till breathing?" he says, voice smooth but deadly. The air's thick with the smell of fur and blood, lanterns casting shadows on the steel walls. Nyx, Cassian

e, caught between two alphas and a man I shouldn't care about. "Enough," I say, raising Mercy, not aiming but showing I mean business. "Back off, Jaxon. This isn't your fight." He grins, stepping closer, unafraid. "Isn't it? You and I have unfinished business, Kane." His voice drops, hinting at our night together, and my hand brushes my stomach, panic rising. Does he know? My wolf snarls, ready to tear into him, but I hold it back. Cassian moves, his hand on my arm, firm but not rough. "Mira", he says, voice low. "Bring Voss out. Now." My heart stops. He knows Luka's here. My lie's falling apart, and I'm out of moves. I glance at the shadows, hoping Luka stays hidden, but his scent-blood, leather-betrays him. My wolf hums, pulling me to him, and I hate how much I feel. Enemies to lovers is a trap, but I'm caught. Before I can speak, a crash echoes from the side passage. Luka stumbles out, blood dripping, his eyes wide but defiant. "I'm right here," he says, voice rough. "Leave her alone." My stomach drops. Idiot. Nyx moves fast, her knife at Luka's throat, pinning him against the wall. Jaxon laughs, and Cassian's grip on my arm tightens. Rhea claps, like it's a show. My wolf roars, desperate to protect Luka, and I jerk free from Cassian, raising Mercy. "Let him go," I say, voice hard, aiming at Nyx. "Now." Nyx's eyes flick to Cassian, waiting for his word. Luka's gaze meets mine, trusting, even with a blade at his neck. That spark from the diner burns brighter, and I know I'm in deep. Cassian's voice is calm, too calm. "Mira, you're making this hard. Drop the crossbow." I don't move. My scars burn, revenge for my parents fading against the need to save Luka. Elena's pain, my baby's safety, Cassian's threats-they swirl in my head, and I'm drowning. Jaxon steps closer, his grin gone. "Give me the pup, Kane, or I'll tell everyone what you're hiding." My breath catches. He knows about my baby. Or he's bluffing. Either way, I'm cornered. My wolf claws at me, urging me to fight, but I'm one against too many. Luka's eyes hold mine, like he believes in me, and it's too much. I lower Mercy, just a bit, buying time. "Jaxon", I say, voice steady. "