"Z..en?!” Aleah blurted out in shock as she caught sight of her husband walking into Dennis’ law firm office. What truly made her jaw drop was the young woman clinging to his arm. Just recently, Hunter had saved her from a dangerous businessman, and he’d shared her tragic story with Aleah. Now, it seemed, the woman was under military protection.
“She’s our new client,” Dennis interjected, clearly picking up on the surprise plastered across Aleah’s face.“Thanks for taking this on. You’re the only guy I trust to stand firm, even against a brick wall,” Hunter said, his tone light yet full of confidence in the younger man.“Should I feel flattered or cornered?” Dennis quipped back.“Take it however you want,” Hunter replied with a small smirk, but he subtly shrugged off Aster’s hand when he caught the sharp daggers Aleah was throwing his way.“Let’s move this iHold 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
Accompanied by the officer Hunter had ordered to escort the young woman to the hotel, they arrived at the restaurant reserved by her grandfather for their family's gathering. When they entered, the entire family was already there, waiting for them. As soon as Aleah and the beta officer entered the door, the family members turned their attention toward them."So that's the Demon Alpha? He looks like an average uncle to me," Natasha remarked to Daniella."Good thing I stood my ground and didn't agree to the marriage. If I had, I would've ended up with someone like him," Daniella replied. Aleah glanced at the man beside her. He was dressed in a casual suit. He was older than Hunter and seemed to be in his early thirties. Judging by people's descriptions of the Demon Alpha, he could indeed be mistaken for an ordinary uncle.Aleah then realized that none of her family members had met the real Alpha yet. Like her, they were about to be surprised by what the Alpha truly looked like. She could
"I guess Benj has a point. "So who will it be?” Zane asked, looking at the two elders at the head of the table. Daniella looked at Aleah and gave a small smile, as if to say that she had won this game. “Well, for me, I don’t have anything against who Hunter marries. "What I am after is the promise I made,” Damian said. “But personally, I want to follow the order of their age.I am an old man; of course, I want to see my eldest granddaughter’s child first,” he added. “You have a point there, and besides, Aleah is still young. They have an eight-year age gap with Hunter. That might be a problem for their marriage if I think about it,” Sebastian remarked. “I guess the elders have spoken. I should be the bride of-----” “Permission to speak, sir,” Hunter interjected, cutting off Daniella. He looked at the two elders and then at Aleah, who was surprised when Hunter suddenly took her hand. “Trust me on this,” he whispered to her, leaning in close. He then stepped back and turned to face
"Z..en?!” Aleah blurted out in shock as she caught sight of her husband walking into Dennis’ law firm office. What truly made her jaw drop was the young woman clinging to his arm. Just recently, Hunter had saved her from a dangerous businessman, and he’d shared her tragic story with Aleah. Now, it seemed, the woman was under military protection.“She’s our new client,” Dennis interjected, clearly picking up on the surprise plastered across Aleah’s face.“Thanks for taking this on. You’re the only guy I trust to stand firm, even against a brick wall,” Hunter said, his tone light yet full of confidence in the younger man.“Should I feel flattered or cornered?” Dennis quipped back.“Take it however you want,” Hunter replied with a small smirk, but he subtly shrugged off Aster’s hand when he caught the sharp daggers Aleah was throwing his way.“Let’s move this i
Bursting into the room, Hunter froze. On the bed lay Aster, bruised and battered, her face pale and terrified. She was clutching the sheets desperately, trying to cover herself. Hunter looked away immediately, scanning the room for something she could wear. His eyes landed on a cabinet. He crossed the room, flinging it open to grab one of the polo shirts folded neatly inside.“Here,” he said softly, holding it out to her.Her trembling hands reached for the shirt, but before she could put it on, she collapsed into him, her sobs breaking the silence. Hunter’s chest tightened as he hugged her close, his hand rubbing soothing circles on her back.“You’re safe now,” he murmured, his voice as steady as he could manage. “I’ve got you.” Aster’s sobs started to calm down, though her body still shook. “Can you stand?” Hunter asked gently. She nodded weakly and slipped on the shirt, but as soon as she tried
Mission again?” Aleah asked, catching Hunter just as he ended his call. He had only been back for a day, fresh from his last mission and finally meant to be on vacation. Yet here he was, barely settling in, already being pulled away again.Hunter glanced at her, guilt flashing in his eyes. He hated leaving, especially after they’d just made up. “I’m sorry, Lei,” he said quietly, moving closer to wrap his arms around her.Aleah shook her head, her smile bittersweet. “I get it. You never really stop, do you?” she said softly. “But that’s you—always ready to do what’s right. It’s one of the reasons I fell in love with you.”Hunter sighed, holding her tighter. “It’s Aster, the reporter. She went missing while investigating a drug syndicate. My team’s counting on me to help find her. I have to go.”Aleah’s heart ached, but she managed a small, brave smile.
"Hunter!" Elara gasped, visibly surprised when Hunter stepped into Antonio's mansion. "You’re here to bring your wife home, aren’t you?" she teased, a playful smirk dancing across her lips.Hunter nodded casually, his gaze steady."I heard about your mission," Elara continued, her tone softening. "It was all over the news.""Aleah—where is she?" Hunter’s voice carried a subtle urgency."She’s in her room. Go to her," Elara said, giving him an encouraging look. "You two need to talk. Don’t let a single day pass without working things out. It’s been three weeks, Hunter. Three weeks of distance and silence. And you’ve been away while Aleah’s... you know, carrying your child—""I know," Hunter cut her off, guilt shadowing his expression. "I’m sorry.""You don’t owe me an apology," Elara replied, shaking her head. "She’s waiting upstairs. Go make things right."Hunter gave her
"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