The words haunted me.

Someone close to me… wants you dead.

The car ride back to the estate was suffocating. Luca hadn’t spoken since the name was whispered into his ear. His jaw was clenched, his fingers curled into fists. Every inch of him was danger incarnate—and this time, it wasn’t directed at me.

I didn’t press. I knew better now. Luca didn’t need comfort. He needed control.

But for the first time, I was starting to understand that the man beside me wasn’t just a monster bred by blood. He was a soldier. And now, he was being hunted by his own.

Back at the estate, Luca disappeared into...