The Silent Billionaire Alpha

Flipping the sign to "Closed" and locking the door, Tessa Moonridge heard the bell above the door chime one last time. Via the crevice at the bottom of the door, the chilly night air with a hint of jasmine and urban grime drifted. The burden of her day weighed down on her shoulders like a thick blanket as she groaned and briefly leaned her face against the glass.

The warm glow of the fairy lights she had strung along the shelves of vibrant flowers was the only light in the dimly lit flower shop inside. As she went, her small bursts of life, daisies, peonies, and roses, seemed to watch. But no matter how colorful the flowers were, they were unable to relieve the knot of worry that was always tightening in her chest.

After dealing with dirt and thorns for a long time, Tessa's hands were rough, so she flicked out the final light. She racked her brain. There were bills piling up on the counter at home, and if she didn't find the money to fix her inheritance a dilapidated Victorian home on the outskirts of town it might collapse. Her haven and source of income, the flower store, was barely surviving.

After grabbing her luggage and coat, she made her way to the rear exit. The shadows stretched excessively long between buildings, and the streetlights threw faint halos onto the broken pavement. Her uneasiness began as a prickling sensation at the nape of her neck that she was unable to completely get rid of. She squeezed her bag harder and inhaled deeply.

Behind her, there was a faint echo of footsteps. Her heart pounded as she froze. "Probably nothing," she whispered as she pushed herself to continue moving. But every instinct in her told her that she wasn't alone, and her heartbeat raced.

She halted suddenly and whirled around. Behind her, the street was deserted but for the faint rustle of leaves and a flickering streetlamp. The shadows appeared to move and breathe, as though they were living things.

She muttered, "Get a grip, Tessa," as she attempted to control her growing panic. The feeling of being watched, however, intensified. Her gaze darted to every nook and cranny, to every glimmer of movement as she examined the darkness.

She fumbled with the keys in her shaking hands as she arrived at her car, the metal jangling. It stuck to her like a second skin and didn't go away. She swearing she saw a figure vanish into the alley behind her shop, she looked into the rearview mirror as she climbed into the driver's seat. Despite the car's heated inside, she felt cold as a chill went down her spine.

She grasped the steering wheel, wishing her heart would slow down, her knuckles turning white. She waited for something or someone to appear, gazing at the shop's darkened windows instead of driving away right away. The streets, however, were still silent, and she felt the weight of that silence.

Finally shifting the automobile into gear, she whispered, "You're dreaming." But even as she drove home, she couldn't get rid of the sensation that something or someone was out there, hiding just outside her field of vision.

Tessa was shocked by the slight crunch of gravel when she got out of her automobile. In order to retrieve a forgotten ledger, she had merely parked in the tiny lot behind her store. Her headlights' gentle radiance hardly broke through the dense darkness that gathered around her.

"Tessa Moonridge," a harsh, authoritative masculine voice yelled.

With her heart bouncing into her throat, she spun around. From the shadows, three figures appeared, moving with ease yet purpose. The attire they wore was black and unremarkable, blending in with the darkness. She could feel the intensity of their glances, which made her blood chill.

"Who is asking?" Even as the cold horror seeped into her veins, she answered in a firm voice. She stepped back, analyzing her surroundings swiftly, her mind racing. No one was around to hear her cry, her car was blocked, and the alley was too small to flee across.

The tallest member in the gang moved forward, his lips curled into a sly smirk. His magnetic presence bordered on predatory. "We are known to you. Stop being a fool, witch.

Instinctively, she snarled as the term struck her like a slap. She stated, "You've got the wrong person," in a firmer tone. "I have no idea what you're talking about."

The man's gaze grew strained. Don't tell us lies. You have been in our sights. You have been hiding here, acting like you're not. Of all things, selling flowers. He spoke in a contemptuous tone. "But your true identity is known to us."

