Page 30 of Knot Heirs: Serenity's Reign

~SERENITY~

Serenity stalked down the hallway of the safe house, black combat boots striking the floor with determined purpose.

The map and access codes Elena had provided were clutched tightly in her hand as her mind raced, devising strategies to stay one step ahead of the Alphas hunting her. The slick black tactical gear hugged her curves, still warm from the shower.

Just the thought of those infuriating, captivating Alphas made her body flush with unwanted heat. Serenity cursed under her breath, a sharp hiss slicing through the air like a blade.

Fucking Omega hormones — always ready to betray her to the will of men.

She took a deep breath, steadying herself in the ruthless way she'd learned, in the only way that let her stay in control. She would need every advantage now, with the grace period over and the scent of ripe Alpha competition prowling closer.

Thank God for the care package from Elena—suppressants, condoms, even lacy "scent-blocking" panties that were a hell of a lot sexier than granny pants.

Serenity rummaged through the box, briefly wondering if she'd even have time to use half the stuff in there.

Condoms. Jesus. Someone was sure optimistic.

She reached for the blister pack of suppressants and ripped into it with her teeth. At least she could avoid broadcasting her arousal like a bitch in heat. If all went to plan, they'd see what hit them before they'd even caught her goddamn scent.

Serenity lowered the stack of documents and sighed, staring out the frosty window at the twinkling Christmas lights that adorned Paris in decadent finery. The quick jet slight here was probably her biggest stunt yet, but with this hunt going on, she was positive it wouldn’t last for long.

She had plenty of safe houses here, which would work in her favor on a magnitude of levels, especially with the rich architecture.

The city was nothing less than a glittering jewel in the night, but its romantic holiday magic seemed to mock and taunt in the face of the dangerous game of cat and mouse she'd been thrust into.

Well, fuck that.

She was nobody's prey, no matter how stubborn or attractive her pursuers were. Her lips twisted into a savage smile, a challenge thrown back in the face of destiny.

Unwrapping the towel from her damp chestnut hair, she twisted it into a no-nonsense bun. She'd need to think clearly with every move. No distractions, no timid hesitations to weigh her down.

Securing the bun with an elastic, Serenity gave her reflection in the cold glass a resolute nod. Her breath fogged the pane, a last defiant statement before she turned off the lights and left the posh safe house behind. Time to turn the tables and beat the Alphas at their own twisted hunt.

She had no time to lose.

Every second counted. For all their machismo, they didn't know who they were fucking with. Her golden eyes gleamed withsparks of red defiance as she turned on her heel and strode out to face her fate, head held high.

The sleek black tactical gear hugged her curves, and she hoped it would be enough to keep her warm all night.

Hours later, she coughed against the chill as she slipped silently through the back streets of the Bastille district, her breath solidifying in clouds against the frigid night air.

The Parisian streets were cramped and haphazard, a maze; perfect to lose a tail in, she thought. Too bad they also made perfect territory for an ambush. It was only fitting that the address Lucian sent would be in hostile territory. She moved stealthily between alleys, her boots leaving quick prints in the thin layer of snow.

The familiar weight of her father's gun at her hip was a small comfort as she glanced around the deserted street. They'd be expecting her to creep up, for sure, watching her like a hawk waiting for its next prey.

But sometimes bold moves paid off big.

She kept one hand on the butt of her pistol.

Her pulse quickened as she made her way to the location, the excitement of the dangerous meeting crackling through her. Lucian Blackthorn thought he could lure her into a trap.Well, maybe he was right.Maybe she intended to outplay them all at their own merciless game. She'd show them who was the true predator in this story.

Serenity navigated the bustling Parisian streets with a purposeful stride, her senses on high alert.

The crisp December air nipped at her cheeks, but she barely felt the chill, her mind consumed by the knowledge that the hunt had officially begun. Christmas lights twinkled overhead, casting a festive glow on the cobblestones, but the beauty was lost on her.

Every passing face could be a potential threat, every shadow concealing watchful eyes.

She ducked into a narrow alley, her heart pounding against her ribs. Pressing her back against the rough brick wall, Serenity closed her eyes, trying to steady her racing thoughts. Unbidden, the image of the surveillance footage Elena had shown her flashed through her mind.

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