Chapter 26
Chapter 26:
I collapsed into the leather armchair and dragged a heavy hand down my face. A ragged breath tore from my lungs—a mixture of sheer ecstasy and lingering terror. I unfastened the top buttons of my shirt, my fingers brushing the skin just above my heart.
There, etched in specialized ink that resisted my Lycan healing, were two simple letters: A.W.
I closed my eyes, the memory hitting me with the force of a physical blow. Three years ago. A crowded gala. The sudden, paralyzing wave of pure, unawakened wild roses and rain. The moment my ancient soul recognized the dormant White Wolf as my immortal Fated Mate. I had watched her from the shadows, biding my time, waiting for the perfect moment to strike.
Now, her scent was slowly bleeding into the sterile air of my penthouse, weaving itself into my cedar aura.
My Lycan finally settled, releasing a deep, possessive purr that vibrated through my bones. At last, the beast murmured in my mind. She is home. She is ours.
She thought she had signed a political alliance. She had no idea that this contract was the most meticulous, unbreakable trap I had ever built. And I would burn the world to ash before I ever let her go.
Adelina POV
The silk sheets of the Master Den were cold, but for the first time in years I woke up feeling a fragile sense of safety. I had survived my first night in the Alpha King’s territory. Kain had kept his word, sleeping in the guest suite and leaving me to the reinforced sanctuary of his bedroom.
I dressed in a simple cashmere sweater and walked down the dim, paneled hallway toward the dining area. The floor-to-ceiling windows offered a dizzying view of the New York skyline, but my attention was immediately drawn to the massive black marble table.
Kain was already seated, sipping black coffee. The air was thick with his ancient cedar and leather scent.
“Good morning, Ms. Wolfe—apologies, Luna,” a warm voice corrected.
𝘘𝘶а𝘭𝗂ty 𝘁𝘳аոѕlаti𝘰n𝗌 o𝗇
I blinked in surprise. Mrs. Higgins, the only kind soul from Jase’s penthouse, was setting down a plate of eggs. Kain had somehow poached her. But despite her warm greeting, her eyes darted nervously toward an antique, encrypted phone resting on the sideboard.
Right on cue, the device rang—a harsh, grating sound.
Mrs. Higgins swallowed hard, picked up the receiver, and brought it to Kain. He didn’t look surprised. He pressed the speaker button and leaned back in his chair.
“Separate rooms p>
The voice that boomed from the speaker wasn’t merely loud; it carried the crushing, ancient authority of a former Lycan King. Almon Blackwell’s roar vibrated against the bulletproof glass.
“Are you trying to insult the Moon Goddess, Kain?” Almon snarled. “The Alpha King does not sleep apart from his new Luna on their first night! It is a humiliation to the Mating bond and a direct threat to the Blackstone bloodline. I have half a mind to come down there and instruct you both on how to fulfill your duties p>
My blood ran cold. Mrs. Higgins quickly averted her eyes. We were being watched. The walls of this penthouse weren’t a shield—they were a glass cage monitored by the most powerful Lycan family in existence.