We ran as fast as we could, weaving through the dense forest. The trees and underbrush were thick, making it hard for anyone to track us. After what felt like an eternity, the sound of footsteps chasing us faded away. We slowed, trying to catch our breath. “We lost them,” Alaric said, his sharp gaze scanning the area. “But we need to keep moving. They might double back or spread out." Though my lungs burned and my legs screamed for rest, I nodded. “Okay,” I managed, determined not to slow him down. After a while, Alaric glanced at me. “You’re exhausted,” he said, his voice softer now. “Let’s rest for a few minutes." “No,” I shook my head firmly, even though my body ached to agree. “If we stop, they might catch up. I can keep going." Alaric’s lips pressed into a line, his eyes narrowing as he studied me. “Fine,” he said after a moment, “but you’re not doing this alone." Before I could protest, he stepped closer, gently grabbing my arm and positioning me so I leaned against him. “
Alaric took off his jacket, his movements precise as he tore a piece from it. Without a word, he knelt down again and began to gently clean my legs with the makeshift cloth. “Alaric, you don’t have to do this,” I protested, trying to pull my legs away, but he held firm, his gaze unwavering. “I want to,” he said simply, his voice steady. There was something in his tone that silenced me. He worked carefully, wiping away the blood and dirt. Every now and then, his hands would pause as if checking to make sure he wasn’t hurting me. When he finished, he tore the rest of his jacket into two longer strips and wrapped them around my feet, securing them snugly. The material provided an immediate sense of relief, dulling the sting from the cuts and scratches. “There,” he said, standing up and looking down at me with a small, reassuring smile. “That should help with the pain for now." “Thank you,” I murmured, feeling a mix of gratitude and guilt for how much he was doing for me. He seemed
“Anna, wake up.”I groaned, still half-asleep, and rolled over, but the urgency in Alaric’s voice pulled me from my slumber. His hands gripped my shoulder, shaking me firmly. “What? What’s going on?” I mumbled groggily, blinking up at him. He pressed a finger to his lips, signalling for me to be quiet, and then pointed toward the door. My heart jumped as I strained my ears, and the faint sound of scuffling reached me. The haze of sleep vanished instantly. I sat up, now wide awake, as the muffled noise became clearer—footsteps, voices. My eyes darted to Alaric, who had his finger on the trigger of his gun, his expression tense. Swallowing hard, I grabbed the pistol he’d given me, my hands trembling slightly. I released the safety with a soft click, the sound unnervingly loud in the otherwise quiet cabin. The voices outside grew louder, more distinct. “Are you sure they’re in there?” one of them asked, his tone irritated. “They can’t have gone far,” another replied, sounding confi
beep beepA steady beeping sound drew me out of a deep fog. Blinking slowly, I was met with an expanse of white, sterile walls, and a bright overhead light. It took a moment for reality to settle in—I was in a hospital.I looked around, taking in the faint hum of machines and the faint antiseptic smell. My gaze dropped to my arm, where tubes and wires connected me to the beeping monitor. Confusion mingled with an ache in my shoulder as I struggled to sit up.The movement sent a sharp jolt of pain through my shoulder, making me wince. It wasn’t unbearable, but it was enough to slow me down. I was still fighting to prop myself up when the door opened. For some strange reason, my heart lurched, and I found myself hoping it was Alaric. The flash of disappointment that followed seeing my brother startled me—why had I wanted it to be him? Maybe I just needed to know he was okay after everything. “Anna!” my brother called out, his voice full of relief as he rushed to my side. His happiness
A few days later The morning was gray and overcast, mirroring my mood as I sat on the edge of the hospital bed, waiting for the nurse to finish my discharge papers. It had been a few days since the… incident, and while my injuries were minor and healed faster than expected. However, the emotional toll lingered like a storm cloud over my head. For one, my parents still refused to talk about me returning to work. Every time I tried to broach the topic, Mom expertly dodged the conversation, changing the subject like a seasoned politician. After the third attempt ended in frustration, Ryan pulled me aside and advised me to wait until I wasn’t sitting in a hospital bed to bring it up again. “They’re just worried about you, Anna,” he said. “Let them see you’re okay first.” I hated to admit he was right. But what really stung—what made my chest tighten every time I thought about it—was that Alaric hadn’t called, texted, or even stopped by. Not once. I thought we were friends—or at l
After finishing dinner, I hurried upstairs, my mind spinning with ideas and arguments. If I wanted to go back to work, I needed a plan—and a solid one at that. Dad was stubborn, but he valued logic and straightforwardness, so I had to appeal to that side of him. Pacing the length of my room, I muttered to myself, rehearsing different approaches. I couldn’t just beg or plead—that would only make him dig his heels in further. No, I needed to show him that returning to work was the right decision, both for me and for the family. At least I had some allies. Mom seemed to be warming up to the idea, and I knew my brother was already on my side. If they backed me up, convincing Dad would be easier—or so I hoped. By the time Dad arrived home that evening, I was ready. Taking a deep breath, I waited until he was settled in the living room with his usual cup of coffee before making my move. “Dad, can we talk?” I asked, standing in the doorway. He glanced up, his brow furrowing slightly. “O
