# Chapter Twelve: Blood in the Water
The first sign of trouble came in the form of a dead wolf on their doorstep. Not just any wolf – one of Viktor's most trusted guards, his throat torn out with surgical precision. Pinned to his chest was a note written in his blood:
*Did you think we forgot about the Mason bloodline? Some legacies deserve to die in the womb.*
Viktor's roar of rage shook the compound. Through their bond, Aria felt his wolf's murderous fury even before he burst into their bedroom, eyes wild.
"Pack a bag," he ordered, already moving to the weapons safe. "We're leaving. Now."
"Viktor, what—" She broke off as another scent hit her. Familiar. Terrifying. "No..."
"Yes." His voice was pure predator. "James Cooper had a brother. One who shared his... proclivities. And appar
