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He didn’t nod.

Didn’t say a word.

Just sat there staring into nothing.

I clenched my jaw and turned away before he spoke.

“You’re welcome.”

My pulse boomed. Steps stuttered. Maybe it was the sugar. Maybe it was the tea. Maybe it was everything or nothing at all, but heat rushed upwards, claiming my cheeks as I slowly walked back through the library and headed for my room once more.

12

ALARIC

Thunder rolled across the mountain like something monstrous dragged itself awake. But down here, beneath stone and timber, the sound was muted. Distant. Felt in the faint tremble more than heard.

The house shifted around it anyway.

Old beams creaked. Pipes groaned softly behind the walls. The fire snapped beside me, warmth licked against my sleeve where I stood near the hearth.

None of it held my attention.

Something else moved beneath the storm.

Not sound.

Recognition.

My cell vibrated in my pocket, but I didn’t reach for it. I already knew they were here.

Engines moved through the storm below.

Gravel shifted beneath heavy tires before settling again.

Rafe headed toward the front of the house before the first door opened.

The security current hummed awake beneath the walls. A faint beep followed. Locks disengaged. Doors opened.

Then movement entered my estate.

Boots struck the stone outside, hard enough to rival the thunder above as they climbed the steps before entering my home.

Not chaotic.

Controlled.

Professional.

The sound of boots spread through the foyer before climbing deeper into the house. None of them slowed. None hesitated. They moved like men who already knew the layout.

Cold air followed them inside.

Rain.

Leather.

Ozone.