The documents in my hand felt like they weighed a ton with each step I took toward Alaric's office. I’d been avoiding him all day, finding excuses to stay busy and far away from anywhere he might be. But now? Now there was no getting around it. These papers needed his immediate attention, and there was no one else who could deliver them.I stopped in front of his door, gripping the stack of papers tightly. Taking a deep breath, I told myself, You’re fine. Just act normal. Forcing a smile, I knocked and waited for the familiar “Come in.” When it came, I pushed the door open and stepped inside with what I hoped was confident ease.“Good day, sir,” I said, keeping my voice steady even though my nerves were anything but. “I have some documents here that need your immediate attention.” I strode toward his desk, placing the papers in front of him, all while clinging to the polite smile I’d practiced in my head.The effect of my voice on him was immediate. He froze, his hands hovering over h
After that day in his office, I found myself keeping my interactions with Alaric as brief as possible. I wasn’t sure why, but every time I was around him, it felt like my emotions were on overdrive. So, I made a conscious effort to avoid being alone with him, and for the most part, it worked. If there was a meeting, I was out of the room as soon as it ended, barely giving him a chance to say anything. When a site visit came up, I conveniently sent Tristan in my place, feigning other priorities. On the rare occasions when he asked me to assist with something personally, I found a way to redirect or delay it until he inevitably asked someone else. I noticed the puzzled looks Alaric would shoot me now and then. There was confusion in his eyes, as if he was trying to piece something together, but thankfully, he didn’t bring it up. I told myself it was better this way. The boundaries between us needed to be clear—for my sake, more than his. By the end of the workweek, I thought I
Lisa’s POV“I don’t know why she’s being so cold,” I sigh dramatically, tucking a strand of hair behind my ear as I glance at Josh beside me. “Anna always had a mean streak. She used to say the nastiest things to me back when we were… you know… ‘friends.’”Josh furrows his brows like he’s trying to remember a version of Anna that never existed. “Really?” he asks, clearly more intrigued than concerned.I nod solemnly, layering my voice with a hint of pain. “She used to make me cry, say I wasn’t good enough, pick on everything I wore… Even now, it’s like she’s still punishing me.”Josh chuckles, smirking as if he’s just discovered a grand conspiracy. “She’s probably still in love with me,” he says, running a hand through his hair like that thought pleases him too much. “That’s why she’s acting like that. Holding a grudge… Classic jealousy move.”God, you’re so easy, I think, but I school my expression and give him a supportive smile. “Maybe… Maybe you should talk to her. You know, clear
The week passes in a blur of logins, onboarding emails, and meetings where I try my best to nod like I understand everything—thankfully, I understand more than I expected. They’re still easing me into the workload. I’m mostly shadowing my mentor, assisting with research, preparing data summaries, and sitting in on team meetings. It's nothing too intense yet, but I make sure to look alert, take notes, and ask smart questions. I want to earn my place here, not just coast on charisma and a polished resume.And thankfully, despite the awkward start, I haven’t had to interact with Lisa much. We're in different departments, mentored by different analysts, and our desks are thankfully on opposite ends of the floor. The only times I catch a glimpse of her are during lunch breaks, when I feel her eyes on me from across the cafeteria like some low-budget thriller villain.I’ve learned to ignore it. She can stare all she wants.Friday rolls in before I know it. I’m just finishing up a small repo
I stir awake, a smile already tugging at my lips as I realize where I am, wrapped in Alaric’s arms, still basking in the afterglow of a blissful night. The sun rays shines gently through the curtains, casting golden warmth across our tangled bodies. I stretch slightly, careful not to wake him, and try to ease myself out of bed. But the second I move, his arm tightens around my waist. “Five more minutes,” he mumbles, voice rough with sleep. I glance at the clock, heart skipping. “I’ll be late, Alaric. It’s my first day.” He doesn't even open his eyes. Instead, he shifts closer, nuzzling his face into the crook of my neck before pressing a kiss there—slow, purposeful, and devastatingly effective. My resolve wavers instantly. It didn't even pretend to put up a fight. “Just five,” I whisper, breath hitching. “That’s all I need,” he murmurs with a devilish grin, before rolling back the covers and disappearing beneath them with wicked intent. My squeal turns into a gasp a
