Chapter 3

Zairith’s POV I pushed off the wall, forcing my legs to move. My heart pounded in my chest. I had no idea where the exit was. I had only seconds before Jordan caught up to me. Then I heard him. “You really think I’m going to let you leave?” A strong hand grabbed my wrist. I barely had time to gasp before he pulled me back. He spun me around and slammed me to the floor. His body pinned me down fast. His legs straddled my hips. His grip warned me not to fight. He was too close. Too heavy. Too warm. I didn’t want to feel anything—but I did. I clenched my teeth. Focus, Zairith. Stay sharp. “I already let you push the limits,” Jordan growled. “I knew you'd try something, but I didn’t think—” He stopped, jaw tight. His grip tightened for a second, then eased up just enough for me to breathe. God, that felt good. “You’re the one who leaned in for a kiss, lover boy,” I muttered. His eyes dropped to my lips. For a second, I thought he might kiss me again. Deep down, I hated that I didn’t hate the idea. “I was trying to talk to you like a normal person,” he said. “Until you used me to fool the magic.” A strange feeling tingled across my skin. I felt it building—light and fast. Jordan noticed. “What are you—” I shoved my hips upward, hard. He shifted just a little, and I took the chance. His fingers still held my wrist tightly. His eyes were full of fire—and something else. Something more dangerous. “Are you going to let me up or not?” I asked. “I’m still thinking about it.” “Let me up.” He shifted to the side but didn’t let go. His grip stayed strong. But now it felt different. Like he didn’t want to let go—for more than one reason. I had to stay focused. If I failed this mission, the coven would kill me. I already took half the payment. I couldn’t back out now. I needed a new plan. “I need your help,” I said. He raised an eyebrow. “With what?” “Finding my niece.” His face changed. His eyes narrowed. “Your niece?” I had just given him a weakness. Something real. Something personal. I never did that. But I had no choice now. “She disappeared years ago,” I said. “And your wolves are the reason.” His jaw clenched. “She’s not here.” “I know,” I said. “I would’ve felt her. But that doesn’t mean she wasn’t here before.” “The cellar blocks all spells,” he said. “You can’t sense anything.” “She’s not in this house. But the trail led here. I trust my instincts.” He paused. “How do you know it was my people?” I tilted my head. “Funny. You didn’t deny it.” His face darkened. “I just know,” I said. “She’s one of many missing girls. And every clue points to the Silverbane Pack.” He gripped my wrist tighter. “I get wanting to protect your family,” he said. “But why did your coven hire you to kill me?” That question hurt more than I expected. I looked away. “You’re the Alpha,” I said. “That means all the blood your people spilled is your responsibility. Including hers.” He flinched. He looked at me. “You’ve got your father’s blood in you.” “What do you know about my father?” “He left a path of death behind him. Just like you.” “You don’t know me,” I said quietly. “You don’t know what kind of prison I was born into.” “Then maybe we’re not so different.” We stared at each other for a long time. Then his voice changed. Softer now. “Stay. I’ll help you find her. I promise.” I shook my head. “No.” And I was ready to tell him why. But then—he grabbed my hand. He pulled me closer. My breath caught. His fingers brushed my chin, lifting it gently. My heart skipped. He wrapped one arm around my waist. He let out a soft groan, like he hated how close we were. This was bad. Because I didn’t hate it. And feelings like this don’t happen every day. But they’re dangerous. Because I’m the Night Stalker. And I was sent to kill Jordan.