"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. YThe 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
"Alpha?" Dennis muttered in confusion upon hearing what Claire said as they greeted the young man. It was the first time he’d heard such a term. Could 'Alpha' be a rank in the armed forces? He observed Hunter’s men and thought they seemed unusually skilled, far more than just regular soldiers."It looks like her husband is already awake and searching for both the girl and his wife," Claire remarked."Missy? She isn't safe with him," Aleah suddenly exclaimed. "We need to act—he can't see Missy," she added urgently, her voice trembling as she grabbed Hunter's arm. Dennis noticed the young woman’s reaction."You’re shaking and yet, you’re still worrying about someone else," the young man said to her."I’m not trembling," Aleah protested."Yeah, sure," Dennis replied skeptically, ruffling Aleah’s hair teasingly, though she quickly brushed his hand away in annoyance. Dennis felt irritated by the scene unfolding befo
"I hope you don’t mind, but I don't think it’s a good idea for you to visit Grandpa’s house dressed like that," Hunter remarked as they arrived at his home on the campgrounds. Instead of taking Aleah to the Guevarra family's house as originally planned, he decided to bring her to his place instead."I don’t feel like going there either," Aleah replied softly, turning her gaze out the window. She could already imagine Aunt Melissa's scolding remarks, and frankly, she wasn’t in the mood to face that.While staring out the window, Aleah noticed something unusual—a woman was standing outside their gate accompanied by a soldier."Are you expecting someone?" she asked, glancing curiously at Hunter."No," Hunter replied, his brows furrowing. "What do you mean?""Someone is waiting by the gate," Aleah clarified, nodding toward the figure outside.Hunter followed her gaze and immediately looked toward the gate. His expression
"Aren’t you happy that we still have family? I’m happy staying with Ate Aleah and Kuya Hunter, but it’s different when we’re with our own family, isn’t it?" Dahlia said softly, her words striking a chord in the room. Aleah bit her lip, struggling to contain her emotions after hearing Dahlia's heartfelt words."You have to decide, Ramil. Your siblings will follow whatever you choose," Hunter said calmly. "Whatever decision you make, we’ll support you. But make a decision that you’ll have fewer regrets about.""If we go with you," Ramil began, his voice steady but firm, "can you promise me that my siblings won’t cry or be sad anymore? After everything they’ve been through, I won’t allow anyone to hurt them again.""Why else would I go through all this effort to find you?" Marisol responded, her voice filled with sincerity. "Of course, you’re my family. I will do everything I can to make sure you’re
When they arrived at her grandfather's mansion, the first thing they noticed was the presence of police officers in the grand living room. Daniella, Melissa, Albert, and even her grandfather were there, and his expression was unmistakably filled with anger. It was the first time police officers had ever set foot inside the mansion, making his fury palpable.As Aleah and Hunter stepped into the lavish room, Aleah immediately sensed the intense gazes of everyone in attendance turning toward her. Instinctively, her hand sought the sleeve of Hunter's jacket, gripping it tightly as if seeking comfort or stability in that moment of unease.“Captain, Sir,” said one of the two officers, standing straight and saluting Hunter. Hunter immediately recognized them—they were the same officers from the precinct on the day of the incident. They were also the ones Dennis had entrusted with the knife used in the crime. Hunter returned their salute, his expression calm but
"Alpha Hunter!" Claire exclaimed in surprise as Hunter entered Missy's private room. Rafael was present at the time, having taken over for Trisha. Claire was there to check the child's vitals and ensure she had fallen asleep. The child had been crying endlessly because of what happened to her mother, and no one could comfort her."How is she?" Hunter asked, his gaze shifting to the sleeping child."She's finally asleep now. It's good that she could rest, but she still refuses to speak. As for Mario, he's close to being discharged. He's regained his strength after the operation," Claire replied."I’ve already asked Trisha and Joyril to investigate the two policemen you mentioned. I’ve also ordered an investigation into the missing evidence," Hunter said firmly."If this child won't speak and the knife remains missing, Aleah will surely be in danger," Rafael said, his voice full of concern. "By the way, how is she?" he asked."She’s not doing
