As the search party combed through the terrain, the sense of urgency grew thicker than the forest fog. Every snap of a twig or rustle of leaves made them jump, hoping it was Aurora finally found. But as the hours ticked by, hope began to dwindle, like the fading light of day. Annie and Alpha Ryker refused to give up, their determination fueled by concern for Aurora's safety. They pushed forward, their senses on high alert, scouring every inch of the forest.
Just when it seemed like all leads had been exhausted, Alpha Ryker's keen senses picked up a faint trail. His eyes locked onto Annie's, and he nodded slightly. "She's close," he whispered. Following the scent, they finally found Aurora, her usually radiant spirit dampened by exhaustion and hunger. Her eyes were sunken, her skin pale, and her body slumped against a tree trunk. With gentle care, Alpha Ryker and Annie escorted her back to the safety of Ryker's den, their relief palpable. As Aurora showered away the dirt and fatigue, Annie waited anxiously, her own worries alleviated now that her friend was safe. She paced back and forth in the main room, her mind racing with questions. What had happened to Aurora? How did she end up alone in the forest? Over a nourishing meal, Annie shared the events that had transpired at Alpha Kael's mansion, her voice barely above whisper to avoid letting Alpha Ryker in on their conversation. Aurora listened intently, her eyes widening at the revelation "And he's been searching for you nonstop." Annie quickly added. With Aurora's strength slowly returning, Annie sent word to Alpha Kael, informing him of her friend's recovery and need for rest. A message was also dispatched to Aurora's family, bringing them comfort and relief. Alpha Kael's response was swift, his concern for Aurora evident in his request to visit her as soon as she was well enough. Aurora's heart skipped a beat at the news, her emotions stirring like a tempest. She felt a flutter in her chest, a mix of excitement and nervousness. What did Alpha Kael want from her? And why did she care so much? Back at home, Alpha Kael's family began to raise questions. "Who is Annie?" they asked, "and why is she accusing the Alpha of something as dispeakable as assault?" They also wanted to know why he didn't execute or put an end to her existence. Alpha kael knew he couldn't keep this secret any longer, especially not from his family . So, he narrated the entire ordeal, from the first day to the day Annie barged in. Just as he was finishing his story, Valtira called out to him from behind. "how could you Alpha Kael?" she exclaimed, her voice trembling with anger and tears. He turned to approach her, his heart full of regret and his eyes filled with apologies. "Valtira," he said taking a step towards her. But Valtira's anger boiled over. "You lied to me! You betrayed me!" She said hitting him across the face. "Valtira, my dear, please calm down!" Alpha Kael's mother intervened, rushing to console her. "How can i calm down, Mother?" Valtira replied, her tears flowing. "He's been lying to me, to all of us!" she then gave out a loud cry. Alpha Kael's grandmother couldn't hide her excitement, while his mother couldn't hide her disappointment. However, a part of her was happy about the unborn pup. "Come, Valtira, let's talk about this," Alpha Kael's mother coaxed, leading Valtira upstairs. Meanwhile, Alpha Kael's grandmother gave him a warm embrace filled with excitement. "A new pup on the way! Oh, Kael, this is wonderful news!" Alpha Kael smiled weakly, his heart still heavy with regret. "Yes, Grandmother. He added with another faint smile as Jackson and Kieran congratulated him with excitement. In no time, Aurora was up and going again and unable to face her family or Annie's she couldn't go home neither did she have a place to go. Alpha Ryker made her welcome and asked her to stay till she was ready. Later, Alpha Kael invited Aurora to his home, and she felt anxious and scared. A multitude of questions ran through her mind. What did Alpha Kael want to talk about? How would his family react when they saw her? And what about Valtira? She certainly wasn't going to take it lightly. Alpha Kael's younger brother, Jackson, picked Aurora up and took her to the mansion, where she was warmly welcomed by Alpha's grandmother, mother, and friend, Kieran. However, the cold look on Valtira's face did not signify peace at all. Aurora was then led to Alpha Kael's office by Jackson, who ushered her in and shut the door behind her. Aurora's heart raced as she stepped into the grand office, her eyes scanning the