Semua Bab Protector of the Alpha's cursed heir. : Bab 71 - Bab 80

One week later.The training grounds in the villa had been transformed into something that looked more like a battlefield than a garden. Scorch marks had blackened the grass. Training dummies stood at various distances—some burned beyond recognition, others untouched, evidence of Annie's improving control.It was barely past dawn, the sky still grey with morning light, when Doctor Owen arrived to find Annie already there. Already waiting. She looked like a different person.The bald head was the most striking change—her scalp had the faintest shadow of stubble now, a week's worth of growth that did nothing to soften her appearance. Without hair to frame her face, her features seemed sharper. Her cheekbones stood out prominently, her jaw was more defined, her eyes—those same eyes that used to be so warm—now held a coldness that made Killian's chest tighten with concern.She wore all black. Tactical pants tucked into combat boots. A fitted long-sleeve shirt that showed the lean muscle

Killian drove recklessly through traffic, honking at cars that weren't moving fast enough, cursing under his breath at nothing and everything. His hands gripped the steering wheel so hard, his jaw clenched tight.'Or you could just go back to having sex with Onika.'Annie's words echoed in his head, sharp and cruel and designed to wound. And they had. "How could she say that to me?"Killian pulled up outside The Elites—an upscale lounge. A place where only VIPs and rich people relax. Their drinks are the most expensive. He walked in, ignoring the hostess's professional smile, and headed straight for the bar. "Whiskey. Top shelf. Double. Keep them coming."The bartender—a man who'd clearly seen enough wealthy people drinking away their problems—just nodded and poured.Killian downed the first glass in one burning swallow and immediately gestured for another.He was on his fourth when a presence beside him made him look up.A man had entered the lounge—tall, easily six-three. Dark hai

They finally broke the kiss breathing hard."You need rest," Killian said. "Doctor Owen said you can't leave your bed. We will not lose our baby, ok? Trust me, we will figure this out together. No more shutting me out. No more trying to be a soldier. Can you do that? For me and for our baby?"Annie nodded, unable to speak past the emotion in her throat.Killian kissed her forehead, then helped her settle back into bed. "Sleep. I'll be right here. I'm not going anywhere."He moved toward the bathroom, and Annie watched him go. She knew he had every right to be furious with her but he chose her instead. He always did.And for the first time since her parents died, Annie felt something other than numbness.***Tommy and Connor sat in their hideout. They've just been informed by Lady Eliana about her encounter with Annie today."So what exactly is an EmberBorn?" Connor asked, recalling everything Lady Eden had said about how powerful Annie is. "Annie took on Lady Eliana yesterday. Actu

"Promise me you won't flame walk. Promise me you won't do anything reckless like last time. No using your magic. You stay here with the men, where it's safe."Annie took his hands, holding them against her face. "I promise. I'll stay right here.""Thank you," he whispered.He started to turn away, to join the others loading the last of the weapons, but Annie's voice stopped him."Killian, wait."He looked back.Her eyes were wide, shimmering with unshed tears and fear she couldn't hide. "Promise me something too.""What is it?""Promise me you'll come back." Her voice cracked. "Promise me you'll come back without a scratch, without a single injury. Promise me you'll walk through that door whole and safe."Killian's throat tightened. He returned to her, sitting again so they were eye-level. "Annie...""Please," she whispered. "Just promise me."He reached for her hand. "I can't promise I'll come back without a scratch. I can't promise I won't have broken ribs or a busted arm or worse."

ANNIE'S FLASHBACK ---------Annie had been sitting in the living room, after Killian and his team left to deal with Candice, when she heard her baby speak.The voice was small.Hi, Mommy.Annie wasn't startled because this wasn't the first time. She had gotten used to hearing the baby talk.Her hands trembled as she pressed them firmer against her stomach. "Hi, Baby?"You have to go save Daddy. He's in danger."What?" Annie whispered, "No, sweetheart, Daddy's fine. He's just—"He's going to die, Mommy. You have to go. Now.The certainty in that tiny voice—the absolute conviction—sent ice through Annie's veins. Her breath came faster. Her heart hammered against her ribs."I... I promised him I'd stay. I promised I wouldn't do anything stupid—I have to stay here for the sake of the baby—I mean for you.""I'm stronger than you think Mommy.""What?" Annie asked in utter disbelief. "Save Daddy. Now." The baby echoed. Annie's hands shook so badly she had to clasp them together. This was