He also instructed them to be the ones to operate it.
“Sir, we should enter the building to disable the bombs around it,” Carlos suggested to the young man.
“No, we can't,” Aleah interjected suddenly, drawing Hunter's attention to her. “I mean, it’s too dangerous. They’ve installed improvised explosive devices which are remote-controlled. They’re also monitoring the whole building. If they detect anyone besides them, they might detonate the explosives,” she explained. Aleah paused when she noticed Hunter and his team looking at her with puzzled expressions, as if they couldn't believe what she was saying.
“Here, see this?” Aleah pointed to a man on the monitor holding a laptop, which was the reason Hunter's team couldn’t connect to the CCTV earlier.
“Who are you, really?” Trish asked abruptly.
“Huh?” Aleah responded, confused by the Captain's question.
“Alpha Hunter, aren’t we doing anything? The longer we wait, the more the hostages' lives
"Mama!” exclaimed Aleah as she arrived at their unit and saw her mother being forcibly evicted by some men. She also noticed some of their belongings outside the unit. She saw one of the men push her mother, causing her to fall. Upon seeing this, Aleah immediately ran towards them.She approached her mother and helped her stand up. "What's happening here? Who are these men?" Aleah asked her mother. But she received no response, as her mother was still in shock from the incident. Aleah decided to approach one of the men who were taking out their belongings."Wait a minute. You can't do this. We own this unit," Aleah said, grabbing the man's arm."You?" said a familiar voice. Aleah turned to see a woman inside the condo. She let go of the man's arm when she saw the woman walking out of their unit."Daniella," Aleah whispered, recognizing the woman. She wasn't surprised to see her sister there. If anyone would do something like this, she knew it would
Aleah exclaimed, "Dalia! Tom---- Ah!" as a man bumped into her while running out of the siblings' house. The impact caused her to drop the grocery bag she was carrying, scattering canned goods and vegetables at the doorway."What was that? Why is he in such a rush, like he's being chased?" Aleah muttered in frustration as she bent down to pick up the scattered groceries. That day, she had visited the two children who had become her close friends. Since she and her mother moved to the flower shop, she befriended the two kids. She often saw them outside the shop, staring longingly. She noticed how frail they looked, as if they hadn't been eating properly.When she got to know them, she learned that their father was an alcoholic who spent all their money on drinking and gambling, leaving them with little to no food. She also found out that their older sibling were often beaten when they couldn't provide money. Feeling deeply sorry for the siblings, Aleah decided to buy them food that day.
"Why are there so many cars parked outside your shop? Are you and Aunt Elara expecting any visitors?" Hunter asked Aleah as they arrived from the hospital. After successfully arranging for Ramil's transfer to a private hospital room, Hunter decided to drop Aleah off at their family shop so she could get some rest. He left Rafael to look after the two children, ensuring someone was there to care for them.As they approached the shop, the first thing they noticed was the unusual number of cars outside, along with several men in suits standing by the entrance. Aleah glanced at Hunter, puzzled. They weren’t expecting any visitors, and her mother hadn’t been in contact with her old colleagues from the entertainment industry in years. The Guevarra family wouldn't dare come either; her father’s side of the family had kept their distance from them for a long time. But a sinking feeling crossed her mind—it could be her Aunt Melissa causing trouble for her mother again."Maybe someone’s harassi
They were taken in by the elderly man in a grand mansion that resembled a palace. There, Aleah noticed numerous men in suits surrounding the estate. She discovered that her grandfather was no ordinary businessman—he was the leader of a powerful mafia group in Italy. His real name was Antonio De Luna.At the mansion, Antonio recounted the reason he hadn't been with Aleah's mother for 20 years. He was once the Alpha of a pack, but an unexpected tragedy struck, leading to the death of most of his pack members. He was blamed for failing to protect them from a deadly epidemic. The only ones he had managed to save were his own family. This incident was why he never formed another wolf pack, nor was he accepted by any other. Left with no choice, he lived with only his family, became a businessman, and established a powerful mafia group.As for what happened between Antonio and Elara, it was a different story. Antonio couldn’t accept that his daughter wanted to become an actre
"M-marriage?!" exclaimed Aleah in shock when her grandfather told her that before they returned to Italy, he planned for her to marry Giovanni. She looked at the man her grandfather mentioned. She had no complaints about him and saw that her grandfather trusted him completely, but she couldn't understand why the old man wanted her to marry a man she barely knew. She had just met him, and now her grandfather had decided on their marriage. She had avoided one arranged marriage, and now here came another one she needed to escape."Why?" Rafael asked Hunter as the latter suddenly froze at the door and looked at the table where Aleah, Elara, her grandfather, and a young man, whom Rafael had never seen before, were seated. He also heard what Aleah said, which made him stop in his tracks. Hunter's eyes narrowed at what he overheard. Did he hear it correctly? Were they discussing marriage? His gaze shifted to the young man with them. Hunter couldn't understand, but he felt an energy