opulent decorations and lavish furnishings. She felt out of place, her anxiety amplified by the weight of what transpired between her and the Alpha. Kieran, Alpha Kael's best friend, offered her a warm smile as he walked himself out of the office through the halls, but Aurora's nerves remained on edge. Alpha Kael stood before her, his eyes piercing and intense. "Aurora, thank you for coming," he said, his deep voice low and soothing. Aurora's gaze faltered, her mind racing with the implications of his words. What did he want from her? Why has he called her here? She hesitated, her feet rooted to the spot. The office was dimly lit, Aurora's heart raced faster, her senses heightened as she stood inside. she felt a sense of trepidation wash over her.Alpha Kael moved closer, his eyes never leaving hers. "We need to talk, Aurora," he said, his voice low and urgent. Aurora's breath caught in her throat, her mind reeling with possibilities. "About what Alpha?" She swallowed hard, her voice barely above a whisper. Alpha Kael moved behind Aurora, creating a distance of about four feet between them as they stood facing opposite directions. With sincerity and remorse, he began to apologize, his words pouring out in a heartfelt stream. "Aurora, I am deeply sorry for my unforgivable actions. I never intended to cause you harm, and I loathe myself for what I've done. Please know that I'll do everything in my power to make things right and restore your life to normal. I promise to compensate you for the damages and suffering you've endured." Alpha Kael then went to his front desk and presented a contract paper to Aurora, which she glanced through quickly with a mixture of a happy and sad emotions, a confused and worried expression She didn't know how to feel, whether to be happy or sad, whether to celebrate or not. As she held the contract paper in her hands, Alpha Kael's voice spoke up again, "Think about it Aurora, and let me know when you're ready." Aurora was then escorted back home by Jackson. The contract paper felt heavy in Aurora's hands, its weight symbolic of the gravity of the decision before her. She couldn't shake off the feeling that her life hung in the balance, as she pondered the implications of Alpha Kael's deal. As she entered her home, lost in thought, she barely registered Jackson's farewell before he departed, leaving her alone with her tumultuous thoughts. The contract offered a tantalizing promise: a chance to restore her life to its former state, to erase the trauma and pain inflicted by Alpha Kael's actions. But at what cost? The terms of the contract remained hazy in her mind, but one clause stood out - a clause that made her heart race and her mind reel. Was she willing to bend to Alpha kael's will in exchange for the restoration of her life? The thought sent shivers down her spine, as she grappled with the moral and emotional implications of such a decision. Aurora's mind swirled with questions, her thoughts a jumbled mix of fear, uncertainty, and a glimmer of hope. She felt like she stood at a crossroads, with the contract paper holding the power to shape her destiny as well as destroy it. She sat there lost in her own thougts starring into blank space What would she decide? Only time would tell.The scene unfolded with Gabriel's men escorting Aiden, Eddy and Eric inside the warehouse. Gabriel's voice boomed, echoing off the walls. "Son!!" Gabriel exclaimed, his tone dripping with enthusiasm. "You've grown so much bigger, taller, and you've become a man, just like your father." Aiden's eyes burned with anger, his voice laced with fury. "I am nothing like you, Gabriel Norman," he spat. Gabriel chuckled, the sound sending shivers down the spine. "You are nothing like me, eh?" he repeated, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "Well, from what I hear, the apple doesn't fall too far from the tree. Whether you like it or not, my blood runs through your veins. I remember saying the same thing to my dad to you know, I said I was nothing like him but I think he was nothing like me right now." Gabriel's words cut deep, but Aiden tried to keep his cool, aware that reacting would only play into Gabriel's hands. "We got what you want," Aiden said calmly. "Where are the girls and their
