Page 78 of Knot Heirs: Serenity's Reign

"Which means?"

"Which means," he said, stepping closer, "that you now have the full resources of my family at your disposal while we determine how to secure your inheritance and neutralize the threats against you."

The scent of him—crisp and commanding—intensified with his proximity, making something primal inside her respond despite her best efforts to remain detached. This was business, she reminded herself. Not biology.

"And what does the King of the East Coast get out of protecting an Omega he barely knows?" she asked, using the nickname she'd heard whispered in business circles.

"Perhaps I'm simply being neighborly," he replied, the slightest hint of amusement coloring his tone.

"Bullshit," she countered bluntly. "You've built an empire by calculating every move. I'm a variable in your equation, Castellano. I just haven't figured out what value you've assigned me yet."

Instead of taking offense, something like approval flashed in his eyes. "Smart," he acknowledged. "But for now, let's just say our interests are aligned. The Vale empire borders my territories. I prefer to know who controls it."

And to influence who controls it,she silently added.

Serenity nodded slowly, understanding the unspoken reality of her situation. She wasn't just being protected—she was being assessed. Possibly groomed. These Alphas were gambling that the daughter of Marcus Vale might be molded into a controllable ally rather than a future competitor.

They're in for a rude awakening if they think I'll be anyone's puppet.

"Well," she said, gesturing to the opulent surroundings, "if I'm going to be a chess piece, at least the board is nice."

Darius's expression darkened slightly. "You underestimate yourself, Serenity. You're not a pawn in this game."

"No?" She raised an eyebrow.

"No," he confirmed, his gaze holding hers with an intensity that made her breath catch. "At minimum, you're a queen."

The assessment hung between them, loaded with implications neither was ready to voice. Serenity let her eyes drift around the foyer once more, taking in the calculated blend of luxury and security. This wasn't just a hideout—it was a statement of power, a fortress designed to both impress and intimidate.

Much like its owner.

"Then I suppose," she said finally, squaring her shoulders, "it's time I learned the rules of the game."

16

A GLIMPSE OF THEIR WORLD

~SERENITY~

Lucian led the way down the main hall, his gait relaxed yet purposeful.

The way he moved through the space—confident, assured, like he owned every molecule of air around him—pulled at something deep in Serenity's omega instincts. She tamped it down, refusing to be just another omega trailing after an alpha's pheromones.

"The estate is divided into distinct wings," Lucian explained, his voice carrying the polished edge of old money. "Each of us maintains a personal domain." He gestured elegantly with one hand toward a corridor branching left, where ornate double doors marked the first entrance. "Complete privacy when desired, common areas when collaboration is necessary."

"So I'm to be passed around like a party favor?" Serenity kept her tone deliberately light, but the challenge in her eyes was unmistakable.

Lucian's amber eyes flashed with something dangerous before his practiced mask slid back into place. "You misunderstand, Ms. Vale. You have your own quarters. Visiting any of our wings would be entirely at your discretion." His smileshowed perfect teeth. "Though I wouldn't object to the pleasure of your company."

"I bet you wouldn't," she muttered, ignoring the flutter in her stomach at his proximity.

Don't be an idiot, Serenity. He's not charming; he's calculating. Every word measured for effect.

Ronan's low chuckle rumbled from behind her. "Alpha Blackthorn thinks he's being subtle."

"Some of us prefer sophistication over brute force, Drake," Lucian replied without looking back.

Serenity studied the corridor layout, automatically cataloging exits and security features. "So this architectural separation—is it for security or because you three can't stand each other?"

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