That’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 thAleah'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
A letter arrived at the De Luna mansion, bearing Giovanni's twisted challenge for the group’s new leader. Inside, it laid out a chilling ultimatum: the safety of Antonio's only granddaughter was at stake. If the new leader refused his challenge, Giovanni threatened to kill the girl and send her severed head back to them."That bastard!" Hunter growled, his eyes blazing with fury as he read the letter. But what sent chills down his spine was the contents of the small box that accompanied it. Inside was a severed ring finger, adorned with Aleah’s engagement ring and wedding band.Elara let out a horrified gasp and staggered backward. Before anyone could react, her legs gave way, and she collapsed unconscious. Guiller rushed to her side, trying to wake her.Antonio’s hand trembled as he gripped the edge of his chair. "How could he do this? How could Giovanni stoop so low?" he muttered, his voice barely above a whisper, heavy with pain and rage.Gui
"Alpha?!" exclaimed a task force member, including Rafael, as Hunter and the Vice Admiral arrived at their headquarters. Everyone was visibly shocked and confused. Just last week, the Vice Admiral had informed them that their Alpha was KIA (Killed in Action). But now, standing before them was Alpha—unharmed and very much alive. Their shock was such that it was as if they'd seen a ghost."You're alive?" Rafael asked in astonishment, staring at his friend in disbelief. Hunter responded with a restrained smile."Later. This isn't the time to be stunned. We still have work to do," Hunter said, walking inside. He turned to Charles and added, "Charles, set up everything in the conference room. We have something to discuss." He then approached Charles, tapping his shoulder. Unlike the rest, Charles was the only one unsurprised by the return of the man they had believed to be long gone."Yes, Sir!" Charles responded enthusiastically as he stood up."Hunter, wait!"
"KIA? What do you mean KIA? Who’s KIA?” Aleah’s voice cracked as she stepped into the living room, her eyes darting to Rafael, who was mid-conversation with Sebastian. Charles and Michael were also there, but their usual easygoing demeanor was replaced with somber expressions. It was as if a dark cloud had settled in the room.Hunter hadn’t been home in two weeks. Every time she went to the camp, the soldiers would block her path, telling her the Alpha wasn’t accepting visitors—not even her, his wife. She had tried to be patient, to understand, because deep down, she knew she still had a lot to make up for. But now… this? Her chest tightened as if the air had been sucked out of the room.“Aleah, dear…” Sebastian’s voice was calm but carried the weight of something heavy, something she wasn’t ready to hear.“No, no,” Aleah said, shaking her head as she took a hesitant step forward. &l
"Zen!" Aleah called out, her voice trembling slightly as she followed him off the bus. The weight of his silence during the ride there still hung heavy between them. Even his men, usually talkative, hadn’t dared to utter a word. The tension was thick enough to cut with a knife, and everyone could feel the storm brewing within their Alpha."Alpha Hunter," Aleah tried again, grabbing his hand gently to stop him. He froze at her touch, and for a moment, everyone else around them seemed to hold their breath.“We’ll head inside first,” Charles said, offering a quick salute. The rest of the Astral Guardians followed suit, their movements sharp and disciplined. Hunter returned the gesture with a curt nod, still silent."I’ll prepare the report," Rafael chimed in, saluting his friend. Hunter barely glanced his way, giving a small nod of acknowledgment before they all began filing into the camp.Aleah watched as Hunter pulled his hand from he
Aleah hunched down inside the van, trying to avoid the bullets tearing through. Two men hit the ground, lifeless. Chatles, perched on top of the bus, joined in firing at the attackers. Rafael and Hunter weren’t holding back either.Soon enough, Aleah's kidnappers started dropping one by one. The driver and his buddy in the passenger seat didn’t stand a chance either. Out of nowhere, Aleah gasped as someone yanked her out of the van."Stop! Stop firing!" a SWAT officer shouted, raising his hands. Carlos and his team noticed the man dragging Aleah and signaled for everyone to hold their fire."You piece of—!" Hunter growled, barely keeping his rage in check as he watched the man use Aleah as a human shield. The man dragged her further away from the van, pointing a gun at her head, facing off against Hunter and Rafael."What do you think you’re doing?" Aleah shot at him, her voice steady despite the fear in her chest. "You think they’re