As her grandfather exited the restaurant, Aleah let go of the young man's hand and sighed deeply. Thankfully, her grandfather believed her and didn’t ask further questions. She wasn’t surprised though—after all, her grandfather wouldn’t object. Hunter was, undoubtedly, an excellent choice: not only did he come from a reputable family, but he was also an Alpha leader.“That was close. Thank you,” Aleah said, turning to the young man.“So now you’re using me to reject a marriage proposal?” Hunter said, his gaze shifting back to her.“I didn’t know you were that bold,” Claire’s friend remarked. “You’ve accepted his rejection, and now you—”“I know I was impulsive,” Aleah cut in, admitting, “I didn’t think things through. All I know is—I don’t want to be trapped in another messy arranged marriage.” She turned to Hunte
Did you not know?" Melissa exclaimed to Alfredo when Daniella revealed to their family what she had learned from Zane. The young man had told her that his grandfather was preparing to meet Aleah's grandfather. Hunter had also informed them that he and Aleah were planning to get married, and Aleah's grandfather wished to talk to their family."No wonder those two haven’t been coming here—they’ve been plotting against our family all along," Melissa remarked. "See? We shouldn’t have welcomed them here in the first place," she added."Maybe they really are in love," Amanda said. "Think about it—they called off the wedding because of Hunter’s job, but in the end, they’re still getting married," she continued."You actually believe that, Aunt?" Natasha asked sarcastically. "Just think about it—Hunter is a high-ranking Alpha, and their pack is close to the Alpha King, while Aleah is an illegitimate child. Who would believe they truly love each other? Hunter is known as
"Alpha, someone’s looking for you,” said a soldier who encountered Hunter while he was entering his office. The soldier saluted him before speaking. Hunter noticed the confusion on the young Alpha’s face. “She’s at the main gate now. We haven’t let her in yet just in case-----”“Who is she?” Hunter asked.“The young woman who came here the other day,” the soldier replied.“Send her in,” Hunter instructed before heading into his office.“Yes, Alpha!” the soldier responded, saluting before rushing to the main gate to fetch Aleah.When Aleah entered Hunter’s office, she glanced around. It looked the same as it did the last time she had visited. Hunter was at his desk, reading some files. It was also the first time she saw him wearing spectacles. When he noticed her entrance, he immediately set down what he was reading, removed his glasses, stood up from his
"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
“Is there anything you’d like to eat?” Hunter asked, his tone soft and thoughtful as he looked at Aleah. She shook her head lightly, her lips forming a faint smile.“Please, don’t worry about me. I’m really not hungry yet,” Aleah replied, her voice gentle as she turned her gaze toward Jestina and Dave.“That’s a shame. Alpha’s cooking shouldn’t go to waste,” Dave remarked, eyeing the dishes before them.“Don’t mind me—enjoy the meal,” Aleah said simply.“Are you absolutely sure there’s nothing you’d like?” Hunter asked again, his fingers brushing hers gently as he reached for her hand. Jestina and Dave exchanged a glance, quietly noting the intimate bubble the couple seemed to share.“Tama si Alpha Hunter,” Jestina chimed in cheerfully, leaning forward slightly. “It’d be such a waste if you don’t eat. If I were
You’re the first person to say that. I remember someone once saying this house screams way too much of—” Hunter stopped mid-sentence as his eyes landed on Aleah. Her sharp glare was all it took to silence him. For a moment, he froze, then bit back a grin at the fierce expression on her face. She looked adorable when she was mad, though he didn’t dare say that out loud.“Really?” Aleah chimed in, her voice sweet but with a subtle edge. “Sounds like that person didn’t know the first thing about good interior design,” she said, her smile polite but pointed.“Think so?” Hunter replied, a playful smirk tugging at his lips as he glanced at Aleah, who was trying hard to keep her irritation under wraps.“Can we check out the second floor?” Dave cut in, breaking the exchange between the two.“Sure, let’s go,” Hunter said, motioning toward the stairs. But as Aleah moved to lead
Hunter's voice cut through the quiet hum of the yard. "Hey, what are you up to?" he asked, his brows furrowing as he spotted Aleah crouched among the grass, trimming away.She paused mid-snip, turning to him with a sheepish smile. "Just cutting some grass. It’s gotten too wild. Mang Ponce called earlier—his wife is sick, so they can’t make it today. I figured I’d handle it. It’s not a big deal."Hunter sighed, shaking his head as he walked closer. "Aleah," he said, his tone soft but firm, "you shouldn’t be doing this, not when you’re carrying our baby." He gently took the trimmer from her hands and helped her to her feet, his touch warm and protective. "Your body isn’t just yours right now, you know," he added, his hand settling lovingly over her belly.Aleah rolled her eyes but couldn’t suppress a smile. "You always worry too much," she teased. "It’s just a bit of grass. I’m fine—"Before sh
When Aleah stepped into Hunter's house, she was greeted by all their friends, including Francis, whose face lit up at the sight of her.“Aunt Aleah! You’re safe! I’m so sorry I couldn’t do anything to protect you,” Isaac said, his voice laced with guilt. “But I promise, I’ll start learning martial arts right away. Next time, I’ll be the one keeping you safe.”Aleah smiled warmly, holding his hand. “That’s so sweet of you, Isaac. I’m just glad we’re all okay.”Francis approached them, his gratitude shining through his words. “Aleah, because of your courage, my family and I are safe. I owe you more than I could ever repay.”“Thank you for everything, Aleah,” Aurora added, stepping closer with a bright smile. Aleah nodded at them, her heart full of gratitude.“Some things never change, huh?” Elara teased with a knowing smile as she looked at h