Tessa felt her heart pounding in her ears. "I'm just a florist; I'm not sure what kind of fantasy you're following. Now, if it's okay with you, I'm going out. With harsh, uncompromising faces, the two others barred her way as she turned.

The leader's smile got bigger. Not so quickly. You don't have to perform. Our goal is to make sure you can't harm anyone else.

Her breath caught. Injured anybody else? How in heck were they discussing this? She frantically tried to think of a way out. I believe you have made a mistake. "I'm not who you think I am," she continued, attempting to sound composed in spite of her voice trembling.

The second man, who was stockier and shorter, produced a slender blade that shone in the dim light. "Enough discourse," he snarled. "She is squandering our time."

Though there was nowhere to go, Tessa's instincts begged her to flee. She felt a rush of adrenaline, and her fingers balled into fists. She refused to be defeated easily.

She remarked in a low voice, "You've chosen the wrong woman. I don't know who you think I am."

There was a grim, humorless chuckle from the leader. "Well, let's check on that."

The slight buzz of electricity in her ears and an unexplainable warmth arose inside her as the man brandishing the sword approached. For a moment, the world appeared to slow down as her vision became sharper. Tessa didn't have time to think about what was going on, so she followed her instincts.

The man's blade touched her coat as she ducked his attack. She spun on her heel and snatched up a discarded wooden board that was leaned against the structure, swinging it as hard as she could. The alley reverberated with the harsh snap of wood meeting flesh as the man with the blade staggered back, gripping his arm and cursing.

A expression of icy resolve took the place of the leader's smile. "You just made a huge error," he growled.

He lunged at her faster than she believed she could, before she could react. Tessa's heart pounded as she fought against his hold as his palm clamped around her wrist like a vice. As though something inside of her was awakening, the warmth blazed up again, stronger this time.

The lighting overhead flickered and exploded, leaving the alley in complete darkness just as she was ready to lose it. The hunters froze, the sparks briefly lighting their features as an odd, electric tension permeated the air.

Tessa lurched back, wrenching her wrist free, her breathing labored. She had gained a moment from whatever had just transpired. She spun around and fled, afraid to turn around as the darkness threatened to engulf her.

With their shadows looming larger than life in the alley's dim, broken light, the hunters closed in. Tessa's coat scraped across the cold brick wall when her back struck it. She breathed quickly and shallowly, her thoughts scrambling for an escape that was nonexistent.

"You have no other choice," the commander snarled, his sword glinting in the dim light of a streetlamp in the distance. "It's over."

Fear swept in like a tidal rush. She felt as though her heart may explode from the intensity of its beating. "I told you that I'm not who you think I am," she stated in a trembling yet resolute voice.

Her gut churned at the grating sound of the shorter hunter laughing. "Remain calm. We've already heard every excuse.

The words escaped her lips before she could stop them: "You don't know what you're doing." She could feel the slight vibration in her bones as the air around her appeared to throb. The feeling was odd, alien, yet familiar in some way as if it had always been there, lurking beneath the surface, waiting.

"Oh," the leader said, advancing a step, "we know exactly what we're doing." "This town is being saved from a monster by us."

She was slapped by the word monster. Her anxiety blended with anger until it was impossible to distinguish between the two. Her hands at her sides, balled into fists, started to tingle. A feeling of warmth began to radiate from her chest, filling her limbs with an energy she was unable to describe.

She murmured, "Get away from me," in a low, tremulous voice that suddenly carried a warning.

The boss didn't pay attention. With his blade pointed directly at her heart, he lunged. Tessa didn't consider it. She didn't make any plans. She merely responded.

It felt like the world exploded. From her came a dazzling light and a thunderclap that sounded like thunder crashing straight overhead. The hunters were knocked off their feet by the force of it and sprawled across the sidewalk. Scrambling to his knees, the leader's face a mask of astonishment and fear, his blade clattered away, forgotten.

As she gazed at her hands, Tessa noticed that they were now glowing dimly, with light strands moving along them like flames. The adrenaline pumping through her started to fade, causing her chest to heave and her vision to swam.