I stare up at the sleek glass building in front of me, its mirrored panels catching the morning sun like armour. My reflection stares back—poised, professional, and a tiny bit terrified."You’ve got this," I tell myself, shifting my folder to my other arm. I’ve done everything I could to prepare. Hours of brushing up on industry questions, perfecting my resume, and tailoring my pitch. And countless mock interviews with Alaric—him sitting on the edge of his desk in his lazy, arrogant sprawl, firing hard questions with a smirk just to watch me squirm.I smile to myself at the memory. It’s because of him I feel even remotely ready.Still... this is different. This isn’t his world. This is mine.I smooth a hand over my skirt, exhale slowly, and whisper under my breath, “You’re smart. You’re capable. You belong here.”And then I walk inside.The receptionist greets me kindly, and I’m led to a waiting area that smells like fresh coffee and expensive polish. I take a seat, crossing my legs a
Lisa’s POVThe capital smells like money and power.I breathe it in as I step out of the plane with Josh trailing behind me, already going on about how this city’s going to change everything for us. “Connections,” he keeps saying. “Opportunities.” Blah, blah. I’ve heard it all before.We weave through the arrival terminal, and for a second, I’m bored. Airports are all the same—plastic smiles, rolling suitcases, screaming kids.Until I see him.He’s leaning casually against a black luxury car parked by the curb, a phone in one hand, the other tucked into the pocket of a navy-blue coat. He’s not trying to be noticed, but God, it’s impossible not to. There’s something about him—sharp jaw, cold eyes, the kind of presence that doesn’t just enter a room but commands it.I slow down instinctively.And then a woman runs toward him.A girl—slender, stylish, dark curls bouncing as she throws herself at him. He hugs her tightly, murmuring something that makes her laugh. There’s warmth in his tou
After hours of sitting in that cold, too-bright waiting room, it's as if time blended into itself. I’ve counted every tile on the ceiling. I’ve memorized the rhythm of every footstep that passes by the hall. I’ve heard more whispered more prayers than I can remember. And then finally, the door opens. A nurse steps out, her face soft with something resembling a smile. “He’s awake,” she announces quietly. The air leaves my lungs in a whoosh. I see Mrs. Ashford’s hand fly to her mouth as Mr. Ashford pulls her into a trembling embrace. Ellie lets out a choked sob, her shoulders sagging with relief. Alaric, beside me, closes his eyes for a moment, and takes a deep breath as if releasing a tension wound tightly beneath his skin. “But,” the nurse continues gently, “he’s still weak. He can only handle one or two people at a time.” Of course. We all nod, silently agreeing. Mr. and Mrs. Ashford go first. They disappear behind the door, and for ten long minutes, we wait in thick silence.
AnnaIt’s been hours.Long, aching, heavy hours since they took the blood from me. I barely noticed the prick of the needle or the lightheadedness that followed. My body was numb. My mind was too focused on a single thing, saving him.And somehow… he made it.Damian is stable now.Those words were like a balm I didn’t know I needed. I must have cried then—relief bursting through the fear like the first sunlight after a storm—but I don’t remember. I only remember Alaric holding me, one hand on the back of my head, the other wrapped around my waist, grounding me like he always does.Now, though, the relief is fading, replaced by a new weight.Telling his family.Telling Ellie.I glance at Alaric as we walk down the hallway. His jaw is tight, his steps stiff. The adrenaline of battle has worn off, leaving him hollowed out, just like me. But he’s here. And that’s all I need to move forward.The door to the waiting room is just ahead. I can hear voices—Mrs. Ashford’s soft worry, Ellie’s an
I don't know how long we stayed like that—Alaric pressing down on Damian’s wound, me whispering prayers.The sound of backup finally crashing in loudly to my ears. Yells. Footsteps. Barked orders. But all I could see was Damian's paling face.“Medics!” Alaric shouted hoarsely, his voice raw. “Someone call an ambulance! We need a medic now!”At some point someone knelt beside us, a blur of uniform and supplies, hands taking over. I didn’t let go of Damian’s hand until they pried it from mine to load him onto the stretcher.“Stay with him,” Alaric said, voice shaking but firm. “Don’t let him go under.”I nodded numbly, stumbling after them as they wheeled him out. Alaric stayed behind to coordinate the clean-up, but I couldn’t tear my eyes away from Damian’s blood on my hands.The gun—the one I had fired—was still tucked in my waistband. I’d killed a man today. A man who nearly destroyed everything we loved.But all I could think was…Please, don’t let this be the price we pay.The wall
AnnaI know I should have stayed back.I promised I would.But it’s different this time.Something in my gut twists with dread, and no matter how hard I try to ignore it, it keeps clawing at me. I know they were walking into a trap. And knowing they were going in with backup didn’t help soothe my fears not one bit. Not tonight. Not when Elias was desperate and dangerous. Not when Alaric looked at me like he might not come back.I wait until I can no longer see the tail lights of the black SUV disappear down the road before I move.My feet take me straight to the study, to the drawer where I had stashed Alaric’s gun weeks ago. The same one I’d stolen the very first day we met—back when he had threatened me to help him.A fond smile pulls at my lips at the memory.God, a lot has changed since then.The man who once cornered me with cold eyes and threats was now the man I love and loves me. Fiercely. Wholeheartedly. I had changed too—no longer afraid, no longer unsure of my place in the