Smoke begins rising from beneath the library door as Alistair’s operatives ignite a flare fire in the estate garden to create a distraction.

The thick grey smoke poured fast under the wooden crack, filling the air of the library with a harsh, bitter chemical burn. The heavy alarm speakers outside in the main hallway began to blare with loud, screeching sounds, sending a wave of wild suspense through the dark house.

Lucian moved like a striking predator, standing up in a single second and pulling Clara behind his massive, broad frame to keep her completely safe from any danger.

Jax pulled his trousers on with lightning speed, his broad face...