"I see you're still awake," Hunter said as he entered their room, his footsteps soft yet deliberate. He caught sight of Aleah sitting on the terrace, her gaze fixed on the night sky outside the mansion. The stars shimmered above, but there was a heaviness in her expression that Hunter couldn't ignore. Even from afar, he could sense the turmoil in her thoughts—she was reliving the events that had unfolded, pondering every detail with a weight in her heart.
"It's cold out here; why don't you come inside and rest?" Hunter suggested gently as he walked over, taking the seat beside her. He placed a glass of milk on the small table between them, the warm drink a silent offering of comfort. Aleah's eyes flickered briefly toward the glass, her lips pressing into a faint line. Did Hunter know she'd be awake? Was that why he had gone out of his way to bring the milk? "I'm not a child anymore to be drinking milk," Aleah remarked, her voice soft but edged with a tinge of irritation. YThe next day, Hunter and Aleah went to the hospital to visit Missy and her mother. The atmosphere was heavy with concern as they entered the building. They met with the doctor attending to the family, who greeted them with a reassuring yet serious demeanor. He informed them that Mario was now out of danger after the incident and only needed rest to recover fully. Missy and her mother were also showing signs of improvement. However, Missy's mother, Donna, remained in a fragile state. She often appeared lost in thought, and the nurses reported episodes of hysteria. The doctor suggested they consult a psychiatrist to address her mental health. “We had to separate her from her daughter,” the doctor explained gravely. “She once attacked the child and tried to harm her. She kept saying she wanted to end their suffering as mother and daughter.” His voice softened as they approached Donna's room. She was sitting by the window, her gaze fixed on the world outside, her expression vacant.
Aleah was utterly shocked when Donna's body suddenly fell in front of her. Blood splattered across the cement, with some droplets landing on her feet. She stood frozen, unable to move, paralyzed by the overwhelming shock. Her eyes remained fixed on Donna's lifeless body lying on the ground. For a few moments, Aleah stared blankly, her mind struggling to process the reality of what had just happened. As the realization sank in, she opened her mouth to scream, but before she could, someone suddenly pulled her away from the scene, turning her away from the body and wrapping her in an embrace. Her face pressed against a broad chest, and she felt strong arms encircle her protectively. “Don’t look,” a voice said softly. Hearing the familiar voice, Aleah tilted her head upward to see who was holding her. It was Dennis. This was the scene Hunter witnessed as he looked down from the rooftop to check on Donna. Seeing Aleah in Dennis’s arms, a surge of irritation coursed through
"Alpha?" Dennis muttered in confusion upon hearing what Claire said as they greeted the young man. It was the first time he’d heard such a term. Could 'Alpha' be a rank in the armed forces? He observed Hunter’s men and thought they seemed unusually skilled, far more than just regular soldiers."It looks like her husband is already awake and searching for both the girl and his wife," Claire remarked."Missy? She isn't safe with him," Aleah suddenly exclaimed. "We need to act—he can't see Missy," she added urgently, her voice trembling as she grabbed Hunter's arm. Dennis noticed the young woman’s reaction."You’re shaking and yet, you’re still worrying about someone else," the young man said to her."I’m not trembling," Aleah protested."Yeah, sure," Dennis replied skeptically, ruffling Aleah’s hair teasingly, though she quickly brushed his hand away in annoyance. Dennis felt irritated by the scene unfolding befo
"I hope you don’t mind, but I don't think it’s a good idea for you to visit Grandpa’s house dressed like that," Hunter remarked as they arrived at his home on the campgrounds. Instead of taking Aleah to the Guevarra family's house as originally planned, he decided to bring her to his place instead."I don’t feel like going there either," Aleah replied softly, turning her gaze out the window. She could already imagine Aunt Melissa's scolding remarks, and frankly, she wasn’t in the mood to face that.While staring out the window, Aleah noticed something unusual—a woman was standing outside their gate accompanied by a soldier."Are you expecting someone?" she asked, glancing curiously at Hunter."No," Hunter replied, his brows furrowing. "What do you mean?""Someone is waiting by the gate," Aleah clarified, nodding toward the figure outside.Hunter followed her gaze and immediately looked toward the gate. His expression
"Aren’t you happy that we still have family? I’m happy staying with Ate Aleah and Kuya Hunter, but it’s different when we’re with our own family, isn’t it?" Dahlia said softly, her words striking a chord in the room. Aleah bit her lip, struggling to contain her emotions after hearing Dahlia's heartfelt words."You have to decide, Ramil. Your siblings will follow whatever you choose," Hunter said calmly. "Whatever decision you make, we’ll support you. But make a decision that you’ll have fewer regrets about.""If we go with you," Ramil began, his voice steady but firm, "can you promise me that my siblings won’t cry or be sad anymore? After everything they’ve been through, I won’t allow anyone to hurt them again.""Why else would I go through all this effort to find you?" Marisol responded, her voice filled with sincerity. "Of course, you’re my family. I will do everything I can to make sure you’re
