The night was ink-black when Kyle Grant's voice sliced through the silence. "Protect Sophia!"

Before the words faded, his figure shot forward like an arrow released from its bow.

Sophia barely had time to react before two tall silhouettes vanished into the hazy darkness.

A hundred meters away, a black sedan lurked behind ornamental trees.

Shane Prescott arrived first. His arm snaked through the half-open window. With a click, the door unlocked.

Kyle yanked the occupant out—an unremarkable young man with blood beading on his forehead. The man raised trembling hands. "I was just delivering a gift!"

The cold muzzle of a gun pressed against his temple.

"Who sent you?" Kyle's voice could freeze hell.

"M-Mr. Sullivan sent me with wedding gifts..." The man pointed shakily toward the trunk.

Shane produced a pair of binoculars from the car with a derisive snort. "Standard gift-wrapping?"

Beads of sweat rolled down the man's face.

Suddenly, headlights speared the darkness.

A stretch limousine glided to a stop. Ethan Sullivan emerged, his tailored suit pants knife-sharp in the gloom.

"Problem?" His gaze flicked to the gun in Kyle's steady hand.

"Suspicious surveillance." Kyle didn't flinch.

Ethan glanced at the license plate, lips curling. "Adrian's man?"

The man nodded like a death row inmate granted clemency.

"Take your presents." Ethan's voice could frost glass. "Next time you spy, you'll lose more than a few drops of blood."

As the car screeched away, Shane finally spoke. "Adrian's got too much free time?"

Ethan scoffed. "Thirty years playing the obedient son. Just waiting to bare his fangs."

On their return, Kyle's hand went to his waist.

Shane arched a brow. "Real steel?"

"Lighter." A flick of Kyle's thumb produced flame. "Works well enough here."

Shane chuckled. "Clever."

Inside, Sophia was setting teacups on the coffee table when Ethan's phone rang again.

"Little brother." Adrian's voice oozed false warmth. "I've got an island—consider the wedding venue handled."

"Pass." Ethan ended the call.

Shane and Kyle exchanged glances.

"We'll arrive early." Shane tapped the coffee table. "Layered security."

Kyle nodded. "I'll have ex-military as waitstaff."

Sophia's eyes grew moist. These men—one a drawn sword, the other a shadow guardian—stood as her unshakable bulwarks.