Chapter 7

Alessandro Caprio

The sun had barely risen when I found myself pacing in my study, my mind a whirlwind of worry and frustration. It had been five days since I'd last seen Aliyah, and the distance was taking its toll on both of us. I could feel it through our bond, even if she wasn't aware of its existence.

A knock on the door interrupted my thoughts. "Come in," I called, hoping it was Daniel with some news about Aliyah's whereabouts.

To my surprise, it was Helena who entered, a sly smile playing on her lips. "Good morning, Alessandro. You look troubled."

I narrowed my eyes, instantly on guard. "What do you want, Helena?"

She feigned innocence, walking around the room with a casual air that set my teeth on edge. "Can't an old friend just check in? I heard your little mate has been... restless lately."

A low growl escaped me before I could stop it. "That's none of your business."

Helena's smile widened. "Oh, but it is. You see, Alessandro, your happiness has always been my concern. And this human girl... she's causing you nothing but trouble, isn't she?"

I clenched my fists, fighting the urge to throw her out. "Get to the point, Helena."

She sighed dramatically. "I'm just saying, perhaps it's time to consider other options. Someone who understands our world, who could stand by your side without all these... complications."

The implication was clear, and it made my blood boil. "If you're suggesting what I think you are, you can forget it. Aliyah is my mate, end of discussion."

Helena's eyes flashed with something dangerous. "We'll see about that," she muttered, just loud enough for me to hear, before turning on her heel and leaving.

As soon as she was gone, I called for Daniel. "Keep an eye on Helena," I instructed when he arrived. "I don't trust her."

Daniel nodded, his face grim. "Of course, boss. But... about Aliyah. Don't you think it's time to tell her the truth? About what you are, about your position?"

I ran a hand through my hair, frustration evident in every movement. "I know, I know. But how do I even begin to explain all of this? That I'm not just a businessman, but a werewolf leading a mafia organization?"

Daniel's expression softened slightly. "She loves you, boss. Give her some credit. The longer you wait, the harder it will be."

I knew he was right, but the fear of losing her was paralyzing. "Soon," I promised, more to myself than to Daniel. "I'll tell her soon."

Aliyah Sundane

I stared at my phone, my thumb hovering over Alessandro's number. It had been five days since I'd stormed out of his house, determined to force his hand. Five days of silence, broken only by the occasional text assuring me he was fine.

But I wasn't fine. I was tired of the secrets, tired of feeling like I was only seeing a fraction of the man I loved.

With a frustrated sigh, I tossed my phone aside and flopped back on my bed. That's when I noticed the blinking light on my answering machine. Curious, I pressed play.

"Aliyah, darling," a woman's voice purred through the speaker. It took me a moment to recognize it as Helena's. "I hope you don't mind me calling. I just thought we should have a little chat... about Alessandro. There's so much you don't know, sweetie. Why don't you meet me at the Lunar Café tomorrow at noon? I promise it'll be enlightening."

The message ended, leaving me with a mix of curiosity and dread. What did Helena know? And more importantly, could I trust her?

After a moment's hesitation, I made up my mind. I'd meet her. Whatever she had to say, it couldn't be worse than this constant state of uncertainty.

Helena Petra

I hung up the phone, a satisfied smirk on my face. Everything was falling into place.

"Are you sure about this?" Rely asked from his position by the window. "Alessandro will be furious if he finds out."

I waved off his concern. "By the time he figures it out, it'll be too late. Once Aliyah knows the truth about his... activities, she'll run screaming. And who will be there to pick up the pieces?" I gestured to myself with a flourish.

Rely didn't look convinced. "And if she doesn't run?"

My eyes hardened. "Then we move to plan B. Either way, that human won't be in the picture for long."

I turned back to my phone, scrolling through my contacts until I found the number I was looking for. It rang twice before a gruff voice answered.

"What?"

"Corio," I purred. "I have some information you might find interesting. About Alessandro... and a certain weakness of his."

There was a pause on the other end. "I'm listening."

As I outlined my plan, I couldn't help but feel a thrill of anticipation. Soon, very soon, everything would change.

Alessandro Caprio

The next day dawned bright and clear, but my mood was anything but sunny. I'd tossed and turned all night, plagued by vivid dreams of Aliyah in danger, Aliyah leaving me, Aliyah looking at me with fear in her eyes.

I was in the middle of my third cup of coffee when my phone buzzed with a text. My heart leapt when I saw it was from Aliyah.

"Meeting a friend for lunch. We need to talk after. I'll come by around 3."

Relief flooded through me, followed quickly by apprehension. This was it. I had to tell her everything. The thought terrified me, but I knew I couldn't put it off any longer.

I spent the next few hours in a state of nervous anticipation, rehearsing what I would say, how I would explain. By the time 3 o'clock rolled around, I was a mess of nerves.

But 3 o'clock came and went with no sign of Aliyah. Then 4 o'clock. Then 5.

By 6, I was frantic. This wasn't like her. Something was wrong, I could feel it.

I was about to call Daniel and organize a search party when my phone rang. Unknown number.

"Hello?" I answered, my voice tight with worry.

"Alessandro," a familiar voice drawled. "Missing something?"

My blood ran cold. "Corio. What have you done?"

His laughter echoed through the phone. "Oh, nothing yet. But your little girlfriend? She's quite comfortable in my hospitality. For now."

A roar of rage tore from my throat. "If you touch her, I swear I'll—"

"You'll what?" Corio cut me off. "Face it, Alessandro. You're in no position to make threats. But don't worry, I'm a reasonable man. We'll be in touch with our demands soon."

The line went dead, leaving me shaking with fury and fear. Aliyah was in danger, and it was all my fault.

As I rushed to gather my men, one thought kept repeating in my mind: I had to save her, no matter the cost. Even if it meant revealing everything I'd tried so hard to keep hidden.

The hunt was on, and I wouldn't rest until Aliyah was safe in my arms again.