Cassian's POVI stared at my phone, the message from Viktor burning into my retinas. Twenty million on my daughter's head. Twenty fucking million."Cassian?" Aria's voice floated up from downstairs. "Your pancakes are getting cold!""Coming!" I called back, forcing my voice to sound normal as I quickly typed a response to Viktor: Call me in 30. We need to handle this. Now.I locked my phone and headed downstairs, working to keep my expression neutral. Grace was perched on her booster seat, chocolate smeared across her face as she devoured her pancakes. Aria stood at the counter, pouring coffee into my favorite mug."There you are," Aria said, sliding the mug toward me. Her smile faltered as she caught my expression. "What's wrong?"I shook my head slightly, my eyes flicking meaningfully toward Grace, who was happily stabbing another piece of pancake with her fork."Nothing," I lied, forcing a smile. "Just something with Viktor."Aria's eyes narrowed. She knew me too well. "Something?
Cassian's POVSomething warm nudged my arm, pulling me from the haze of sleep. I blinked against the early morning darkness only to find a pair of wide, innocent eyes staring back at me. Hazel Grace’s curls wild from sleep, was standing beside our bed, clutching her favorite stuffed rabbit."Daddy," she whispered, her voice trembling slightly. "There's monsters in my room."I rubbed the sleep from my eyes, a smile tugging at my lips. "Monsters, huh?" I asked, keeping my voice low. Aria was still asleep beside me.She nodded, her small face deadly serious. "Big ones. With teeth. You have to come and kill them.""Alright, lead the way," I said, sliding out of bed as quietly as possible. I threw a glance at Aria, making sure she was still asleep before taking Grace's small hand in mine.Her fingers wrapped tightly around mine as she led me down the hallway, her small feet padding softly on the floor. The house was quiet except for the distant hum of the heater. Her room was dim, lit only
The private room was tucked away in a building that looked like it hadn't seen the light of day in years. Perfect for these kinds of meetings…far from prying eyes, with soundproof walls and thick, tinted windows. Viktor and Xander had already swept the area. Everything was clear.I stepped inside, greeted by Viktor's silent nod and Xander's usual stoic demeanor. They were as loyal as they came, and I trusted them with my life. Which, in this line of work, was no small thing."Bernard's waiting inside," Xander said, leaning against the wall. "Been pacing for a while now. Got a real smug look on his face."I nodded, my jaw tight. "Let's change that, then."Xander opened the door, and I stepped inside the dimly lit room. Bernard was sitting at the far end of the table, his arms casually draped over the back of his chair like he had all the time in the world. Looking far too comfortable for a man who should've known better.Middle-aged, with a gut that spoke of too many years spent behin
Cassian's POV The plane touched down with a dull thud, jerking me forward as the wheels screeched against the runway. It felt like years since I'd left the States, even though it had only been a few months. Switzerlandwas supposed to be a fresh start for us—for Aria, for Grace, and for me. But no matter how far you run, the past has a way of creeping back in. Switzerland seemed a million miles away. Peace seemed a million miles away. I checked my phone the moment I stepped off the plane. It had been off for the entire flight, but as soon as I turned it on, Viktor's name flashed on the screen. I answered on the second ring. "Where'd you park?" I asked the moment I answered, skipping the small talk. "Third row, black SUV," Viktor replied in his usual curt tone. "Xander's waiting by the meeting point. I'll be out front." "Got it," I said, hanging up without another word. The moment I stepped outside, the familiar humidity of home hit me like a slap to the face. The air fe
AriaSwitzerland is everything I never knew I needed. I stand by the window, watching as sunlight glitters across the lake in diamond patterns. The mountains rise like gentle giants in the distance, their peaks dusted with snow even in late spring. This place feels like it exists in a world separate from the one we left behind so peaceful, untouched and safe."You okay?" Cassian's voice comes from behind me, his footsteps nearly silent on the wooden floors.I nod, my hands resting on my swollen belly. "Just thinking about how different everything is now."Our home is nothing like I would have expected from Cassian. It's small and cozy rustic two-story cottage with weathered wood beams, wide windows, and a stone fireplace. The furniture is soft and comfortable, clearly chosen with my pregnancy in mind. Nothing like the sleek, modern penthouse we left behind."Different good?" He wraps his arms around me from behind, his hands joining mine on my stomach."Different perfect," I murmur,
I sit behind the massive oak desk that's been the center of my empire for years, running my fingers along the polished edge one last time. The leather chair creaks as I lean back, taking in the room that's witnessed countless deals, threats, and power plays.Today, it witnesses something different. The end of an era.When Viktor and Xander step through the door, I can tell they sense something's off. Viktor's eyes narrow slightly, he's always been good at reading me while Xander glances around like he's looking for clues."This better be important," Xander says, folding his arms. "I was in the middle of something.""Trust me," I reply, gesturing for them to sit. "It is."Neither moves."I'm stepping away," I say finally, watching their faces carefully. "From everything."Xander's reaction is immediate, his eyes widen, mouth opening slightly in shock. Viktor simply tilts his head, expression unreadable."You're what?" Xander asks, his voice rising. "Is this some kind of joke?""Do I lo