LOGINEveThe sharp metal claws scraped against the roof, sending a horrible screeching sound straight through the ceiling of the cab.Kolton didn't panic. He slammed his foot onto the brake pedal with full force, bringing the heavy SUV to a sudden, violent stop in the middle of the empty highway.The weight on the roof shifted instantly. Two dark figures rolled off the front hood of the truck, landing gracefully on the asphalt right in front of our headlights.Kolton reached down beneath his seat, pulling out two heavy silver-loaded shotguns he had stashed away. His jaw was set tight, his eyes burning with deadly focus. He wasn't scared. He looked ready to rip out their throats with his bare teeth to keep me safe."Stay in the car, Eve," Kolton commanded, his voice deep and completely steady. "Do not open these doors for anything."He reached for his door handle, reaching over to lock my side and wind up the power windows to seal me inside the cab.Before he could push his door open, a dar
EveBefore I could even turn my head, a thick, blood-stained hand reached out from behind the headrest and clamped violently around Kolton’s throat.The heavy SUV swerved violently across the empty lane, the tires screeching against the asphalt as the steering wheel jerked under Kolton's hands. The speedometer was already pushing past eighty miles per hour on the North Bravil highway."Kolton!" I screamed, grabbing onto the dashboard to keep myself from being slammed into the passenger door."Stay on the road!" Kolton growled through gritted teeth. His neck muscles bulged as he fought against the rogue's choking grip. He kept his left hand clamped flat onto the wheel, forcing the truck straight, while his right hand reached back over his shoulder to grab the rogue's tactical vest."You're not driving us out of this city, Alpha," the rogue rasped, leaning forward from the footwell. He used his free arm to wrap around Kolton’s neck, pulling him hard against the headrest to force him to
EveA loud, splintering crash echoed from downstairs, followed by deep shouts, the metallic clash of blades, and the sound of heavy bodies slamming into plaster walls. The entire house seemed to shake under the force of the violence below.Fear spiked through my veins, instantly burning away every trace of sleepiness. My heart hammered wildly against my ribs as I threw back the heavy duvet and swung my legs off the bed."Kolton, what is happening?" I asked, my voice trembling as I grabbed my jacket from his hands and shoved my arms into the sleeves. "What was that noise?""A fight broke out downstairs between the vampires," Kolton said, grabbing my hand and pulling me toward the massive glass window on the far side of the room. "Luke and Linda are here. Luke is tearing through Barclay's men, and they are coming directly for you."Horror slammed into me like a physical blow. "Luke and Linda? How did they find us?""We don't have time," Kolton snapped, pulling back the heavy velvet cur
Kolton I sat in the armchair beside the bed, keeping my eyes fixed on the heavy mahogany door. Eve was fast asleep, her breathing steady and deep under the heavy duvet. The first faint rays of dawn were just beginning to streak through the glass window at the edge of the room.A sudden raised voice echoed from the main living room downstairs, cutting through the early morning quiet.I stood up instantly, my wolf rising to high alert inside my chest. I checked on Eve—she didn't stir—then stepped quietly toward the door, unlatching the lock without making a sound. I pulled the heavy door open just enough to slip out into the dimly lit hallway, closing it firmly behind me.I walked silently down the carpeted corridor toward the top of the wide staircase, looking down into the main foyer below.Two figures stood right inside the open front entrance—a tall, broad-shouldered man with his dark hair tied back and a sharp-featured woman in a leather jacket. The ancient protective barrier on
Kolton Eve walked over to the far side of the massive bed, pulled back the heavy duvet, and climbed beneath the dark silk sheets. She rested her head against the soft pillow, and within two minutes, the heavy strain of the past few days pulled her completely under into a deep, peaceful sleep.I stood near the foot of the bed, watching her chest rise and fall in a steady rhythm.I walked over to the mahogany door, checked the heavy brass lock, and tested the frame. It was solid. I paced around the wide bedroom, inspecting the windows, the heavy velvet drapes, and the thick walls, double-checking every corner to ensure no one could enter without my wolf sensing them first. Satisfied that we were secure for the moment, I dragged a plush armchair over to the side of the bed, sat down, and rested my arms on my knees.Sitting in the quiet room, I reflected on everything that had happened so far. A wave of relief washed over me. I was damn glad I h
Kolton I looked down at Eve. Her face was pale, her shoulders slumped, and her eyes heavy with dark circles. She was completely exhausted from days of running, and pushing our way out through a magically locked door in the middle of a hostile night was a fight we didn't need to pick right now.I took her by the hand and led her back toward the sofa.Before we could sit down, a young woman—no older than twenty—stepped into the living room from a side hallway. She had pale skin, dark hair pulled into a neat ponytail, and wore a simple black sweater."Please, I'll show you to a room so you can rest," she said, offering a soft, polite smile.I raised my left wrist, checking the face of my watch. It was just past one in the morning. It would be at least five hours before the sun came up completely and the lockdown on the house lifted.I glanced back over at Barclay, who nodded smoothly from his armchair. "Go on, Alpha. Amanda will show you to a room.""Thank you," I said, keeping my hand







