Page 8 of Sanctuary

“Agreed,” I said quickly. “But it was Wren’s idea. What else?”

“Oh, okay then. Well, second, I want access to all clan resources to help me figure out what’s on that USB drive and who’s after me.”

I hesitated for a moment.

Could I really allow that?

Fuck it, I was clan captain, I could allow anything. I nodded. “Done. Anything else?”

Mia’s eyes locked with mine, her gaze intense. “Last condition. If at any point this becomes too dangerous or complicated, we call it off. No hard feelings, no questions asked.”

I considered her words carefully. She had to know what the family did for a living. What could be so dangerous or complicated on that USB drive to make her say that? It was a fair request, but something in me rebelled against the idea of giving up so easily. Still, I knew I had to agree if I wanted her on board.

“Alright,” I said finally. “But only if we both agree it’s necessary.”

She nodded, seemingly satisfied. “Then I guess we have a deal, future husband.”

The word sent a strange thrill through me, despite the circumstances. I raised my glass. “To an unorthodox wedding.”

She clinked her glass against mine, a wry smile on her face. “May we survive it.”

As we drank, I couldn’t help but wonder what I’d gotten myself into. But looking at Mia, her eyes bright with a mix of relief and fear, I knew I’d made the right choice. If nothing else, the estate would stay within this family.

The comfortable silence was broken by a sharp knock on the study door. Before either of us could respond, it swung open, revealing Declan. His expression was grim, his clothes splattered with mud from the stables.

“Sorry to interrupt,” he said, his eyes darting between her and me. “But we’ve got a problem. There’s a car at the gates. Black sedan, tinted windows. The driver’s asking for you.” He was looking directly at Mia.

I felt her stiffen beside me, her face draining of color. I stood up, placing myself between her and the door. “Did you let them in?”

Declan shook his head. “Of course not. But they’re not leaving. What do you want to do, Captain?”

“I’m not Captain yet Declan, you still are!”

“No time like the present to learn, little brother,” he grinned.

Chapter 5

Mia

My heart pounded in my chest as Connor and Declan exchanged heated whispers by the study door. The warmth of the whisky had faded, replaced by an icy dread that spread through my veins. They had found me. How? I thought I’d been careful.

I twisted the unfamiliar ring on my finger, its weight a constant reminder of the bizarre turn my life had taken in the span of a few hours. From librarian on the run to future clan captain’s fiancée. If the situation wasn’t so dire, I might have laughed at the absurdity of it all.

“Mia?” Connor’s voice cut through my spiraling thoughts. He was looking at me with concern, his brow furrowed. “Did you hear what I said?”

I shook my head, forcing myself to focus. “Sorry, what?”

He moved closer, his voice low and urgent. “I said we’re going to let them in.”

“What?” I gasped, jumping to my feet. “How is that protecting me?!”

Connor grabbed my shoulders, his touch firm but gentle. “Listen to me. We have the advantage here. This is our territory, our rules. If we turn them away, they’ll just keep coming back. But if we face them head-on, we might be able to get some answers.”

I searched his eyes, looking for any sign of doubt or fear. But all I saw was determination and... something else. Something that made my breath catch in my throat.

“Do you trust me?” he asked softly.

Did I? I barely knew him. And yet, in the short time since I’d arrived, he’d offered me more protection and support than anyone else ever had. I nodded slowly. “I have to.”

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