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The word stroked his ego exactly as she'd intended. Iverson straightened, expanding his chest like a peacock displaying its feathers.

"The brilliance lies in its simplicity," he began, pacing the floor with self-importance. "With your visions to guide me, I'll anticipate my enemies' every move. I'll know which senators to blackmail, which judges to bribe, and which legislation to push through."

Seraphina tilted her head attentively while silently counting the seconds of the broadcast in her head. Every moment he spoke was another nail in his political coffin.

"And the wolf packs?" she asked innocently. "You mentioned reshaping them too?"

"The packs are weak, divided by outdated traditions," he scoffed. "My first target is Orion's pack. Once I eliminate him and claim his Luna—that's you, dear—other packs will fall in line or face extinction."

Seraphina's stomach churned at his casual mention of Orion's murder, but she kept her expression neutral. "And what happens to the humans who get in your way?"

"Humans?" He laughed coldly. "They'll remain blissfully ignorant cattle, serving their purpose until we no longer need them. Those who resist will become prey."

A series of vibrations suddenly emanated loudly from Iverson's pocket. At first, he ignored them, but as the buzzing continued insistently, annoyed confusion crossed his face. He yanked the phone out—and froze.

His face transformed before her eyes, draining of color before flooding crimson with rage. His cold blue eyes widened, darting from the screen to her face as comprehension dawned.

"You conniving little bitch," he snarled, fury distorting his handsome features. "Do you have any idea what you've done?"

Seraphina backed away as Iverson jabbed frantically at his phone screen, but the damage was done. Comments were already flooding in. His carefully constructed political persona unraveled with each passing second.

"My career... my reputation..." He stared at the screen in horror before hurling the phone against the wall where it shattered into pieces. "It's all gone!"

Seraphina edged toward the door, but Iverson moved with unnatural speed, blocking her path. His eyes had changed, a yellow glow now infusing the blue.

"Nothing more dangerous than a man with nothing left to lose," he growled, teeth elongating slightly as he spoke. "And you've taken everything from me."

In two quick strides, he crossed the room and slammed her against the wall, one hand wrapping around her throat. Seraphina gasped as his fingers tightened, cutting off her air supply.

Black spots danced at the edges of Seraphina's vision as she clawed desperately at his hand. She had gambled everything on her plan—had it all been for nothing?

TWENTY

ORION

In a mere two days, Seraphina—his mate, his Luna, his everything—had shattered every defense he had built over these long years. The idea of her in danger in this moment sent a primal rage coursing through him that threatened to overwhelm his legendary control.

"I've got your back," Chance whispered, his usually jovial face hardened into something dangerous. "Always have."

"Just like Budapest," Orion murmured, the corner of his mouth twitching upward.

Chance snorted. "We remember Budapest very differently."

They moved silently, Orion tracking Seraphina's scent. The trail led to a reinforced door at the end of the corridor.

Orion didn't hesitate. He kicked it open with enough force to tear it from its hinges.

The sight before him stopped his heart. Senator Iverson had Seraphina pinned against the wall, one hand wrapping around her throat. Her green eyes bulged as she clawed at his fingers, desperately fighting for air.

Something primeval broke free in Orion.

"You know, Senator," Orion said, his deep voice dropping to a deadly rumble, "there's actually nothing more dangerous than an alpha king protecting his Luna."

Iverson's head whipped around, his cold blue eyes widening at the intrusion. His fingers tightened around Seraphina's throat.

Orion's supreme control finally snapped.

His bones cracked and reformed in an instant, his clothes tearing as his body transformed from man to beast. His magnificent gray coat rippled over powerful muscles as he dropped to all fours, his lips curling back to reveal gleaming fangs.