What exactly did you do? With a shaky voice, one of the hunters stumbled and slid backward, away from her.

"I'm not sure," Tessa said in a barely audible whisper. The leader's look halted her in her tracks as she took a tentative step forward.

His voice was full of hatred as he growled, "This isn't over." You'll be sorry, witch.

They ran away, vanishing like specters into the darkness, leaving Tessa alone in the eerie alley solitude. The warmth left her palms and was replaced by a cold coldness that crept into her bones.

She went to her knees, trembling, as the realization of the magnitude of what had just transpired set in. Although the ground felt stable beneath her, everything in her universe had changed. Her life had been saved by whatever had just transpired whatever she had done. However, at what price?

Through Tessa's fog, the sound of labored breathing and shuffling feet could be heard. She spotted them when her head snapped up two hunters who had not run away with the rest. They moved more slowly but were still a threat as they approached warily.

One of them whispered, "We can still finish this," but his voice faltered with doubt. The other person nodded while holding a crossbow firmly, the bolt pointed straight at her chest.

Tessa's legs felt like lead, and she was exhausted. Even if she wanted to, she was unable to call up the weird power once more. She couldn't even stand as her body begged her to flee. She had no choice but to sit there and look down at her assailants with a mix of desperation and defiance.

Then she heard it a growl that seemed like it was coming from the ground itself, low and guttural. The hunters halted, their gazes flitting to the noise's origin. With its eyes shining with a hungry glare and its fur bristling, a huge brown wolf emerged from the shadows. It moved slowly, purposefully, and with a scary assurance.

"What on earth?" One of the hunters took a step back and breathed. The wolf's snarl intensified, and it flashed its teeth, its sharp fangs gleaming with saliva.

Despite raising his weapon, the hunter with the crossbow was never able to fire. The wolf lunged, a haze of strength and rage. It knocked the man to the ground with the force of a freight train. The man let out a spine-tingling scream as the wolf bit into his shoulder, causing the crossbow to flutter away.

Hunter number two didn't wait. He spun around and dashed, his footsteps resonating through the deserted alley. There was no wolf to pursue him. As though daring him to move, it stood over the dead hunter, snarling low in its throat. Cradling his damaged shoulder, the man sobbed but made no sound

Tessa regained consciousness with the sound of wind chimes. When her eyelids opened, she saw the ceiling of her flower store, the painted wooden beams that she had always intended to renovate. She briefly believed she had imagined the entire experience. However, she gasped as pain shot through her ribs as she attempted to sit up.

What took place? Her hurting cranium echoed with the inquiry. She looked around the room, taking in the mayhem with a sinking heart. Soil covered the wooden floor like a battlefield, and pots were broken. The trail of trampled flower petals led to the back door, which swung open and swayed softly in the wind. She was unable to determine whether the faint metallic tang of blood was hers or someone else's.

Tessa braced herself on the counter to stand, her hands shaking. Under her, her legs were unstable and felt like jelly. The shop's wall mirror gave her a sight of herself. Her hair was unkempt, her face was white and smeared with filth, and her eyes were wide with dread and bewilderment. Her reflection was that of a stranger.

Bits and pieces of memory came flooding back. The hunters. The glaring light. The wolf. She felt a chill go through her body. The wolf It had been quite near. Even now, she was still disturbed by the almost human intelligence in its gaze. However, it was nowhere to be seen. There were no signs that it had ever been there, not even pawprints or claw markings.

She hugged herself as though to protect herself from the chill that seemed to sink into her bones and mumbled, "This can't be real." However, the devastation all around her was sufficient evidence that something had occurred, something she was unable to explain.

She froze as she heard a faint creak coming from the back door. Her breath caught in her throat as she spun around. "Hello?" Her voice faltered, almost audible above a murmur.

