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I grit my teeth and reach out one last time to Erik, “On my fucking way.”

Danica

33

My hands clench into fists as I hurry to the restroom, my thoughts swirling. This can't be true—he lied to me this whole time? What is he talking about being his mate? Unbelievable. No, it's beyond unbelievable—it's outrageous!

He stood there stoically, revealing nothing as we watched the security footage. Meanwhile, Emily is panicking, not knowing what transpired. Rhyland knew the whole time, and then he murdered Max and his goons, acting like it was no big deal. And he got me to sneak those documents for him. Fury boils inside me as I grab the restroom door handle. I glance down to see the familiar white-hot flames licking my skin—I need to calm myself down.

Why didn't Rhyland tell me he already knew everything that happened? That he was using me as a helpless pawn in his schemes?

Who is this man?

My hands shake and blaze with anger and helplessness. I despise this lack of control. I rush to the sink and run my hands under the cold water, steam rising from my heated skin. I take deep breaths, fighting back the angry tears stinging my eyes. I refuse to cry over this. Rhyland will regret manipulating me, thinking he could treat me like a chess piece.

After calming myself, I'm determined to find Emily and leave this place. I'm done with Rhyland's games. I search the lively ballroom, the discordant music and cheerful babbling, a stark contrast to the tension I feel. Through the glittering masks and gowns, I spot Emily's radiant ensemble. Relief floods me as I rush over. One look at my expression, and she knows something's wrong. She embraces me warmly.

"Whoa, you look freaked! What happened?" I explain the need to go. She nods and makes excuses before linking arms with me. "Let's get out of here."

But as we approach the exit, my heart drops—Azrael Blackwood blocks our path. His tall frame and slick, dark features exude menace. Something about him angers me, and I shy away instinctively. His reputation for cunning and violence precedes him.

"Leaving so soon?" he purrs with forced charm. "The night's just begun. I'd love for you to stay."

I strain to keep my tone light. "Thank you, but we should be off."

Azrael moves closer, undeterred. "Come now, indulge a little longer," he presses.

My unease grows, but I stand firm. "I appreciate the offer, but we have plans."

Azrael's intense gaze bores into me. "You have a remarkable aura, Danica," he says cryptically. "Something different, something intriguing."

My nerves spike at his scrutiny, but I repeat my refusal.

At last, he steps aside. "I'll see you very soon," he warns with a hint of irritation in his tone as we depart. His words linger like a chill.

Emily looks at me sharply as we leave the ballroom. “What the hell was that about?"

I hurry downstairs, gagging dramatically. "Azrael's pathetic seduction attempts. Disgusting." I don’t want to worry Emily with my newly weird scent I’m apparently throwing off, attracting unwanted attention.

We soon arrive at my apartment. I tell Emily what Rhyland revealed, and she's livid they kept us in the dark. She's also relieved nothing happened with Dakota.

“What's this ‘mate’ bullshit?” she asks. “Like you're his pet or something?”

I laugh dryly. “No idea—we got interrupted before he could explain.”

I describe the stolen documents and how I feel used. “You know how I hate dishonesty, Em. Just like with...” My voice wavers.

Emily squeezes my hand. “I know. Brings it all back, doesn’t it?”

I nod, old wounds reopening. Emily knows the full truth about my past trauma. The lies and manipulation that still haunt me. Rhyland's secrecy feels far too familiar.

"Talk to me, girl. Get it out so we can start healing." Emily's voice radiates warmth and understanding.

"Where do I even begin? "I just...I thought Rhyland was different, you know? The connection we have, it's on another level. I trusted him, Em."

Tears well up. Emily hands me a tissue, her eyes filled with compassion.

"I know, babe. That fucking sucks that someone just had to stomp all over your heart like that. Emily gives me a smirk. "Gotta say, I knew it was whack when you said you were into Agent Creepy Pants. The fuck did you expect? The man seemed shady as hell."