“I’ll change three things about you,” Serena said, backing Leonardo into the hallway wall like a queen claiming territory. “One, that permanent frown you wear like armor.” Her fingers brushed his lips—soft, slow, almost cruel. “Two, the tongue that spits poison at me.” She leaned in, her voice a low purr against his throat. “And three…” She paused, letting the silence burn between them, her eyes raking down his body like he was dessert. “You’re far too clothed,” she whispered, hands grazing over his chest, igniting a shiver with every featherlight touch. Her lips hovered near his ear, breath hot and taunting. “I'll strip every layer… kiss, bite, taste—until you're breathless beneath me.” He swallowed hard, eyes dark with desire. Then she smirked. “Too bad I’m not your mate.” And just like that, she walked away— leaving only the sound of his frustrated groan echoing in the hallway. Serena Clifford was born to rule the mafia world—Instead, she became prey in a war of beasts and betrayal. When enemies destroy her family, Serena flees into a forced marriage with Leonardo Stoner, the man who once shattered her heart. But Leonardo hides a monstrous secret: his gang isn’t human, and neither is he. As ancient enemies close in and a deadly prophecy awakens inside her, Serena must fight to survive a world where loyalty is a lie, love is a weapon, and her greatest threat may be the man she vowed to trust. She thought marrying him would save her life. She didn’t know it would awaken a power that could end it.