Page 25 of Viktor’s Temptation (East Coast Territory #2)

The penthouse exuded understated luxury, a seamless blend of old-world elegance and modern design.

White sofas, their upholstery pristine and inviting, were arranged in conversational clusters across the expansive living room.

Antique furniture pieces—mahogany coffee tables with intricate carvings, a grandfather clock ticking softly in the corner, and gilded mirrors that reflected the light—added a sense of timeless sophistication.

Above, two large chandeliers with a sleek, modern twist hung from the high ceilings, their crystalline branches shimmering in the sunlight streaming through the wall of floor-to-ceiling windows.

The view beyond was breathtaking—a sprawling cityscape dotted with autumn-hued trees.

Gracie stood in the middle of it all, feeling both at home and out of place in such an opulent setting. Her gaze was on Viktor, who was trying to reassure her before leaving her alone.

“Are you going to be okay?” he asked, his voice low, a touch of concern threading through his words.

Gracie looked up at him, trying not to let her sadness show.

She didn’t want him to leave, but she understood the importance of his meeting.

He needed to update the other territory leaders and gather information about any other disturbances.

The mention of Jace and some other woman, Sonya or Sorcia…

another female that Gracie knew she’d hate on sight, were meeting Viktor to update each other on their progress into the dead bodies littered all over Baltimore.

“I’ll be fine,” she lied, clasping her hands in front of her. “You go do your thing. I’m going to do an internet search.”

“You still think the number nine is important?” he asked, his silver eyes narrowing slightly.

She shrugged, a small frown forming. “I don’t know. It just seems odd that there were nine bodies at both dumpsites. I feel like it has to mean something.”

“It could just be the maximum number of victims he could manage,” Viktor suggested, his tone pragmatic.

“Maybe,” she conceded. “But I only remember the man in charge coming into the room once. If there were others helping him and the taller man, I didn’t see them. So it might have just been those two.”

She paused, her eyes sharpening as a new thought struck her. “What if shifters can change humans?”

Viktor blinked, caught off guard. “I… don’t know.”

“Obviously, it’s not common if it’s even possible,” she reasoned, pacing a few steps before turning back to him.

“You’re right,” he replied grimly. “I’ll ask Jace when I see him.” He glanced at the time on his phone. “I need to go, but promise me you’ll stay in the penthouse. I know you’re eager to get back to your old life, but I need to know you’re safe. Mikail and his team will protect you here.”

Gracie’s lips curled into a teasing smile. “I promise I’ll stay right here, working on your computer.” Her eyes sparkled mischievously. “And maybe, once I’ve done my research, I’ll poke around in your files and learn all of your secrets.”

Viktor’s deep laugh filled the room, warm and rich. He leaned in, brushing his lips lightly against hers. “I dare you to find my secrets,” he murmured, his voice a playful challenge.

The kiss lingered, gentle but full of unspoken promises. Gracie closed her eyes, savoring the touch, her heart racing as she instinctively leaned in, wanting more. But Viktor pulled back, his silver eyes shimmering.

“What does it mean when your eyes glow like that?” she asked, her tone curious.

Before Viktor could answer, a low chuckle from the side drew their attention. Trent stepped into the room, his powerful frame filling the doorway. His black t-shirt stretched across his broad chest, and his arms were crossed, his grin annoyingly smug.

“Are you going to tell her?” Trent asked, his tone laced with amusement. “Because if not, I’d be happy to step in.” He glanced at the watch on his wrist. “You’re running late, Boss.”

Viktor shot him a glare. “You’re not helping.”

Trent lifted his hands in mock surrender, his grin widening. “Just trying to be useful.”

Gracie glanced between them, her curiosity growing. “What does it mean, Viktor?”

Running a hand through his hair in frustration, Viktor finally muttered, “It means I’m… aroused.” His voice was clipped, as if he regretted saying it out loud. Without another word, he turned and strode toward the elevator.

Trent raised his eyebrows as Viktor walked away, clearly amused. “That’s all you’re going to tell her?”

Viktor didn’t stop or turn around. “That’s all she needs to know,” he called over his shoulder just before the elevator doors closed behind him.

Trent’s laughter echoed in the room as he turned to Gracie, whose cheeks were now burning a vivid red. “What’s so funny?” she asked, narrowing her eyes.

Trent shook his head, still chuckling. “Don’t worry. He’ll explain it all soon enough.”

Gracie crossed her arms, determined to change the subject. “Since you’re still here, how about some bagged blood? Viktor mentioned I’d have to get used to it.”

Trent smirked and motioned toward the kitchen. “I’ll show you where he keeps the good stuff. And has he mentioned his wine cellar yet?”

Gracie’s eyes lit up with interest. “Wine cellar? Trent, I think you and I are going to get along just fine.”

Trent laughed as he followed her toward the kitchen. “Oh, you have no idea, Gracie. No idea at all.”