"Hey," Hunter murmured, his voice low and steady as he gently tapped the young woman's cheek. He carefully laid her down on the bed, his movements deliberate, as though afraid she might shatter. He tried to rouse her, coaxing her to wake up and change out of her clothes, but her intoxication was too heavy, pulling her deeper into unconsciousness.
"Zen," she whispered, her voice soft and fragile, her eyes remaining closed."What is it?" Hunter asked, his brow furrowing as he knelt to remove her shoes. He worked silently, his hands steady, but she didn’t respond. His gaze lingered on her face, her features serene yet vulnerable, as if she were lost in a dream."What a drunkard," he muttered under his breath, shaking his head with a faint smile. Rising to his feet, he made his way to the bathroom, returning moments later with a damp cloth. He knelt beside her again, the cool cloth brushing against her flushed skin as he wiped her face with gentle strokes."Zen"Benjamin?” Aleah exclaimed in surprise as she approached the gate of their home. Her voice trembled with confusion as her eyes met Benjamin’s figure, standing motionless just outside the property. His expression was inscrutable, his gaze fixed on their house as if lost in thought. The moment Benjamin spotted Aleah, his demeanor changed abruptly. He turned on his heel and walked away without uttering a single word, leaving her puzzled and slightly unsettled.Aleah felt an urgency to stop him, calling out his name and quickening her pace toward him. Yet Benjamin moved swiftly, increasing the distance between them until he disappeared from view. As Aleah stood by the gate, her mind raced—this was the first time she had seen Benjamin near their home. He had always seemed like someone who preferred his own company, avoiding unnecessary social interactions. This unexpected visit and odd behavior made her wonder what could have brought him there.Inside the hou
“They are after me. I need your help,” Benjamin said, his voice trembling as his eyes darted nervously around. Hunter frowned at his nephew’s words, bewildered by his frantic demeanor. Who was chasing him, and why did he appear so alarmed?“Tell me everything so I can help you,” Hunter responded calmly. “We can talk inside—” Hunter’s words were abruptly cut short as he studied Benjamin’s expression.It was evident that his nephew was running from something—or someone. Hunter couldn’t help but wonder: had Benjamin gotten entangled in trouble with rogues or some kind of syndicate?“No, I can’t. You might get into danger if they see me entering your house,” Benjamin interjected, his tone urgent, halting Hunter mid-sentence. Hunter’s mind began to whirl. What kind of mess had his nephew gotten himself into to appear so frightened?“Why come here if you’re
Any updates on the investigation I requested?" Hunter asked his team as he stepped into their conference room, where Rafael and the rest of the Astral Guardian members were seated. Hunter’s thoughts had been consumed by Benjamin ever since their encounter the day before. The young man’s troubled demeanor and Aleah’s cryptic warnings had sparked his concerns. To make matters worse, Benjamin had seemingly vanished—he hadn’t returned to the mansion, and all attempts to contact him had failed. Even his parents were growing increasingly anxious.As a law enforcer, Hunter felt an obligation to look into the situation, especially if his nephew was caught in a dangerous predicament. But beyond that, he couldn’t understand why Benjamin was being so secretive or who was chasing after him."It seems your nephew is in danger, Alpha Hunter," Joyril announced while activating the large monitor in front of the team. A map of interconnected data p
Aleah glanced toward the door of Claire's condo and said with curiosity, “It looks like you have a visitor.” She had just come over after her class to unwind and spend time with her friend. Since their return from the Espinosa family's private island, both Aleah and Claire had been caught up in their own busy schedules, leaving them little time to talk.“I’ll get it,” Aleah offered, looking back toward the kitchen where Claire was busy preparing snacks. The inviting aroma of freshly brewed coffee and baked pastries filled the air.As Aleah opened the door, the scene before her stunned her into silence. Benjamin, pale and visibly injured, stumbled forward and collapsed at her feet.“Benjamin!” Aleah exclaimed, panic rising in her chest as she knelt beside him. Her eyes were immediately drawn to the dark, spreading stain of blood on his abdomen. Her hands trembled slightly as she reached out to check if he was conscious.He
Hold up, nobody move!" yelled a man in the bank, just as I was there. Four others rose from various corners, with one firing a shot into the air, sparking chaos among the patrons and making them duck for cover. The clerks scrambled to hide under their desks in a frenzy of fear. Tension escalated when the man abruptly shot the security guard, and two of his accomplices quickly moved to guard the door. Two men approached the tellers, directing the clerks to fill the provided bag with cash. As the clerks' hands shook, they complied, stuffing the bag with money. Shortly after, police vehicles and several SWAT team members converged on the scene."Damn, We've got company, cops," a man announced at the door. They listened as a policeman outside declared that they should surrender peacefully to avoid harm."They can't catch us here," the man asserted, grabbing a bag full of money. He was heading towards the door when another man tackled him. The struggle ensued until one man fell to the grou
