Page 31 of Wanted By the Cartel

A knock at the door interrupted us. Mae entered, her expression grave.

"The twins' power is growing faster than expected," she reported without preamble. "Their combined energy is starting to strain Lyrian's systems. He needs more protection, not less."

Perfect timing. This could work in our favor.

"How many know about this?" I demanded.

"Just me and my most trusted assistant. We've kept it out of the official records."

I nodded, a plan forming. "Good. Spread a different story. Tell anyone who asks that the pregnancy is progressing normally, that Lyrian's power is stable. I want them to work with inaccurate information about us."

Viktor caught on immediately. "Let them think we're vulnerable, when we're actually stronger."

"Exactly. The traitors will get overconfident and think they have time. Meanwhile..." I pulled up another file. "How many of our people are absolutely loyal?"

"About sixty percent are unquestionably yours. Another twenty percent will follow whoever's winning. The rest..."

"Clean house," I ordered. It was a drastic measure, but it was for the best. Everybody understood that. "Starting with Marcus's intelligence division. I want our core operations stripped down to only those we trust completely."

"And the Crimson Fangs' omega? Her arrival tomorrow could complicate things."

I thought of Lyrian, of how he'd suggested handling Reyes and his sister. My mate's political instincts were sharper than anyone suspected.

There was a reason I accepted his guidance and advice—he was actually good at it.

"No. She's an opportunity. When she arrives, make sure everyone sees how we protect our own. Show them the difference between our leadership and Romano's vision."

Mae cleared her throat. "There's something else. Lyrian's emotional state... he's picking up on more than usual. The pregnancy is enhancing his empathic abilities."

That could be both dangerous and useful. "Does he know about Romano?"

"He knows something happened. He felt your rage earlier."

I closed my eyes for a brief moment, centering myself. When I opened them, my decision was made.

"Viktor, implement Protocol Black. Mae, I want you moved into the secure wing with Lyrian. No one outside our inner circle goes near either of you."

"And the traitors still in the compound?" Viktor asked.

"Let them think they've escaped. For now." I stood, rage and strategy warring in my mind. "They'll try to contact their allies. When they do..."

"We'll be waiting," Viktor finished.

I nodded, then paused. "One more thing. The next person who even thinks about using my children as leverage won't get Romano's quick death. Spread that message. Make sure everyone understands."

I was willing to give them a long, torturous death.

After they left, I made my way to our bedroom. Lyrian was sitting up in bed, his hands resting on his swollen belly, eyes glowing softly in the darkness.

"You killed Romano," he said as I entered. It wasn't a question.

He would have discovered the truth no matter what I did.

"Yes." I wouldn't lie to him, not about this.

"Because he was going to hurt us."

"Because he was going to try." I sat beside him, placing my hand over his. Our children's magic pulsed strong and steady beneath. "No one will ever succeed."

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