It was a reinforced concrete bunker, built by Ryker’s father during the height of the Cold War and upgraded with modern tech.

I unlocked the heavy steel door with the keypad code Ryker had given me.

Inside, the room was warm and brightly lit, with two twin beds, a small kitchen area, and a wall of monitors showing the estate perimeter.

“Sit tight,” I told the kids, helping them onto one of the beds.

“Where is Mommy?” Owen asked suddenly, his voice small.

My heart ached.

Mara was gone, killed in a hit-and-run that we now suspected was no accident.

“She’s watching over you,” I said softly, tucking a heavy blanket around his legs. “And your Uncle Ryker is here now. He’s very strong.”

“He has a big house,” Lily said, looking around the room. “Is he a king?”

I couldn’t help but smile slightly. “Something like that.”

I left the door slightly ajar so I could hear if anyone approached, then stepped back out into the wine cellar to monitor the main hallway.

My phone buzzed in my pocket.

It was a private number.