LOGINLeo POVI sat on top of my new bed in the new home Papa took me to yesterday.A doctor was checking my body, and another animal doctor was also caring for Scout on the bed while I just sat and let them work.I kept sniffing to hide my tears from the nice doctor."We're almost done, Master Leo," he said with a gentle smile, trying to make me feel better.I didn't answer him. I just stared as Scout came to my side, whimpering on my lap.The room was way too small compared to my old one. I was sharing it with Matteo and Thalia, and I liked them, but I missed my big room and big home.Now we were living in this small house with Matteo, Miss Clara, and the doctors in the middle of the forest.The door of the room opened and Matteo peeked in."Hey, you done?" he called, coming to sit by my bed, ignoring the doctor.I nodded, my voice gone."Where's Papa?" I asked."They left since last night, but you were asleep. I'm sure they'll find your mom," he assured me.I frowned, itching at my banda
Rachel POVI didn't know how long it lasted.Minutes? Hours?Time stopped meaning anything.Jane still circled me slowly, the pliers in her hand catching the dim light. My body was already covered in cuts, bruises, burns from where she'd-The door suddenly banged open.One of Jane's men stood there, face tense, breathing hard."Ma'am-we have a situation. You need to come now."Jane's head snapped toward him, irritation flashing across her face. "I'm busy.""Security breach," he said urgently. "Multiple vehicles approaching the west perimeter. Armed."Jane froze. "How many?""At least six that we can see. Black SUVs. Military grade."Her eyes widened. "Montrel.""We think so. They're still two miles out but moving fast."Jane cursed, dropping the pliers onto the table with a clatter. "How did he find us this quickly?""Unknown, ma'am. But if we don't mobilize now-""I know." She was already moving toward the door. "Lock this room. Post two guards outside. I'll deal with them after we h
Content Warning: This chapter contains references to violence, torture, and kidnapping. Reader discretion advised.Rachel POVPain shot through my head, sharp and blinding. My ears were ringing so loudly it intensified the headache pounding behind my eyes.I groaned in pain.And then everything came rushing back.The library. The men. Leo falling. Being dragged away.My eyes shot open.I was in a dark, small room. Tied to a chair in the middle of it.I inhaled sharply, fear shooting through me like ice.I was kidnapped.And Leo-Leo fell down the slope. I was about to cry at the thought of him being hurt when-"Mrs. Montrel."I turned sharply, seeing Mark in the far corner of the room, also tied to a chair. But he looked so beaten up with bruises and blood covering him.I gasped."What happened to-""No time," Mark interrupted, his voice hoarse. "I'll find a way to get you out. The boss will probably know something is wrong by now, so you don't need to worry."I was about to say more w
Damien POVI finally arrived at the hospital and immediately parked the car, leaving it running. My guards stayed behind to watch the vehicle.I entered through the emergency entrance, and immediately spotted them-Rachel's friends. Isabella and Chloe stood near the reception desk, both turning at the sound of my footsteps.They flinched at my entrance, faces going pale, not knowing how to talk to me.It was then I knew; they knew my true identity.Shit. That would be an issue. But I didn't have time for this."Where's Leo?" I asked, my voice sharp.Isabella's mouth opened, then closed. Chloe grabbed her arm, shrinking back slightly."He's-he's in the pediatric wing," Isabella stammered, pointing down a hallway. "Room 3B. They're-they're running tests-"I was already moving."Sir!" A nurse called from behind the desk. "You need to check in first-"I ignored her completely, as I followed the signs toward pediatric care.Footsteps rushed behind me-Isabella and Chloe, trying to keep up."
Damien POVI sat inside the office in the east wing, listening to the latest reports on our supply routes. Laurence and Vance were in the room conversing, but I was so distracted that I didn't hear a single word.A bottle of beer sat by my desk and I unconsciously picked it up to drink.But Vance snatched it from my hand with a frown."I employed you to stop this," he said sharply. "You're already worrying Rachel."Laurence shifted awkwardly by the side, uncomfortable with watching his boss being scolded.I scoffed, irritated by this old man lately. He didn't stop nagging about the secret I kept from Rachel, and now he was taking away my things."Whatever," I muttered, rubbing my head as I checked my watch, waiting for when it was time for Rachel and Leo to get home.And maybe tell her the truth behind my mother's death.Then my phone rang from my desk-the ringtone I'd set uniquely for Rachel.I grabbed it immediately, curious as to why she had called me. The event was still ongoing-i
The library parking lot looked like a crime scene.Because it was.Police cars surrounded the building, their lights painting everything in flashing red and blue. Yellow tape stretched across the side entrance where the slope began. Officers moved in organized chaos-taking photos, marking evidence, interviewing witnesses.The library event had been shut down immediately, especially after the body was discovered in the parking lot where Mark had shot one of the attackers.Parents clustered near the entrance, some crying, some angry, all demanding answers. Their children pressed against them, confused and frightened by the sudden chaos-the sirens, the police, the firefighters descending into the darkness to rescue someone.Mrs. Tiana stood near the library doors, her face streaked with tears, a police detective questioning her with grim efficiency."How many people attended the event tonight?""About fifteen families and some of the volunteers." Her voice shook. "The children were insid
Chloe dragged Mark toward the kitchen counter.“I can’t drink. I’m working,” he said for the third time, his voice flat, standing stiffly beside her as he’d rather be anywhere else.Chloe sighed dramatically, dropping his hands. “You’re at a party, not a military base. Why are you standing there lo
Rachel POVThe water was warm, the faint scent of soap curling through the air.I rested back against Damien’s chest, his arms loose around my waist—skin to skin, nothing between us. His breathing was slow and even, eyes closed, as if he’d finally allowed himself to stop guarding the world for once
Rachel POV I held Leo’s hand as we stepped into the mall, my phone already in my other hand half texting my friends, half aware of the quiet formation behind us. Black suits. Earpieces. Mark walked just close enough to remind me my life isn’t as ordinary anymore. Leo slo
Damien POV I sat behind my desk, tugging my tie loose and letting it fall to the floor. The day had left a tight, persistent pressure behind my eyes. Mr Vance and Sullivan sat across from me, both watching carefully. “I take it lunch was tense?” Vance asked. “He doesn’t be







