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“I don’t understand,” I say, voice cracking. “This isn’t supposed to happen. It’s not -”

“It’s starting,” Theo says gently. “Your scent, your cycle… it’s looking for us.”

“That’s it,” Lucian growls low. “We’re almost here. The second those gates open, lock her down. No one touches her until she’s secure.”

“Good fucking luck with that,” Kai mutters, palming his erection through his pants. “She’s gonna wreck us before we even get her inside.”

And evenIcan feel it, now - the beginning of something wild.

The beginning of somethingmine.

And,shit-

Lexi isnevergoing to let me live this down.

Chapter Twelve

Rhea

The SUV crests the final bend in the road - a long, winding curve that feels more like a descent than a climb.

Tall, ancient trees line the road, their trunks thick as egos at a billionaire convention. Branches twist overhead like they’re planning a coup, blocking out the moon entirely and creating a tunnel ofyou’re probably going to get murdered herevibes.

The headlights barely cut through the dark, swallowed by shadows that move too much for my liking.

It’s not peaceful. It’s not serene.

It’seerie.

“Is it just me,” Kai says, peering out the window, “or does this look like where rich cults go to retire?”

“Shut up,” Lucian says, not looking away from the road.

The gates appear out of nowhere, rising from the mist like they’re powered by generational trauma. They don’t creak. They just… part. Obedient. Submissive.

Gross.

“Do the gates open on facial recognition or raw disdain?” Kai asks, voice full of wonder.

“No key?” Theo murmurs.

“No need,” Ash says. “They’re controlled.”

“Controlled? What, like guard dogs?” I croak.

“No,” Kai says. “Worse. Like the OMB.”

That shuts me up.

Right.The OMB.

I left a gala with four alphas, and now I’m probably on their Most Wanted list.

“Don’t worry, Bambi,” Kai grins as he leans around Theo. “I’m sure Lexi’s already blackmailing someone and negotiating your freedom over cocktails.”

“I can't believe I left her. Or my camera,” I groan. “Andall my SD cards. They’re gonna see my raw files.”

“Priorities,” Kai says, cheerfully unhelpful. “Dying of heatstroke, but worried someone might see her unreleased portfolio.”

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