Chapter 326

Elliot

Something is weird between Charles and Elijah.

I notice it at the charity gala. The way they stand too close, then too far apart. The way Charles’s eyes follow Elijah when he thinks no one’s watching. The way Elijah’s jaw tightens whenever Charles enters his orbit.

It’s strange. Unsettling. Wrong.

But I can’t bring myself to care.

Not really.

I heard from Damien that Daphne would be at the hotel today—something about a business meeting, mentioned casually.

So here I am. Hovering in the lobby like a pathetic stalker, watching the elevators, waiting.

An hour passes. Two. I’m about to give up when the main doors open and she walks in.

Daphne.

She’s in a charcoal suit today, sharp and elegant, her dark hair swept back. She’s on her phone, frowning at something, completely oblivious to her surroundings.

This is my chance.

She heads for the elevator. I follow, heart pounding, staying just far enough back that she won’t notice. The doors open. She steps inside, still on her phone, still distracted.

I run.

I slip through the doors just as they close.

She doesn’t look up.

I release my pheromones,just a hint, just enough to catch her attention.

She looks up from her phone.

Looks at me.

"Elliot?"

Her voice is cautious. Wary. But she said my name. She remembers me.

"Hi." I smile, soft and hopeful, the way I’ve practiced. The way that usually works. "Fancy meeting you here."

She takes a step back.

The space between us grows, and I feel it like a physical blow.

"Okay..." she responds, her voice flat.

I open my mouth to say something, anything to bridge the distance, to make her see me.

The elevator dings.

Doors slide open.

She walks out without looking back.I stand there, frozen, as the doors start to close. At the last second, I lurch forward, catching them, stepping out into the hallway.

She’s already gone. Disappeared around a corner. Into a room. Away from me.

I stomp my foot in frustration, the sound echoing in the empty corridor.

Why?

I breathe in. Breathe out.

It’s okay.

She just doesn’t know me yet. That’s why she’s guarded.

***

Daphne

According to the System, Elliot was still hovering around the hotel lobby. Waiting. Watching. Hovering.

I took the stairs instead of the elevator.

What the hell is wrong with him? I’ve rejected him clearly, repeatedly, violently. And still he persists. Still he thinks there’s a chance.

He makes my skin crawl.

But I don’t have time to dwell on Elliot’s obsession. I have more important prey.

Vincent.

The System confirms he’s officially out of the harem now. Elliot hates him understandably if I’m being honest but it’s genuinely the pot calling the kettle black with him.

***

Vincent

I look at the warnings from the other bastards obsessed with that omega’s hole, and I want to scream.

Stay away from Elliot.

He’s ours.

Touch him again and you’re dead.

Messages from the bastards. Even the damn doctor. All of them circling their precious prize.

What’s so good about an omega?

I’ve had dozens. Hundreds. They’re all the same—soft bodies, sweet smells, desperate for Alpha attention. Elliot was never special.

And now they’re treating him like he’s made of gold.

But with so many of my men in jail, I can’t afford to go against them. Not now. Not yet. But not never. And when I do, I’ll make them pay.

I drink the whiskey, staring out at the beach.

I left the city. Flew across the continent after the bomb. Had to lie low. Had to disappear until the heat died down.

But I found something before I left. Information. Evidence. The Panther is connected to the mayor. Damien Han. Playing both sides, acting noble while dabbling in the underworld.

Since I haven’t heard from the Panther since the bomb, I take it as confirmation. My message was received. They know not to mess with me.

I take another drink, almost satisfied.

Then:

"It was really hard to find you."

I freeze. 𝘧𝓇ℯℯ𝑤ℯ𝘣𝓃ℴ𝓋𝑒𝑙.𝑐𝘰𝑚

A voice. Calm. Amused. Close.

I turn my head slowly.

She’s sitting on the barstool beside me, casual as anything, like she belongs here. Dark hair. Sharp features. Bandages visible on her arms, scabs on scratches.

"Surprised to see me?" She tilts her head, a small smile playing at her lips. "I got your gift. I thought that meant you wanted to see me in person?"

My hand twitches toward the weapon hidden beneath my jacket.

"I wouldn’t." Her voice is still calm, still amused. "There are four snipers currently aiming at various parts of your anatomy. Very professional. You won’t even hear the shots."

I freeze.

"You’re lying."

"Am I?" She shrugs. "Feel lucky?"

We stare at each other.

"I’ll have what he’s having," she says smoothly, and the bartender pours her a drink like this is all perfectly normal.

"What are you doing here?" I growl.

"I thought you called me?" She raises an eyebrow.

"Running your brother’s errands, I see." I sneer, trying to regain some control. "Did Daddy’s favorite son send you to clean up his mess?"

She looks at me for a beat.

Then she laughs.

"Why?" She wipes an imaginary tear. "Bad blood between you two? Something to do with the blonde hair?"

"Please." I wave a dismissive hand. "I would never fight over an Omega. I know Damien has been messing with me. I don’t understand his end game, but tell him to reign it in. Or else—"

"Or else what?"

She leans forward, those dark eyes boring into mine.

"Oh no." Her voice is flat. Completely deadpan. "I’m so scared."

The dismissal makes my blood boil. I’ve killed men for less. I’ve destroyed empires for looking at me sideways. And this bitch, this corporate princess in her fancy suit, is mocking me?

"Or else what, Vincent?" She leans closer. "You’ll blow up another car? Oh nooo I’m so scared Mr Viper."

I glance around.

The bar is suddenly empty.