The high-beam headlights flared blindingly through the shattered glass of the SUV, casting long, menacing shadows across the pine trees. Lena held her breath, the metallic taste of fear sharp on her tongue as Adrian’s arm locked like steel in front of her.Outside, heavy tactical boots crunched against the freezing gravel."Adrian Hayes!" a sharp, female voice echoed through the dark woods, devoid of any military filter. "Lower your weapon before your lawyer has a heart attack in my back seat!"Adrian didn't lower the firearm, but the lethal tension in his posture dialed back just a fraction. Through the glare, a slender woman in a sharp trench coat stepped into view, holding her hands shoulder-high. Behind her, Ethan Brooks scrambled out of the passenger side of the unmarked transport, looking pale, disheveled, and completely out of his element."Sophia," Adrian said, his voice dropping into a dangerous, gravelly tone as he pushed the damaged SUV door open and stepped out into the ni
Last Updated : 2026-08-13 Read more