When they arrived at the airport, Aleah was the first to board the plane, accompanied by Elara and Daryll. They mentioned that they needed to purchase something and would follow her later. Aleah didn't object and simply urged them to hurry before proceeding to the boarding gate. Once she was seated on the plane, a feeling of weakness washed over her. She silently wished for her heart to stop beating, just so she wouldn't have to feel the overwhelming pain she was experiencing. Although she tried to appear strong in front of her family and friends, she couldn't hide from herself that she wasn't okay.
She closed her eyes in an attempt to sleep while waiting for her mother and Daryll, putting on her earphones to listen to music. While her eyes were shut, tears began to flow. Thoughts of Hunter filled her mind as the gentle music played."Zen, stupid Alpha," Aleah whispered softly as her tears continued. Lost in her emotions, she failed to notice the plane's take-off and remai“Just sit,” Hunter said, his voice quieter this time as he gently guided her back into her seat. He switched places with her, sitting where she had been, making sure to keep close. Aleah didn’t fight him—she could feel the curious eyes of the other passengers on them. Still, she refused to look at him, fixing her gaze elsewhere.“You know we need to talk,” Hunter murmured, his tone soft yet insistent.“I’m not saying anything,” Aleah muttered sharply, shutting her eyes tightly. “The moment this plane lands, I’m boarding one to Italy.”Hunter sighed, his voice calm but tinged with frustration. “You’re angry. I get it. You have every right to be. But… aren’t you even going to ask me why?” His words hung in the air, and for a moment, she remained still. Then, her eyes snapped open, and she shot him a glare sharp enough to make him flinch.“What for?” Al
I wonder why he only left a bruise on your cheek this time? Last time, he beat you like he wanted you dead,” Aleah said, her voice tinged with concern. “And I heard you were ready to die, even.”“It was those times when I was so—” Hunter stopped mid-sentence as he saw tears welling up in his wife's eyes. “Hey,” he said softly, reaching out to touch her cheek. Aleah blocked his hand before it got there.“I made you cry again,” Hunter murmured, gently taking her hand. “I’m sorry, Aleah. I messed up big time. I was stupid, and yeah, a coward. I deserve your anger—curse me, yell at me—I’ll take it all. I’ll do—”“No.” Aleah cut him off, her voice firm. “Don’t make promises you can’t keep, Zen. You’re draining to deal with. I was trying to move on, you know? I wanted to live without you, even though I still found myself looking for
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 froze at the young man's words. His face showed clear displeasure at her comments, and it seemed she hadn't made a good impression on him, especially since she repeatedly called his leader the Demon Alpha. It was also apparent that he had immense respect for his leader."Not yet. But most people describe him that way. And this room speaks volumes. Look around—it's filled with guns and plaques of awards. I bet only soldiers and members of the Astral Guardians dare enter this room. An ordinary person would be terrified to step in here. He's not good at hiding his Alpha origin. "An ordinary human could easily see how different he is," Aleah remarked as she glanced around the room."If he is a demon, why did you agree to marry him?" the young man asked. Aleah was taken aback by his question and looked at him."Well, I don't have a choice," she replied quickly. If her siblings hadn't blackmailed her, why would she agree to marry someone she didn't know? She thought, but she kept that
I don’t have anything to say. I'm not immature to throw tantrums over this. I respect my father's decision, and his honor as a former soldier is something I want to protect. Besides, you're not against it, so why should I make a big fuss? "Let's just get along well," Hunter said as he shook her hand when she didn’t reach out to take his. His grip was firm and confident, and for a moment, Aleah felt a strange sense of reassurance. She couldn't read his thoughts and wondered what was going on behind those intense grey eyes."You’re not even going to complain about this?" Aleah asked when Hunter let go of her hand, looking at him in surprise. She couldn't believe how easily he accepted the situation. "I mean, you must have people courting you. Or a girlfriend. "Marriage is not something you can just back out of when----" she paused, feeling a lump forming in her throat."I know what I'm doing. I have my own mind. "Or maybe you're the one who isn't sure about your decision," Hunter said, l
I wonder why he only left a bruise on your cheek this time? Last time, he beat you like he wanted you dead,” Aleah said, her voice tinged with concern. “And I heard you were ready to die, even.”“It was those times when I was so—” Hunter stopped mid-sentence as he saw tears welling up in his wife's eyes. “Hey,” he said softly, reaching out to touch her cheek. Aleah blocked his hand before it got there.“I made you cry again,” Hunter murmured, gently taking her hand. “I’m sorry, Aleah. I messed up big time. I was stupid, and yeah, a coward. I deserve your anger—curse me, yell at me—I’ll take it all. I’ll do—”“No.” Aleah cut him off, her voice firm. “Don’t make promises you can’t keep, Zen. You’re draining to deal with. I was trying to move on, you know? I wanted to live without you, even though I still found myself looking for
“Just sit,” Hunter said, his voice quieter this time as he gently guided her back into her seat. He switched places with her, sitting where she had been, making sure to keep close. Aleah didn’t fight him—she could feel the curious eyes of the other passengers on them. Still, she refused to look at him, fixing her gaze elsewhere.“You know we need to talk,” Hunter murmured, his tone soft yet insistent.“I’m not saying anything,” Aleah muttered sharply, shutting her eyes tightly. “The moment this plane lands, I’m boarding one to Italy.”Hunter sighed, his voice calm but tinged with frustration. “You’re angry. I get it. You have every right to be. But… aren’t you even going to ask me why?” His words hung in the air, and for a moment, she remained still. Then, her eyes snapped open, and she shot him a glare sharp enough to make him flinch.“What for?” Al
