Prologue

Tessa’s POV

My phone rang, and a bright smile spread across my lips when I saw who it was. My husband... or rather, my husband-to-be. In just two days, I would be getting married to Kelvin.

“Hi, babe.” Kelvin’s voice rang out from the phone. “How is my bride preparing for the big day?”

“I can’t believe I only have two days left to prepare. There’s still so much to do,” I said, unable to hide the slight panic in my voice. Our upcoming wedding was just as exciting as it was scary.

“Calm down, you don’t have to worry about anything. Rebecca and I just picked up the rings—they’re perfect, I promise.”

My smile instantly vanished.

Rebecca was Kelvin’s ex.

They were no more than friends now; Kelvin assured me of that and yet the thought of Rebecca and him getting our wedding rings caused a tightness in my chest. Kelvin had given me no reason to doubt him though, so I quickly pushed that feeling aside.

“I believe you.” I finally said. “I was thinking we should meet with the wedding coordinator to finalize everything.”

“We should do that—"  

The call suddenly cut off.

I stared at my phone before trying his number again. It didn’t go through. Maybe it was just bad network.

I parked my car in front of a restaurant, the neon sign above the door reading 'The Silver Willow,' and hurried inside before the rain got heavier. Inside was thankfully warm.

The place wasn’t as packed as I expected, which was a relief—at least I could get a seat without waiting. I also noticed how strangely quiet the restaurant was. People usually chatted with friends or partners in restaurants, but here, it seemed like everyone was deliberately trying to be as silent as possible.

I took a seat and picked up the menu, giving it a quick glance before deciding. A moment later, a waitress approached my table.

“I’m Lexa, and I’ll be your waitress for tonight. What can I get you?” she asked.

I was a waitress too, working at a family-owned diner, and it always felt a little strange when I wasn’t the one doing the serving.

“Hi, I’ll have a cup of hot chocolate and a bagel with butter, please.”

“One hot chocolate and a bagel coming right up,” she said with a smile before walking away.

She was back a few minutes later with my order. Strangely, she wasn’t all smiley anymore. She looked troubled, maybe even afraid, and her eyes kept darting around the restaurant. I wasn’t sure if it was my place to ask, but…

“Uhmm… are you alright?” I asked as she placed my order in front of me.

“Yes, of course,” she said, trying to force a smile. I didn’t buy it, but I didn’t push for more either.

“Actually, there’s a man a few seats away,” she said, voice low. “He asked to see you.” Her eyes didn’t quite meet mine, but the unease in them said enough.

I cocked a brow, confused, and turned to see who she meant. For a moment, my heart stilled as I met a pair of stormy grey eyes.

He looked out of place in his expensive-looking navy-colored suit.

His gaze met mine, and he didn’t look away.

I turned back, my heart racing. What the hell just happened? I had never felt so entranced by a man before.

He looked dangerous. The kind of person you were supposed to stay away from.

“I’m sorry, I don’t know him; you must have gotten the wrong person.” I said to the waitress.

“It’s you he wants,” she said, and I knew she was right. The way those grey eyes remained on me left little room for doubt. But there was something about her words that freaked me out and she seemed to notice that too. “He might just want your number…” She tried to correct herself, but I cut her off.

“I’m engaged—I’m getting married in two days,” I said, even though I knew I didn’t owe her any explanation.

She inhaled deeply before taking a seat opposite me.

“When Wraith wants you… he gets you.”

Totally freaked out, I stood up. Suddenly, I didn’t feel very hungry anymore.

“How much is this?” I asked, pointing to the cup of chocolate and bagel I wouldn’t be eating.

“No need for that—the bill’s been handled.”

I turned around, and once again, I was met with grey eyes. But this time, I could’ve sworn they glowed.

Without sparing a glance at the strange waitress or the insanely handsome freak, I ran out into the cold night.

The rain was falling even harder, and I was soaked by the time I reached my car.

My heart wouldn’t stop pounding in my chest. Who was Wraith, and what did he want with me?

I couldn’t stop checking the rearview mirror to make sure I wasn’t being followed.

I wasn’t.

Now that I was a safe distance away from the restaurant, I couldn’t help but laugh. The place had been crowded with people, and yet I was scared of a single man? I almost wished I could go back for my free hot chocolate.