Liam’s jaw tightened, and he was barely holding back a snarl. Instead of lashing out, he inhaled deeply, filled his lungs with fresh air, and made a conscious effort to redirect his attention to the situation at hand.
“He strained with the effort of holding back his temper. “We need to figure out who did this and why. We can’t afford to have any more attempts on either of your lives.”
“Agreed,” I said, my mind settling in a clear direction that centered me. “We’ll go over the list of enemies again. There’s got to be someone we overlooked or failed to consider.”
Liam nodded, his intense focus never wavering from me. “I want to be involved in every step of this investigation. Whoever did this is going to pay.”
The fierce protectiveness for Liza burned within him, radiating a strong and unwavering determination to keep her safe. In that moment, our differences and constant battles fordominance faded away, and we found ourselves united by a shared objective to protect the ones we loved.
As Liam, Liza, and I headed toward the study to strategize, a comforting warmth rose within me. For the first time since this entire mess began, we had a solid plan and allies who’d stand beside us no matter what. It didn’t make the danger any less real or the fear any less potent, but it gave me hope that we could overcome whatever obstacles lay ahead.
No matter how dark things got, we’d make it to the other side bound by a love and loyalty stronger than any threat. To show that, I raised Liza’s hand to my lips as walked down the hallway and brushed a kiss over her knuckles.
I stood in the study, my jaw clenched while Liam paced back and forth like a caged animal. His anger was a hum of energy that permeated the air. His fury didn’t bother me—not really. Liam’s concern was for Liza, not me, and that was fine. It wasn’t his job to worry about my safety, it was mine.
I studied my mate. Dark smudges marred the delicate skin beneath her eyes. What was supposed to be a relaxing outing had only made her more exhausted.
“I’ll be back in a minute or two. Liam, help yourself to a drink. I need to talk to Liza.” Taking her hand, I walked alongside her to our bedroom. “I’m sorry, babe, I should have just let you sleep.”
With all the grace she possessed, she reached up and kissed me softly, laying her palm over my cheek. “Did you shoot the gun? No. So, how is it your fault? I can hear Liam pacing from here. Why don’t you go and answer his questions, because he won’t settle until he has all the details. I’m going to read… maybe watch some television.”
I covered her hand with mine, turning it and kissing her palm. “I’ll be back soon.” I watched as she lay down on the bedand picked up the book on her bedside table. She looked over the top of it and made a shooing motion.
With a deep sigh, I forced myself to return to my office and answer Liam’s questions,
“Whoever did this is going to pay,” he growled through clenched teeth. “This ends now.”
Every time I closed my eyes, I was transported to the street outside the diner. I could picture Liza’s face when we’d fled from the hail of bullets, her eyes wide with terror. The shooting had left her shaken to the core, and it tore at my wolf to admit that there was nothing I could have done to stop it. Now, more than ever, I needed to put an end to this threat, to find whoever was responsible, and to make sure they could never hurt her again.
My jaw clicked under the strain of the day. “Let’s figure out who’s after us, and why.”
“Start with any recent enemies,” Liam said curtly, filled with tension. “Anyone who might have a grudge or be looking for revenge.”
“Castro is top of the list,” I said. “But shooting isn’t his style. This is more personal. I’m certain there’s someone else involved. Someone closer to home.”
“Then, we start digging,” Liam said, his voice hard as steel. “And when we find out who’s behind this, we make them regret ever turning their heads in Liza’s direction.”
“Agreed.” I slammed my fists on the desk. My wolf rumbled within me, eager for the hunt, but my human side had to keep a grip on the reins, reminding him that we had to be smart about this. We couldn’t afford to make any mistakes, not when Liza’s life was at stake.
We spent hours poring over records and making calls, trying to piece together a list of potential suspects. As the shadows lengthened outside, casting long, eerie fingers across the floor, I became more and more uneasy. It wasn’t enough to simplyreact to threats. We needed to be proactive, and to anticipate our enemies’ moves before they could strike.
I stood at the window, staring out on the darkening woods beyond the estate. The scent of damp earth and fallen leaves filled my nostrils, a reminder that winter was fast approaching. I clenched my fists, my anger and frustration building within me.
“Ty,” Liam said, drawing my attention to him. “We need to consider all possibilities.”
I shifted my position so I was facing him directly. “I’m certain Castro is behind this. He must have somehow found someone who had a personal grudge against either you or me. He’s been after Liza since the beginning.”
“Maybe.” Liam rubbed his chin thoughtfully, sounding doubtful. “Think about it, though. Castro is obsessed with Liza. Would he really risk her life?”
“You’re right, and even if he thought she wasn’t there, he can’t kill me without killing her as we’re fated,” I added, my lungs constricting at the thought of what might have happened.
“So, maybe,” Liam pondered aloud, “whoever attacked us wasn’t following Castro’s orders. When I put word out amongst the underground that Liza is under my protection, I may have inadvertently alerted enemies who don’t care about shedding a little blood if it means getting my attention.” He drummed a restless beat on the table with his fingers.
“Fuck.” I rubbed my jaw. “So, we could be facing multiple threats here?”
“Looks like it.” Liam sighed, and his expression filled with sorrow. “We need to act fast before they strike again.”
“Agreed,” I said, my mind racing with plans and strategies. “We need to focus on our enemies, who might be working with Castro, and who would be after you.”
