Page 47 of Sinful Embers

What the fuck did he just say?

I exchange a sharp look with Sabrina, who stiffens beside me. Her fingers twitch, like she’s resisting the urge to grab a weapon.

The Alpha Leader acknowledges the order, his gaze locking onto me. “You heard him.”

I step forward, fists clenched. “Like fuck you will.”

“It’s not up for discussion,” he states coolly. “Nikolas’s orders.”

Rage floods my veins. Nikolas is calling the fucking shots on me now?

I glare at the Alpha Leader. “Find my cousin. Find Clyde. Find Syd. But you’re not taking me anywhere.”

Sabrina crosses her arms. “Yeah, I’d love to see you try.”

“Sir, this isn’t personal. It’s protocol.”

“Protocol?” I bark out a humorless laugh. “Tell me something—whose protocol is this? Because I sure as hell don’t remember handing over control to Nikolas.”

The Alpha Leader doesn’t flinch. “It’s not about control. It’s about safety.”

Sabrina snorts. “For who? Us or them?”

No answer.

I feel the leash tightening around my throat, and I fucking hate it.

Nikolas knew. He knew Oleksi would run with his new lethal team of assisns.

I glance at Sabrina, reading the same conclusion in her eyes. Nikolas either set this up or saw it coming and said nothing.

I grind my teeth. Fine.

Let them think they have us under lock. For now.

I slide my hands into my pockets, my stance casual, but my tone laced with ice. “Lead the way.”

The Alpha Leader gives a curt nod. The team closes in.

As we step out into the night, I let one thought settle deep in my bones.

Nikolas better start talking. Because I’m done being anyone’s pawn.

Chapter 13

RADOMIR

Leigh iseverything.

Soft, warm, mine.

She arches beneath me, her body curving into every touch, every kiss, every slow drag of my hands across her skin. She’sbreathless, her lips parted on a quiet moan, her fingers threading through my hair, tugging, urging me closer.

I give in.

I bury my face in the crook of her neck, inhaling the scent of vanilla, heat, her. My lips trace a slow path down the delicate curve of her throat, and she shudders,writhing beneath me.

“Radomir…” Her voice shakes, but it’s not fear—it’s need.

---