Melissa was the first to step into Alec’s cabin.
The heavy door clicked shut behind her, and the moment her heels touched the floor of the intimidating room, an eerie stillness settled. The morning sunlight filtered through the tall windows, casting golden streaks across the polished wood floor—but nothing could soften the chill that ran down Melissa’s spine.
Alec sat behind his grand desk like a monarch on his throne, his presence oozing authority. His eyes, cold and calculating, lifted slowly from the file in front of him. The instant they landed on her, a slow, evil smile curled at the corners of his lips. It wasn’t warmth. It wasn’t welcome. It was the grin of a predator who had already decided the fate of his prey.
Melissa stiffened.
She had seen that look before—but never directe
