Page 21 of Viktor's Temptation
Mikail snorted softly. “I knew you’d say that, so I’ve already initiated the process. The final paperwork should be in your hands by the end of the week.”
Viktor’s frown deepened. “Get rid of that smug expression, my friend. I pay off the mortgages of every clan member. Gracie is no exception—she deserves the same treatment.”
Mikail leaned back, crossing his arms. His sharp eyes didn’t miss a beat. “Are you seriously going to try and convince me this is just standard protocol? That you don’t havefeelingsfor Gracie? Strong feelings?”
Viktor’s glare could have melted steel. “What about the bastard who did this to her?” he snapped, changing the subject.
Mikail chuckled but turned back to the monitors. “Warren Trello. Her so-called boyfriend-slash-fiancé. Except, as far as I can tell, he hasn’t actually proposed. There’s no record of an engagement announcement on social media.”
“Ass,” Viktor hissed, the single word laced with contempt. “Go on.”
“Trello used to work as a construction manager, but six weeks ago, he was fired. Apparently, there were a series of accidents on his job sites because he was off drinking with hisbuddies instead of supervising. He’s now facing lawsuits from injured workers.”
Viktor’s eyes narrowed with contempt. “Good. What else?”
“Not much,” Mikail admitted, his expression turning grim. “But I’ve sent a team to investigate further. I’ll have updates soon.”
“And her transformation? Any leads on who’s responsible?”
Mikail and Trent, who had just entered the room, exchanged dark looks. “Not yet,” Mikail admitted. “We’ve tracked her car on traffic cameras to her neighborhood, but there’s no footage of her actually arriving home. Her car is there now, but it’s been moved several times.”
Trent crossed his arms, his massive biceps straining against his shirt. “And Trello’s using it?”
“Correct,” Mikail confirmed. “He’s been in and out of her house multiple times. I’ve set up surveillance around the property, but we haven’t gone inside yet. I wanted your approval before proceeding.”
“Do it,” Viktor growled. “If it’s Gracie’s house, there shouldn’t be anyone else there.”
Mikail nodded. “Understood. Trello’s movements suggest he’s using her car for his errands, despite owning a truck. And Gracie’s work—she hasn’t been at the hospital for the past ten days. Trello hasn’t filed a missing person’s report either.”
Viktor’s fists clenched. “Why the hell not?”
Mikail’s grin was cold. “That’s what we’re going to find out. I’ve sent John and Mick to confront him. They’ll pose as hospital representatives looking for some paperwork that Gracie took home recently. They’ll install cameras inside the house while they’re at it.”
Viktor nodded approvingly. “And if they can’t get in through the front door?”
Mikail raised a brow. “They’ll find a way. And no,” he added dryly, “they won’t rip the roof off this time.”
Trent snorted, poorly hiding his amusement. Viktor allowed himself a brief smirk before refocusing. “Good. Let me know as soon as they report back.”
Mikail inclined his head. “In the meantime, why don’t you see what else Gracie might remember?”
“I’m taking her shopping for clothes and beginning her training,” Viktor replied, already heading for the door. Then he paused, his voice dropping to a deadly tone. “When we find out who did this, they’ll pay.”
“Count on it,” Trent said, his growl of agreement echoing Viktor’s fury.
Through one of the security monitors, Viktor caught sight of Gracie stepping hesitantly into the living room upstairs. Her movements were cautious, her confusion evident. Without another word, Viktor was gone, moving with vampire speed. On the monitors, his blurred form streaked up the stairs, a dark shadow protecting the most important light in his world.
Chapter 12
Gracie yelped in surprise when Viktor appeared in the doorway as if by magic. One moment the doorway was empty, and the next, he was striding toward her, smooth and controlled. “Where did you come from?” she blurted, her hand flying to her chest.
He stopped in front of her, his silver eyes gleaming as he took in the soft waves of her hair and the curious worry clouding her gaze. “I was downstairs in the security office, talking to Mikail and Trent,” he replied. “We’re tracking your boyfriend to see if he knows anything about what happened to you.”
“Warren?” Her voice cracked slightly as she said his name.
“Yes,” Viktor confirmed, his tone darkening. He took her hand in his and began leading her toward the dining room. “Did you know he was fired from his construction job six weeks ago?”
Gracie froze mid-step, staring up at him. “He told me he was out looking for new work!” she said, then she shook her head in confusion. “Why did he pack a lunch every day like he was going to work?”
