The Ruthless Alpha's contract Bride

Manhattan was a frigid, unforgiving void tonight. The heavy, damp air clung to my skin like a shroud as I stepped off the bus in South Manhattan. I'm a fashion student at NYU-I should be worrying about hemlines and sketches-but instead, I was walking toward the one place I never wanted to see: Rainbow Hospital.

My fingers drummed a frantic, nervous rhythm on the reception desk. "Hello, I'm here for an appointment with Dr. Shepherd," I managed to say.

The receptionist looked up, her smile far too warm for a night this cold. "Just a moment, dear." She checked her screen and nodded. "Please go straight down the hall and turn into the last room on your left."

Every step felt like lead. When I entered the office, Dr. Shepherd was checking her watch, looking relieved. "Shireen, I'm glad you made it. I thought you might not come today."

"I'm so sorry, ma'am," I said, my voice trembling. "I had an unexpected class." I pulled a chair toward her, my hands shaking so violently I had to grip the back of the seat just to keep from falling apart.

Her expression softened as she slid a document across the desk. My eyes stung with tears I refused to let fall. I wiped my sweaty palms on my pants and reached for the pen, but she stopped me. Her gaze was penetrating.

"Are you doing this of your own free will?"

I couldn't trust my voice, so I just nodded.

"You can still back out, you know," she said gently. "The person you're doing this for-the one who needs you to take this-is filled with more venom than you can imagine. Be careful, Shireen."

A shiver raced down my spine. Did I even have a choice? "I am doing this wholeheartedly, with complete sanity, Dr. Shepherd," I replied, my voice meek but firm.

"Please read the agreement, honey, before you sign."

The surgical room was sterile and terrifying. As I lay on the cold table, my heart hammered against my ribs like a trapped bird. I have to do this, I whispered to the empty air, squeezing my eyes shut.

Then came the needle. It was a searing, sharp intrusion. I whimpered, and finally, the tears broke free. Mama, I'm so sorry. Forgive me. I love you and Papa, but there was no other way.

After the procedure, they made me rest for an hour. When I finally stood up, the hospital was eerily silent.

"Do you have someone to take you home?" Dr. Shepherd asked.

"My brother is waiting outside," I lied. I shook her hand and started the long, painful walk to the exit.

"Shireen, remember you need to rest!" she called out. I turned and forced a smile that felt like it was breaking my face.

The night was pitch-black. I hissed in pain with every movement, my body feeling heavy and clammy. I pulled out my phone and dialed the number I'd been given a week ago.