The Next Line ( The Lineage Series #2)

Aurora

I should've texted first.

Or called.

Or done anything besides showing up unannounced at the Carvalho estate.

But here I was, standing at the open door, calling into the massive house like a complete idiot.

"Hello?" My voice echoed, swallowed by the grand foyer.

No answer.

I stepped inside hesitantly, the faint scent of cologne, leather, and something distinctly Joshuan lingering in the air.

I had been here plenty of times growing up, back when Jamie and Joshuan were attached at the hip and I was the annoying little sister forced to tag along.

But it felt different now.

Now that I was older.
Now that he was older.
Now that I had no excuse to be here except for business.

I tightened my grip on my bag, clearing my throat.

"I'm looking for Luz?" I called, taking a few steps farther into the house. "Is anyone home?"

Silence.

For exactly three seconds.

Then—

A low, menacing growl.

My blood froze.

I turned my head slowly—

And saw them.

Zeus and Fang.

Two massive Dobermans, eyes locked on me like I was trespassing on sacred ground.

Technically... I was.

My stomach dropped.

"Easy, boys," I said cautiously, taking a small step backward.

Zeus took a step forward.

Fang lowered his head, baring his teeth.

I swallowed hard.

"Oh, shit."

Then they lunged.

I barely had time to turn before they were chasing me.

I screamed, dodging furniture, sprinting down the marble hallways, my heels clicking against the floor.

"This is not how I thought today was gonna go!" I shouted, breathless.

Zeus and Fang barked, tails wagging like this was the best game ever.

For them?

It probably was.

For me?

I was about to die.

I skidded around a corner, dodging a priceless-looking vase, before making a sharp turn into an open room—

Only to trap myself against the wall.

I barely had time to react before they pounced.

I squeezed my eyes shut, bracing for sharp teeth sinking into my flesh—

But instead?

I was tackled to the ground.

And covered in slobber.

I let out a startled, disgusted laugh as Zeus and Fang enthusiastically licked my face, pinning me beneath their weight.

"You two are the worst guard dogs ever," I gasped, trying to push them off.