Chapter 7

The woman stepped out of the Lamborghini and pulled off her oversized sunglasses. Her face was a stunning mix of exotic heritage and lethal beauty.

It was Juliette Rocha. She was the apex predator of River City's socialite circle, a woman who danced effortlessly between high society and the criminal underworld. She was also the one person Blaire feared most in business.

Juliette wore a blood-red dress that clung to her curves. She walked through the howling wind of the helicopter rotors like a blooming spider lily, heading straight for Daryl.

The terrifying, expressionless tactical guards did not move to stop her. Instead, they slightly shifted their shoulders, opening a clear path for her.

Standing behind the perimeter line, Blaire sucked in a sharp breath. Her fingernails dug so hard into her palms they almost drew blood.

Estevan recognized Juliette immediately. His face turned an ugly shade of gray. The Montgomery family had begged for a meeting with the Rocha family for years and had been rejected every time.

Juliette stopped right in front of Daryl. Completely ignoring the heavy military presence around them, she reached out and gently smoothed down the collar of Daryl's cheap shirt.

The intimacy of the gesture sent a violent, agonizing spike of pain through Blaire's chest. It felt as if someone was ripping a piece of her own flesh away.

"You transfer your mother and don't even call me?" Juliette pouted, her voice a husky, magnetic purr.

Daryl looked at her. He didn't swat her hand away. "It happened fast."

Juliette turned her head. Her eyes locked onto Blaire's pale, shocked face across the plaza.

A wicked, mocking smile spread across Juliette's lips. She raised her voice over the engine noise.

"Thank you, Blaire!" Juliette called out. "Thank you for finally going blind and handing over such a perfect man. I've been waiting for my chance."

The words hit Blaire like a physical slap across the face.

Blaire ground her teeth together. She forced her spine straight, desperately clinging to her dignity. "Your taste in picking up my garbage is truly pathetic, Juliette."

Juliette threw her head back and laughed. It was the laugh of a queen looking at a peasant.

"Garbage?" Juliette sneered. "You stupid girl. You have no idea what kind of god you just threw away."

Juliette turned back to Daryl. She seamlessly slid her arm through his, pressing her chest lightly against his bicep in a blatant display of ownership.

The moment their skin connected, the "Stellar Attunement" energy within Juliette's body sparked. It resonated violently with the Draconic blood in Daryl's veins.

Daryl felt the familiar, powerful surge of energy wash over his skin. He confirmed it instantly. She was a Catalyst Soulmate.

The helicopter pilot gave the thumbs-up signal. The medical team had secured Marlene.

Daryl signaled the chopper to take off. He would handle the ground transport.

The helicopter lifted into the sky. The massive downdraft whipped across the plaza, tearing at Blaire's perfectly styled hair, leaving her looking ragged and chaotic.

Juliette walked to the passenger side of the Lamborghini. She opened the door and made an exaggerated, theatrical bow, inviting Daryl inside.

Daryl didn't hesitate. He slid into the passenger seat of the multi-million-dollar machine.

Juliette got into the driver's seat. She rolled down the window, letting her gaze lazily rake over Estevan from head to toe. A look of profound, elegant disdain crossed her perfect features.

"Darling, look at him," Juliette purred to Daryl, her voice perfectly pitched to carry over the engine noise. "This is exactly why I never waste my time with men who look like they are wearing rented suits."

She slammed her foot on the gas. The Lamborghini let out a monstrous roar and shot out of the plaza like a bullet, leaving a cloud of exhaust in its wake.

The black SUVs immediately fell into formation and sped away. In less than sixty seconds, the plaza was dead quiet.

Blaire stood alone in the cold wind. A sudden, terrifying emptiness clawed at her stomach.

Estevan reached out to put a comforting hand on her shoulder. Blaire violently flinched, stepping away from his touch. The first crack in their alliance had just formed.