No answer. Only a bird's chirp here and there, and the distant buzz of cars passing. She swallowed hard and took slow, deliberate steps toward the door. Half expecting to see the hunters waiting for her, she looked out. Except for a few stray leaves rustling in the breeze, the lane was deserted.

With her knees on the verge of giving out once more, she leaned against the door and locked it. A subtle ache reminded her of the battle when her fingers brushed over her ribcage. Where could she begin to find the answers, she needed? She was referred to as a witch by the hunters. The unfamiliar, meaningless word kept repeating in her head. She wasn't a witch. All she was was Tessa. A florist who is attempting to stay afloat.

Nevertheless, the recollection of that force and light erupting out of her persisted. What had she done? Who was she?

Even though the following day was bright and unusually pleasant, Tessa's attitude was as gloomy as storm clouds. She had cleaned the store for hours, preserving everything she could. Her hands were injured from handling broken glass, and her back hurt from bending to pick up ceramic fragments. But at least she had been able to bring some order back, enough to open for business.

The bell above the door jingled as she finished arranging a bouquet of white lilies. Putting on her best customer service grin, Tessa turned, but it faltered a little when her eyes fell on the man who had come in.

His broad shoulders seemed to take up more room than they should have, and he was tall. His dark brown hair was styled in a way that appeared natural yet deliberate. She felt a strange flutter in her chest as his piercing golden eyes met hers. Despite his casual attire of jeans and a leather jacket, he had an air of authority, as if he were accustomed to commanding attention without trying.

His voice was velvety smooth and rich as he said, "Good morning." "Is your name Tessa Moonridge?"

Her stomach grew constricted. With an undertone of caution, she answered, "Who's asking?"

It was unnerving and disarming when he grinned. Greystone, Lucas. For a business function, I'm searching for flowers. Your store was suggested by a friend.

Tessa calmed down a little. She wasn't taking any chances after last night, even though he didn't appear to be a hunter. "Well, you've arrived at the ideal location. What sort of gathering is it?

"A formal dinner," he remarked, moving in to look at the arrangements. He appeared unthreatening, but his movements were smooth and almost predatory. Something sophisticated without being intrusive. Do you have any suggestions?

She nodded, pointing to an orchid and rose arrangement nearby. "These could be effective. Although they are timeless, I can add some foliage to make it seem more contemporary.

His face unreadable, he inspected the flowers. "Your eye is good. I'll have faith in your judgment.

She berated herself for the reappearance of the flutter in her chest. Before making a commitment, I'll put something together and let you look it over. When is it needed?

"Tomorrow night."

Tessa's eyebrow went up. "That's not much notice."

Pulling out a sleek black wallet, he added calmly, "I'm willing to pay extra for the inconvenience." Her fingertips touched his as he handed her a business card. Despite the brief contact, she felt an odd warmth rising up her arm.

As she read the card, she whispered, "Lucas Greystone." "You are the owner of Greystone Enterprises?"

He smiled again and answered, "Guilty as charged." However, don't be fooled by the name. I'm not quite as scary as people claim.

She responded, "Right," but she had a gut feeling that he wasn't to be taken lightly. He had an energy about him that she was unable to fully identify. It was both exhilarating and risky, like being too near to a lightning storm.

He looked back at her as he stopped at the door on his way out. You ought to think about locking your back door, by the way. Leaving it open at night is not safe.

Her blood froze. How was the rear door known to him? She started to ask, but he had already left, leaving the bell jingling behind him. Unease hung over Tessa like a thick mist, and she stared after him, her heart racing.

Lucas lingered longer than he ought to have, standing just outside the flower store. The faint, elusive vestiges of enchantment that clung to the air blended with the aroma of blooming lilies. As he examined Tessa through the glass window of the store, his amber eyes narrowed. She arranged a bouquet with meticulous precision, her gestures elegant yet underpinned by a strain.

