The security breach alarm shattered the victory celebration before it could truly begin.
Emily was still in Alexander's arms, her body trembling with adrenaline comedown, when Marcus's face went white as he stared at his tablet. The Blood Oath hummed beneath his skin—Emily could feel his spike of terror through their strange connection, a jolt of ice down her spine.
"He's here," Marcus breathed. "Julian breached the perimeter. Southwest gate. He overrode the biometric locks—must have cloned Alexander's credentials months ago."
Alexander was already moving, gently but firmly setting Emily aside. "Where?"
"Heading toward the main house. Sir, he's not trying to hide. Every camera shows him walking straight up the drive like—"
