The first rays of morning filtered weakly through the heavy curtains as Elara blinked awake. For a second she didn't know where she was until she felt the warmth beside her. Dominic's arm was draped lightly across her waist, his breathing steady, controlled even in sleep.
Her heart hammered.
Memories slipped in like shards of light his mouth on hers, the way he'd whispered her name as though he was starving for it, the way she'd let herself melt into him despite every law every consequence warning her otherwise.
Forbidden or not… I wanted it.
But reality pressed down on her again. Dominic was still technically engaged politically, strategically to Brielle. Breaking that contract meant inviting a war between families, gangs, and institutions Elara barely understood. And she had no idea who the mysterious rogue hunter was who had attacked her last night, or why.
Elara shifted, trying to slip from under his arm without waking him. But Dominic's fingers curled instantly around her wrist, tightening.
You're running from me again, he murmured, voice still thick with sleep.
I'm not running, she whispered. I just… needed space to think.
He sat up, eyes shadowed but sharp. Think about regretting last night?
Elara swallowed. No. But I do regret how complicated it makes everything.
Dominic leaned forward, thumb brushing her cheek. Elara, complicated or not, what happened between us wasn't a mistake. You know it. I know it. And so does everyone who's trying to keep us apart.
She shivered. Everyone. That word lingered like danger in the air.
Before she could reply, there was a loud knock three hard, quick hits.
Dominic froze.
Dom? Open up.
Elara's eyes widened. Brielle.
Dominic stood quickly. Stay behind the wardrobe. Don't make a sound.
Elara slipped into the shadowed corner as Dominic cracked the door open.
Brielle swept in like royalty who knew she owned every room she walked into. Silk dress. Diamond earrings. Fury simmering beneath perfect composure.
We need to talk, Brielle snapped. Now.
Dominic didn't bother hiding his irritation. What is it?
She folded her arms. Word is spreading. Someone saw Elara leave the gala with you last night. Another person claims you brought her into your private wing. Her gaze sharpened like a razor. Is there something you want to confess?
Dominic didn't flinch. No.
Elara's breath hitched. He lied for me again.
Brielle stepped closer. I hope not. Because if there is, Dominic, I swear I will burn whatever nonsense you're protecting. I will not be humiliated.
Dominic's jaw tightened. Threatening me isn't wise.
Neither is cheating on your fiancée.
Elara's heart crashed against her ribs. She hated this. Hated hiding. Hated being the reason for this storm.
Brielle turned sharply. We're meeting with my father tonight. He wants confirmation about our alliance. You're coming. I don't care what excuses you think you have.
She didn't wait for an answer; she swept out of the room.
The moment the door shut, Elara emerged, chest tight with guilt.
Dominic
He walked to her immediately, grip firm on her arms. Don't. I won't marry someone I don't want. Not when
He paused.
Not when what?
Elara held her breath, waiting.
Not when you exist, he finished softly.
Something warm and terrified tore through her chest.
But your family is your world
Let them come, Dominic said darkly. Let every obstacle burn. I'm done living by their rules.
Elara shook her head. You say that, but you don't know what this could break."
Then let it break. His forehead pressed to hers. I want you. I'm not letting go.
Her body trembled at the intensity in his voice. His dominance wasn't a force she feared it was a force she felt herself wanting, craving, despite everything she should be terrified of.
Before she could speak, his phone buzzed. Dominic glanced at the screen, and the look in his eyes shifted from passion to rage.
What is it? She whispered.
He handed her the phone.
A photo.
Her.
Last night.
Being attacked by the rogue hunter.
Sent anonymously.
Underneath, one chilling message:
She doesn't belong in your world, Dominic. Choose her, and you choose war.
Elara's blood iced.
Dominic's fists clenched so tight she heard the crack of his knuckles. Someone is watching you. Watching us. Someone who wants you gone.
Why me? Elara breathed.
Because you're the only threat they're afraid of.
He grabbed his coat and tossed her his spare jacket. Pack your things. You're not staying here. I'm taking you somewhere safer.
But Brielle your meeting
Brielle will have to wait. You won't.
Dominic pulled her close, his voice low, dangerous, absolutely unshakeable.
No one touches what's mine.
Elara's breath caught at the word mine heat flooding her entire body despite the terror clawing at her chest.
She wasn't sure if she should scream at him…
…or kiss him again.
Dominic, she whispered, trembling, are you sure about this? About me?
He tilted her chin up, his gaze burning with a fierce, forbidden promise.
Elara, I've never been more sure of anything.
But as they stepped into the hallway, another figure appeared at the far end.
Tall.
Smirking.
Eyes too familiar.
Jax.
The hunter from the night before now leaning casually against the wall as though he hadn't nearly killed her.
Well, well, Jax drawled. Running away together? How romantic.
Dominic instantly moved in front of Elara.
Touch her again and I'll rip you apart, Dominic snarled.
Jax's smirk grew. Relax, billionaire boy. I'm not here to fight. Not today.
Then what do you want? Elara demanded, voice shaking but strong.
Jax's dark eyes flicked to her and something unreadable flickered there.
I came to warn you.
Dominic scoffed. You attacked her.
I saved her, Jax corrected coldly. "You just don't know from who."
Elara's stomach twisted. From who?
Jax stepped closer, voice dropping.
From the person who wants Dominic's empire… and wants you dead.
Dominic lunged, but Jax held up a hand.
You can try to kill me later. Right now? You need me if you want her alive.
Elara's breath stilled.
Dominic's jaw clenched.
The love triangle had just turned into something far more dangerous.
Jax smirked again, eyes never leaving Elara.
Ready for the truth, sweetheart? Because the real danger hasn't even started.
And just like that, the world Elara thought she was stepping into
got darker.
Sharper.
And much more forbidden.