Page 74 of Baby and the Beast

"Granddaughter," Nash corrected, taking another step forward despite Ryker's restraining hand. "Her name is Copper."

Father's lip curled. "A female. Even better reason to leave it behind."

Nash felt rage bubble up inside him. "She is not an 'it.' She's my daughter."

"She's an abomination," Father spat. "Mixed breed. Tainted blood."

Out of the corner of his eye, Nash saw movement in the trees—silent, swift shadows. The panthers were positioning themselves. Ryker's wolves had spread out in a wide arc, cutting off any escape routes.

"Last chance, Nash," Father said. “All I require is that you walk out of here with us. Yourdaughterand your human remain unharmed.”

Nash met Casimir’s gaze. Saw the tight shake of his head causing blood to bloom on his skin where one of his father’s hired wolf’s extended claw pressed against his throat.

“I agree,” Nash shouted, his voice cracking but knowing it carried, shook off Ryker’s hand and started walking towards his father. Casimir tried to struggle and opened his mouth, but another wolf simply clamped a hand across it and tightened his hold.

And unbelievably, while Nash was dying inside, they all turned at the sound of a car and a huge gleaming black limousine rounded the corner and slid to a halt, cutting off Nash and his father.

The limousine door swung open, and a striking woman stepped out with the deliberate grace of a predator. Her silver-streaked dark hair was perfectly coiffed, her tailored suit exuding authority and wealth. Four men in dark suits flanked her immediately.

"I am Regina," the woman announced, her voice carrying across the tense standoff. "Panthera of the Eastern Clans. You may address me as ma’am or Panthera."

Nash's father narrowed his eyes. "This doesn't concern you, Panthera."

"Ah, but it does." Regina smiled, the expression not reaching her eyes. "You see, I've taken a personal interest in Mr. Renard and his daughter since his arrival yesterday."

She stepped forward, heels clicking on the concrete drive. "I've also taken an interest in your financial situation, Renard. Fascinating reading. Your den's property holdings, your investment portfolio, your rather substantial debts." She examined her manicured nails. "All of which now belong to me."

Nash's father blanched. "What are you talking about?"

"I spent yesterday evening acquiring controlling interest in your primary lenders. Thirty minutes ago, I called in all your loans." Regina's smile widened. "Simultaneously."

"You can't—"

"I already have." Regina cut him off. "Your den's ancestral lands now have a new owner. Your business ventures have new management. Your liquid assets have been... redistributed."

Murmurs rippled through Alik's hired wolves. Regina noticed and addressed them directly.

"I've also wired triple your agreed payment to each of your accounts. Your services to Mr. Renard are no longer required."

The wolves holding Casimir exchanged uncertain glances.

"She's bluffing," Alik snarled, but there was a tremor in his voice.

Regina held up her phone, screen facing outward. "Would you like to check your accounts? Or perhaps call your banker? Though I believe Gregory Ashland is currently meeting with my attorneys."

Nash recognized the exact moment when doubt became certainty. Alik's composure cracked, revealing the panic beneath.

"Release the human," Regina instructed the hired wolves. "And you may leave unharmed."

The wolves hesitated, looking to Alik for direction.

"Now," Regina added, voice hardening. "Or my claw will ensure you never leave these grounds."

As if on cue, at least ten massive black panthers emerged from the shadows, their eyes gleaming in the sun. The message was unmistakable.

The wolves released Casimir, who collapsed forward onto his hands and knees. Nash surged toward him, but Ryker held him back with a firm hand.

"Wait," the alpha murmured.

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