Page 54 of Knot Heirs: Serenity's Reign

Lucian considered her question with surprising thoughtfulness.

"I believe he would say he's given you what he never had—a choice." His eyes met hers in the reflection. "And the tools to defend that choice, whatever it may be."

The elevator doors opened to reveal a stunning penthouse apartment, windows overlooking the glittering Paris skyline. The Eiffel Tower stood illuminated in the distance, its festive lights adding to the city's glow.

Serenity stepped into the space, her mind still churning with possibilities, scenarios, calculations. Trust these men and potentially gain the power to avenge her father and claim her birthright. Reject them and maintain her independence, but face The Society alone.

As Lucian moved past her to disable the security system, his scent—sandalwood, amber, something ineffably Alpha—surrounded her momentarily. Her body's response was immediate and infuriating, a reminder of biological imperatives she'd spent years learning to control.

"I need to make my decision alone," she said firmly. "Without Alpha pheromones clouding my judgment."

Lucian's smile was knowing.

"Of course." He gestured toward a hallway. "Guest suite is the second door on the right. Full security, private balcony, and..." he paused, his expression softening fractionally, "scent-neutralizing air system. For your comfort."

The consideration surprised her.

Most Alphas would use every advantage at their disposal.

"Get some rest," he continued. "Tomorrow, regardless of your decision, we have work to do."

Serenity moved toward the hallway, then paused, turning back to face him. "Why did he choose you?" she asked the question that had been haunting her since she'd seen the photo. "What made my father trust three Alphas with his Omega daughter's future?"

Lucian's expression shifted, something unreadable passing behind his eyes.

"Perhaps that's a question best answered when you've decided whether to trust us at all."

She held his gaze, refusing to be the first to look away.

"Fair enough."

Alone in the guest suite,Serenity shed her heels and paced the plush carpeting.

The documents Lucian had provided were spread across the bed—financial records, correspondence, the photograph that changed everything. Her father standing proudly with three of the most dangerous Alphas in the country, designating them as protectors for a daughter they'd never met.

"What were you thinking, Dad?" she whispered to the empty room.

Her father's face smiled back from the photograph, offering no answers. The Marcus Vale she'd known—during those brief, clandestine meetings throughout her childhood—had been calculating, three steps ahead of everyone else. He wouldn't have made this arrangement without good reason.

Serenity moved to the balcony, sliding open the glass door. The city sprawled below, a tapestry of lights and shadows, of power and vulnerability. Somewhere in that web of concrete and glass, her father's killer moved freely, perhaps even now plotting against her.

The night air carried the distant sounds of traffic, the perpetual heartbeat of urban life. It cleared her head, and helped her focus.

She'd spent her entire adult life trusting no one but herself. Her success as a financial consultant had come from her ability to see through facades, to identify vulnerabilities in systems andpeople alike. Now she was being asked to place her trust in three Alphas, each with their own agenda, their own demons.

Yet they'd been her father's choice.

Serenity ran her fingers over the embossed letterhead of her father's final missive. His handwriting was familiar, though she'd seen it only on birthday cards and the occasional cryptic note.

My dearest daughter,he'd written,the world I've built is both your inheritance and your burden. These men will keep you safe when I no longer can. Trust them as I have, but never forget: you are a Vale. Your blood carries power no Alpha can claim.

Her golden eyes, with their distinctive red flecks, scanned the city once more. Out there were answers, and danger, and a legacy she'd never asked for but couldn't ignore.

"Alright, Dad," she murmured, decision crystallizing in her mind. "I'll play it your way. For now."

Dawn brokeover the city as Serenity finished her preparations. She'd slept little, spending the night reviewing documents, connecting dots, forming her strategy. She dressed in the clothes she'd arrived in, the black suit still elegant despite the night's wear, its subtle emerald accents catching the morning light.

When she emerged from the guest suite, she found Lucian in the penthouse's open kitchen, his back to her as he prepared coffee. He'd shed his purple tie and white jacket, his dress shirt rolled up at the sleeves, revealing forearms corded with muscle.

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