet, but it was too late. When he yanked the door open, I stood frozen.

"Erin? Still here this late?" he narrowed his eyes suspiciously. "How long have you been standing there?"

"I—I was just leaving," I stammered, backing away. "I didn't see anything, honestly."

Green moved closer, his breath hot on my face. "Liar. You're not good at lying, Erin. I can see it all over your face." He grabbed my arm, his fingers digging painfully into my skin.

"Listen carefully," he hissed. "If you breathe a WORD of this to anyone, I guarantee you won't find work at any company in Chicago. Disposable little employees like you are a dime a dozen."

"I don't know what you're talking about," I struggled to break free, "let go of me!"

His body pressed against mine, and I could smell the mixture of sweat, cologne, and post-sex musk that made my stomach churn.

This son of a BITCH!

"I won't say anything, please let me go," I tried to keep my voice steady.

Thomas's hand slid to my hip, squeezing roughly. "You know, Erin," he licked his lips, "you're much prettier than Anna. Her tits aren't as full as yours, and her ass isn't nearly as tight."

I froze as his hand roamed over my body, squeezing my breast through my blouse.

"If you were smart like her," his lips pressed against my neck, leaving a wet trail, "I could make you Project Manager, even Department Head. Anna only got the Specialist position, but you... you could get so much more."

I felt his hardness pressing against my stomach, nausea rising in my throat. My wolf instincts screamed to fight back, to tear out his throat, but I knew that would only make things worse.

"What do you say, Erin?" One hand forced its way under my blouse, his rough fingers grazing my skin, "Want that position? All you have to do is... cooperate like Anna."

I endured his touch silently, my mind racing for an escape.

"Mr. Green," I forced myself to use a submissive tone, "if I... cooperate... you'll really give me a better position?"

His fingers slipped into the waistband of my pants. "Of course, baby. I'll give you everything you want. You're so much hotter than Anna—I'll make you scream with pleasure."

I spotted a letter opener on the file cart. My claws nearly emerged, but at the last moment, I controlled my instinct.

No, not the claws, it would expose me... that blade could work...

"So... what position could you give me?" I asked, stalling for time.