Page 13 of Catalyst

Her brow furrowed. “Where are we going?”

“Dinner.” I plucked the earbud from the floor, surprised by the classic rock blasting out of it. I would’ve figured Callie listened to bubblegum pop or some sad acoustic bullshit. “Family dinner, actually.”

Her face scrunched up like she’d forgotten how to comprehend basic English.

“Gianna Anastasakis?” I clarified. “Leader of the Eclipse Cartel? Runs this whole damn city?”

Her eyes widened slightly, but she still didn’t say anything.

“And Shin…” I reached out, placing my hand over her distended belly. It was softer than I expected. “Well, he’s this one’s Grandpa.”

Her face drained of color. Her breath hitched. She was terrified—perfect.

I could’ve reassured her that Shin wasn’t as bad as the stories made him sound, but where was the fun in that?

“S-Sulien’s dad?” she stammered, trying to inch away from me. “... Vexxas?”

“So youdoknow Shin.” I smiled, slipping my hand beneath the sleeve of her shirt, feeling her pulse thundering beneath my fingers.

With just a touch, she was mine. I could feel the blood in her veins, but more than that, I could use it to control her.

Her breath quickened, probably as she realized she couldn’t move.

“But don’t worry,” I whispered, my lips grazing her ear. “Shin’s a family man. That’s why he disintegrated the hospital where his wife died. I’m sure he won’t do anything to hurt his grandbaby… or the girl who ruined his son’s legacy.”

“I—what?” Her voice shook.

“You ruined Sulien’s career,” I said with a shrug, keeping my hand where it was. “He gets a PR rep, and the next thing we know, she’s knocked up. I’m sure that didn’t make him look like a creep.”

Her lips parted like she wanted to argue, but nothing came out.

“Because of you, he’s remembered as the guy who couldn’t keep it in his pants.”

Her lip trembled, but she swallowed back the tears. I was almost impressed by her nerve.

“I don’t want to go to dinner,” she muttered softly.

“Ah, ah, ah.” I wagged my finger in her face. “Didn’t ask if you wanted to go. I’m telling you that you’re going. Now, get up and get your pretty little ass dressed.”

Thirty minutes later, we were pulling up to Kane’s family estate.

I was used to the grandeur of the Anastasakis home. The place was large enough to house a small village, and it pretty much did. Every single room was filled with cartel members.

Unsurprisingly, Callie looked uncomfortable the second we stepped onto the marble porch. She was practically glued to Kane’s arm, half-hidden behind his back like a scared kid. It was almost… cute. Not that I’d admit that out loud.

And the worst part? They actually looked good together.

Kane, dressed in his usual Saturday best—dark button-down, sleeves rolled just enough to reveal the black tattoos etched into his golden skin. He looked like he belonged here, the prince of a shadowy kingdom.

Then there was Callie, who obviously didn’t belong—golden hair, floral dress, soft edges designed to cover Kane’s sharp ones. It was like watching some twisted version of yin and yang.

It pissed me off. Not just because they looked like a goddamn couple, but because I couldn’t stop staring at her.

I hated it. I hated that she was getting under my skin. I hated every time she tugged nervously on Kane’s arm or bit her lip inthat innocent, unsure way, one that made me completely unable to look away. And worst of all? I hated that Kane noticed me noticing her.

The corner of his lips twitched into a smirk as he placed his hand on top of the one Callie kept curled around his bicep.

“Take a breath. Everyone’s excited to meet you,” he whispered.

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