Page 23 of The Lycan King's Secret Child

He lifted her hand, pressing a gentle kiss to her knuckles.

On the ride home, Amelia replayed the evening in her mind, a smile lingering on her lips. Yet, amidst the excitement, a nagging feeling tugged at her—there was still so much she didn't know about him.

Her phone buzzed with a message from an unknown number.

Unknown (Text): "Be careful who you trust."

She frowned, typing back.

Amelia (Text): "Who is this?"

No response came.

Unease settled in. Was someone trying to warn her? Or intimidate her?

Back at her apartment, she double-checked the locks before heading to bed.

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Across town, Xander stood on the balcony of his penthouse, gazing out over the city. Marcus approached quietly.

Marcus: "You seem... preoccupied."

Xander: "She's different, Marcus."

Marcus: "The journalist?"

Xander: "Amelia."

Marcus: "You know the risks."

Xander: "I do."

Marcus: "The council won't approve."

Xander: "The council doesn't control my personal life."

Marcus: "No, but they can make things difficult."

Xander sighed.

Xander: "She's not like the others. There's a connection."

Marcus: "Just be cautious. We can't afford exposure."

Xander: "I won't let anything jeopardize our kind."

Marcus nodded, though concern etched his features.

Marcus: "There have been... whispers. The breaches are becoming more frequent."

Xander: "I'll handle it."

Marcus: "And the rival pack?"

Xander: "They wouldn't dare challenge us directly."

Marcus: "Still, vigilance is necessary."

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