A family gathering was held at the Guevarra Hotel restaurant, where all the members of the Guevarra family attended. The entire restaurant was reserved that evening for their family gathering. It was rare for the elder Guevarra to call for a family dinner, so attendance was mandatory. It was unwise to anger the elder Guevarra, known in the Moonshadow pack for his fiery temper.When Aleah and her mother arrived at the restaurant, they were immediately greeted by her father in the lobby. Upon seeing her mother, he quickly kissed her on the cheek."Thank goodness you're okay. "I was worried sick," he said to her mother, before turning his worried eyes to Aleah."I saw the news earlier. "Are you okay? "Were you hurt?" he asked, his voice trembling slightly. "I'm fine, really," Aleah replied, her voice steady. He was referring to the recent bank robbery, and Aleah had just been discharged from the hospital. If it weren't for her grandfather's insistence on the family gathering, she and her
Yes, Grandpa. She wanted our family's approval, right? "So she should do this," Daniella said, turning to their grandfather. Aleah clenched her jaw and glared at her sister. She didn't like Daniella's tone, especially since it seemed like she was pushing Aleah into their grandfather's agreement with his old friend."She fits perfectly for the role," Daniella added sanctimoniously, turning back to Aleah. Aleah's anger grew at her sister's words and the way she looked at her. She had always known that her siblings and their father's family didn't like her. But being given a huge responsibility just because they didn't want to deal with the Demon Alpha was something she couldn't accept. She didn't want to be a scapegoat."Don't pass your responsibility onto me," Aleah burst out. But she abruptly stopped when her mother placed a hand on hers."Sir, Aleah is still a child. "She might not be a suitable wife for the -----" her mother began, but Melissa cut her off."Are you refusing? "Have y
Aleah arrived at the Astral Guardians' camp, compelled to go there personally because, according to her grandfather, the Alpha was too busy training recruits to meet with them elsewhere. With Alpha's father's permission, her grandfather sent her to the camp so they could get to know each other before she was formally introduced as Alpha’s fiancée at the next family gathering.At the camp gate, she noticed a crowd of reporters and media waiting. She quickly hid to observe the scene. She overheard one of the reporters saying they were there to catch a glimpse of the Demon Alpha’s fiancée. Someone had tipped them off that Alpha was soon to be married, and his fiancée might visit the camp. It was a significant opportunity for them to see the mysterious Alpha and the woman he was set to marry. They had never seen the real face of the Demon Alpha and hoped this would be their chance to uncover his true identity."Is he really that famous that reporters follow his every move? "And how did th
Aleah glanced toward the door of Claire's condo and said with curiosity, “It looks like you have a visitor.” She had just come over after her class to unwind and spend time with her friend. Since their return from the Espinosa family's private island, both Aleah and Claire had been caught up in their own busy schedules, leaving them little time to talk.“I’ll get it,” Aleah offered, looking back toward the kitchen where Claire was busy preparing snacks. The inviting aroma of freshly brewed coffee and baked pastries filled the air.As Aleah opened the door, the scene before her stunned her into silence. Benjamin, pale and visibly injured, stumbled forward and collapsed at her feet.“Benjamin!” Aleah exclaimed, panic rising in her chest as she knelt beside him. Her eyes were immediately drawn to the dark, spreading stain of blood on his abdomen. Her hands trembled slightly as she reached out to check if he was conscious.He
Any updates on the investigation I requested?" Hunter asked his team as he stepped into their conference room, where Rafael and the rest of the Astral Guardian members were seated. Hunter’s thoughts had been consumed by Benjamin ever since their encounter the day before. The young man’s troubled demeanor and Aleah’s cryptic warnings had sparked his concerns. To make matters worse, Benjamin had seemingly vanished—he hadn’t returned to the mansion, and all attempts to contact him had failed. Even his parents were growing increasingly anxious.As a law enforcer, Hunter felt an obligation to look into the situation, especially if his nephew was caught in a dangerous predicament. But beyond that, he couldn’t understand why Benjamin was being so secretive or who was chasing after him."It seems your nephew is in danger, Alpha Hunter," Joyril announced while activating the large monitor in front of the team. A map of interconnected data p
“They are after me. I need your help,” Benjamin said, his voice trembling as his eyes darted nervously around. Hunter frowned at his nephew’s words, bewildered by his frantic demeanor. Who was chasing him, and why did he appear so alarmed?“Tell me everything so I can help you,” Hunter responded calmly. “We can talk inside—” Hunter’s words were abruptly cut short as he studied Benjamin’s expression.It was evident that his nephew was running from something—or someone. Hunter couldn’t help but wonder: had Benjamin gotten entangled in trouble with rogues or some kind of syndicate?“No, I can’t. You might get into danger if they see me entering your house,” Benjamin interjected, his tone urgent, halting Hunter mid-sentence. Hunter’s mind began to whirl. What kind of mess had his nephew gotten himself into to appear so frightened?“Why come here if you’re
