Giovanni smirked, his confidence soaring as victory seemed within his grasp. Guiller shot up from his seat, his face pale as he watched the masked man struggle. "Him?!" Giovanni exclaimed, standing abruptly as the brute ripped off the wolf mask. The crowd gasped as the face behind the mask was revealed. Aleah’s hands flew to her mouth, tears streaming down her cheeks as she recognized the man beneath it.
"Looks like your husband decided to show up," Giovanni sneered, turning his gaze to Aleah. "What a clever way to throw his life away. He should’ve stayed where he belonged, far away from this world."Giovanni’s grin widened as he addressed the crowd. "What a foolish Alpha. Did he forget this place is a den of rogues? His whole life, he’s hunted them down, and now he’s walked straight into their lair. Does he really think they’ll let him leave alive? They’ll tear him apart, piece by piece. He’s no tactician—just a sheepGiovanni and his group were handed over to the Italian police by Guiller’s team. Investigations into Giovanni’s other associates and his illegal activities, including the underground fighting arena, were launched. Meanwhile, Hunter was rushed to the hospital.When Elara and Antonio received the news that Aleah was safe, they immediately went to see her at the hospital. It was there that Aleah learned from her mother that Hunter had left his service to follow her and infiltrated Antonio’s group just to find and rescue her."How’s Hunter doing?" Elara asked as she stepped into the hospital room. Aleah was sitting by Hunter’s bed, her gaze fixed on him as he rested. The young Alpha lay motionless, his face and hands wrapped in bandages from the wounds he had sustained. Although he could heal himself with his Alpha powers, his energy seemed to be completely drained, making recovery slower than usual."He’s just resting now," Aleah repli
Everyone was filled with joy when Hunter and Aleah finally arrived. There was a collective sense of relief and happiness, especially because Aleah had returned safely. The elder members of the family, Sebastian and Damian, couldn’t contain their elation as they saw Aleah walk through the door. Even Benjamin was thrilled to see her, and to witness her standing beside Hunter once more. Everyone in the room was brimming with questions—what had happened to them? Where had they been? But Hunter, ever the reserved figure, simply said, “It doesn’t matter what happened. What matters is that Aleah is safe and home now.”At the grand Bryant mansion, Sebastian’s family had been anxiously awaiting Aleah and Hunter’s arrival. Hunter had informed them earlier that they were on their way, and the anticipation was palpable. When Aleah and Hunter finally stepped through the ornate doors, Aleah was taken aback by the warm reception. Her father rushed to
The Alpha King received a commendation from the President for what you did in Italy. Even the UN forces are proud of your actions. They’re starting to recognize us and the Astral Guardians as allies,” an Alpha said to Hunter, his voice filled with a mix of respect and excitement. It was clear this recognition had sparked hope for their kind. “This could be the beginning of mortals finally accepting our existence,” he added thoughtfully.Hunter had just returned, barely settling in, when he was immediately summoned. There was no time to rest—his actions had rippled across their world and the mortal one.“If only they knew the real reason you went there,” the Alpha continued, his tone dipping into something more knowing. He was referring to Hunter’s capture of Giovanni’s group, an internationally wanted criminal faction responsible for countless crimes. Hunter’s decision to track them down had been personal, driven
Why did you agree to this?" Claire’s voice was sharp as she pulled Aleah aside, her footsteps quick and deliberate as they exited the conference room. The others stayed behind to discuss Kimberly, a mission so classified that only the military and the President were privy to it.Aleah tilted her head slightly, meeting her cousin’s piercing gaze. "Should I have refused?" she asked, her tone even but tinged with uncertainty."Absolutely!" Claire shot back, her frustration evident. "That’s your home, Aleah. You’re married to Alpha Hunter. You have every right to say no."Aleah exhaled, her expression softening. "But she needs help," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. "And the President specifically said that Zen is the only one he trusts for this. I don’t want him to think I’m standing in Zen’s way. That’s not the kind of wife I want to be."Claire threw her hands up in exasperation. "That’s still no exc
