Several werewolves charged at us, swinging clubs at our heads. I sidestepped and kicked one square in the chest. They didn’t shift forms—clearly, they weren’t trying to kill us. These idiots were about to learn what a mistake that was. Aiden fought even more ruthlessly than I did. He grabbed one by the throat and slammed him to the ground, then launched a flurry of kicks—each one landing cleanly on some poor guy’s skull. The two of us worked together seamlessly, like a perfectly coordinated combat duo. In no time, the group of werewolves was overwhelmed and collapsed on the ground, groaning in pain. “Pathetic,” Scarface spat, then waved his hand. More than a dozen bulky werewolves suddenly burst out from the trees. No wonder he’d been so cocky—this was a full ambush. The pack of thirty or so charged at us with a roar and surrounded us in seconds. Aiden and I locked eyes and stood back to back. Thirty wolves wouldn’t be a problem—if we didn’t get separated. We unleashed a storm of punches and kicks, tearing through the attackers with swift, brutal precision. Still, surrounded like this, we both knew we couldn’t afford to get split up. I landed a punch and sent one guy sprawling. As I ducked a swing from a club, something felt off. Where was Scarface? “Watch out!” Aiden’s shout rang out, and the next second he shoved me aside. I hit the ground hard and turned just in time to see Scarface standing right where I’d been—knife in hand. Aiden stood between us, gripping the blade. The knife was inches from me, and Aiden’s hand was already bleeding. I stared in shock. Without a word, Aiden frowned, then kicked Scarface clear across the dirt. “You okay?” I asked, eyes wide. I couldn’t believe he’d actually caught the knife barehanded. Aiden shook his head and tossed the bloodied blade to the ground. I tore a strip off my shirt and rushed over to wrap his hand. “Raelyn, we’re here!” Jackson’s voice called out as he arrived with a team of werewolf enforcers. He took one look at the scene and barked, “Arrest every last one of them!” The mob tried to scatter, but Jackson’s team was well-trained. It didn’t take long to subdue every straggler. He came over and asked quietly, “Raelyn, are you okay?” I shook my head and pointed to Aiden, whose hand was still dripping blood. “Aiden got hurt. Because of me.” Jackson went over to help him. One glance at Aiden’s mangled palm had him hissing through his teeth. I finished bandaging the wound, then asked Jackson to take us to the hospital. Aiden’s POV It wasn’t a big deal—just a deep cut. With my healing factor, it would close up in a day or two even without medical help. But Raelyn insisted, so I let her have her way. Honestly, I had something on my mind. Something I’d been holding back for a long time. Once the nurse finished dressing the wound and left the room, Raelyn asked, “Aiden, how are you feeling? Still hurt?”I shook my head, got up, and quietly closed the door. Then I turned and looked at her seriously. “Raelyn, I need to ask you something.” She blinked at me, surprised. “What exactly is your relationship with Jackson?” “Why is it every time something happens to you, Jackson shows up right away?” “How does he always know your location so precisely? Why does he drink with you, comfort you, call you Raelyn so casually? Why does he treat you like a superior, not an equal?” I let the flood of questions out all at once—questions that had been eating at me for weeks. Raelyn looked at me and laughed. “Didn’t I already tell you? We’re just friends. Met overseas. Got along well.” My chest tightened. Even now, she wouldn’t give me a straight answer. I paused for two seconds, then asked flatly, “Just tell me—are you the CEO of Bluewater Corporation?” Raelyn chuckled and stuck out her tongue. “Wow, Mr. Salvatore, aren’t you clever? You figured it out?” The teasing tone threw me off. I wasn’t sure if I was right or way off base. “The CEO of Bluewater Corporation, humbly working as an underling in your company—how does that make you feel, Mr. Salvatore? Pretty honored, huh?” She shrugged. “You believe that? I sure don’t.” It was obvious sarcasm—but somehow, it made sense. There really was no reason the head of Bluewater would be working at my company. I sighed and pushed the suspicion aside. “I hope you’re not lying to me.” She rolled her eyes. “Mr. Salvatore, don’t be so paranoid. Can’t good friends be a little close?” But when I remembered how worried Jackson had been about her, I felt uneasy again. “You’re Eclipse Pack’s fiancée,” I said. “Don’t you think it’s inappropriate to be that close with another man?”“What’s this, are you jealous?” Raelyn covered her mouth and burst out laughing. “Aiden, don’t tell me you actually want to be my mate? You’re hilarious.” I gave her a cold look. “Of course not.” “Well then, Mr. Salvatore, you don’t get to dictate who I talk to.” She patted me on the shoulder, grinning. Just then, Jackson walked through the door. I didn’t say another word. From the smirk on his face, he’d definitely heard that last part. “Raelyn, I’m heading out,” he said. “You stay here and look after Mr. Salvatore.” Raelyn shot him a glare. “Oh, get lost.”