Page 7 of Sovereign Oaths

I straightened. “What?”

“I have men who will take care––”

“Stop.” I put my hand up, sighing, and rolling my eyes. “I don’t think I want to know. That way, I can plead ignorance.”

“I’m not like Brazzi.”

I shook my head and shifted to stare straight ahead. “I don’t know who you are anymore.”

Tension filled the small cab until lights appeared on the distant horizon, and the pilots began their landing protocols.

As we climbed out of the helicopter and crossed to the waiting SUV, no landmarks or signs told me where we were. Maybe the cover of night would be enough protection to get us to Alessio’s house unnoticed. Maybe Pack members in the area were busy with more important things.

Maybe I was lying to myself.

Eventually, we arrived at a gate that automatically opened.

“Security is in place,” the driver announced. He hadn’t pressed a button or called anyone, so someone had to be watching. That was a small comfort.

“Thank you,” Alessio said. He’d been on his phone the entire drive, barely looking up.

The distraction had given me time to text Rod and the guys, letting them know where I was and to hurry to let the Pack know. Hopefully, they would stay away. I deleted the messages and turned my phone off before their replies could come in.

We pulled through a winding drive to a sprawling one-story villa. Lights aimed at the house made it appear even grander and more daunting.

The driver opened Alessio’s door, and he got out and swiveled his head before turning and offering his hand. I scooted over and allowed him to help me.

“It’s going to be okay now.” He kissed my cheek.

I fought to stay composed because I needed to stay. Our mission to destroy his empire from within was at a critical point. We were still gathering intel and names, fleshing out the plan to make sure not a single soul was missed. That required time—hopefully only a few more weeks. Then I could leave. I might even have earned enough points with my Alpha, El Lobo, to negotiate a few changes in my life. I could ask for freedom. A new home. Different assignments. I wasn’t sure what I wanted yet, but I’d be set with leverage for it when this was complete.

I couldn’t risk my safety though. My role might be that of an innocent, oblivious heiress who was head over heels for Alessio, but everyone has limits.

I pulled away and followed the driver as he carried our bags to the front door, where another man was waiting.

“Good morning, Mr. Dias.” He turned to me. “Ms. Torres, we’re pleased to have you here.”

Sure he was.

I offered a tight smile, and he led us through the grand foyer and down the right hall, past several closed doors to one at the very end. He opened it to reveal a large shadowed bedroom with only tableside lamps providing light. The bedding was turned down, and it was annoyingly inviting.

“Thank you.” Alessio dismissed him after he placed our bags onto a bench at the foot of the bed.

After the door clicked shut, Alessio let out a heavy sigh and rubbed the back of his neck.

“I am so sorry. I don’t know what went wrong. I don’t have a report yet, but no one should have been able to access the property, especially without me knowing.”

Yet the Italians and my team managed.

He stepped forward and wrapped his arms around my waist. “I know I failed you. I swore to keep you safe, and I let you down.”

I wanted to close my eyes and block him out. I was thinking too much––feeling too much––to be rational. Years of training to think on my feet and stay three steps ahead meant I never once felt overwhelmed or caught off guard on a mission. Not since I first started.

Until now.

My head was spinning.

I wanted to run. I needed to stay.

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