Page 43 of Sun's Roar

“It is,” Helena agreed, her fingers twisting in her lap. “How long have you worked for Victor?”

“Just a few months. He’s very particular about who handles his transportation.” Kinna navigated the winding road through the dense forest surrounding Sol’s estate. “You’re lucky to have been invited there. I’ve heard rumors about the place, but seeing it in person...” She whistled softly.

Helena stared out the window, watching the trees rush by. How strange that just days ago, she’d been a normal chef with normal problems. Now she was fleeing from a castle after sleeping with a wolf prince who claimed she was his destined mate.

And I can apparently start fires with my emotions.The thought made her heart beat a little faster.

After about twenty minutes, Kinna slowed the car and pulled onto a secluded turnout where another vehicle waited—a gleaming silver luxury SUV.

“Why are we stopping?” Helena asked, apprehension creeping up her spine.

“Just a quick change of cars,” Kinna explained, parking alongside the SUV. “Security protocol, Mr. Sulick said.”

Before Helena could question this further, the driver’s door of the SUV opened, and Victor stepped out. In his tailored navy suit, he looked every inch the successful businessman, but something in his smile made Helena’s skin prickle.

“Helena, dear.” Victor approached as Kinna opened her door. “I thought I’d come meet you personally. After everything you’ve been through, it seemed only right.”

Helena reluctantly stepped out of the sedan, instinctively wrapping her arms around herself against the evening chill. “I didn’t expect to see you here.”

Victor’s gaze swept over her, lingering for a moment too long. “I couldn’t trust your safe return to just anyone. You’ll be coming with me now.” He gestured toward the SUV, its engine purring quietly in the gathering dusk.

“I thought we were going back to the restaurant,” Helena said, not moving toward his vehicle.

“We are.” Victor’s smile didn’t reach his eyes. “But first, we have matters to discuss.”

A cold knot formed in Helena’s stomach. She hesitated at the edge of the road. Something felt wrong, yet she couldn’t place what exactly. Maybe it was just the stress of everything—discovering her powers, leaving Sol, and the intensity of the last few days catching up with her. With a deep breath, she climbed into the SUV’s passenger seat, the cool leather chilling her skin.

“I’m surprised you didn’t just come to the castle yourself,” she said as Victor slid behind the wheel. “Seems like an unnecessary detour.”

“I had some business in the area, and Kinna had to hurry to get to another pickup.” His eyes slid over to her, lingering on the curve of her neck before moving back to the road.

Helena shifted uncomfortably, tugging at her borrowed dress. The way he stared at her made her feel like an ingredient to be consumed rather than appreciated.

“I’ve been thinking more about the restaurant,” Victor said, guiding the SUV onto the main road. “With your expertise, we could make it extraordinary. Like I mentioned earlier, I’m prepared to invest in any upgrades you think the kitchen needs.”

“Really?” Helena raised an eyebrow, remembering how dismissive he’d seemed during the tour the other day. “That’s... very generous.”

“Top-of-the-line equipment, imported ingredients—whatever you require.” His knuckles whitened slightly on the steering wheel. “Your culinary vision is exactly what I’ve been looking for.”

“That’s quite different from how you acted before the fire,” she said cautiously.

Victor chuckled, a sound that didn’t match the intensity in his eyes. “The fire was clarifying for me. Made me realize what matters.”

They drove deeper into the forest instead of toward the city, the trees closing in around them. An uneasy warmth began to simmer beneath Helena’s skin, the familiar heat that preceded her flames.

“I’ve actually been following your career for years,” Victor continued, his voice smooth as oil. “Your fusion of traditional techniques with unexpected flavor combinations—it’s why Ibought your restaurant in the first place. You were the draw, Helena, not the business.”

The heat beneath her skin intensified. There was something predatory in the way he spoke her name like he was tasting it.

“In fact,” Victor continued, his hand suddenly moving to rest on her knee, “I’d be willing to sign the restaurant back over to you.”

“What?” Helena stiffened, her eyes fixed on his unwelcome touch.

“I’d remain a silent investor, but creative control and ownership would be yours. All yours.” His fingers moved slightly up her thigh. “We just need to work very closely together.”

The meaning behind his words started to crystallize, sending a rush of anger through her veins. Heat surged beneath her skin responding to her emotions, fury calling to fire. This wasn’t generosity—it was a proposition.

“What exactly do you mean by ‘very closely’?” Helena’s voice was dangerously quiet, the temperature in the car noticeably rising.

---