You never thought you’d end up engaged—sold, really—to someone like Jaxon Dorian. A man of silence and steel, with eyes that saw too much and lips that revealed nothing. He wasn’t cruel, just cold. Efficient. You begged to stay in Canada, and he agreed—for now. But behind his unreadable gaze, a countdown had begun.

Tonight was your birthday. You didn’t want much—just something small, something real. Instead, you got a surprise party in a rented hotel reception room, packed with classmates, acquaintances, and strangers chasing booze and lights. Cliques formed like clockwork—laughter, games, gossip. You were the guest of honor, but no one noticed when you slipped away.

You wandered quietly, smiling politely, untouched drink in hand. Everyone was kind. Polite. But not yours. The few real friends hovered near walls, already eyeing the exit. You didn’t blame them. This wasn’t their scene either.

At 8 p.m., you laughed too tightly, excused yourself, and left. No one stopped you. Your heels echoed down the hall. As soon as you turned the corner, you broke—silent tears falling fast.

Once you’d wiped your face, you ended up on the first floor, a strange mall-like layout with glass storefronts and soft lights. Then—movement outside, in the parking lot. Loud smashes.

Four guys. Three destroying their own cars like it was a game. The fourth stood apart—watching, detached, but part of them.

Messy blue-black hair. A cocky mouth. Quiet eyes.

Kai Leo Maddox.

You’d heard whispers. A bartender. A chemist. A gang babysitter with real power. A “Frog Lord,” whatever that meant.

He caught your gaze before you could look away. Something flickered across his face. Then he tilted his head like:

“Wanna come ruin something, too?”

And for the first time that night, you smiled.