Chapter 31: Revelation and Seduction

Teacher Greg slammed his study table, fingers trembling as he examined the photos his informant had sent. There was so much blood and mutilation. The lifeless body of Mr. Seson was a grotesque display of violence. Indeed, it was the work of an Alpha assassin.

But it wasn't just about Mr. Seson.

Greg's grip tightened as he reread the note that had arrived earlier that day written in bold black letters: YOU'RE NEXT.

His lips curled into a smirk despite the anger simmering beneath his skin. 'Damned fool. Did this assassin really think he'd cower? Did he even know who he was threatening?'

"I, Lucio Hernandez, am the head of the Dragon Brotherhood. No one shall ever come my way. Not even a mere Alpha assassin," he muttered under his breath.

He paced the room, breath heavy, before yanking open a drawer. A stack of old photos lay inside—faces he had memorized over the years. Some were allies, some were dead, and some were ghosts still walking.

Greg carefully spread them across the table, his fingers pausing over one particular face. His smirk faded. With a quiet exhale, he reached beneath the cabinet, pulling out a small leather box. The surface was worn, the intricate carvings on its edges dulled with time. He traced them absentmindedly before flicking the latch open.

Inside, resting on a soft velvet lining, was a single golden key. His father's gift. The only thing left of him.

Just then, his mind replayed the recent conversation he had with Steffy Rivera. The mysterious girl who had joined his class several months ago.

"Who's Lucio Hernandez? I saw the name in one of the books you lent me."

"It's not important who Lucio Hernandez is, Steffy. But maybe someday, you'll meet him."

Greg sighed, snapping the box shut. Maybe someday. But not today. Not yet.

He stepped out of his hidden study, back into the dim glow of his bedroom. His gaze fell on the young woman sleeping soundly in his bed, her bare back exposed beneath the crumpled sheets. She looked peaceful like this. Deceptively innocent.

Greg sat beside her, watching the slow rise and fall of her chest, the way her lips parted slightly with each breath. Reaching out, he brushed a few strands of hair from her face, fingers ghosting over her skin.

"I know who you are, Steffy," he whispered.

His reflection caught his eye in the mirror across the room. For a moment, it wasn't his own face staring back—it was scarred, twisted, and grinning. A taunting menace from his past.

Greg's jaw clenched.

"I am Lucio Hernandez. The man you were sent to kill."

***

Steffy stirred at the warmth against her cheek. Soft lips skimmed her nose, trailing featherlight kisses along her jaw until her eyes fluttered open.

The first thing she saw was Greg's face hovering above her.

"Good morning, beautiful," he whispered before brushing a kiss against her lips.

Her body ached, a dull soreness settling in her limbs—a reminder of the night before.

"How long have you been awake?" she asked, her voice hoarse.

"About an hour."

'No wonder he already looks fresh. He just had his shower.'

She stretched, wincing slightly. "I feel sore."

Greg chuckled. Before she could react, he scooped her up with ease, the sheets slipping from her body.

"Where are you taking me?" she squealed, trying to grab the blanket.

"Leave it." His grin was pure mischief. "I'll bathe you."

The bathroom was already warm, steam curling in the air. The tub was filled, water was just the right temperature. Steffy blinked at the setup. "You prepared this?"

"I figured you'd want a hot bath when you woke up," Greg said as he set her down on the cool marble floor. He reached for the showerhead, testing the warmth. "Trust me, this will make you feel good."

He turned to grab the soap when Steffy suddenly wrapped her arms around his neck, pulling him close. "Wait," she murmured.

Her pulse pounded as their bodies pressed together, the heat of the water running down her back. Slowly, she tilted her head up, brushing her lips against his, savoring the taste of him—warmth, mint, something dangerously addictive.

Greg exhaled heavily against her mouth but pulled back. "Steffy, you're sore."

She could hear the restraint in his voice, feel it in the tension of his muscles. Smiling, she kissed him again, deeper this time, her tongue teasing past his lips. She felt his control wavered. Her hands traced down his back, nails grazing his skin before sliding lower, wrapping around him. Greg groaned, his forehead pressing against hers.

"Steffy…"

Steffy looked up at him, her eyes dark with something that went beyond lust. She knelt before him, her lips parting as she took his huge shaft into her mouth.