"Let's get the police involved," Ryder suggested, his voice laced with concern. But Sophia's expression turned resolute as she shook her head. "No, I don't want to risk it. Whoever this is... something tells me he's more dangerous than Dante. He could hurt my sister and the girls, we have to know who we are dealing with and get a plan first ." Ryder's eyes locked onto Sophia's, filled with understanding. "You're scared," he said softly. Sophia's voice trembled. "Yes, yes i am. This was a carefully planned kidnapping. Whoever did this wants something specific, something they know we have. Let's just wait for him to call and see what he wants." Beatrice nodded in agreement, her eyes filled with empathy. "If you're right," she said gently, "and we handle this carefully, we'll get them back safely." Sophia's eyes welled up with tears as Beatrice's words offered a glimmer of hope. The room fell silent, heavy with tension and uncertainty. The phone rang, shrill in the tense si
The following morning, before the sun rose up in the sky, The family gathered in secret to plan the surprise party for Sophia's birthday. Daphne, Allen, Aiden, Beatrice, Ryder, Fiona Nancy, Eric, and Eddy were all involved in the planning process, each contributing their own ideas and suggestions. "We need to make this a day to remember," Beatrice said, her eyes shining with excitement. "My daughter-in-law deserves only the best." "I agree," Aiden said, nodding. "Let's throw her a big party with all her favorite things. We can invite everyone, Sophie would love that and have plenty of food and drinks." The group brainstormed ideas, deciding on a theme, decorations, and a guest list. They worked together seamlessly, their excitement and anticipation building as they planned the surprise party. As they finalized the plans, they made sure to keep everything a secret from Sophia. They knew she would be surprised and delighted by the party, and they couldn't wait to see her reactio
The days leading up to Christmas break were filled with excitement and anticipation. Beatrice was busy ensuring that the house in the Rocky Mountains was clean and ready for their arrival. She had hired a team of cleaners to make sure everything was spotless, from the luxurious living room to the cozy bedrooms. Meanwhile, Sophia was packing everything she needed for the trip, making sure she had enough clothes and essentials for herself, her husband, and the girls. "I'm so excited for Christmas break," she said to Aiden, who was helping her pack. "It's going to be a wonderful time with the family." Aiden smiled, nodding in agreement. "I know, me too. I'm looking forward to spending time with everyone and enjoying the snow especially with you and the girls."Sophia smiled looking at him for a moment. As the weekend approached, the family finalized their preparations. On Saturday morning, they set off to pick up Sophia's sisters, Fiona, Nancy and Daphne who were thrilled to join in o
Daphne walked into the living room, where Allen was sitting on the couch, and set the folder on the coffee table in front of him. "This is the report you requested, sir," she said professionally. Allen looked up, his eyes meeting hers briefly before he opened the folder and began to scan the contents. "Thank you, Daphne. I appreciate it." Aunt Beatrice, who was sitting nearby, chimed in, "Dinner might be ready soon, dear. You should join us before Allen tires you out with work." Daphne smiled and thanked her, "Thank you Aunt Beatrice. I'll go help Sophia out in the kitchen." As Daphne headed towards the kitchen, Allen's gaze followed her, his expression softening for a moment before he refocused on the report. As Daphne walked into the kitchen, Sophia greeted her with a big smile. "Hey, Daph! I'm glad you're here." "Hey, Sophie! How can I help?" Daphne asked, looking around the kitchen. Sophia handed her a knife and some vegetables. "Can you chop these veggies for me? I'
As they enjoyed their dessert, Allen excused himself and headed upstairs. The rest of the family lingered in the living room, savoring the sweet treats. Before long, Ava's eyelids began to droop, and she dozed off on Aiden's chest. Daphne noticed and offered to help. "Let me take her upstairs for you, Aiden. I can put her to bed." Aiden smiled, grateful for the offer. "Thanks, Daphne. That would be a huge help." Daphne gently lifted Ava, cradling her in her arms. Before heading upstairs, Mia piped up, "I wanna give everyone goodnight hugs!" Mia scampered over to Aiden, Sophia, and Beatrice, giving each of them a tight hug and a kiss on the cheek. "Goodnight, Daddy! Goodnight, Grandma Beatrice! Goodnight, Mommy !" Each of them smiled and hugged her back, wishing her a good night's sleep. With her goodbyes said, Mia took Daphne's hand, and they headed upstairs together, Ava still sleeping in her arms. Daphne tucked the girls in bed and kissed them goodnight before turning of