Even if that alone had caught his attention, it wasn't simply the subtle magical aura that shrouded her in a shimmering cloud. No, it was her demeanor, as if she was still unaware of the strength that pumped through her. That wild, unbridled energy had exploded the previous evening, sending the hunters reeling, and Lucas had witnessed it. He had witnessed her unleash something both beautiful and dangerous, and the recollection was still fresh and clear.

She had no idea who she was. That much was obvious. She wouldn't be here now, attempting to act as though nothing is wrong, and she wouldn't have been shaking in terror as she confronted those hunters. Lucas cocked his head, his face contemplative. Her skin had subtle traces of magic that were nearly imperceptible to the naked eye, yet they provided him with all the information he required. Whether she wanted it to or not, her heritage-which she was unaware of-was coming into its own.

Beneath the surface, his wolf was restless and protective. He forced himself to keep his composure and pushed the inclination aside. The truth didn't sit well with her. Not quite yet. It wouldn't help anyone if he told her now because it would simply make her more afraid. Nevertheless, the hunters would return, and they wouldn't give her a chance to defend herself.

With the bell jingling quietly above his head, Lucas entered the store. Tessa's weary eyes met his as she looked up from her task. He briefly noticed a glint of doubt in her eyes, as if she recognized something in him but was unsure of what it was.

She said, "You're back," in a steady voice that lacked the warmth of a sincere greeting. "Have you forgotten anything?"

"Not exactly," Lucas said in a light-hearted tone. "I came to the realization that my event might require more than one layout. I figured I'd return to see what more you could do.

Despite her troubled brow, Tessa nodded and put down the bouquet she had been assembling. "All right. What sort of plans are you considering?

Lucas moved purposefully, almost too casually, toward the counter. "I'll let your experience handle it. You appear to be an expert in your field.

Her eyes narrowed slightly as she paused. The majority of people know what they want at least somewhat. Are you certain you're not merely attempting to pass the time?

She was so observant that it made him smile. "Caught me," he acknowledged. "I thought I'd stop by since I was in the area." I hope it's okay with you.

With a sigh, Tessa brushed a flyaway hair behind her ear. It's alright. Don't get in my way, please. I need to get to work.

Leaning on the counter, Lucas's keen eyes absorbed every detail. Around her, the dim glimmer of magic appeared to beat like a heartbeat. She wasn't simply unaware of it; whether intentionally or unintentionally, she was repressing it. He needed to be careful. He would have to be nearby to make sure the hunters didn't exploit her lack of knowledge since she needed time.

With a calmer tone, he stated, "You have a lot on your plate." "Please let me know if you ever need assistance."

She gave him a doubtful glance. "You want to assist a florist? That's... out of the ordinary.

Lucas shrugged, a little but sincere smile on his face. "Let's just say that I enjoy staying busy."

Tessa's small kitchen was covered in long shadows as the sun sank low in the sky. Her thoughts were diverted from the task at hand as she stood at the sink, doing the final dishes of the day. Her mind was a jumbled mess of terror and uncertainty that kept returning to what had happened during the previous two days. She didn't know how to start solving the mystery, and none of it made sense-the hunters, the wolf, the odd man with golden eyes.

She almost dropped the plate she was carrying when she heard a knock at the door. After gently putting it down and wiping her hands on a towel, she went to answer the door. Her best buddy from high school, Landon Ashford, was standing on her front step. His ever-present leather jacket fell carelessly over his shoulders, and his sandy blond hair looked a little unkempt. He had the effortless smile of someone who had never let life to get to him.

He entered without waiting for an invitation and said, "Hey, Tess." "You appear to have seen a ghost."

With a groan, Tessa shut the door after him. "I'm all right, Landon. Simply exhausted.

"Yeah," he responded, obviously not convinced. Additionally, I am the king of England. What's going on, please? You haven't been around lately.

She walked back to the kitchen and avoided his stare, saying, "Nothing's going on." A lot of work at the shop, that's all. You are aware of the situation.