I'm glad to hear that man has finally been caught," Dennis said as he visited the hospital where Missy was staying. In just a few more days, the child would be discharged. She seemed happy, especially with the attention and care they were giving her. Dahlia had been visiting as well, and it seemed she was slowly recovering, even though they all knew she was still grieving the loss of her mother."I'm sorry I couldn’t do much for you," Dennis admitted, his voice tinged with regret. "Even though people call me a genius and my father is a judge, I wasn’t able to do anything to help you.""Don't think like that," Aleah said with a reassuring smile. That smile—so warm and radiant—made Dennis pause. Why couldn’t he take his eyes off her face?"Ah, by the way, have I mentioned that Dahlia’s aunt is planning to adopt Missy? They’re already working on the paperwork so she can bring Missy into their family. Isn't that wonderful—"
"I’ll never forget this day, Alpha Hunter. You have no idea who you’re messing with!" shouted the man, rage burning in his eyes as Hunter’s team dragged him off the Navy Vessel. They had been on a routine sea border patrol when they spotted a suspicious boat. Hunter had tagged along with the Navy because of a case he was working on—a tip about illegal activity that couldn’t be ignored. Apparently, women were being smuggled out of the country to nearby nations, only to be forced into unspeakable situations. It wasn’t the first time they’d heard of white slavery and shady dealings at the sea borders, but the team had only recently made progress after weeks of investigating.With Hunter’s new pack, the Astral Guardians, and the Navy’s special task force working together, they finally got a breakthrough. Their main catch? A young man—the one transporting the women out of the country—who turned out to be a businessman
Two Years Later…"Mama!" The twin voices rang out as the two little ones emerged from the bustling Empire Super Mall, their tiny hands clasped tightly by Isaac. The young man had a grin on his face as he tried to keep up with their boundless energy."Z!" Isaac called out as the young boy suddenly wriggled free from his hold and bolted towards Aleah, who stood just outside, waiting for her kids. She was leaning casually against the rail, her hair catching the sunlight. Her eyes lit up as she spotted the twins. With all the work on her current case, she’d asked Isaac to take care of them for the day, and now, seeing their excitement, she couldn’t help but laugh."Easy there, champ!" Aleah caught the boy in her arms as he threw himself at her, hugging her tight. She lifted him slightly, her heart swelling at the way his laughter echoed in her ears.Meanwhile, the little girl tugged at Isaac’s hand, her wide eyes fixed on her mom. "Mama!" she
"Zen," Aleah’s gentle voice broke through again, pulling him closer to reality. "Come on, wake up. We’re waiting for you, you know," she said, her tone filled with quiet warmth."If I open my eyes now... will I see you?" Hunter whispered faintly, his voice tinged with longing. Gathering his courage, he slowly opened his eyes. The sudden light above made him squint, forcing them shut again. But he tried once more, blinking until his vision adjusted. The first thing he saw was the white ceiling.Turning his head slightly, he noticed an IV attached to his hand, along with casts on his neck and leg. His body felt heavy and weak. Then, just as doubt began creeping in, he heard a soft cry nearby. His eyes darted to the source of the sound—and there she was. Aleah, gently swaying one of their babies in her arms, while the other slept soundly in a crib.A smile broke across Hunter’s face, lighting up his tired features. He’d made it. This was rea
"Hunter?!" Francis blurted out, his voice a mix of shock and worry, as Hunter stumbled into the hospital, blood soaking through his clothes. Nurses and doctors trailed behind him from the emergency room, trying to keep up. He had arrived in an ambulance after being found struggling to walk along a dimly lit road. A kind-hearted motorist had called for help, alarmed at the sight of the injured young man.The moment Hunter stepped inside, he ignored the stretcher entirely, pushing past it with determination. His destination was clear. He made his way straight to the delivery room where Francis and Aurora stood frozen, their faces mirroring their disbelief at the Alpha's condition."What the hell happened to you?!" Francis asked, rushing up to him.But Hunter barely glanced at him. "Where’s Aleah? Where’s our baby?" His voice cracked as desperation clung to every word.Francis grabbed his arm, trying to steady him. "Hunter, look at yourself! You need hel
"I’ll call you as soon as we get there,” Hunter said to Aleah, standing with her at the gate of their home. Aleah walked him outside, hand in hand, with Isaac by their side. The President’s car was parked nearby, ready to take Hunter to the airport.“Take it easy on your mom while I’m gone, okay? Be her little angel,” Hunter said softly, resting his hand on Aleah's belly. He leaned down and kissed it gently, making Aleah laugh at his sweetness.“Was that a little kick?” Hunter chuckled, feeling the baby’s movement against his palm. His gaze shifted to Aleah, filled with love and admiration. “Our little one’s already saying goodbye. Makes it harder for me to leave.”“You’re doing what you need to do,” Aleah replied, her voice tender. “I’ll be fine—I’ve got Isaac here, Mom’s coming soon, and if anything happens, I can call Grandpa or the Bryants. We&rs
"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