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Brayden was snorting when Mack’s phone beeped.

“See you later tonight, Ari. Thanks.”

Mack adjusted his cap as he glanced down at Ella’s message. Then, ignoring his pounding heart, he took off.

CHAPTER TWO

ELLA

Ella smiled at the Moretti guard standing nearby and waited for Mack. The vampire glanced away.

Crap. Don’t smile at the warriors.

Ugh. I’m so dumb.

Tugging her handbag up onto her shoulder, she glanced around again. The castle was gorgeous. Outside, the circular drive was lit with hundreds of lights, a large well-kept lawn, and beautiful landscaping. The building itself was made from dark gray bricks. Big bricks.

Ella frowned.

Were they bricks or boulders?

Whatever. Castle-sized bricks.

There were over a dozen wide steps up to the entrance to the castle and inside was super tight security. Dozens of Moretti guards were everywhere she turned.

She’d expected there would be members of the king’s army on the premises, but now the world knew about them, she suspected it was more intense than normal.

Until recently, when he’d reached out to her, she had no idea Mack was working for the king. Or living in the Moretti castle in Maine.

It had surprised her.

He’d suddenly left Seattle, leaving his business to his brother, and announced he was moving to the East Coast.

She had been heartbroken.

Immediately, she assumed Mack had met his mate.

Normally, you’d be happy to learn your childhood friend had bonded...except when you thought that boy wasyourmate.

Ella had thought she was wrong. It wasn’t the first time she’d second—and third—guessed herself.

With no other explanation, she’d grieved for months. Until she found out he was in Maine, working for the king. What a relief it had been. Except the frustrating male still didn’t give any indication that he thought she washismate.

So Ella was back where she’d started from.

But with Mack on the other side of the country.

Everyone needed to leave home, spread their wings, and find out who they were until they settled down. So, ever the optimist, she told herself Mack was doing that and then he’d come for her.

Ella’s hope was dwindling when the news broke that shocked the world: humans had irrevocably discovered vampires existed.

Mack had phoned her.

“Are you okay?” His familiar rough, masculine voice had vibrated through the speaker.

Closing her eyes, Ella had felt her world finally start to right itself once again. Like stepping off a slippery ice rink, back onto solid ground.

“Yes. Scared. Where are you? Are you really with the king?” she’d asked.