Scarlet I tried to breathe. To steady myself. But Damien… He wasn’t looking at Tasha. His gaze—sharp, unreadable—was still on me. For a second, I thought I saw something flicker there—something dangerous and undeniable— But then his expression hardened. Like he was reminding himself. Like he was reminding me. My fingers curled into fists at my sides, my pulse hammering in my ears. I need to do the same. And then— Ronan exhaled a low, amused chuckle beside me. “Oh,” he murmured, voice filled with dark amusement. “This is interesting.” I stiffened as I felt his hand—warm, steady, protective—brush lightly against the small of my back. I didn’t have to turn to know he was watching Damien, too. Two predators. Two Alphas; well, one Alpha and one Alpha heir. A silent war, unfold

