Chapter 1 - The Pulse in the Chapel
The silence inside the grand cathedral was heavy enough to crush a man.
White roses lined the aisle, their faint scent mixing with burning wax.
The little girl lay motionlessly in a white satin-lined casket.
Her name was Mia.
She was the eight-year-old daughter of Gabriel Vance.
Gabriel stood beside the coffin, his face carved from ice.
He was the undisputed head of the Queens underworld.
Yet all his power could not bring back his daughter.
Until Bruno moved.
The massive Rottweiler had not left the casket since sunrise.
The thick gold chain around the dog's neck clinked softly.
Bruno leaned over the satin trim.
He pressed his wet nose directly against Mia’s pale cheek.
Then, the dog’s posture stiffened completely.
A low, guttural growl vibrated through Bruno’s chest.
It was not a roar of grief.
It was a warning.
The dog spun around, his dark eyes locked on Marco.
Marco was Gabriel’s most trusted enforcer.
Marco took an involuntary step back, his face draining of color.
"What... what is he doing?" Marco stammered.
"Bruno doesn't growl at loyal men, Marco," Gabriel said softly.
Gabriel’s voice was devoid of emotion, making it far more dangerous.
"Where were you three nights ago?" Gabriel asked.
"I was at the docks, Boss, just like you ordered," Marco claimed.
Bruno did not break eye contact.
His lips pulled back, exposing sharp teeth.
Then Bruno turned back to the child in the casket.
He dropped his heavy head onto Mia's chest.
His ears twitched.
Gabriel froze.
He stepped forward and placed his palm over the dog's back.
Underneath Bruno’s body, Gabriel felt a faint rhythm.
It was impossibly weak.
It was a slow, steady pulse.
May you like
Gabriel’s eyes widened in sheer disbelief.
"He hears a heartbeat," Gabriel whispered.
