to-ceiling windows provided a panoramic view of the city skyline. With his golden eyes searching the room with practiced accuracy, Lucas Greystone sat

not just an opportunity; it's a necessity." Their developments in renewable energy are exactly

Lucas sat back in his chair with a relaxed air of command. He let the sile

ore acerbic. "If we don't take action right away, we could lose the advan

board members nodded, their faces displaying a mixture of deference an

rneath his corporate empire's gleaming front. The hunters' newfound boldness and their interest in Tessa Moonridge were not coincidence. He had bee

quietly watching the action. Adrian looked him in the eye, his silver-flecked hair gleaming. Th

turning back to face the room. "Are you giving

o attention. Put integration first. Make sure Arcadia's staff members f

impressed to relieved as the meeting came to an end. Adrian waited

t the table, "You seemed distra

. "Tessa is being pursued for a re

that they have been pursuing supernaturals for years, this seems different. If

We can't give her to them in any case.

row. "Important to yo

grinned. The Beta said to calm down.

won't be long until the hunters' next move if the rogues

ve of activity. With her hands skillfully arranging a bouquet of eucalyptus and peonies, Tessa stood behind the counter.

e lengthening line

He said, "At last," and slapped a piece of paper on the counter.

she replied, accepting the order fo

store. "There is a need for significant improvements

vements, she turned to take a vase off the shelf. Leaning on the counter be

more forcefully than needed. The customer looked at hi

contemptuous demeanor irritated her, and every whispered remark fueled the flames. The air see

s voice was low.

ion in her tone, she

h. "Will you please hurry? A few o

agments were all over the counter. Tessa's heart was racing as she gaze

lothing, the man asked,

"I... I don't know." She looked at Landon, wh

"It's fine." "I'll tidy it up." Wo

all, her hands still shaking. The energy she had experienced before had not changed. It was the same po

He hadn't overlooked the moment before the vase broke when Tessa's hands briefly illumin

of its long history and grandeur. With his boots resonating against the marble floor, Lucas entered the big hall. His fathe

tall and broad-shouldered, his silver hair combed neatly, his keen blue eyes examining the world with a ferocity that had frig

ice was heavy with expectatio

," Lucas said with ease as he sat down a

wn. Word gets around quickly, Lucas. You seem to b

attend to some business. D

Business," in a doubtfu

e remained calm. "Paternal, ju

yes. You are aware of the guidelines. Our world is not me

"I understand the rules."

a risky game. Humans are delicate. They are unable to bear the burde

ore he could stop himself. The implicit signifi

arefully, as if he was trying to test the

had already detected the error. Lucas said, "She's not what yo

pacts this family." Lucas, don't forget who you are. You have an obligation t

s low and menacing as he declared, "I know exactly who I am.

ight gleam of approval in his eyes, he nodded. "Just exercise caution, Lucas. Y

of customers gone. The sound of the bell above the door caused Tessa to look

habby box in his hands. "Tessa Moonridg

the man departed, leaving her alone with the intriguing package. Even though it was wrapped in sim

ers paused, a weird feeling of expectancy tingling at the corners of her consciousness. At last, she unt

s nestled inside, and her hands shook as she opened the lid. Inlaid with a glittering blue ston

A fire that burns fiercely. The melodious, sweet voice of a woman calling her name. a sense of security and in

well up in her eyes, but she was unable to articulate why. The heirloom

ootsteps brought her back to the present. His brow furrowed

playing the pendant. This arrived just n

g at it. He remarked, "It's beautiful," but in

No." There was nothing to in

er shoulder. Perhaps it's a good thing. So

he had a feeling the jewelry was more than a mere family relic. She wasn