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.HeThat’s insane! Why would you reopen a case that had long been closed?" exclaimed one of the Alphas Hunter was addressing, his voice rising with frustration. The Alpha King was also present during the discussion. Hunter expresses his intention to take over the case concerning illegal smuggling, which involved an international mafia. The case had been shelved for a long time because, according to the Alphas from other packs, it didn't involve rogues or members of their kind. They were taken aback when Hunter declared his interest in reopening the case. He withheld the fact that he wanted to reopen it due to his nephew's involvement.Another reason Hunter insisted on reopening the case was tied to a previous encounter with the mafia in Italy. He suspected that investigating the case could lead him to the missing lawyer of Aleah's grandfather. Hunter strongly believed that this case was connected to the rogues they had faced. Moreover, there was something about that lawyer th
Aleah's eyes fluttered open, a heavy grogginess still clouding her senses. She blinked a few times, her gaze drawn to the airplane window beside her. The soft, pale light of dawn spilled through the glass, illuminating the clouds below. For a moment, she struggled to process where she was. Then, like a jolt of electricity, it hit her. She wasn’t where she was supposed to be.Her heart raced as she shot to her feet, panic overtaking her. Just hours ago—or was it longer?—she’d been in the waiting room of the headquarters, idly scrolling through her phone, when a soldier approached her. “Miss Aleah, Mr. Hunter has sent for you. He’s already waiting in the car,” the man had said with a professional, almost robotic tone. Trusting the message without question, she followed him out to the sleek black car parked outside. The moment she stepped into the vehicle, a strange dizziness consumed her. She barely had time to register the unsettling sen
"What do you mean, he got involved with a syndicate?” Sebastian exclaimed in shock when Hunter revealed to their family what had happened to Benjamin and why he was in the hospital. Over the past few days, Benjamin’s parents had noticed that he barely came home. If Hunter hadn’t shared what happened to Benjamin, Sebastian might have organized a search party to find him.Benjamin’s parents said that Luke, his father, received a text message about his son, detailing what Benjamin had done. When Luke tried to contact Hunter, he couldn’t reach him. It wasn’t until a hospital staff member called to inform them that Benjamin was in the hospital that they rushed there.“What’s your plan now? How can we help Benjamin? If my grandson is innocent, why are these mafia people after him? And his friend who dragged him into this—do you have any updates?” the elderly man asked.“We’re still trying to find him,&r
Using the information Hunter received from an anonymous sender, he and his team carefully tracked down the remote location where Benjamin's friend was hiding. The friend was not only avoiding capture by the ruthless MAFIA but was also evading law enforcement authorities due to his involvement in questionable activities. His refuge was a dilapidated house tucked away in the farthest corners of a remote province, surrounded by overgrown vegetation and a deafening silence that suggested isolation.Upon reaching the area, Hunter's team worked strategically, positioning themselves to cover all possible exits. They ensured that no route was left uncovered, making it impossible for anyone inside the house to escape unnoticed. Hunter and Rafael volunteered to lead the search and cautiously approached the creaking wooden door of the house. As soon as they opened the door, chaos unfolded. A baseball bat came swinging toward them with frightening speed and force. Hunter’s exceptiona
"How are you?" Hunter asked Benjamin as he entered his hospital room. Benjamin was awake and out of danger. Rafael had already explained to him what had happened, including the capture of his friend, who confessed that he orchestrated the shooting to silence Benjamin."I am feeling better," Benjamin replied. "Officer Ramirez has told me everything." He added, "I never thought you would help me.""Don't get ahead of yourself. I didn't do it to help you. That was just my job," Hunter retorted, walking toward the table filled with fruits. "Your parents were worried about you. You shouldn't have made them worry," Hunter said as he picked up an apple."Were they? What's important to them is always Zane—the good, obedient son who fulfills their dreams," Benjamin remarked."You sound like a jealous ten-year-old," Hunter teased."What? Who's jealous?" Benjamin exclaimed, but he paused when Hunter threw an apple at him. He caught it effortlessly."Tell the
"I already told you! You're not gaining anything from this case. You've thrown away your efforts and achieved nothing worthwhile. You did this solely to save your family member—defying your own principles, Alpha. This behavior is so unlike you," declared another Alpha, their voice laced with disappointment and frustration, as Hunter strode into the Main Headquarters.Summoned by the Alphas, Hunter faced their stern gazes after they discovered his controversial move. The young man had reportedly manipulated the Mafia and the ongoing case, all to rescue his nephew and clear the young man's tarnished reputation.Hunter met their reproachful eyes with unwavering resolve. "I will take full responsibility for my actions," he said firmly, his tone steady and deliberate. "But I hold no regrets in taking on this case. Family or not, Benjamin is still a civilian—one of many to whom we have sworn to serve and protect. I stand by that promise."One Alpha, his expressi
"How do you like the view? It’s beautiful, isn’t it? I chose this place because it offers an unbroken panorama of the ocean,” Giovanni said, his voice smooth, almost too casual, as he strolled into the grand, opulent room. The mansion, perched precariously on the edge of a dramatic cliff, seemed to mirror Aleah’s own sense of vulnerability. The sound of waves crashing against the rocks far below served as a haunting backdrop to the unsettling atmosphere. Giovanni’s presence only magnified Aleah’s unease.“This is an ideal place for couples, don’t you think?” Giovanni continued, setting a tray of food on the ornate table near the window. His lips curved into a smile that Aleah could only describe as insincere—dripping with calculated charm and thinly veiled malice. He approached her with slow, deliberate steps, like a predator closing in on its prey. Aleah instinctively stiffened as he moved closer, dread pooling in her
"Hunter! You’re here!" Elara called out as she ran to meet him at the De Luna mansion in Italy. Her face was a mix of worry and relief. Right behind her was Antonio, sitting in his wheelchair, his sharp eyes locked on the young man.Hunter stepped closer, his expression serious but apologetic. "Sorry for just showing up out of nowhere like this."Elara quickly shook her head. "Don’t worry about that. What matters is you’re here, and we’re going to find Aleah. I’m really grateful for what you’re doing.""You don’t need to thank me. Taking care of her... that’s on me," Hunter said, his voice heavy with guilt. "I should’ve been there. I should’ve kept her safe."Elara placed a hand on his arm, her tone comforting yet firm. "Hunter, it wasn’t your fault. You didn’t want this to happen."Antonio cut in, his voice steady but filled with anger. "Any idea who’s behind this? Who took my gra
"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.