When they arrived at her grandfather's mansion, the first thing they noticed was the presence of police officers in the grand living room. Daniella, Melissa, Albert, and even her grandfather were there, and his expression was unmistakably filled with anger. It was the first time police officers had ever set foot inside the mansion, making his fury palpable.As Aleah and Hunter stepped into the lavish room, Aleah immediately sensed the intense gazes of everyone in attendance turning toward her. Instinctively, her hand sought the sleeve of Hunter's jacket, gripping it tightly as if seeking comfort or stability in that moment of unease.“Captain, Sir,” said one of the two officers, standing straight and saluting Hunter. Hunter immediately recognized them—they were the same officers from the precinct on the day of the incident. They were also the ones Dennis had entrusted with the knife used in the crime. Hunter returned their salute, his expression calm but
"Alpha Hunter!" Claire exclaimed in surprise as Hunter entered Missy's private room. Rafael was present at the time, having taken over for Trisha. Claire was there to check the child's vitals and ensure she had fallen asleep. The child had been crying endlessly because of what happened to her mother, and no one could comfort her."How is she?" Hunter asked, his gaze shifting to the sleeping child."She's finally asleep now. It's good that she could rest, but she still refuses to speak. As for Mario, he's close to being discharged. He's regained his strength after the operation," Claire replied."I’ve already asked Trisha and Joyril to investigate the two policemen you mentioned. I’ve also ordered an investigation into the missing evidence," Hunter said firmly."If this child won't speak and the knife remains missing, Aleah will surely be in danger," Rafael said, his voice full of concern. "By the way, how is she?" he asked."She’s not doing
I'm glad to hear that man has finally been caught," Dennis said as he visited the hospital where Missy was staying. In just a few more days, the child would be discharged. She seemed happy, especially with the attention and care they were giving her. Dahlia had been visiting as well, and it seemed she was slowly recovering, even though they all knew she was still grieving the loss of her mother."I'm sorry I couldn’t do much for you," Dennis admitted, his voice tinged with regret. "Even though people call me a genius and my father is a judge, I wasn’t able to do anything to help you.""Don't think like that," Aleah said with a reassuring smile. That smile—so warm and radiant—made Dennis pause. Why couldn’t he take his eyes off her face?"Ah, by the way, have I mentioned that Dahlia’s aunt is planning to adopt Missy? They’re already working on the paperwork so she can bring Missy into their family. Isn't that wonderful—"
The members of the Astral Guardian carefully infiltrated a cargo vessel as part of a joint mission with the Navy. They moved cautiously, ensuring that they made no noise that might alert the kidnappers inside. Within the cargo vessel, three male hostages were being held. The Navy members located a container where the captives were confined.Since the container was locked, one member had to shoot the lock to open it. Once the lock was broken, another Navy member forcefully kicked the door open. The hostages were visibly shocked to see the Navy members standing before them.One of the hostages blinked in disbelief as the Navy members appeared in the doorway."We're getting you out of here," one of the Navy officers said firmly, already moving to help the nearest man to his feet.“We need to move. Now,” another hissed, scanning the area. “They’ll know we’re here any second.”Without hesitation, their leader barked, “Hel
"He's not gonna make it, is he?" Elara asked Aleah, watching the families on the school grounds snapping pictures. Today was Aleah's graduation day, but something felt missing.Aleah glanced at the scene, her gaze lingering on the happy faces. "I don't know, Mom," she said softly, biting her lip as she scanned the crowd.“Don’t tell me your husband’s off saving the world again?” Dennis said as he walked toward them, his suit crisp and a bouquet of flowers in hand.Aleah’s eyes met his. "Dennis," she greeted quietly."For you," Dennis said, offering the bouquet with a grin. "Seriously, though. I heard he just got out of the hospital. Is he really off on another mission already? Seems like he’d rather save strangers than be here for you."Before Aleah could reply, Rafael joined them with Claire and their child in tow. "Hey, he’ll be here soon," Rafael said confidently, giving Aleah a warm smile.Seeing them, Aleah
The birthday party for Daniella and Zane’s child came to an abrupt end when a frantic call from the hospital informed them that Hunter was in the operating room. Without wasting a second, they raced to the hospital, where the Vice Admiral and two of his men were waiting.Aleah froze the moment her eyes landed on the Vice Admiral. The world around her seemed to stop, her body going icy cold—especially when she noticed the blood staining the hands and uniforms of his men.“What happened to Hunter?” Daniella and Zane demanded, their voices sharp with worry. The Vice Admiral shook his head, refusing to share any details. “The doctors have been working for almost six hours now. His injuries are... serious. Even though he should’ve been able to heal himself, the wounds are too severe this time.”He continued, his voice grim, “He was shot. One hit his body, but the worst—we think—might’ve hit his head.”
