Alpha Luciano's POV

I smelt fear.

Pure unadulterated fear.

Since the day I lost my parents, I knew the scent well. Initially, I disregarded Arabella's claims as a ploy to extend the decision time. I approved. I wanted a stay on her execution as well and a few white lies here or there never hurt anyone.

The moment Anastasia's scent had changed, I had grown wary. It was subtle like she was actively trying to calm her body's reaction down. I had never seen that level of mastery over one's body before. Especially not from an airhead that was supposed to become my trophy wife.

That was when my suspicion...