Never like this.
Never across a room.
Never like a warning.
Like a silent threat.
The cold calm returned by the time I finished in the dressing room. The frigid breeze pouring through the open window was a relief. The stench had reduced—vastly.
I accessed everything tied to her online, a courtesy of my data-surveillance company.
Darius Fletcher.
The recent ex-boyfriend.
Bastard.
I would ruin him. Stab him in the chest. Slit his belly open and play with his insides, I would—
I blinked at the screen.
Why did you stop?Fenrir growled.We need to find him. I want to taste his blood as it drips from my fur and clamp down on his bones until they snap like twigs.
“Why?” I asked quietly.“Why should we care about that insignificant human?”
He didn’t reply.
The simple fact was, neither of us knew.
Chapter 6
Lielit
My mum and grandmother each held one of my hands as the speaker introduced my company. The accolade made me blush, emotion rising fast in my chest. To be recognised by one of London’s top business awards was no small feat.
“We have a special guest this evening who will present your award,” the woman continued.“Our kind and generous sponsor, Mr Blaidd Prothero.”
The spotlight swept across the room—then settled on an empty table.
“He’s probably nipped to the loo,” Mum said, patting my hand reassuringly.
“Bloody rude, if you ask me,” Dad muttered.
“No one asked you, son,” Grandma replied sharply.
“Think happy thoughts,” Granddad whispered to her.
The speaker cleared her throat, offering an awkward laugh.“That’s quite all right. If you’d like to come up, I’ll be happy to present it myself.”
I squeezed my special ladies’hands, then stood, already mentally reciting my speech as I made my way forward.
When I accepted the award, I punched it into the air, my gaze locking on my family as they shouted and cheered from their seats.
They were my anchor. My constant reminder of who I was and where I came from. Their love, encouragement, and hard-earned wisdom meant more to me than any accolade ever could.
I drew in a steady breath, cleared my throat, and began my speech.
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