After My Mate Forced a Miscarriage, I Married His Uncle

The neon sign of the motel flickered outside my window, casting shadows across the stained carpet. Three days had passed since I'd fled our penthouse. Three days of hiding, starving, and researching my only option.

Victor Pierce. Hayden's uncle. The true power behind the Pierce empire.

I hunched over my stolen laptop, scrolling through articles about him. "Ruthless CEO Restructures Board." "Pierce Enterprises Acquires Major Competitor." "Victor Pierce: The Man Who Built an Empire."

Unlike Hayden's playboy reputation, Victor was known for his calculated decisions and iron control. He'd built his fortune from nothing after being cast out by the Pierce family decades ago.

"He's at Pierce Corp headquarters today," I whispered to myself, tracing the address on the screen. "Board meeting."

I checked my reflection in the cracked mirror. Dark circles shadowed my eyes, but I still looked like the Lyra Bennett who'd once been a respected news anchor. I pulled out my old press credentials—a lifeline I'd kept when I married into the Pierce family.

"Time to roll the dice," I said, straightening my shoulders.

---

The Pierce Corporation tower dominated the skyline, all glass and steel ambition. I clutched my credentials tightly as I approached the security desk.

"Lyra Bennett, former anchor with Channel 7 News," I said, forcing confidence into my voice. "I have information regarding the Pierce family that needs to reach Mr. Victor Pierce immediately."

The guard eyed me suspiciously. "You have an appointment?"

"No, but—"

"Then I'm afraid—"

"Tell him it's about his nephew's thirty-million-dollar debt to the syndicate," I said quietly. "And the she-wolf they're coming to collect."

The guard's expression changed. He made a call upstairs, eyes never leaving me. Minutes later, he nodded.

"Forty-second floor. Mr. Pierce will see you."

The elevator ride was endless. My heart hammered against my ribs as I rehearsed what I'd say. When the doors finally opened, a tall man in a perfectly tailored suit stood waiting.

"Mrs. Pierce," he said, his voice deep and controlled. "Or do you prefer Bennett?"

"Lyra is fine," I replied, meeting his gaze.

Victor Pierce was nothing like Hayden. Where my husband had been boyish and charming, Victor radiated power and authority. His eyes—the same piercing blue as Hayden's—held none of the warmth I'd once mistaken for love.

"Follow me," he commanded, turning without waiting for my response.

His office was spartan despite its size. Floor-to-ceiling windows offered a panoramic view of Manhattan, but Victor stood with his back to them, his focus entirely on me.

"Explain," he ordered.

I swallowed hard. "Your nephew sold me as collateral to cover his debts. The syndicate is coming for me."

Something dangerous flashed in Victor's eyes. "Show me."

With trembling hands, I produced the contract I'd managed to photograph before fleeing. Victor took it, his jaw tightening as he read.

"This is... disgraceful," he said finally, his voice low and controlled. "Using a she-wolf as collateral. The Pierce name means something in this city."

"He drugged me too," I said, the words still bitter on my tongue. "Forced a miscarriage on our anniversary."

Victor's expression hardened further. He walked to his desk, pressing a button. "Marcus, get in here."

A tall, muscular man with watchful eyes entered immediately.

"Check these allegations," Victor ordered. "And find out who in the syndicate is handling this."

As Marcus left, Victor turned back to me. "If what you say is true, Hayden has brought shame to our bloodline."

"I want him to pay," I said simply.

Victor studied me for a long moment. "And if I make that happen?"

"Name your price."

A smile curved his lips—not warm, but satisfied. "I need a wife. The board meeting next week requires me to appear... stable. Family-oriented."

I blinked in surprise. "Excuse me?"

"Marry me," he said bluntly. "Today. I'll settle your debt and destroy Hayden. You'll get your revenge and protection from the syndicate."

Fear coiled in my stomach at his words. Victor Pierce was an Alpha King—his power overwhelming, his reputation ruthless.

"Why would you want me?" I asked.

"Your reputation precedes you, Lyra Bennett," he replied. "Respected journalist. Loyal to a fault. Perfect wife material."

I hesitated, weighing my options. None existed.

"Okay," I whispered.

---

"The marking ceremony is necessary," Victor explained later that evening in his private chamber. "It protects you from the syndicate. They won't touch another Alpha's claimed mate."

I stood rigid as he approached, his presence filling the room.

"Remove your shirt," he instructed.

I complied, exposing my shoulder. Victor's eyes darkened as he leaned close.

"This isn't a real marriage," I reminded him, my voice shaking.

"No," he agreed, his breath warm against my skin. "It's a contract."

His teeth sank into my flesh, marking me as his. Pain flared briefly before something unexpected happened—a rush of heat, a connection I hadn't anticipated. Victor stiffened against me, his eyes widening slightly.

"What was that?" I gasped.

"The Alpha effect," he said dismissively, stepping back. But something in his expression had changed.

As he turned away, I caught a glimpse of something in his eyes—surprise, perhaps even desire. And deep within me, something stirred in response.

Our eyes met briefly across the room, both of us pretending the air between us hadn't just charged with something dangerous and undeniable.