Lucien's POV
Lucien stood at the balcony of his mansion, The cold wind brushing against his face.
Kol was gone. Maximus was long dead. And now… now there was Aleksei.
He lit a cigarette,His fingers trembled slightly, not from fear, but from exhaustion. Gemma was asleep in the room behind him, her body broken, her spirit hanging on by a thread. He had promised her safety. And yet, she had nearly died.
Lucien took a drag, and exhaled smoke "They never learn," he muttered.
John approached silently, "Sir… we've confirmed it. The Russians are moving."
Lucien didn't turn. "Aleksei?"
John nodded. "He landed hours ago. Black private jet. No records. No luggage. Just two men and a briefcase."
Lucien snorted. "He travels light. Always has."
"You knew him?"
Lucien finally turned, his eyes narrowed. "I owe that man a bullet between the eyes. But I owe him a thank you too. He once saved my life. Then disappeared like a ghost."
John swallowed. "Sir, they say he's… different."
"Oh, he is." Lucien crushed the cigarette under his boot. "Kol was a dog barking for territory. Aleksei is the kind of man who kills you before you even realize you're in danger. Lucien sighs
"Did you put the tracking device on my jet?
"Yes sir John replied.
A low groan echoed from inside the bedroom. Lucien rushed back in.
Gemma stirred in the bed, her face pale, her skin bruised and stitched. "Lucien…" she whispered, her voice fragile.
"I'm here," he said, kneeling beside her and brushing hair from her forehead.
Her eyes fluttered open, bloodshot and dazed. "I heard you yelling…
Lucien hesitated. There's someone else now."
Gemma's brows knitted. "Worse than Kol?"
He nodded. "Much worse."
A pause.
"You should run," she whispered.
Lucien gave a sad smile. "You should know by now… I don't run."
Her hand found his. Weak but insistent. "Then please don't leave me behind."
Lucien kissed her hand gently. "Never."
He stood and turned to John. "Double security. No one gets in or out without my voice. No exceptions."
"Yes sir."
"Oh and John?"
"Yes?"
"If Aleksei contacts anyone… I want to know before they even finish the call."
John nodded and disappeared.
Lucien grabbed his jacket, slipped a pistol into the holster, and tucked a second blade into his boot. He walked to his office, sat behind the desk, and stared at the blinking red dot on the screen in front of him.
Aleksei's jet. Still parked. Still unmoving.
He smirked.
"You're bold for coming here, Aleksei," Lucien muttered. "Let's see if you're stupid too."