"Aleah, you're here!" Michael called out, standing outside their house as he worked on installing the CCTV cameras. The President had required them to set up surveillance around the house to monitor anyone coming in for the safety of the young woman who would be staying with them. Aleah glanced towards the terrace and spotted Charles, who was also busy attaching a camera. She noticed some equipment scattered around the garden as well.She took a step back in surprise when a dog suddenly bolted out of the house. Before it could get close to her, Kimberly quickly scooped it up. Despite this, Aleah sneezed uncontrollably, her reaction immediate from being near the dog."Are you okay?" Kimberly asked, attempting to approach Aleah while holding the dog in her arms. But Aleah backed away, sneezing repeatedly, clearly bothered by the dog's fur and scent."Aleah!" Hunter called out as he rushed over, quickly stepping between Kimberly and Aleah. "I told you not to let your dog
"Why are you frowning?" Dennis asked Aleah as he found her sitting alone in their club room. The list of first-year participants for the mock trial had just been posted, and Aleah was among those selected—a prestigious recognition for a freshman. Dennis knew Aleah had already seen the results, but her downcast expression took him by surprise. He had expected her to be thrilled, knowing how much she'd been looking forward to this moment."The results are out for the mock trial participants. Shouldn't you be happy? Why the long face? Aren't you excited?" Dennis questioned as he took a seat nearby."It's not that I'm unhappy. There's just something on my mind," Aleah replied, glancing up at him briefly. The truth was, she was irritated about what had happened at home earlier that day. The room that used to store the wedding gifts Hunter had received had suddenly been converted into a room for Kimberly. One of the other rooms had been assigned to Hunter's staff, who took
Aleah barely stepped into her grandfather’s mansion when a sharp slap landed on her cheek. She was stunned, still reeling from the unexpected text from Melissa summoning her there. It was the first time Melissa had ever messaged her, and Aleah knew that if Melissa could avoid seeing her, she would. Her mere presence was enough to dredge up painful memories of Melissa’s husband’s infidelity—and worse, the family’s acceptance of his second family.Aleah clutched her stinging cheek, her eyes darting to the furious woman in front of her. What had she done this time? Why was Melissa so angry? Across the room, Natasha stood with her arms crossed, a smug grin plastered on her face, as if she’d been waiting for this moment.“You have no shame,” Melissa spat. “Are you trying to destroy our family? Seducing the fiancé of your husband’s niece? Really?”Aleah blinked, confused. “Seducing who?” sh
Aleah, you're here! Come have some snacks with us," Carlos called out from the garden, where he was hanging out with Joyril, Trisha, Rafael, and Kimberly. But Leah didn’t even glance their way. She just rushed inside the house, heading straight upstairs without a word. The group exchanged baffled looks, their confusion written all over their faces. Leah wasn’t the type to just brush people off like that."What’s up with her? Did something happen?" Joyril asked, turning to Rafael for answers.Rafael just shrugged. "No idea."The truth was, none of them knew. The Alpha himself wasn’t home—he, along with Michael and Charles, had been called away by the Alpha King, leaving the rest to keep Kimberly company.While they were chatting, Rafael’s phone buzzed. It was a message from Claire, telling him that Leah’s grandfather had been rushed to the hospital and was in critical condition. Rafael’s eyes darted toward the house
"What are you saying?!" Aster exclaimed as Rafael and Trisha entered the safe house. They had come to escort her to a new location—a place where she could stay until the case they were working on reached its conclusion. Her eyes found Hunter, full of uncertainty and frustration. He had also mentioned that a different team would now be responsible for her safety, leaving her feeling even more adrift."Alpha Hunter? You promised you wouldn't leave me," she said softly, almost pleading. "What if I… try to take my life again?"Hunter met her gaze, his face unreadable but his voice steady. "That’s your choice, Aster," he replied.The room fell silent as everyone turned to look at him, their Alpha. Aster's heart sank at the weight of his words."I’m sorry for everything that’s happened," Hunter said, his voice gentler now. "I’ve done everything I can to protect you, to give you another chance at life. But if you can’t take eve
When he arrived, the house felt empty. Aleah wasn’t there. Concerned, he asked Charles if Aleah had called or returned to the rest house, but Charles shook his head, saying she hadn’t been back since earlier. Unease settled deep in Hunter’s chest as he recalled Aleah clutching her stomach that morning. He didn’t want to think the worst, but his mind raced with possibilities.He tried calling Dennis’ firm, hoping Aleah might still be there, but Dennis’ response didn’t help ease his worry. “She hasn’t been back since she left,” the lawyer said, his tone clipped.“You’re not looking after your wife, Captain,” Dennis added coldly.“I don’t need advice from you,” Hunter snapped, his frustration spilling over.“If you can’t take care of her, then let her go,” Dennis fired back. “Stop hurting her. She deserves better than you.”“Just s
"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