Landon crossed his arms and leaned against the counter as he followed her. "You realize that you're a horrible liar? I can tell you're upset about something. Leak."

Tessa gave him a sour glance. Landon, it's nothing. Really.

"Tess." His mocking smirk vanished, and his voice grew softer. "Your best friend is me. You can let me know what it is.

She pondered for a moment. She hesitated, even though the words were on the tip of her mouth. How could she describe what had transpired without coming across as crazy? And what could he do even if he did believe her? She forced a smile that fell short of her eyes and shook her head.

"Thank you, Landon, but I'm all right. Actually. Simply exhausted.

He looked at her for a long time, his face displaying a mix of worry and annoyance. At last, he let out a sigh and moved away. "All right. However, you know where to find me if you decide to change your mind.

"I understand," she said, her voice almost audible above a whisper.

The blackness closed up on her, dense and oppressive. Tessa was surrounded by towering pines that stretched in all directions as she stood in the center of a dense forest. The little smell of smoke teased her nostrils as the air crackled with tension. She made a careful round, looking for a trail, a hint, anything that would help her find her whereabouts.

Then she heard it: a wolf's low, threatening growl. She felt a chill as it reverberated through the woods. Her breath caught when two bright amber eyes appeared out of the darkness, then another, and still another. With their sleek bodies hardly discernible in the low light, the wolves circled her. She could feel the earth quivering beneath her feet as their growls blended into a symphony of fear.

Her legs resisted her attempts to run. The wolves drew closer, their snarls becoming louder and their eyes burning hotter. Around them, flames flared, encircling her in a ring of fire. Even though the heat was fierce and licking at her skin, she didn't feel any pain, just a heavy feeling of certain fate.

A deep, booming voice called, "Tessa." The wolves weren't the cause. Something else, something old, was involved. "You can't escape who you are."

The wolves lunged as the flames surged higher. She let out a cry and raised her hands to protect herself, but instead of teeth and claws, she sensed an odd warmth radiating through her fingertips. When she opened her eyes, she saw that her hands were luminous with complex symbols, the lines pulsing with a golden light that drove the wolves away.

The woodland turned to ash when the fire subsided. The symbols on her palms were becoming blindingly brighter as she fell, plummeting into nothing. She woke up with a gasp when she hit the floor.

Sweat-soaked and with a heaving chest, Tessa sat up in bed. Her drapes let in the dim moonlight, which created unsettling shadows on the walls. As she attempted to get rid of the residual visions of wolves and fire, her heart raced. She reminded herself that it was only a dream. However, her breath stuck in her throat as she glanced down at her hands.

On her right palm, the delicate, swirling pattern that had been her dream's symbol flickered dimly. She stumbled into the bathroom after scurrying out of bed, almost stumbling over the tangled covers. She turned on the light and gazed at her image in the mirror while raising her hand to make sure she wasn't dreaming.

Like the beat of a heart, the symbol pulsed gently. Despite her desperate rubbing, it didn't go away. Her voice was shaking as she murmured, "What the hell is happening to me?"

She kept thinking about the voice, the fire, and the wolves. You can't escape who you are. However, who was she? The odd power she had unleashed, the hunters' charges, and now this-it was all too much. Tears pinched her eyes and she fell to the ground, gripping her knees. It was only going to grow worse, whatever was going on.

The expansive cabin that served as the pack's headquarters was tucked away in the middle of the forest, its rustic look belying the strength of its occupants. With his boots resonating on the smooth wood floorboards, Lucas pushed open the hefty oak door. In addition to the subtle perfume of coffee brewing in the corner, the air was heavy with the scent of pine and earth.

Adrian, the Beta for the pack, was standing by the fireplace with his arms folded across his wide chest. He exuded an air of power that demanded respect because of his silver-streaked hair and piercing, calculating eyes. Lucas didn't make an effort to be nice. His golden eyes blazed with hardly contained rage as he marched across the room.

Lucas stated in a stern yet subdued voice, "We need to talk."

