Moon's Betrayal

Chapter 6

Adrian's POV

The ride back to Elena's apartment was silent except for the hum of the engine and her quiet breathing beside me. I could smell her anxiety, sharp and bitter beneath her usual vanilla scent. My wolf paced restlessly, wanting to comfort her, protect her from the vultures already circling.

Someone had leaked her story to the press. Someone with access to information that should have been buried deep.

"Adrian?" Elena's voice was small in the darkness of the car. "That reporter knew things. Personal things about my life before I met you."

"I know." I kept my voice carefully controlled, but rage was building in my chest like a storm. "I'm going to handle it."

"What if more reporters come? What if they find out about Papa's death, about how I was really living?" Her hands twisted in her lap. "I can't go through that humiliation."

I reached over and covered her hands with one of mine. Her skin was cold, trembling. "Elena, look at me."

She turned, and in the dim light from the street lamps, I could see tears threatening to spill.

"No one is going to hurt you," I said, my voice dropping to that Alpha tone that brooked no argument. "I protect what's mine."

The words slipped out before I could stop them. Elena's eyes widened slightly, but she didn't pull away.

"Yours?" she whispered.

Fuck. I'd said too much. Again.

"My artist," I corrected quickly. "Knight Records protects its investments."

Something flickered across her face – disappointment? Before I could analyze it, we were pulling up to her building.

"Get some rest," I told her as she stepped out of the car. "I'll pick you up at ten tomorrow. We have a studio session."

"Adrian?" She leaned down to the window. "Thank you. For everything. I know I'm just business to you, but... thank you."

Just business. If she only knew how wrong she was.

I waited until she was safely inside before calling Marcus.

"Cousin," his voice was smooth as always. "How did our little songbird's debut go?"

"Someone leaked her background to the press. I want to know who."

"Ah. That's unfortunate. Any suspects?"

I stared out at the city lights, my mind racing through possibilities. "Run a background check on everyone who had access to Elena's file. Staff, assistants, anyone who might have talked."

"Of course. Though these things do have a way of getting out on their own. Beautiful girl, tragic story – the media loves that combination."

Something in his tone made my wolf snarl. "Just find out who talked."

After hanging up, I drove to my penthouse, but sleep was impossible. Instead, I poured myself a whiskey and stood on my balcony, staring out at the city I was supposed to conquer.

My phone buzzed. A text from Kelly: Saw the show tonight. Your little pet is quite talented. We should talk. – K

I deleted it without responding.

Two hours later, another text: Adrian, don't ignore me. What we have is real. What you have with her is just charity. – K

Then another: Daddy says the Morrison-Knight merger is happening whether you win that award or not. Might as well make it easy on yourself. – K

I turned off my phone and drained my whiskey.

The next morning, I arrived at Elena's building to find her waiting in the lobby, looking perfect in jeans and a simple sweater. But there were dark circles under her eyes.

"Couldn't sleep either?" I asked as we drove to the studio.

"Every time I closed my eyes, I kept thinking about that reporter. About Kelly." She glanced at me sideways. "She really hates me."

"Kelly hates anyone who takes attention away from her."

"Is that what I'm doing? Taking attention away from her?"

I pulled into the studio parking lot and turned to face her. "Elena, whatever Kelly thinks she knows about my life, about my future – she's wrong."

"What does that mean?"

Before I could answer, Marcus appeared at Elena's window, tapping on the glass with that sharp smile of his.

"Good morning, lovebirds," he said as Elena rolled down the window. "Ready for another day of making beautiful music together?"

Elena smiled at him, but I caught the way his eyes lingered on her face, like he was memorizing every detail.

"Actually," Marcus continued, "Elena, I was hoping to steal a moment with you before you start recording. I have some ideas about image consulting that might help with the media situation."

"That's not necessary—" I started.

"It's fine," Elena interrupted. "I could use all the help I can get."

Something cold settled in my stomach as I watched them walk toward the building together, Marcus's hand hovering just above the small of her back in a gesture that mirrored my own from the night before.

I was about to follow when my phone rang. Unknown number.

"Adrian Knight."

"Mr. Knight, this is Detective Santos, LAPD. I need to speak with you about Elena Rivera."

My blood went cold. "What about her?"

"Sir, I think it would be better if we spoke in person. Can you come down to the station?"

"Is Elena in some kind of trouble?"

"Not trouble, exactly. But there are some things about Miss Rivera's background that you might want to know. Things that could affect your business relationship."

I looked up at the studio building, where Elena had disappeared inside with Marcus.

"I'll be there in twenty minutes."

"Mr. Knight? You might want to bring a lawyer."

The line went dead, and I stood there staring at my phone, my world suddenly tilting off its axis.

What the f**k had Elena been hiding from me?

And more importantly – what had I gotten myself into?

What am I going to do?