When they arrived at the airport, Aleah was the first to board the plane, accompanied by Elara and Daryll. They mentioned that they needed to purchase something and would follow her later. Aleah didn't object and simply urged them to hurry before proceeding to the boarding gate. Once she was seated on the plane, a feeling of weakness washed over her. She silently wished for her heart to stop beating, just so she wouldn't have to feel the overwhelming pain she was experiencing. Although she tried to appear strong in front of her family and friends, she couldn't hide from herself that she wasn't okay.She closed her eyes in an attempt to sleep while waiting for her mother and Daryll, putting on her earphones to listen to music. While her eyes were shut, tears began to flow. Thoughts of Hunter filled her mind as the gentle music played."Zen, stupid Alpha," Aleah whispered softly as her tears continued. Lost in her emotions, she failed to notice the plane's take-off and remai
"What’s going on?” Aleah asked Rafael and Claire, glancing at their companions. After patching Hunter up, they had taken him to the hospital to rest. But when Aleah returned the next day, she found Rafael and Claire looking troubled.“I’m sorry, Aleah,” Rafael began. “We don’t even know what happened to him. He just… left the hospital out of nowhere.”“He was here last night when I left him to get some rest. But then—”“I checked with headquarters,” Charles interrupted, walking in with Trisha, who was holding some papers. “Apparently, Alpha Hunter requested to be discharged.”“Discharged?” Aleah’s voice shot up in surprise. “I know I healed him, but why would he ask to leave? For what reason?”Claire shook her head as she looked over the papers. “I have no clue.”“How can they just let a wounded man leave?&rdqu
Again and again, he repeated the cycle, silently pleading. "Come on, Aleah. Wake up. Please," he whispered, his voice cracking with desperation. He couldn’t lose her—not now, not ever."Where’s the medic?" Rafael barked, turning toward Trisha, who was frantically talking on her phone. She glanced back at him and shook her head."Seriously? Of all the rescue ops, how could they miss sending a medic?" Rafael snapped, frustration spilling out in his tone.Kimberly’s smirk widened. "Looks like your so-called master strategist didn’t think this one through," she said, her words dripping with mockery.Rafael shot her an icy glare, his fists clenched tight.Kimberly’s attention shifted to Hunter, and her voice took on a bitter edge. "I told you, Zen. If I can’t have you, she won’t either. Stop wasting your breath. You’re hurt, and you’re only making it worse."Hunter didn’t even flinch, didn&rsq
"ALEAH!" Hunter shouted, his voice cracking with panic as he saw what those men had done to his wife. He bolted to the ship's railing, gripping it tight. Just as he was about to leap, Kimberly grabbed his arm."Zen, are you out of your mind? You really wanna die?" Kimberly said, her voice sharp with urgency. She clutched his arm, holding him back.Hunter shot a quick look at her hand, then locked eyes with her. "Who cares? Death’s gonna catch up with me anyway," he said, yanking his arm free. Without another word, he threw himself over the railing, diving into the water. At that moment, nothing else mattered. His thoughts were consumed by one thing: saving Aleah. He didn’t care what happened to him."Zen!" Kimberly yelled, clutching the ship’s railing as Hunter disappeared into the waves. Rafael and the others started toward the railing, but before they could get closer, Helen’s and Kimberly’s men swarmed in, blocking their path.Hun
"Kimberly! Dr. Helen!" Aleah's voice shot out, filled with shock, as the men who had grabbed her dragged her onto a ship. There they were—Kimberly and Dr. Helen, waiting as if they'd planned this all along. Her eyes darted between the two, disbelief clear in her expression. "What do you want from me? Why did you bring me here?"Kimberly stepped forward, her voice dripping with smugness. "The only way for Zen to be with me is if you… disappear.""Disappear?" Aleah repeated, her brows furrowing as her confusion quickly gave way to anger."Yes. If you’re out of the picture, Zen won’t have a reason to stay with his so-called family. He’ll come back to me." Kimberly’s lips curled into a sly grin. "We belong together. We’re soulmates."Aleah let out a dry laugh, her voice sharp. "Soulmates? Seriously? And ‘fake family’? Do you even hear yourself?" She took a step closer, glaring at Kimberly. "If you’re really
At Aleah's house, Rafael and Claire showed up with a couple of Hunter's old Astral Guardians crew. Rafael broke the news—Aleah was missing, and nobody had a clue where to start looking. The clock ticked into the night, but they were still stuck."You think something bad happened to her?" Elara asked, worry written all over her face."Let’s hope not," Claire said softly. "We don’t even know where Hunter is," she added, casting a glance at Rafael. "Still no word about---""Don’t mention that coward!" Antonio snapped suddenly, his voice cutting through the tension like a blade. Everyone turned to him, startled. Claire shot a look at Rafael, who just shrugged. Clearly, no one had any idea why Antonio had it out for the Alpha."We should wait a bit before reporting this as a missing person case," Trisha suggested, trying to calm everyone down."While we wait, let’s hit up the spots she usually goes to," Charles said. "And get in touc
"Guiller!" Don Antonio called out as he walked back into the cell. He froze for a second, spotting Guiller with a gun aimed squarely at Hunter's head. Hearing the old man's voice, Guiller turned, and even Hunter, who seemed ready to embrace his end, glanced at him."Hold up," Antonio said, keeping his voice calm. He locked eyes with Guiller. "I'm not stopping you because I've had a change of heart. There's just something more important I need from you. Killing him can wait.""What’s up?" Guiller asked, lowering the gun slightly."My granddaughter’s missing," Antonio replied. The weight of his words hit Hunter like a truck. He blinked, then shot a look at the older man."What happened to Aleah?" Hunter said, standing and pressing a hand to his side. His voice wavered between panic and pain. Both Guiller and Antonio whipped their heads toward him, surprised."Why do you care? It’s none of your business anymore," Antonio snapped. His tone was