Lucien Hale had everything. At twenty-six, he was the kind of man others envied-a thriving modeling career, a respectable job teaching at a high school, the security of his father’s estate, and even the perfect girlfriend. His future was clear, steady, unshakable.

Until one reckless choice pulled him into a game he was never meant to play.

The debt should have been simple. A mistake. Something he could shoulder and move past. But nothing about Nikolai Anahera Soelus was simple. The debt collector wasn’t just ruthless-he was watchful, sharp, and dangerously drawn to Lucien in ways that made every breath a test of control.

Nikolai wanted his name, his scent, his submission.
Lucien wanted nothing to do with him.
And yet, the more they clashed, the more inevitable their collision became.

When truths about his friends begin to rot and shadows of his own bloodline threaten to surface, Lucien finds himself standing at the edge of something he doesn’t understand-a bond, a hunger, a fate he cannot escape.

Meeting Nikolai was like a spark that set his world on fire.
And in the ashes of his past and present… all Lucien could smell was the rain that fell on flowers.

Chapter 2 - Character Profile