The Fangs sat on one side of the table.
The Claws sat on the other. And I caught the Claws exchanging a look, the kind that carried an entire conversation without sound—about me, about Kenji, about what my presence meant in here.
Before assessing the men, I glanced over my shoulder.
Sako appeared in the doorway. Today, he wore another white uniform. Utterly immaculate. High collar sharp. Posture straight but soft-spoken. Hair smoothed perfectly. Ever much, the butler’s son who grew up alongside Kenji, tidying up Kenji’s stuffed animals, folding napkins, and learning grace before rebellion.
He bowed to Kenji first—deep, flawless.
Then, Sako turned to Reo, and the Roar murmured some instruction.
Sako respectfully nodded and rushed off.
Meanwhile, Kenji was watching only me and waiting for my nod. I’d never realized how lonely power could look on a manuntil I saw Kenji waiting for that signal, trusting me with the thing he trusted no one else with—his family, his inner circle.
If anybody in here was the traitor. . .it would break his fucking heart.
Alright. Get back to work.
I took a few steps inside and did a quick assessment of the Fangs first.
My pulse thudded low in my throat.
I locked onto Kaoru and studied the micro-flutter at his left eyelid when our gazes met.
His pupils didn't dilate.
No fear.
No attraction.
Just that deadly stillness of a predator deciding if I was prey or rival.
Not the spy. A spy would've blinked first.
Plus, Kaoru lounged in his chair. That long pink hair flowed over one shoulder. He was beautiful. Heartbreak-handsome. Cheekbones too sharp, lips too full. The kind of man who could ruin a life with a smile and then apologize with a kiss.
I looked at those two tiny hearts inked under his jaw as well as the two studs in his ear—one diamond and the other ruby.
Are his two girlfriends on the island too? Probably.
I studied his eyes, because from the test I’d learned that lies showed there first with him. But when his gaze slid over me and settled, steady and direct, there was no stutter in it.
No lie.
No guilt.
Just. . .instant, lethal readiness.
Yep. I’m certain. Kaoru isn’t the spy.
Yoichi sat next to Kaoru, bald head catching the warm chandelier glow. His fingers drifted over the smooth skin in a habitual, almost meditative motion.
As always, the silver wolf tooth charm hung low against his chest, gleaming above his open designer jacket.
His rifle case rested against his chair, as casual as someone setting down a briefcase.
But Yoichi wasn’t casual.
