"Big sis Aleah!" Tommy and Dahlia exclaimed joyfully when they saw her waiting outside their school gates. The two children broke into wide grins and waved eagerly. Aleah, noticing their delight, returned the gesture with a warm smile. Her decision to visit their school stemmed from the unsettling incident at the cafeteria earlier that day, as well as her reluctance to return home to the mansion. She knew her Aunt Melissa would be there, and she wasn’t in the mood for an early confrontation. As Tommy and Dahlia reached her, they threw themselves into her arms, their youthful energy lighting up her day. They hugged her tightly, their laughter brimming with excitement.
“How are you both doing?” Aleah asked softly, her voice filled with genuine concern as she gently brushed a lock of hair from Dahlia's face.“We’re fine, but it’s always more fun when you’re with us,” Dahlia said, her eyes twinkling with honesty. Tommy nodded vig"Stay out of it,” Hunter said firmly on the other end of the line. It was the first time he had called since he left, and Aleah felt both surprise and relief upon hearing his voice again. He explained that he hadn’t been able to call earlier due to the sheer amount of work he and his team had to manage. Hunter’s group had been chosen to escort the Alpha King during an international summit in another country—an honor, but also a task that demanded utmost focus and vigilance.Aleah’s heart leaped at receiving his call. It was no easy feat to get hold of Hunter when he was working alongside the Alpha King. She had almost convinced herself that he wouldn’t call at all, especially since he’d seemed upset when he left after a conversation with her grandfather. Hearing his voice now, the joy she felt was undeniable and overwhelming.In her happiness, she found herself sharing the story of the girl she had seen outside the school gate and
Even though Hunter had warned Aleah not to get involved in Missy’s problems, she couldn’t help herself. One day, while visiting Tommy and Dahlia at school again, she saw a man in uniform picking up the child along with her mother. As always, the mother was wearing sunglasses and heavy makeup to hide the bruises on her face. Instead of approaching the children, Aleah decided to follow them.She ended up in a densely populated area, where the houses were crammed together, and many residents were outside. Some were drinking, others chatting, and a few teenagers were playing basketball. She noticed that some people seemed to avoid the man, who was a policeman. Aleah kept a safe distance to avoid being noticed and continued to follow him. She saw the three enter a house. Moments later, she heard noises from inside and the sound of a little girl crying.“I don’t understand why that mother and daughter don’t just leave that man. He treats them like p
Hey! Where are you going?" Dennis called out, concern in his voice as he watched Aleah hurry out of their clubroom. They had just wrapped up an intense brainstorming session for a mock trial case, where their team was chosen to be the defense counsel for the assailant. Everyone was exhausted, but Aleah’s urgency caught Dennis’s attention. She didn’t usually act this way.Dennis quickly grabbed Aleah’s arm just as she reached the door. His brows furrowed, curiosity and confusion evident on his face. Over the past few days, he had noticed her delving into books and articles about children’s and women’s rights, as well as legal cases involving those topics. It wasn’t out of character for Aleah—she’d always taken her law school aspirations seriously. But now, there was something different about her—an intensity in her actions that was hard to ignore.“I’m sorry, Dennis, but I have to go somewhere,&rdqu
Aleah and Dennis arrived at the police station, looking visibly shaken. Dennis surrendered the knife that Donna used to harm Mario, handing it over to the authorities without hesitation. The police immediately began questioning the pair, aiming to uncover the truth behind the incident. Aleah, however, sat silently on a chair, her gaze fixed on her blood-soaked hands. She appeared lost in thought, overwhelmed by the gravity of the situation. Dennis took charge, trying to explain their involvement to the officers.Dennis detailed how their presence at the scene was purely coincidental, as they had no prior connection to the family or the conflict. His voice was firm, but frustration bubbled under the surface as he clarified their side of the story. Aleah overheard the officers discussing Mario, who was revealed to be assigned to that precinct. They spoke highly of Mario, describing him as an excellent officer and a dedicated public servant. The police expressed disbelief at the n
"So, you've gotten yourself into trouble again?" Melissa sharply reprimanded as Hunter and Aleah stepped into the grand hall of the Guevarra mansion. The room’s elegant chandeliers gleamed above them, casting light on the intensity in Melissa's voice. "If Claire hadn’t called us, we wouldn’t even know what happened to you! And now, you’ve ended up at a police station. How long will you continue bringing shame and problems to this family?" she said with a mix of anger and disappointment, her piercing gaze fixed on Aleah."Did you even stop to think about the repercussions this might have on my father? On the family business? The trust the Pack members have placed in your father and grandfather? Do you ever think about anything other than yourself?" Melissa’s voice rose, her frustration evident as she gestured toward the others in the room. Aleah remained silent, her head bowed as she accepted the torrent of anger being directed at her."And why
"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. Y
The 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
"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.