Xander Kolt's name meant power once. But in less than forty-eight hours, it became a warning whispered in fear.
In the Anderson-Miller war room—an underground fortress made of steel and mirrored screens—Noah stood tall and cold before his council. His black-gloved fingers tapped a dossier marked KOLT: TERMINATE.
"His assets have been frozen," Noah said calmly. "Every offshore account, every shell company, every smuggling line. Gone."
Across from him sat his mother, regal and deadly in a sapphire suit. She sipped wine as she watched her son deliver ruin like it was a chess move.
"You've destroyed him completely," she mused, pleased.
Noah's gaze didn't waver. "He touched what's mine. That makes it personal."
Silas leaned forward, eyes glinting. "Kolt's pack is scattering. No one wants to be seen backing a dead empire.""And they shouldn't," Lucien said, flipping a photo of Kolt's primary lab engulfed in fire. "He went after Max. That makes this war justified."
Noah let out a quiet breath.
"Send the final message," he ordered. "Let the world know: the Kolt name is dead. And anyone who dares to touch a Vincent, an Anderson, or a Miller mate…"
His gaze turned lethal.
"…will follow him into the ground."
Two Hours Later, Vincent Manor – Max's Guest Wing
The five mates gathered silent watch around Max's bed. Papa Leo stood at the foot, hand on his cane. At the window, Madame Anderson and Mrs. Miller exchanged worried glances. James and Oliver lingered by the door.
> Mrs. Miller (voice trembling): "He's lost so much blood…"
Madame Anderson (gentle but firm): "Lucien, you must tell us he'll recover."
Lucien (kneeling to re-bandage Max's side): "He's strong. I've stabilized the bleeding. He'll wake soon."
Noah (kneeling opposite Lucien): "Tell me what I can do."
Lucien (meeting Noah's eyes): "Just be here."
Soft footfalls heralded James and Oliver's approach.James (to Max, quietly): "You owe me a rematch in sparring when you're better."
Oliver (smiling with dark amusement): "I'll hold you to that."
Silas sat next to Sam, who cradled Max's hand.
> Silas (whispering to Sam): "You're doing great."
Sam (voice tight): "I just… want him safe."
Papa Leo cleared his throat.
> Papa Leo: "We'll stay until he wakes. Then we'll oversee his full recovery."
Everyone nodded, forming a quiet circle of intended protection.