Aleah narrowed her eyes at him. “Better? How is that a good thing? Now we have no way of finding out who’s behind all this!”
Hunter let out a deep breath and put his hand on her head in a comforting gesture. “Stop trying to be a detective, okay? That’s my job. You just stay out of it and let me handle this.” His touch was light, but it still sent Aleah’s heart racing. She hated how easily he could make her feel this way.Rafael joined them, looking serious. “Alpha Hunter, there’s no CCTV in this area either. Whoever’s doing this knows exactly how to avoid getting caught. They pick their spots carefully.”Dennis followed behind Rafael, his face tense as he silently joined the group."Looks like trouble just keeps finding its way into your life, Captain," Dennis said with a mix of frustration and sarcasm. "It’s not just Aleah in danger anymore—now it’s your family and hers. How longStill no word on where Giovanni is?" Aleah asked Hunter, glancing at him as he drove toward their university. Ever since the incident, he’d been picking her up and dropping her off. He even had people keeping an eye on the campus. Hunter always warned her not to underestimate Giovanni. The guy was a pro at terrorist tactics and knew all the tricks."It’s tough to track someone who doesn’t want to be found," Hunter said, keeping his eyes on the road. "If he wants to show up, he will. I’m the one he’s after, so sooner or later, he’ll make his move.""What about Dr. Stuart? What’s going on with her?" Aleah asked."They’ve taken him to the national defense office," Hunter replied. "He’s just waiting for the FBI to pick him up. Security around him is tight—Giovanni’s bound to try something to get him out.""Do you ever regret standing against them? They’re your family, after all. They’re the
"Playing the hero again, Zen? Letting your little wife escape. Does your life mean nothing to you?" Giovanni snarled, his voice dripping with venom. Suddenly, his eyes shifted, glowing a menacing red. It was the first time Zen had seen Giovanni’s transformation, and it was clear—his anger had reached its breaking point."You’re testing my patience! And for that, I’ll make sure to tear you apart," Giovanni growled, his voice low and dangerous."Even if I explained, you wouldn’t understand," Hunter replied, his tone calm but firm."I’ll show you just how weak you are, Zen. Your ties to these fragile mortals will be the reason for your early death," Giovanni spat, his words laced with contempt.Hunter didn’t notice one of Giovanni’s men sneaking up behind him. The attacker struck, catching Hunter off guard and forcing him to his knees. As Hunter tried to stand, another man pressed a club against his neck, pinning him d
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
"Playing the hero again, Zen? Letting your little wife escape. Does your life mean nothing to you?" Giovanni snarled, his voice dripping with venom. Suddenly, his eyes shifted, glowing a menacing red. It was the first time Zen had seen Giovanni’s transformation, and it was clear—his anger had reached its breaking point."You’re testing my patience! And for that, I’ll make sure to tear you apart," Giovanni growled, his voice low and dangerous."Even if I explained, you wouldn’t understand," Hunter replied, his tone calm but firm."I’ll show you just how weak you are, Zen. Your ties to these fragile mortals will be the reason for your early death," Giovanni spat, his words laced with contempt.Hunter didn’t notice one of Giovanni’s men sneaking up behind him. The attacker struck, catching Hunter off guard and forcing him to his knees. As Hunter tried to stand, another man pressed a club against his neck, pinning him d
Still no word on where Giovanni is?" Aleah asked Hunter, glancing at him as he drove toward their university. Ever since the incident, he’d been picking her up and dropping her off. He even had people keeping an eye on the campus. Hunter always warned her not to underestimate Giovanni. The guy was a pro at terrorist tactics and knew all the tricks."It’s tough to track someone who doesn’t want to be found," Hunter said, keeping his eyes on the road. "If he wants to show up, he will. I’m the one he’s after, so sooner or later, he’ll make his move.""What about Dr. Stuart? What’s going on with her?" Aleah asked."They’ve taken him to the national defense office," Hunter replied. "He’s just waiting for the FBI to pick him up. Security around him is tight—Giovanni’s bound to try something to get him out.""Do you ever regret standing against them? They’re your family, after all. They’re the
Aleah narrowed her eyes at him. “Better? How is that a good thing? Now we have no way of finding out who’s behind all this!”Hunter let out a deep breath and put his hand on her head in a comforting gesture. “Stop trying to be a detective, okay? That’s my job. You just stay out of it and let me handle this.” His touch was light, but it still sent Aleah’s heart racing. She hated how easily he could make her feel this way.Rafael joined them, looking serious. “Alpha Hunter, there’s no CCTV in this area either. Whoever’s doing this knows exactly how to avoid getting caught. They pick their spots carefully.”Dennis followed behind Rafael, his face tense as he silently joined the group."Looks like trouble just keeps finding its way into your life, Captain," Dennis said with a mix of frustration and sarcasm. "It’s not just Aleah in danger anymore—now it’s your family and hers. How long
