The alarm cut through the station like a knife. Dingjie was on his feet before the captain finished speaking.

"Structure fire, Oakwood Drive," West barked. "Possible civilian inside."

Dingjie didn't need to hear the address. He was already pulling on his gear, his pulse racing. He knew exactly whose house was on Oakwood Drive. He'd memorized every detail of her life since she left him.

The ride to the scene felt like an eternity. The truck's siren wailed, but all Dingjie could hear was her voice, begging him to stop. He pushed the memory away as they rounded the corner and saw the house engulfed in flames.

"There!" he shouted, pointing before anyone else could spot her. She was standing in the yard, barefoot and staring at the burning house, her face streaked with soot and tears.

His team sprang into action, but Dingjie's focus was solely on her. He watched her, his chest tight with a mixture of satisfaction and hunger. The plan had worked perfectly.

It wasn't until the fire was out and the smoke was clearing that he approached her. She turned when she heard his boots on the gravel, her eyes widening when she saw him.

"Dingjie," she whispered, as if seeing a ghost.

"You're okay," he said, his voice giving away nothing. He stepped closer, invading her space until she had to tilt her head back to look at him. "No injuries?"

She shook her head, too stunned to speak. He reached up, his thumb brushing a streak of ash from her cheek. She flinched but didn't pull away.

"Your house is gone," he stated, matter-of-fact. "You have nowhere to go."

"I... I can get a hotel," she said, finally finding her voice.

He laughed, a low, dangerous sound. "No, you can't." His hand moved to her chin, his grip firm. "You're coming with me."

"I can't—"

"You can," he cut her off. "And you will." His thumb pressed into her lower lip, forcing her mouth open slightly. "You've been mine from the day we met. A little fire isn't going to change that."

He released her, stepping back just enough to give her breathing room—but not enough to escape. "Get in the truck. Now."

When she hesitated, he raised an eyebrow, his hand resting on the axe at his hip. "Don't make me ask twice, baby."

The look in his eyes told her everything she needed to know. This wasn't a request. It was an order. And Dingjie didn't take no for an answer.