Page 84 of Knot Heirs: Serenity's Reign

"I'm aware of the threats," Serenity replied evenly. "But security doesn't have to mean confinement."

Darius leaned forward, his expression earnest beneath his perfectly styled hair. "We're not trying to confine you, Ms. Vale. We're trying to keep you alive long enough to solidify your position. Once your authority is established?—"

"Once my authority is established," she interrupted, "I'll still need allies. But I'll choose them on my terms."

Lucian, who had remained silent, watching the exchange with those calculating eyes, finally spoke. "And what are your terms, Serenity?"

The question hung in the air, weighted with implications. Serenity felt the full force of his attention, the intensity of his gaze making her omega instincts stir despite her best efforts to suppress them.

"Transparency," she answered after a measured pause. "Respect for my autonomy. And acknowledgment that while Imay be an omega biologically, I won't be treated as one socially or professionally."

A smile tugged at the corner of Ronan's mouth.

"You're in the wrong business if you're looking for progressive gender politics."

"I didn't choose the business," Serenity countered. "But I am choosing how to run it."

Darius broke the silence that followed, his voice smooth as velvet as he seamlessly redirected the conversation. "Perhaps we should discuss the security measures in place. You should know how we're protecting you."

He rose from his seat with the controlled grace of a predator, moving to the center of the common area where a sleek panel descended from the ceiling at his gesture. A holographic display illuminated the space, showing a detailed blueprint of the estate.

"The perimeter is secured by a twelve-foot wall, electrified and topped with motion sensors," Darius explained, his finger tracing the outer boundary. "Four guard towers are manned 24/7 by my most trusted men."

Serenity watched intently, her golden eyes following his movements as she mentally catalogued each detail. The security was impressive—almost impenetrable from the outside. But that didn't mean she couldn't find her way out if necessary.

"The grounds are patrolled by dogs every two hours," Darius continued, "and the entire property is covered by thermal imaging cameras that can detect a rabbit at five hundred yards."

"Overkill much?" Serenity murmured, though part of her—the part that had been hunted since her paternity was revealed—appreciated the thoroughness.

"When it comes to the Vale heir's safety?" Darius's gray eyes met hers directly. "No such thing as overkill."

The display shifted to show the interior of the mansion. "Inside, we have panic rooms on each floor. Press any lightswitch three times rapidly, and blast doors will seal off your immediate area. The staff have all been personally vetted by Lucian, and all communications are encrypted through our private servers."

Serenity absorbed every word, her mind already identifying potential weaknesses. The service entrance had fewer cameras. The east wing had a blind spot where the surveillance overlapped poorly. And she'd noticed at least two staff members whose eyes lingered too long on her—either from natural curiosity or something more sinister.

"Your suite has additional protective measures," Darius said, zooming in on what would be her quarters. "The glass is bulletproof, the doors reinforced steel beneath the wood veneer, and only your biometrics can grant access."

"A beautiful prison," Serenity thought, even as she nodded appreciatively. "And what about my ability to leave? Am I under house arrest?"

"For now, all excursions require a security detail," Darius stated firmly. "Non-negotiable."

She bristled at his tone but kept her expression neutral. A battle for another day, perhaps.

"And my communications? My business meetings? I can't run an empire from behind these walls forever."

"We've set up a secure communications room adjacent to your suite," Darius replied. "Any business meetings can be conducted here, where we can control the environment. Or virtually, through encrypted channels Lucian has established."

As Darius spoke, Serenity felt a peculiar warmth in her chest—something beyond the natural response to an alpha's commanding presence. There was genuine care in his meticulous planning, a protectiveness that, while stifling, also made her feel valued in a way she rarely had been.

"If someone does manage to infiltrate," Darius concluded, "there's a hidden passage from your quarters to a garage with three vehicles kept ready at all times."

Lucian, who had been watching with that familiar analytical gaze, chimed in. His tone carried a hint of amusement as he studied her reaction. "You're looking for escape routes, aren't you? Planning your jailbreak already?"

Serenity's eyes snapped to his, surprised at how easily he'd read her thoughts.

"I'm assessing all options," she replied coolly. "It's what kept me alive before you three decided I needed keepers."

"Keepers?" Lucian's lips quirked upward, his amber eyes glinting. "Is that how you see us? Here I thought we were your humble servants, throwing our considerable resources at your feet."

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