Chapter 26 : Assassination - 1 Thea's POV When I opened my eyes, I found myself tied to a chair in my living room. My head throbbed where I'd been struck, and the room spun slightly as I tried to focus. "Finally awake. I've been waiting. I prefer my prey conscious 'when they die." The same voice from earlier sent chills down my spine. From the shadows behind my table emerged a man dressed entirely in black athletic wear, his face mostly covered. Only his eyes were visible, blazing with savage intensity. His build was massive, those arms alone looked capable of crushing skulls. He radiated a bone-chilling kind of danger that went beyond my current status as his prey. He settled into the chair across from me, casually sipping from one of my wine glasses like he owned the place. I tested the ropes binding me, but they were expertly tied. "You can try, but you won't escape this time," he chuckled, "You've caused me too much trouble, and I hate trouble." "Who are you? What do you want from me?" I asked, trying to buy time. Surely someone would notice an intruder in my house? "Let's just say I'm someone who wants you dead." I nearly rolled my eyes. No shit. Why else would I be tied to a chair in my own house? "Are you with the organization that sent those rogues after my father? If you think killing me will impact my family, you've picked the wrong target." He burst out laughing like I'd just told the world's funniest joke. Fuck . I'd hoped he was with my father's killers. That would've been easier to negotiate - make him understand I meant nothing to Sebastian or the pack. If it wasn't them hunting me, I was in deeper trouble than I'd thought. "No, darling, I don't belong to any organization. Someone just promised me a lot of money to ensure your death." 1/3 Chapter 26: Assassination-1 I stared at him, stunned. "Someone paid you to kill me?" "Can't collect until the job's done, so you'll have to understand, darling." "Don't call me darling!" I snarled through clenched teeth. My heart hammered against my ribs. I couldn't process that someone wanted me dead badly enough to pay for it. I wasn't important enough to warrant assassination. I had no enemies, except Aurora… but she wouldn't go this far, would she? We were blood. Despite everything, she wouldn't actually want me dead. Shit, I was suspecting my own sister. This was insane. The sound of shattering glass jolted me from my thoughts. He'd deliberately smashed the wine glass and started pacing. "How should I kill you? So many options," he turned to me, "Any preferences?" I trembled inside. I had to escape. This guy was clearly unhinged, and I couldn't count on rescue. If neighbors had noticed anything, the police would've arrived by now. "No preference? Throat-slitting it is then. Nothing quite as satisfying as watching the life drain from prey." His eyes glinted with malice as he toyed with a knife. I had one shot at this. Throwing my weight backward, I slammed the chair into the floor. My head cracked against the hardwood, intensifying my existing headache. If I got a wolf, I could easily break these ropes or shift and tear this bastard apart instead of this desperate gambit. "Fuck!" he cursed in surprise. Thank the Goddess, the chair splintered on impact. I scrambled up, working the ropes off my hands while stumbling toward the door. I barely made it a few steps before he tackled me. I hit the floor hard as he flipped me to face him. "Think you'd get away that easily?" he sneered. 2/3 Title: CEO's Wife Spoiled by Three Big Shot Brothers Author: CrushReel Genre: Romance, Billionaire, CEO, Sweet Romance, Modern, Romantic, Hidden Feelings, Office Status: ongoing In "CEO's Wife Spoiled by Three Big Shot Brothers" by CrushReel, a twist of fate leads the daughter of a wealthy family to grow up in the care of another. Upon discovering her true lineage, she returns to her biological family and finds herself embraced by three influential brothers. Caught between two worlds, our protagonist navigates hidden emotions and familial bonds that transcend wealth and status. As she unravels the secrets of her past, love blossoms amidst the backdrop of corporate intrigue and personal growth. This captivating romance novel blends themes of self-discovery with the allure of forbidden love. With a modern setting and a touch of sweet romance, "CEO's Wife Spoiled by Three Big Shot Brothers" promises readers a journey filled with passion and intrigue. Available to read at CrushReel.