Chapter 114. Power Reclaimed

Marku’s intense gaze cut to Daniel’s and held him in a silent challenge. He spoke each word with deliberate slowness, as if measuring every syllable to avoid provoking Daniel’s Wolf. “She’s in no danger from me, Wolf.” Then, without breaking eye contact, he lowered himself gracefully to one knee, his pale skin barely brushing the plush carpet beneath him. The movement was purposeful, almost ritualistic, meant to show respect—and restraint—to Daniel’s enormous power. He waited, like a patient predator, watching the rise and fall of Daniel’s broad chest, the subtle ripple of muscle beneath the taut fabric of his shirt.

The room fell silent, charged with the unspoken conflict between vampire and werewolf alpha. I glanced at Daniel, noting the way his eyes had shifted to obsidian black. His Wolf prowled behind those dark eyes, naked aggression coiled like a spring. I reached out and squeezed his fingers, hoping my touch would anchor him. All evidence screamed at us that Marku was