---- That''s exactly what he wants," Elliot said sharply.


    "He''s baiting the Regents investigators.


    Why? I dont know yet, but I suspect we need to be ready.


    They''ll make their move soon." Elliot was absolutely right.


    Within days, aman arrivedsent by the royal investigation department.


    An inspector, assigned to sniff out whether there was truly a supernatural creature threatening Everharts duchy.


    "Good day, Your Lordship.


    Iam Ambrus Max, the royal inspector.


    I apologize for arriving so unannounced in yournds." The man bowed slightlyrespectful, serious, exuding an air of trustworthiness.


    His pristine ck suit and elegant hat added to his polished image.


    But he fooled no one.


    Not Elliot.


    From the moment he stepped through the doors of the duchy, the stench of vampire clung to him, "Wee to my home, Mr.


    Max," Elliot replied evenly, masking every thought behind his cold exterior.


    For amoment, they simply stared at each othermeasuring one another, calcting in silence.


    The game had begun.


    And then...


    "Wait, Lavinia! Im going to catch you!" ---- Laughter echoed from the staircase.


    A little girl ran by, giggling, while behind her, the yful Duchess chased her, arms outstretched.


    Her deep red dress billowed behind her, flushed skin glowing from the chase, hair tumbling in flirtatious waves, generous breasts always pushed up by the tight corset.


    Katherine froze at the top of the stairsher yful mood vanishing the moment she spotted the unexpected guest.


    Salvatores false dark eyes nearly turned ruby-red at the sight of her, devouring her hungrily.


    He had longed to see this woman again ever since that fleeting moment in the tavern.


    He had to exert extreme control to conceal his sinful desires.


    So beautiful.


    So alive.


    Like Be.


    His Be.


    But Katherine wasnt looking at him.


    Her gaze was fixed on the lycan standing beside the "royal inspector." Shit.


    That bastard was ying with fire.


    Toying with the beasts chain...


    Vorath was already on the verge of unleashing his murderous aura, ready to rip out the bloodsuckers throat if he kept staring at his mate like that.


    Would Elliot be able to hold back long enough to carry out his ns? ---- Katherine nearly ran down the stairsbecause if she didnt calm her man down fast, he was going to crush the vampires balls and shove them down his throat.