I feel my jaw tighten, my fingers curling into the edge of the console. My pulse spikes.
“I got a text from Dune, he’s out there with the dogs, and thinks they’re not here for you.”
“Hey, big guy, can I use your radio?” I ask the security member. He says nothing, passing the radio over, unhooking an earpiece.
“Captain Dune,” I mutter, tapping the comm. “What’s happening?”
The Captain’s calm, steady voice comes through, clipped and precise. “Dogs have deployed. They detected the intruders before the alarms. I’m approaching now.”
I lean back slightly, exhaling, watching the chaos unfold on the screens as the dogs move with lethal precision. My fists clench. I want to be there. I want to tear across the property, but Sera’s my priority.
I don’t answer. I can’t. My focus is on the cameras, on the dogs, on the intruders, on Sera. Whoever these guys are, they just woke the hornet’s nest—and they’re about to regret it.
The dogs are a blur of motion—Artemis low, poised, tail stiff. Klause’s stance rigid, ears flicking with perfect focus. They move faster than I expect, circling, barking a warning that makes my skin crawl and my blood run hot.
“Intruders are contained.” Watching the dogs heard the strangers is surreal over the cams.
“Chace, however much you are paying them, we need to double it.” Chace snorts.
“He is fairly compensated, but I will let him know you approve.” You can see there is some discussion or argument going on between Captain Dune and the intruders.
My jaw clenches as I watch the Captain move toward them, flanked by the security team. Each step measured, precise, military-grade. My chest hammers with the adrenaline he’s exuding, and I can’t help but feel both awe and fear.
The comm crackles again. “Police en route.” One of the intruders reaches for something, and in a blur—Artemis or Klause, I can’t tell which—snaps to them, grabbing their wrist and bringing them down hard.
My breath catches, adrenaline spiking again.Good fucking dog.
The rest of the team moves in. Captain Dune grabs thick cable ties and secures the two standing, while one of the dogs gets distracted with the third, turning it into a chew toy until ordered tostop.
“Secured. Local authorities are a few minutes out.” I feel the tension in my shoulders ease, just a fraction. “Good. Keep it tight. Do not let them move.”
“Chace, let me know if anything changes, or if the police turn up.” I brush my hands off, itching to do more—wanting to inflict violence on the fuckers who dared violate my home.
The cameras show the intruders squirming against the wall, the dogs trained to anticipate every move. Part of me wants to tell them to send a message—but is it wounded pride over my territory, or just dark thoughts? I don’t give them voice. I head out instead.
I move down the hallway as fast as I can, every step echoing in the quiet except for the distant alarm fading into normal hums.
I round the corner and see Seraphina on her knees in front of the toilet, hands gripping the rim, her body shaking, tears sliding down her cheeks. My chest tightens and I drop to one knee beside her, hands on her back, rubbing slow, soothing circles.
“It’s okay, baby. They’ve been secured. You’re okay. You’re safe.” My voice is low, rough with tension, but steady.
She heaves, her body wracked with panic and fear, and I tighten my hold, pressing my forehead to the back of her neck. “I’ve got you, Dove. I’ve got you.”
Her sobs get louder, spilling into full, uncontrollable crying, and then she throws herself into me, arms clinging tight, shivering in my lap.
Mac hovers near the door, giving us space, her voice soft. “If you need me for anything, come and get me, okay?”
I nod, not taking my eyes off Sera, and she relaxes slightly against me, her tears soaking into my chest. I pull her closer, rocking her gently, whispering, “It’s over, baby. You’re safe. I’m here. Always.”
Her hands clutch my body, trembling. I press a kiss to her temple, then the crown of her head, letting her cry against me as I silently fume.
How the fuck can I make sure that no one will ever make her feel this terrified again? I am powerless to the whims of those with ill intentions.
Chapter thirty-four
Seraphina
I Was Made For Lovin’ You – YUNGBLUD
