CHAPTER 6

Kael’s POV

"You couldn’t sleep last night either? Pills not working then?" Ricco asked beside me.

I massaged my aching temple with two fingers and fixed my attention on the documents in front of me.

"Should I get the doctor to find you something stronger than what he prescribed?"

"Of course not. No one can know about this," I said coldly. "Don’t you think if the doctor finds out none of the drugs he’s given me have worked, he’ll run his mouth? To his wife, a colleague... anyone. I’ll just double the dosage. If this gets out, Ricco, I’ll have your head."

I pulled my focus from the weakness clawing at me and looked down at the papers again.

"What are they suggesting?" I asked, pointing at the documents I had just dropped on the table.

I’d already read them. I knew exactly what the council was pushing. He should have known that was his cue to change the subject.

"They want us to buy more land. To build our own supermarkets and hospitals."

"More supermarkets and hospitals? Are they preparing for a war?" I scoffed. "We’re allowed access to every hospital—human or not. Asking for more is unnecessary."

"Do you want me to decline the offer, Alpha?"

"No. Give them all the money they want. But make sure those properties are bought in my family’s name only. I’ll treat it as an investment. Once they’ve gotten what they want, I’ll release the hold they think they have on me."

"Got it, Alpha."

My phone vibrated on the desk, and I welcomed the distraction.

"Yes," I said sharply. "What is it?"

"Alpha," my security said cautiously, "I wasn’t sure if this was worth disturbing you, but… your guest just left the building."

"What?" I shot up from the chair. "Did she say where she was going?"

"No, sir. I didn’t think I had the right to stop her. She left alone, but she looked like she knew exactly where she was headed."

I clenched my jaw. "Can you still see her? Hold her until I get there."

"She’s gone, sir. Got into a taxi a few minutes ago."

"Fucking hell! A taxi?! All she had to do was ask, and I’d have given her every comfort she wanted!" I snarled, grabbing my phone and keys.

She always looked for new ways to defy me.

I stormed out of the office.

"What’s happening? Why are you so angry?" Ricco’s voice sounded distant, but I could hear him hurrying behind me.

"Lyra left the mansion without asking for permission."

"I thought she was a guest. Can’t she do as she pleases?"

I stopped in front of the elevator and cut my eyes toward him with a glare that could kill.

"I’m just saying… maybe if you gave her some space, she might remember what she loved about being here. She might stay without the threats."

"I don’t need your opinion. And those weren’t empty threats. I’ll do anything to keep her here—even if that means killing the people who might convince her otherwise."

"I know. And that’s what scares her."

I didn’t answer that. "Find her location."

We made it to the garage. I slipped into the driver’s seat; Ricco got in beside me.

"You’re losing control, Kael."

"I’m not losing control. I’m furious," I muttered, shoving the key into the ignition.

"Same thing. You don’t show emotion. And right now? It’s written all over your face."

"Did you find her?"

"Yes. She’s at Serayé."

"My club?"

"Yes, Alpha."

"This is getting interesting. Have Luka keep eyes on her."

It took only fifteen minutes before I stepped into the pulsing noise of Serayé. I bought the place four years ago when it was buried in debt. Now it was a goldmine. My goldmine.

"Where is she?" I asked Luka the moment I found him.

"In the VIP room. With a customer."

A customer?

"They’re just talking, but… he’s giving her more alcohol than she can probably handle."

I clenched my fists so tight my knuckles turned white.

"I’m going to kill him."

"You can’t do that," Ricco said, moving in front of me to block my path.

"Get out of my way, or I’ll drill my hand into your chest and rip out your heart."

"He’s human. One of your biggest customers. Starting a war over this would be stupid."

"I don’t care."

"I won’t let you ruin yourself—or this pack—because of a woman. You need sleep. Your lack of it is making you reckless."

"Move," I said, voice calm now. Dangerous.

He moved. Smart choice. Because I would’ve put him on the ground if he hadn’t.

"And you say you don’t feel anything for her," he muttered.

I froze just outside the VIP room.

Her scent hit me first—lilies and lavender. Sweet. Familiar. Dangerous.

"No. I don’t," I lied.

I stepped in.

"Get out, Lyra," I said, locking eyes with her.

She looked stunned at first… then furious.

"She’s nice company," the bastard said. "What do I have to do to have her for the night, Mr. Kael?"

I shouldn’t.

I really shouldn’t.

But I did.

I slammed my fist into his face.

He didn’t even get the chance to fight back. Just sat there stunned, blood running from his lip.

If he stood up, I’d break something else.

"How can you dress like a slut begging to be fucked in that dress, Lyra?" I snapped, eyes trailing over the skin she had on display.

God. Seeing her like this—so close to another man—broke something fragile in me.

She stood and came toward me, fire in her eyes.

"Yes," she said with venom. "That’s exactly why I’m here. Begging to be fucked. What do you care?"

"Don’t you dare defile me, Lyra."

"Watch me, Alpha," she hissed.

Then she turned and walked away—right onto the dance floor.

And all I could do was stand there and burn.