is, and a matte black Bugatti that looked like a sleeping predator. In the

aded strai

'm not getting on th

ket from a nearby hook. "P

ots. I changed quickly, hyper-aware of his eyes

e these,

" His tone was flat, a wa

challenge. I got on, wrapping my arms around his waist. His body was solid, radiating heat, a

ight,"

e. The iron gates of Thornhold opened just in time for us to blast throu

ouse. Rusted metal, broken windows, and industrial decay

nd's place?" I ask

." Caspian walked toward a side door,

nd cold blue eyes. Tattoos covered every inch of his skin. He looked

The accent was thick, Easte

nd my lower back, firm and possessive

aked over me. "She looks e

within an hour of purchase." Caspian pushed past h

the-art monitors lined one wall, weapons another. In the

?" David asked, mov

owed him five million in gambling debts, w

er?" David glanced back at me. "

oice dropped to a subhuman register. "T

m... a look of silent unders

pack. Net worth: two billion. Known for trafficking, drugs, and the occasional murder for hire." David pulled up more files. "He's run the auct

t?" Casp

... First Moo

d at me, his gaze no longer cli

a question... it wa

irst Moon." I looked away, the weight of the secret I'd kept for years finally breaking. "That's why Marcus wanted

ll like a

rries First Moon blood, she could produce heirs with abilities lost for centuries

t me like I'm live

t auction," David pointed

at the screen, and his entire dem

" he said.

and put it

s smooth, cultured venom. "I believe y

paid for in full,"

twenty-four hours, and I'll cancel the bou

f I re

u are, Valdyr. I know you're not just another rich Alpha playing at po

calm. "And unlike you, I don't mak

ne wen

. "You actually tol

at David. "I need locations, safe ho

insane, even for you. But Caspian..." He paused. "If you're keeping her, you need to cl

kno

se if you claim her and then she dies... the bond

m s

. "What does he m

olves do, Rielle. We bond permanently. One bite, one claim, and you're mine until one

d on, you're talking

I want." He leaned in, his breath hot against my ear. "If I die, you'll wis

't con

ay you survive this." His voice dropped. "Marcus won't stop. But if you're claimed by m

appening t

e. "Now decide. Stay vulnerable, or let me mark y

d's computers b

. "Three vehicles approaching

sion turned murd

utes. May

"Choose now, Rielle. Let me claim you, or I leave you here and

looked at Caspian... at the man who had paid five million for me, who had threatene

" I whi

pure predato

my pulse hammer

slowly and his mouth