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CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT

TITAN

T itan paced his study. His footsteps resounded against the hardwood floor.

His mind raced with conflicting thoughts, each pulling him in a different direction.

Kane's possible defection had shaken him more than he cared to admit.

For years, Kane had been his right hand, his brother.

Now, that bond was fractured, perhaps beyond repair.

A knock at the door interrupted his brooding. "What?" he snapped.

Vanessa entered, her movements fluid and calculated. "The twins are on the move," she said without preamble.

Titan stopped pacing, his golden eyes fixing on her. "Explain."

"Our sources report increased activity around their estate. They've assembled teams, armed and ready." Vanessa crossed the room to stand before him. "They're searching properties in their area."

A cold weight settled in Titan's gut. "How many?"

"Three teams. They're being methodical." She paused, her eyes studying his reaction. "They've already checked seven properties."

"How did they even realize we'd hidden there? What tipped them off?" Titan resumed his pacing, faster. "They're getting closer."

"Yes," Vanessa agreed. "They'll find the Oakridge house."

"It's been sanitized," Titan said dismissively. "They'll find nothing."

"Perhaps," Vanessa conceded. "But the neighbor,"

"What neighbor?" Titan whirled on her.

Vanessa's composure faltered. "The retired man. He was... observant."

Titan's roar shook the bookshelves, sending several volumes tumbling to the floor. "And you're just telling me this now?"

"I didn't think it was a big deal, but now…"

Titan's mind raced through contingencies, calculating risks and responses. "We need to accelerate our timeline. River is the priority. Once she accepts her place, the rest will follow."

"And if she doesn't?"

Titan turned away, staring out the window at the dense forest surrounding the compound. The Northern Lights still flickered in the distance, their glow eerie.

"She will," he said with finality. "She has no choice."

Despite his threats, he couldn't keep her isolated forever. The woman was stubborn, challenging him at every turn. And yet, something about her defiance only made him want her more.

He opened the door to his study. Kane waited for him, a troubled look on his face.

"What is it?" Titan demanded.

Kane straightened. "Rudy hasn't checked in."

"What do you mean he hasn't checked in?"

"I've been trying to reach him for twelve hours. No response from him or anyone in his crew." Kane's voice stayed neutral, but his concern was evident. "We haven't received a receipt for the package shipment either."

Titan roared. "That worthless piece of-" He cut himself off, inhaling deeply. "Have you sent anyone to investigate?"

"Not yet. I wanted your authorization."

Titan muscles stretched taut with barely contained fury. However, the fact that Kane was still seeking permission and not trying to make decisions on his own gave Titan hope that they might still be able to repair their relationship.

"Send Markus and his team. Tell them to be discreet. If that traitor Rudy has sold us out, I'll personally tear out his guts and slaughter his entire pack." He leaned forward, his voice dropping to a deadly whisper. "No one betrays me. No one."

Kane nodded once, already reaching for his phone. "I'll dispatch them immediately."

"And Kane," Titan called, "increase security around the compound. We need to prepare for unwelcome visitors."

Once alone, Titan moved to the large map spread across the wall.

Colored pins marked key locations across North America, distribution centers, allied packs, and strategic assets.

His empire, built piece by piece over years of careful planning.

He wouldn't let one weak link destroy everything he'd worked for.

His thoughts returned to River, locked in her room below. Perhaps it was time for a different approach. The isolation clearly hadn't even bent her spirit. If anything, it seemed to strengthen her resolve. He'd tried the carrot. He'd tried the stick. What was left?