A young man was running frantically, dodging gunfire from men on motorcycles and a pickup-style jeep. Explosions erupted behind him as he sprinted, forcing him to quicken his pace to evade his relentless pursuers. The chase led to a beach, where the explosions continued to trail him. One of the men in a car aimed a rocket launcher at him, causing the young man to dive just as the rocket exploded behind him. He landed on the ground, unconscious and bleeding from a head wound.The pursuers stopped a short distance away, and one of them ordered two men to check if the young man was still alive. They approached him, turned him over with their feet, and saw blood streaming from his head, along with wounds on his side and shoulder. Noticing his faint breathing, one of them cocked his gun, ready to end the young man's life.Just as the trigger was about to be pulled, the sound of a helicopter filled the air, followed by gunfire targeting the men on motorcycles and in the car. One
Before they headed back home, Hunter and Aleah made the most of their time together on their honeymoon. After three long years apart, Hunter wanted to make sure Aleah never felt insecure, even with the new mission looming ahead. She would always be his number one—he promised her that in a letter three years ago."Morning, love," Hunter greeted with a bright smile as he walked into their room. Aleah couldn't help but beam when she saw him carrying a breakfast tray with a single white rose resting on top. When she woke up and found his side of the bed empty, she thought he’d left for his mission—gone without a word, as his top-secret missions usually demanded. The Vice Admiral’s visit had left her half-expecting it. She had even braced herself to go home alone. But there he was.Hunter set the tray on the bed, picking up the rose with a grin. "Breakfast in bed, madam."Aleah raised an eyebrow, a playful smile tugging at her lips. "What’s th
Ahem." The throat-clearing sliced through the sweet moment between the couple. Hunter and Aleah both turned to find its source. Aleah’s eyes rounded when she saw a man she didn’t recognize. He wore a spotless white uniform—the kind Navy officers wore, if Aleah had to guess. Her eyes caught on the insignia on his shoulder. Two younger men stood behind him, their stances stiff, their outfits screaming “military.”"Alpha Hunter," the man in white said as he saluted, sharp and precise. The two men behind him followed suit. Hunter helped Aleah up gently before returning the gesture."Vice Admiral Salvacion," Hunter replied, his tone calm but alert."Sorry to crash your vacation," Salvacion said, extending his hand to Hunter.Hunter hesitated, glancing at Aleah. She didn’t say anything, just quietly watched the exchange, her expression unreadable. Hunter’s gut churned—whatever the Vice Admiral was here for, it wasn’
The casual gesture made her feel warm and safe as they strolled toward the hotel restaurant. As they sat down to eat, the relaxed atmosphere was interrupted by the sudden appearance of a woman.“Hi! You’re the guy from the beach earlier, right?” the woman asked, her voice far too enthusiastic. Aleah and Hunter both turned toward her, startled by her abruptness.“I know this might sound weird, but... can I sit with you guys?” the woman asked directly, not even attempting subtlety.Seriously? Aleah’s brows twitched, and she had to fight the urge to roll her eyes. The woman’s boldness was almost laughable.“S-sure,” Hunter stammered, clearly caught off guard. The woman didn’t hesitate, slipping into the empty chair at their table as though she belonged there.Aleah’s eyes narrowed, her gaze boring into Hunter like lasers. Hunter gulped, clearly realizing his mistake. Yep, he’d definitely ma
When Hunter came back to their room after handling the unruly guest, he spotted Aleah already asleep on the bed. He quietly placed the wine and glass on the table, a small gift from the hotel manager for his efforts earlier. Hunter moved closer, sitting beside his wife. He carefully brushed her hair off her face, smiling softly as he adjusted her blanket."Sleep well, my love," he whispered, pressing a gentle kiss to her cheek before standing again. He walked to the table, poured himself a glass of wine, and stepped onto the terrace."How am I supposed to sleep?" he muttered under his breath, leaning back in his chair. The wine glass and bottle sat untouched on the side table. Opening the bottle, he poured a little wine, swirled it around, and took a sip."A honeymoon under the stars, yet here I am drinking wine on my own," Hunter said, frustration coloring his voice. His thoughts drifted to the commotion earlier and the guest's horrible timing—interrupting the
"Wow!" Aleah gasped, eyes wide as they stepped into Hunter's hotel room. The soft glow of scented candles flickered around the room, casting a warm light over the trail of rose petals leading to the massive bed. The bed was sprinkled with more petals, and the room felt alive with a dreamy, romantic atmosphere that made her heart skip.She turned to Hunter, her brows furrowing. "How... How did you pull this off? We’ve been together all day!"Hunter grinned, his eyes sparkling with mischief. "Magic, babe. You like it?""Like it? I love it. It’s amazing." Aleah whispered, her voice filled with awe.Hunter stepped closer, brushing a finger along her hand. "Glad you do. Now, I’m calling dibs on the shower first." He leaned in just enough to make her breath hitch, his voice dropping to a teasing whisper. "Don’t go anywhere."Aleah froze as he disappeared into the bathroom, her heart pounding so hard she was sure he could hear it. Her gaze d