Page 49 of The Blood Moon Hunt

The manor looms ahead,a sprawling estate of stone and shadow. One of Adrian’s family homes, I know thisplace is layered with protections, ancient runes woven into every corner of the building. It’s a fortress, not just for Adrian, but for whoever he deems a guest. Which means, for now, I’m at a disadvantage. I can’t just storm in and take what I want. Not yet. Not with those protections in place.

But I’m not one to rush in blindly. No, I’m smarter than that. I’ve always been good at biding my time, watching for the moment when things start to crack.

I push through the front doors with ease—Adrian’s wards let me in, because I’m still considered an ally. For now.

The hall inside is dim, lit by flickering sconces along the walls. I step inside and immediately sense them: Adrian, Lucien, and Damien. They’re gathered in one of the rooms beyond, likely plotting, scheming. About her.

Selene.

I feel a flicker of something hot and dark curl in my chest. She’s different, more than any prey we’ve hunted before. And the fact that they’ve already been with her gnaws at me, sharp and bitter.

I make my way through the hall until I reach the room where the three of them are. Adrian’s lounging by the fireplace, as if he owns the place—which he does, of course. Lucien is pacing, his movements quick, impatient. Damien stands near the window, his jaw tight, eyes sharp as they glance toward me.

“I was wondering when you’d show up,” Adrian says, not even looking at me as I enter.

“Had some unfinished business to take care of,” I say casually, leaning against the doorframe. “You know how it is.”

Adrian’s lips quirk up into a small, knowing smile. “Oh, I do.”

I scan the room, the tension hanging thick between all of us. They’re already on edge, I can feel it. Good. I’ll use that.

“Where’s Selene?” I ask, pretending it’s just idle curiosity.

Adrian’s eyes flick to me, a shadow of amusement in them. “Resting. Though I’m sure you could sense that.”

I feel my temper flare. He knows. Of course, he does. “You’ve been with her, haven’t you?” I ask, my voice lowering.

Adrian doesn’t bother denying it. “She came to me.”

Damien’s posture stiffens. He’s always been the protective one when it comes to her, though I doubt even he knows why. “You crossed a line, Adrian,” he growls. “We agreed?—”

Adrian shrugs. “I didn’t take her soul, if that’s what you’re worried about.”

Lucien scoffs, stepping closer. “It’s not about that. It’s about the fact that you’re acting like she’s yours to take. None of us should be laying claim to her.”

“And yet,” Adrian cuts in smoothly, his gaze shiftingbetween all of us, “we’re all thinking it, aren’t we? Who has the right to claim her?”

The tension in the room spikes. Damien’s eyes darken with anger, and Lucien’s already on edge, his power simmering just beneath the surface. I feel it too, that pull toward Selene, the desire to make her mine. It’s maddening.

“She’s not a trophy,” Damien says, his voice tight. “She’s more than that. And we made a pact. None of us would try to take her soul.”

Lucien rolls his eyes. “Like that’s going to hold. You really think any of us are going to just... walk away?”

Before Damien can respond, the sound of footsteps echoes from the hallway. I turn just as Selene steps into the room. She stops short, her eyes darting between us, taking in the scene.

“What’s going on?” she asks, her voice laced with suspicion.

Adrian stands, moving toward her with a calculated calm. “We were just discussing?—”

“Who has the right to claim me?” she cuts him off, her eyes flashing with anger. “I heard you. All of you. You’re still treating me like I’m some prize in your twisted game.”

Damien steps forward, his voice soft but urgent. “Selene, it’s not like that?—”

“Isn’t it?” she snaps, her power radiating off her in waves. “You made a pact that none of you would try toclaim me, and yet here you are, arguing over me like I’m a possession.”

Adrian holds up his hands, his voice steady. “We’re trying to understand what’s happening, Selene. You’re different. The Order has plans for you, and we need to know why.”

“I don’t care about your plans,” she spits. “I can’t trust any of you.”

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