The bedroom is dimly lit, the soft glow of the bedside lamp casting long shadows along the walls. Celeste is curled up beneath the blankets, her breathing slow but uneven. Even in sleep, the tension clings to her, her fingers twitching slightly against the sheets.
I watch her for a moment, arms crossed. Celeste is not weak—she never has been—but tonight, she looks small. Frayed at the edges. It was a sight I never thought I would see.
With a quiet sigh, I reach forward, tucking the blanket securely around her shoulders before turning on my heel and leaving the room. The house is silent as I make my way to the door, the weight of the night settling on my shoulders.
Something about this doesn't sit right.
But I'll handle it.
I always do.
The Next Morning
The sun is barely creeping over the horizon when I pick up my phone and dial Celeste. She answers on the third ring, her voice thick with exhaustion.
"Lilith?"
"I need Robin's number," I say.
There's a pause. Then, "I'll handle it myself."
I exhale sharply. "I wasn't asking."
Another silence, this one longer. I can hear the tension in her breath before she finally gives in. A moment later, my phone pings with a message. Robin's contact.
"Good," I murmur before hanging up.
Without wasting time, I press the number and call.
It rings twice before a deep, casual voice filters through. "Who's this?"
I lean back against my headboard, my tone smooth, disarming. "Lilith. Celeste's friend."
A beat. Then, "Celeste's friend?"
"That's right."
A low chuckle. "Alright, Lilith. What can I do for you?"
"Meet me. Tomorrow, for lunch."
"And why would I do that?"
"Because I asked nicely."
A pause. Then another laugh, as if he finds this amusing. "Fine. Send me the time and place."
I smile. "Good, See you soon."
I end the call just as a knock sounds at my door.
"Come in," I say.
Elara steps inside, her expression unreadable. "Lily's friend, Posie, is coming for the playdate later today."
I nod. "Good. Make sure she doesn't learn anything about us. Keep it… normal."
Elara's response is immediate. "Of course."
At the Office
The hum of the city fades the moment I step into my building. The receptionist offers me a quick nod, but I barely acknowledge it, my mind already shifting gears.
As I move toward my office, I hear Celeste's voice from the hall, speaking with my secretary.
"…finally have a lead," she's saying, low and intense. "It's been weeks, but we're close. If we move now, Kade's company will take the hit."
I don't stop. I don't ask questions.
Celeste will tell me when she's ready.
I make my way about to head into my office when a sharp, raised voice cuts through the air.
"I don't care what you say, you're just a cleaner. Your job is to shut up and do as you're told."
I stop mid-step, my head snapping toward the commotion.
A middle-aged man, one of my junior executives, stands in the center of the office, his posture stiff with irritation. In front of him, a young woman in a cleaner's uniform stands with her head bowed, gripping the hem of her apron.
My irritation spikes.
I don't tolerate disrespect in my ranks.
Slowly, I step forward, my presence drawing every gaze in the room. The employee stiffens when he notices me, a flicker of nervousness crossing his face.
I stop beside them, tilting my head. "Problem?"
The man clears his throat, straightening. "Ms. Dusk, I was just—"
"I heard." My voice is calm, deceptively light. "And I'm going to make this simple."
He shifts uncomfortably, but I don't give him the chance to speak.
"You work for me. And in this company, we respect people, regardless of their position." I take a step closer, my voice cooling. "If you think your title gives you the right to trample on those beneath you, you're mistaken."
His throat bobs. "I—"
"You're fired."
Silence.
The words land like a blade, slicing through the office with brutal finality.
His face drains of color. "Wait—Ms. Dusk—"
"I don't repeat myself," I say smoothly. "Security will escort you out."
The entire office watches as two guards step forward, flanking him. His protests fall on deaf ears as they lead him away.
I turn to the cleaner. "Are you alright?"
Her eyes are wide, uncertain. "Y-yes, ma'am."
I nod once. "Good. If anyone else disrespects you, you come straight to me."
She blinks. Then nods quickly, muttering a quiet, "Thank you."
I don't respond. Instead, I turn on my heel and walk into my office, shutting the door behind me.
Let them remember this lesson.
Inside my office, I settle behind my desk and open my laptop, scanning through documents. A few minutes pass before Celeste walks in, shutting the door behind her.
"That was quite the show you put out there" she muttered smirking
I reply with a simple "hmm" not taking my eyes off my screen.
"We're making progres," she says without preamble. "A few more steps and Kade's business will be on its knees."
I smirk, satisfaction curling in my chest. "Well done."
Celeste hesitates for a moment before speaking again. "You don't have to meet Robin. Let me handle it."
I look up, arching a brow. "No."
"Lilith—"
"I've made up my mind." I close my laptop, leveling her with a cool gaze. "We were going to meet at some point. Might as well be now."
She exhales, rubbing a hand over her face. "Just… be careful."
I don't respond. Because I already know this isn't about caution.
This is about control.
And I don't let anyone take that from me. I need Celeste to be at her A-game all the time and she is starting to get weak. That is a price I cannot afford to pay.
That Night
The drive home is slow, the city lights bleeding into one another. My fingers drum against the leather steering wheel as my thoughts drift—back, back, to a night drenched in blood and fire.
Five years. Six months.
That's how long it's been since Kade invaded my pack. Since he tore through my world and left me with nothing but ashes and vengeance.
Six months until the anniversary.
Six months until I bring him to his knees.
My grip tightens. Soon.
I pull up to the estate, pushing the past from my mind as I step out of the car. The house is quiet, but something is… off.
The moment I enter, Elara rushes toward me, her expression tense, distressed.
I still. "What happened?"
She hesitates.
Then—
"It's about the playdate."
A cold prickle crawls down my spine.
I meet her gaze, my voice low, sharp. "What. Happened?"
She swallows.
And then she tells me.
And the world shifts beneath my feet.