"Benjamin?” Aleah exclaimed in surprise as she approached the gate of their home. Her voice trembled with confusion as her eyes met Benjamin’s figure, standing motionless just outside the property. His expression was inscrutable, his gaze fixed on their house as if lost in thought. The moment Benjamin spotted Aleah, his demeanor changed abruptly. He turned on his heel and walked away without uttering a single word, leaving her puzzled and slightly unsettled.Aleah felt an urgency to stop him, calling out his name and quickening her pace toward him. Yet Benjamin moved swiftly, increasing the distance between them until he disappeared from view. As Aleah stood by the gate, her mind raced—this was the first time she had seen Benjamin near their home. He had always seemed like someone who preferred his own company, avoiding unnecessary social interactions. This unexpected visit and odd behavior made her wonder what could have brought him there.Inside the hou
"Hey," Hunter murmured, his voice low and steady as he gently tapped the young woman's cheek. He carefully laid her down on the bed, his movements deliberate, as though afraid she might shatter. He tried to rouse her, coaxing her to wake up and change out of her clothes, but her intoxication was too heavy, pulling her deeper into unconsciousness."Zen," she whispered, her voice soft and fragile, her eyes remaining closed."What is it?" Hunter asked, his brow furrowing as he knelt to remove her shoes. He worked silently, his hands steady, but she didn’t respond. His gaze lingered on her face, her features serene yet vulnerable, as if she were lost in a dream."What a drunkard," he muttered under his breath, shaking his head with a faint smile. Rising to his feet, he made his way to the bathroom, returning moments later with a damp cloth. He knelt beside her again, the cool cloth brushing against her flushed skin as he wiped her face with gentle strokes."Zen
The wedding of Daniella and Zane was nothing short of spectacular, a celebration that drew a glittering crowd of prominent personalities. Political leaders, influential business magnates, and distinguished Alphas from various packs graced the occasion, making it a confluence of power and prestige. Even several high-ranking military officers—acquaintances of the elder members of the families—joined the festivities. The wedding not only solidified the union of two powerful families but also boosted their prominence beyond the realms of business, spilling over into the political sphere. Some attending politicians were so impressed that they openly expressed their desire to see a member of either family venture into politics.Amid the revelry, Aleah found herself isolated, sitting quietly at a table while the rest of the guests mingled and celebrated. The family members were busy entertaining the high-profile attendees, leaving Aleah alone with her thoughts. She felt ou
“Well, they’re at it again, huh?” Dennis’s father quipped as he joined them, his gaze falling on the elders engrossed in their chess game. Dennis followed behind him, but his attention was fixed on Aleah.“Are you feeling all right? I’m sorry, I didn’t—” Dennis started, his voice tinged with guilt.“It’s okay. I’m all right,” Aleah interrupted gently, flashing him a reassuring smile.“That’s a relief,” Dennis said, visibly relaxing.“Let’s eat, everyone!” Amanda called out cheerfully, having just finished arranging the food on a long table. At her announcement, everyone stood and gathered around, eager to dig in.As they enjoyed their dinner, the beach was filled with lively chatter and bursts of laughter. Aleah observed the joyful scene, a bittersweet smile crossing her face. She couldn’t help but think of her mother, who had stayed behind
"Oh, you’ve arrived!” Amanda exclaimed cheerfully as she spotted Hunter and Aleah entering the dining hall. The woman was approaching Sebastian and Damian’s table, carrying a tray of food. “Take a seat so you can eat,” she said with a warm smile.Aleah glanced over at Rafael and Claire’s table. The two waved at them, signaling for them to sit there.“Let’s sit by Rafael and—” Hunter turned to Aleah, ready to guide her to Rafael and Claire’s table, but he froze when Aleah suddenly sneezed. The sound drew everyone’s attention.“Don’t tell me you caught a cold from just a little rain?” Hunter teased, adjusting the jacket draped over Aleah’s shoulders. Aleah wiped her nose and sneezed again.“Do you have a fever?” Hunter asked, concerned by her sneezing fit. He placed his hand on her forehead and neck to check if she was running a temperature. The scene didn&rs
He didn’t wake me up,” Aleah whispered, her voice tinged with a mix of annoyance and hurt as she stirred awake. From the balcony, she caught sight of the horizon painted in hues of orange and purple, the sun slowly descending. Twilight was fast approaching. A heavy sigh escaped her lips as she decided to rise, the lingering ache of being forgotten gnawing at her chest. She took a long bath, hoping the warm water would soothe her simmering thoughts, before stepping out to face the evening.As Aleah left her room, she headed to the wedding venue for the rehearsal. But when she arrived, an unsettling emptiness greeted her. The silence in the room was almost deafening, amplifying the loneliness she tried to push aside. With a deep breath, she made her way to the dinner hall, where the lively chatter of family members filled the air. Their laughter and voices intertwined like a melody, one she felt she could never be a part of.She lingered at the doorway, her steps