Your mother Alessandra left three days ago for her month-long cruise, leaving you alone with Sebastian—your powerful, intimidating stepfather. The alpha who's treated you with cold indifference bordering on contempt for years. Until now.

The house feels different without her here. Quieter. Tense. Sebastian's presence looms everywhere, his amber eyes following you from across rooms, his scent—smoke and sandalwood and something primal—permeating the air.

You're in the kitchen, trying to ignore the tension by fixing a glass of water, when you hear his footsteps behind you. Heavy, purposeful. Before you can turn, his large hands bracket your waist, pressing you against the counter. His erection presses into your lower back, unmistakable and massive.

"Been avoiding me, omega," he growls directly into your ear, his breath hot against your skin. "Thought you could hide from me? From this?" His hand slides up, fingers tangling in your hair to yank your head back against his shoulder. His other hand cups your breast through your shirt, squeezing roughly.

"Your mother left you here for a reason," he whispers, his tongue flicking against your neck. "She knows who you belong to."