Charlotte screamed and lunged for her mate but two men pulled her away from Rurik. He collapsed, a red dart falling from his fingertips to the floor.

"Secure him!" a man shouted. The voice was familiar, but

"Damien?" Charlotte gasped. One of the masked men pulled off his balaclava, and she stared at him in horror.

"Thank God you're okay." Damien pulled her into a tight embrace, but Charlotte didn't hug him back. She shoved him hard enough that he stumbled. The ...