Adrian's gaze was composed yet cautious as he raised an eyebrow. "This is about the hunters, isn't it?"

Lucas gave a nod. In town, they attacked a woman. Moonridge, Tessa. They attempted to murder her after accusing her of being a witch.

Adrian's face clouded, and he motioned Lucas to take a seat. "Tell me everything."

Lucas gave a detailed account of what had happened the night before. As the story progressed, Adrian's jaw tensed as he listened carefully. After Lucas was done, the Beta reclined in his seat, his eyes reflective.

"Moonridge, Tessa," Adrian whispered. The name doesn't sound familiar. However, it is understandable why the hunters sought her if she is exhibiting magical talents. Recently, they have become more daring and have attacked everyone they believe to be otherworldly.

Lucas's tone was stern as he stated, "It's more than that." "They were ready. They were certain that she was a witch and knew just where to look for her. They are being fed information by someone.

Adrian scowled as he drummed his fingers on his chair's armrest. "Do you believe there is a mole?"

"It's feasible," Lucas answered. They have allied themselves with someone who has access to our world, which is far worse. Someone who desires Tessa's demise.

The room was filled with flickering shadows from the fire crackling in the hearth. Adrian's eyes were far away, and it was obvious that his thoughts were rushing over the options. "We must keep her safe," he finally stated. "The hunters will not give up until she is dead if they are pursuing her. Additionally, if they are collaborating with someone from our team...

Lucas interrupted, saying, "It's not just about her." It won't be long until they target us if they are targeting her due to her abilities. We must identify the perpetrator and put an end to this.

Adrian grimaced as he nodded. "Agreed. To find out if anyone has heard rumors of a conspiracy, I'll send out feelers. You watch over Tessa in the interim. She will require more than luck to survive if she is as significant as they seem to believe.

Lucas stood with a determined expression on his face. "I'll stop at nothing to protect her."

A slight smile curved Adrian's lip. "I have no question about it. But Lucas, watch out. The hunters will pursue you as well if they believe you are defending her.

With a steely voice, Lucas answered, "Let them try." With the burden of responsibility bearing down on him, he turned and walked out of the cabin without saying another word.

The strong, harsh font of the bank's emblem was staring at Tessa from the top of the page as she gazed at the letter in her shaking hands. As she read them aloud for the third time, the words became hazy, and each time her heart sank further. Bright red writing bearing the words "Final Notice" served as a harsh reminder of how dangerous her circumstances had gotten.

She was in danger of losing her Victorian home, which was her final connection to her parents. Her savings had been depleted by the repairs alone, and now that the flower store was operating slowly and her costs were growing, she felt stuck in a never-ending cycle. Her fingertips lingered on the paper as if she could force it to vanish as she placed the letter on the kitchen counter.

She was startled out of her reverie by the knock on the door. She looked at the clock as she wiped her hands on her apron. She had no expectations. She opened the door to see Landon standing on the porch, his blue eyes glimmering with worry despite his easy smile.

He remarked, "Good morning, Tess," and entered without waiting for an invitation. He had a way of getting involved in her life at the exact moment she didn't want him to. "You appear to have seen a ghost. What's going on?

She immediately answered, "Nothing," and closed the door after him. "Just busy, nothing more."

Landon glanced at the mail that was on the counter. Before she could stop him, he took three swift steps across the room and grabbed it. As he read it, his jaw tensed. "Tessa," he said softly. "Why didn't you warn me about how bad it was?"

She snatched the letter back and snapped, "Because it's none of your business." "I'm capable of handling it."

He pointed to the pile of unread banknotes on the counter and remarked, "Obviously." Come on, Tess. Allow me to assist you.

She turned away from him and replied, "I don't need your money." Her neck began to flame up with shame. She detested being exposed, and Landon had a way of making her feel uncomfortable.

His tone softened as he stated, "It's not charity." "My best friend is you. I can't watch helplessly while you lose everything.

