Damien's POV Council Member Paul spoke with grave certainty. “We have the vehicle secured in our warehouse. A full investigation was conducted. The results were clear, the brake lines had been deliberately cut. This was not an accident. The damage was done in a way that allowed the brakes to function only for a short time, just long enough to get a few blocks before total failure. Given that they went into the city that night, we believe someone followed them and tampered with the vehicle while they were at dinner. We’ve already requested the restaurant’s surveillance footage. Based on the timeline, Beta Jace likely had working brakes only until they reached the highway.”My mouth went dry. “I... had no idea,” I managed, forcing the words out as I turned toward Zach with a hard glare.I was going to kill him. I had sent him over a week ago to make sure that vehicle was destroyed, demolished and crushed, beyond recovery. If he had done his job, the Council wouldn’t be standing in my o
Damien's POV Councilman Shaw turned to Trey without acknowledging my answer. “Beta Trey, what day did you move into the Blackwood Pack?”“I got the call the same night Damien informed me of the accident,” Trey said evenly. “We had already discussed me coming here months ago to take over as Beta. Beta Jace only had daughters, and females can’t hold rank in this pack.”Council Member Shaw raised an eyebrow. “And yet, I’ve been told you arrived the very next day, with a fully loaded U-Haul. Your personal vehicle was packed to capacity as well.”“Yes,” Trey replied. “Some of my pack members helped me load everything. I didn’t think that was a problem. I was always meant to take this position.”“Then explain this, Beta Trey,” Councilman Paul interjected, his tone sharper now. “The two warriors who helped you move said they packed everything before the accident occurred. So tell us, how did you know to pack in advance? Don’t claim you didn’t know. We also checked with the rental company. Y
Damien's POV “Damien, two members of the Werewolf Council are at the gate demanding entry,” Trey announced as he stepped into my office, without knocking. “They didn’t give a reason, only said they needed to speak with you. I told the guards to let them through. It’s the same Council members we saw at Red Crescent, Sean Paul and Todd Shaw.”“Call Zach. Have him meet them at the entrance to the packhouse,” I said, already on edge. “And shut the door before you say another word.”Once the door clicked shut, I nodded toward the sofa. “You can stay. Take a seat on the far wall.”I stood for a moment, pacing.“Why are they here?” I muttered. “I haven’t spoken to either of them since the incident at Ashton’s pack. Did they file a complaint? Nothing’s come across my desk. Do you think Ashton figured out what we’re doing? Could Rita have thrown us under the bus to save herself?”I already knew the answer, yes, she absolutely would.“Let’s not jump to conclusions,” Trey replied calmly. “Don’t
Oliver's POV “We’ll talk during Maya’s training,” I agreed. “I don’t want to leave her alone, not now. Knowing Maeve is armed changes everything. She could make another move at any moment, and I won’t leave Maya unprotected. She’s my priority.”I paused, jaw tightening.“I hope they find Maeve tonight. If not, I’ll be at their house first thing in the morning. Maeve’s gone off the deep end, she’s a threat to my mate. I can’t believe she would shoot Luke like that. It was deliberate. She lured him out by linking him. She didn’t know Darius was with him. If he had not been... Luke might not have made it.”I ran a hand through my hair in frustration, but then it hit me, so hard I staggered, grabbing the wall to steady myself.“Ashton,” I said, breathless, “we have a bigger problem than Maeve. She didn’t just go after Luke on impulse. She targeted him for a reason. She didn’t want him to see whatever’s coming.”I met his eyes, the weight of it sinking in as I spoke.“Luke sees visions, h
Oliver's POV We were finally alone. It felt good to have time to truly connect. My mate is perfect, I’ve always known that. But what struck me most was how easily she trusted me. We’ve barely known each other for two weeks, yet she looks at me like she believes I’m a good man. That kind of trust is rare. Most people, especially those from other species, don't accept vampires. They fear us, and with good reason. Letting your guard down around one of us is dangerous. By the time you realize your mistake, it’s already too late.I can still feel her in my arms as I race toward the pack hospital. Maya’s scent clings to me, a comfort I can’t hold onto right now. I wish I could have brought her with me, I need her near. But this is serious, and tonight is far too dangerous for her. I know who’s behind this. And if I find her, I would probably kill her myself. Darius and Denis had taken Luke to the hospital, with Dr. Gregory by their side. Someone shot him, and it didn’t take a genius to fig
Maya's POV Oliver’s expression darkened slightly, a memory surfacing. “Drinking from someone who gives you permission, it’s exhilarating. I’ve done it before. When I was younger, I didn’t have the control I have now. It’s easy to get lost in it… the rush, the pleasure. That’s why I stick to blood bags now. It’s safer. For them, and for me. This way, we still get what we need, without the risk of crossing a line.”I couldn’t suppress the shiver that ran through me as Oliver spoke about the pleasure of drinking from someone. A moment later, a flicker of jealousy ignited in my chest at the thought of him having done that with someone else. My mind told me what I already knew, at nearly five hundred years old, he had to be experienced. He had likely shared that connection with former lovers.But my heart? My heart burned at the thought of anyone else having touched him. The intensity of it startled me. I hadn't realized just how jealous I was, how possessive I felt over someone who had n