Sebastian shouted, "Who are you?!" as the man yanked open the car door. He had been heading to Bryant Shopping Mall when a motorcyclist suddenly appeared, blocking his car. The bike skidded to a stop in front of them, forcing the driver to hit the brakes. Then, out of nowhere, the man on the motorcycle pulled out a gun and shot Sebastian's driver, the bullet shattering the windshield and striking him square in the head. Sebastian froze, unable to move. Before he could even think, the man was at the car, flinging open the back door and shoving a gun in his face. He didn’t say a word, not even a glare. Instead, he opened the driver’s door, dragged out the lifeless body, and climbed into the driver’s seat himself. As the man started the car, he glanced over at Sebastian, eyes cold and sharp, and aimed the gun at him—a silent warning to stay still if he wanted to live. The car roared to life, speeding away, leaving the motorcycle behind like discarded trash. Sebastian managed
“Where’s Aleah?” Sebastian asked as everyone gathered at the Headquarters. Elara and Darylle showed up, but Aleah was still a no-show. Hunter walked over with Rafael and a few other members of the Astral Guardians trailing behind. Sebastian and Damian turned to him as he arrived.“Xen, what’s going on? Your wife knows she’s supposed to be here, right?” Sebastian asked, raising an eyebrow.“She’s probably on her way,” Hunter said, though deep down, he had no clue why Aleah had been avoiding him. It wasn’t like he’d seen her much after he got out of the hospital. Was she still mad at him, or had he messed up again without realizing it? He had no answers.The ceremony kicked off, celebrating Hunter and his team for their success in capturing Giovanni's group. Everyone seemed excited about the recognition.“Do you think something’s up with Aleah?” Darylle whispered to Elara as t
ALeah! Why are you still here? Aren’t you supposed to be heading to the hospital? Hunter’s getting out today, isn’t he?” Elara asked, surprised to see her daughter coming down the stairs at Darylle’s house. While Hunter was recovering in the hospital, Aleah had been staying with Darylle.Elara had noticed Aleah wasn’t visiting Hunter much. Every time she’d ask, Aleah would say she was tied up with schoolwork—projects piling up as the semester came to an end. But even Hunter himself had asked about her during one visit, wondering why Aleah seemed distant. No one could figure out what was going on.“Morning, Ma! Morning, Director Kim!” Aleah greeted her mom and Darylle, planting quick kisses on their cheeks before settling into a chair at the dining table. The two were already halfway through breakfast.“You know, the Alpha king invited Hunter’s family to the Palace today,” Darylle said, bitin
Aleah!" Elara’s voice rang out in worry as she rushed into the hospital with Sebastian and Damian in tow. Inside the room, Aleah was perched on one bed, while Hunter snoozed on the one next to her. His wound had been treated, the bandages neatly in place. The doctor had stressed he needed proper rest. But still—why had he suddenly had complications? And who on earth discharged him without even bothering to check with his doctors?"Lei, you’re okay now. What happened to you, kiddo? Are you alright? Is anything hurting?" Elara asked, hurrying over to her daughter. Her hands fluttered to Aleah’s face, her eyes scanning her daughter like she was checking for any hidden cracks."I’m fine, Ma," Aleah said, flashing her mom a faint smile. Hearing those words, Elara let out a breath she didn’t even know she was holding and pulled Aleah into a tight hug."It’s such a relief to see you safe, Aleah," Sebastian said warmly, a gentle smile
Kimberly couldn’t believe what she was seeing—one by one, the people around her dropped to the ground. Before she could process it, Guiller’s armed group stormed in. They closed in on Kimberly, grabbing her without hesitation.“Well, Giovanni, it’s just you now. Give it up,” Guiller ordered.“Ha! You think I’ll surrender that easily? Don’t forget, I’ve got your wife—and the lives of everyone in that hospital—under my thumb,” Giovanni shot back, smirking.Hunter stood firm. “Nice try, but you can’t scare me with that. My team’s already at the hospital, disarming your bomb as we speak,” he countered.“Oh, really?” Giovanni sneered, taking a step back with Aleah in tow. “Fine, I’ll give you that. But don’t think for a second this ends here. I always have the last laugh.”As Giovanni dragged Aleah closer to the edge of a cliff
"How long are you planning to keep me locked up in here?” Aleah snapped as Kimberly strolled into the room. The last thing Aleah remembered was being taken by Kimberly and Giovanni to some place Kimberly claimed was their origin along with Hunter. Kimberly had made it clear she was going to take Hunter back. Then boom—everything went black after she got whacked on the back of her neck. When she woke up, she was stuck in this room, with Giovanni and Kimberly taking turns bringing her food.Escape? Not happening. The windows were barred, even the bathroom ones. And her phone? Long gone—Giovanni had snatched it before they left the country. Now Aleah had no idea where she was. Every time she peeked out the window, all she saw was a massive stretch of ocean. It reminded her of that other time Giovanni kidnapped her. He’d taken her to this cliffside house with nothing but endless water below.“When I finally get Zen back, I’ll send you home.