Mia's POV As Thomas and I settled down at the beach that evening, we couldn't help but feel the weight of the day's adventures lifting off of our shoulders. We sat, looking over at the ocean as the sun began to set. I took a deep breath, smelling the scent of salt and sand on the breeze. "This is perfect," Thomas said, leaning back on his elbows. "Just the two of us, no distractions, no missions to complete. Just us." "I couldn't agree more," I replied, feeling a sense of calm wash over me. "I was starting to think there was no time for us to just enjoy each other's company." "There's always time, my love," Thomas said, reaching for my hand. "Even when things get busy, we have each other to hold onto." I squeezed his hand, feeling a rush of love and gratitude wash over me. "I know. I just wish we didn't have to worry about the next mission or the next crisis. Sometimes, I just want to spend forever with you." Thomas smiled, his eyes filled with affection. "I know, my love. But we

William's POV "I won't rest until I find Ava," I said, my voice filled with determination. My team of trackers were the best in the business and we were all determined to bring Ava back safe and sound. “We’ve spent hours planning and preparing for this rescue mission, and we were ready to face whatever challenges come our way,” I told Thomas. He replied. “We know that the abductors are armed and dangerous, but we’re trained professionals. We’re not going to let a little thing like danger stop us.” We set out in the early hours of the morning, our trucks loaded with equipment and supplies. As we drove out of the city and through the wilderness, I could feel the tension growing within the team. “There can't be any room for mistakes, no chance to second-guess ourselves,” I warned. “Don't worry,” one of them said. “Every decision we make is well planned.” Hour after hour we drove, until we finally arrived at the location of Ava's abduction. It was a remote and desolate place. “The

Ava's POV “I can't help but feel a strong pull towards William,” I told Mia. “I have always admired his strength and determination, but seeing the extent he’s willing to go to keep me safe makes me feel a deeper connection to him.” Mia listened to me quietly. “You know, in the past, I've always kept my feelings hidden, afraid to let myself fall for someone who might not be able to understand me fully. But right now, I think William is more than just my protector; he’s a friend, a confidant and a lover, probably my mate.” “Just be careful Ava. You don't know much about him,” Mia warned me but I shook my head. “No, I know a lot about him. I know that he has been through a lot in his life, and I can see the scars, both physical and emotional, that he carries with him. But I feel like he has found a kind of understanding and acceptance in me. One that he has never experienced before. And in return, he gave me his complete loyalty and devotion.” Mia then stood up and hugged me. “As lo

Ava's POV The ship suddenly lost power “Everyone, to your stations!” the Captain ordered. “We have to figure out what was going on!” I was on duty on the bridge, trying to raise the engine room to check on their status but receiving no response. Just then, the Captain burst through the door looking panicked. "Ava, we need to get off this ship. Something is not right. We received a distress signal from another vessel, and it's not far off from ours. But the strange thing is, the signal is coming from a ship that went missing a week ago." I felt my heart race as I realized the danger we were in. The Captain continued, "We can't just turn away from this. We have to at least check it out and see if there are any survivors. If there are, we'll have to get them off the ship before it sinks. But we need to do it fast." I quickly followed the Captain to the deck, where the crew was already preparing a lifeboat. The Captain gave orders to the Chief Engineer, who quickly responded, "We can

William's POV Thomas approached me and spoke softly, "Sir, I have some news. I have learned of a wonder plant being grown in the east. It produces a sap that is very valuable, but the prices are inflated by intermediaries. If we can buy directly from the farmers, we can save a fortune and fill our ship with the sap." I listened intently, my low growls filling the air as I considered his words. "Explain," I said, my voice low and commanding. "The plant is called the 'miracle tree,' and it is said to have healing properties unlike any other plant," Thomas said, his voice low and firm. "The sap is highly prized by apothecaries and alchemists alike, and it is said to have the power to heal even the most serious of injuries." I nodded. "And the farmers are willing to sell to us?" I asked. "That's the best part, Captain," Thomas replied. "I have spoken to several farmers and they are desperate to sell their crop to us directly. They have been cheated by the intermediaries for far too l