"You’re being reckless again,” Hunter said, pushing himself off the hospital bed and letting go of Aleah’s hand. “You’re shaking, but here you are, worrying about everyone else’s safety instead of your own.”Aleah didn’t reply, but Hunter could see it—she was scared, terrified even. Yet, knowing her as well as he did, he knew she’d never ignore the injustices she witnessed.“What the hell are you doing? Get over here already!” the armed man barked at Aleah, his patience wearing thin. Aleah glanced at him briefly, then turned back to Hunter. The tension in the room was palpable; everyone inside seemed to be holding their breath.“Rafael, are you hearing me?” Hunter said into the device clipped to his ear. He’d been in the emergency room all along, tipped off that Shadow and the Iron Maiden’s operatives might target Claire after learning about Taniya. It had been days of stak
Everyone in the emergency room—doctors, patients—turned their heads in shock at the deafening sound of a gunshot. All eyes shifted to the glass door just as a security guard collapsed outside. Moments later, a man in tactical gear stormed in, dragging another guard who was clearly his hostage.The room froze. Nurses and patient companions panicked, racing toward the door leading to another section of the hospital. But their escape was short-lived as more men blocked the exits, forcing everyone back. With every way out sealed, tension filled the air.“If you don’t want this to be your last day alive, you’ll do exactly as we say,” the masked man barked. His grip on the hostage tightened as he scanned the terrified crowd. “Nobody leaves until we get what we came for. Got it? And to prove we mean business...watch this.”Without hesitation, he jammed a syringe into the neck of the hostage. The guard's eyes widened in terror a
"Claire! Watch out!" Aleah yelled as a woman suddenly dashed onto the road. Startled, Claire slammed on the brakes, sending both of them jerking forward. Luckily, their seatbelts kept them in place. Once the shock wore off, Claire turned to Aleah with wide eyes."Aleah, are you okay? Did you get hurt?" she asked, clearly worried."I’m fine," Aleah said, brushing it off. "But… I think we might’ve hit someone.""I swear, I didn’t mean to!" Claire blurted, panic creeping into her voice."Let’s go check," Aleah said, already getting out of the car. Claire followed quickly. As they rounded the front of the car, they saw a young woman sitting on the road. She looked terrified, her blonde hair and blue eyes immediately marking her as a foreigner."Are you okay? I’m so sorry! I didn’t see you—" Claire said as she approached the woman."Help me," the woman whispered, her voice shaky. Aleah and Claire exchanged une
"Alpha’s not with you?" Claire asked as Aleah walked into the hospital for her check-up. Yesterday, her cousin’s appointment got canceled because of that hostage situation. She was sure Hunter would be with Aleah this time, but seeing her alone was a surprise."He’s busy at work. Don’t worry, I’m fine. My belly’s not that big yet, so I can manage. Besides, I just came from work myself," Aleah said with a light smile before glancing over at the doctors talking to Uncle Luis. "New faces over there?""Yeah, they’re researchers from Scotland. They’re teaming up with the medical staff here to work on a new medicine," Claire explained, stealing a quick look at the doctors chatting with her dad. Just as she finished talking, the group started walking over."I’d like you to meet my doctor, Dr. Claire Ramirez," Uncle Luis said, beaming. "She’s one of the best surgeons we’ve got in this hospital. And I’m no
Oh, Alpha Hunter. Have you been here long?” Trisha asked with a curious look as she walked in, files in hand.Hunter glanced at her briefly before speaking. “No, but you're right on time. I need you to grab the test results from forensics—the one for the new case we're working on. It’s important.”Trisha nodded and headed off without hesitation. Hunter watched her leave for a moment before focusing back on the task at hand.Yesterday, he’d been pulled into an emergency meeting with the Alpha King and Navy Vice Admiral. It had been about the chilling discovery of street kids’ bodies in an abandoned building. The Vice Admiral thought the case tied into Hunter’s earlier work involving the Iron Maiden and a band of pirates.Months ago, Hunter had been sent undercover to an island suspected of being the pirates’ lair. It turned out to be much more than that. The island, dubbed “Death Island,” was actual