Chapter 196

Author’s POV

Victoria clutched the edge of the marble bar, surveying the ballroom where tensions simmered beneath the façade of civility. What appeared to be a peaceful charity gala had already become a hunting ground. She could feel Howard Reiner’s predatory gaze following her every move from across the room. His beta, nicknamed “Tank,” was equally vigilant, memorizing her gestures, her companions, her potential escape routes.

Near the betting tables, Victoria’s recent victory had caused quite a stir. The pool winnings were being distributed – substantial amounts changing hands thanks to her unexpected triumph against professional gamblers. Damien’s calculated bet on her had paid off handsomely.

“Boss, Victoria just made us a fortune with that win,” Tank muttered, sliding beside Howard in the shadowed corner of the upper level. “Are we really going through with this? She’s proven useful p>

Howard’s eyes never left Victoria as she laughed with Grace, her golden hair catching the crystal chandelier’s light. “We proceed. You’ll take point p>

“Me?” Tank’s eyebrows shot up. “I thought you wanted to handle this personally p>

A cruel smile curved Howard’s lips. “Elite hunters always approach as prey first. That’s how you get close p>

Tank glanced nervously toward Damien Sterling, who stood protectively near Victoria. Even from this distance, the Alpha’s powerful presence was unmistakable. “Her mate looks complicated. He seems… dangerous p>

“Indeed,” Howard agreed, his voice dropping to a contemplative whisper. “Damien Sterling is certainly a thorny obstacle p>

Howard had maintained extreme caution even while observing from the upper floor, knowing Damien’s heightened senses could detect him if he wasn’t careful. The hundred million dollar arrangement had been executed with perfect precision; otherwise, Damien would have already traced it back to him.

“I’ll create a distraction for Sterling. Follow the original plan,” Howard instructed.

Tank nodded reluctantly. “I’ll stay on her trail then p>

Across the ballroom, Victoria and Grace were preparing to leave. Damien had intended to accompany them but his phone buzzed with apparent urgency.

“Go handle your company business,” Victoria said, her hand resting briefly on Damien’s forearm. “Grace and I can manage getting home ourselves p>

Damien’s protective instincts made him hesitate. “I could drive you both first p>

“Unnecessary,” Victoria insisted. Her wolf, Nora, stirred restlessly within her, sensing something wasn’t right, but Victoria ignored the warning.

Grace tossed her head defiantly. “Exactly! We’re grown women, Damien. What do you think will happen without your almighty presence? Ethan’s too busy cooing over his baby to cause trouble tonight anyway p>

Damien reluctantly conceded the point. Victoria was intelligent and resourceful – she wouldn’t easily become anyone’s victim. With a final lingering look that conveyed more than words could express, he departed.

In the car, Grace clutched a wooden box containing the rare stone Victoria had helped her select. “Once I get this cut into bracelets, we’ll each have one!” she exclaimed, practically bouncing with excitement. “Did you see Scarlett’s face when they announced your win? Priceless p>

“Absolutely,” Victoria smiled, though something in her wolf’s agitation kept her from fully relaxing.

The vehicle’s sudden stop jolted them both forward.

“What’s happening?” Victoria asked, peering through the windshield.

The driver frowned. “Looks like we’ve got a flat. Let me check p>

The moment the driver stepped out, dark figures materialized from the shadows, surrounding their car on the deserted stretch of road.

“Get out!” a gruff voice commanded.

“Victoria!” Grace’s fingers dug into her arm, fear evident in her wide eyes. “What’s happening p>

“Stay calm,” Victoria whispered, mentally calculating their options. “I’ll go see what they want p>

“No!” Grace hissed, clutching Victoria’s designer jacket. “Are you insane? You’re safer in here. We should call the police and wait for help p>

Victoria’s wolf growled within her, hackles raised. If these men truly wanted them dead, police intervention would come too late.

“Listen to me, Grace,” Victoria said calmly, her decision made. “Call the police, but don’t call Damien. He’s busy, and I don’t want him involved in this mess p>

Before Grace could protest further, Victoria stepped out of the car.

“Victoria!” Grace frantically dialed emergency services.

Standing tall despite the danger, Victoria faced the black-clad figures whose faces were concealed behind masks. They had completely surrounded the vehicle, cutting off all escape routes.

“Who are you, and what do you want?” Victoria asked, her voice steady despite the adrenaline coursing through her veins. “If it’s money, we can negotiate. If it’s something else, perhaps we can still reach an agreement p>

Tank stepped forward, playing his role. “Too bad for you, someone wants you dead. We’re just the messengers – professional ones p>

Victoria almost rolled her eyes at the theatrical display. “For supposed professional killers, you’re remarkably conspicuous. True professionals would have slipped something odorless into my drink and watched me collapse without anyone suspecting foul play p>

“Save your breath,” Tank growled. “We’ve been paid for this job, and your fate is sealed p>

With a sharp gesture, he ordered, “Take her p>

“Wait!” Victoria called out, her mind racing.

Tank paused. “Final words, she-wolf p>

Victoria’s beautiful eyes hardened to ice as she stared him down, all pretense of weakness abandoned.

“Let my friend go. She’s innocent in whatever grudge you’re settling.” Victoria’s only concern now was buying time and ensuring Grace’s safety.

“Agreed,” Tank nodded, signaling for his men to release Grace.

As the driver sped away with Grace screaming Victoria’s name from the back seat, Victoria felt a moment of relief. At least Grace would be safe.

“Now,” Victoria turned back to her attackers, “who hired you to kill me p>

“Client confidentiality, Ms. Lancaster,” Tank smirked beneath his mask. “But don’t worry – we’ll make it quick. One clean cut p>

On his signal, one of the men lunged forward with a blade aimed at Victoria’s throat. This was when Howard was supposed to make his dramatic entrance, but before he could appear, the distinctive roar of a powerful engine cut through the night.

A sleek black vehicle careened into the scene, forcing Victoria’s attackers to scatter. The man with the knife leapt backward, barely avoiding both the car and Victoria.

Victoria recognized the vehicle instantly. Damien!

He emerged from the car with fluid grace that belied his deadly intent, immediately disabling the nearest attackers with precise, brutal efficiency. Within seconds he had reached Victoria, pulling her protectively against his chest.

“Are you hurt?” he demanded, eyes scanning her for any sign of injury while maintaining awareness of the threats around them.

Victoria shook her head, confusion evident. “How did you know p>

Damien hadn’t left after all? She’d specifically told Grace not to call him, knowing his company matters required attention. Even if Grace had disobeyed, he couldn’t have arrived this quickly.

Tank stood frozen, his plan derailed. Howard was supposed to emerge as the hero, rescuing Victoria from danger and cementing his position in her life. With Damien Sterling protecting her, the entire script had been flipped.

After a moment’s hesitation, Tank made his decision. With a sharp gesture to his men, he barked a single command:

“Attack p>