Tessa curled her fingers around the edge of the counter as she leaned against it. She wanted to throw something, weep, and shout. She wanted to believe him above all else. However, she was prevented from speaking because of the pressure of her pride.

When she eventually answered, "I'll think about it," her voice was almost audible above a whisper.

Landon took a step forward and touched her shoulder. "Tess, you don't have to do this alone. You have always supported me. Allow me to repay you.

Although the knot in her chest remained, she nodded. Although Landon's offer was alluring, taking assistance seemed like giving up. Furthermore, she couldn't afford to lose.

As Tessa negotiated the twisting road leading back to her home, the rain fell in sheets. The brightness of approaching headlights made it difficult to see, and the windshield wipers had trouble keeping up. Her knuckles were white as she held on to the driving wheel.

Landon's comments kept coming back to her in a mental tempest of its own. Allow me to assist you. The idea of depending on someone else made her stomach turn, even if she wanted to trust him. She had always taken pride in being independent, even if it meant paying a price.

She slapped the brakes as she noticed a rapid movement. The vehicle slipped perilously near the road's edge on the damp pavement. She tried to steady the wheel while her heart raced, but the automobile would not react. The back tires were dangling over the edge of a steep embankment as it came to a startling stop.

With her eyes wide with terror, Tessa grasped the wheel and breathed in short gasps. In the little area, the sound of the rain beating down on the automobile was overwhelming. Her hands were shaking so much that she dropped her phone when she reached for it. The gadget fell to the ground, out of reach.

A person emerged from the downpour, moving at an unnatural pace. Tessa's heart thumped in her ears as she froze. She looked up to see Lucas standing there, his golden eyes concentrated and piercing, as the car door sprang open.

"Are you okay, Tessa?" His voice pierced the confusion as he inquired.

"Why are you in this place?" With a shaky voice, she managed to say.

He reached in to unbuckle her seatbelt and remarked, "No time for that." "You must leave this place."

She started to say, "The car," but he interrupted her.

With firmness, he said, "Forget the car." "It's not secure."

With a firm and comforting grip, he dragged her out of the driver's seat. The automobile made a menacing creak as soon as her feet touched the floor. As the car slipped closer to the brink and vanished into the night below, Lucas protected her with his body. Up the embankment came the crunching sound of metal on rocks.

As her mind struggled to comprehend what had just transpired, Tessa gazed at the location where her automobile had been. She turned to Lucas and said, "How did you... why were you here?"

His jaw tensed, and she briefly believed he would not respond. At last, he remarked, "I thought you might be in trouble." "I'm glad I was correct."

She squinted. "A sensation? That isn't a response.

With an unarguable tone, he declared, "It's the only one I have right now."

The sound of distant footfall interrupted her as she opened her mouth to press him farther. Lucas's whole body tensed as his head shot toward the sound. He guided her behind him by placing a hand on her arm.

His voice could almost be heard above the rain as he whispered, "Stay close."

With their faces hidden by the rain, two figures stepped out of the shadows. Tessa felt a chill run down her spine as Lucas growled low in his throat. "Hunters," he muttered to himself.

A few steps away, the soldiers came to a halt, their eyes cold but their posture relaxed. One of them muttered, "Lucas Greystone," in a derisive tone. "Always at the wrong time and in the wrong place."

With a lethal tone, Lucas said, "Leave her out of this."

The hunter grinned. Yes, we will. when we've finished with her.

Lucas acted without waiting for them to initiate contact. He lunged, surprising everyone with his strength and speed. As he killed the hunters with ruthless efficiency, Tessa gazed in startled quiet, his actions precise and flowing.

Lucas' eyes softened as he turned back to her when it was ended. "Are you in pain?"

Her legs felt like jello, but she shook her head. Her voice was hardly audible above a whisper as she uttered, "I don't understand what's happening."

"There's no need for you to," he added kindly. "Not just yet.