Chapter 214
CHAPTER 106
RYAN’S POV
“Get the body out. And cover her face properly,” I muttered, my voice low and firm, watching as they carried Sophie’s lifeless body out of the storeroom. The white sheet covered most of her, but not enough, blood still soaked through the corners, trailing behind as they moved her.
I didn’t move. I couldn’t. My arms were crossed tight over my chest, but it wasn’t doing much to hold me together.
Because deep down, I’d suspected.
Not just suspected. Known.
Alex had called earlier while I was still at the office. I could tell from the second he said my name that something was wrong. His voice was tense, clipped.
“The autopsy report’s back,” he said.
My stomach dropped. “And p>
“It’s not her, Ryan p>
For a few seconds, I just sat there staring at my desk, waiting for him to say he was joking, but he didn’t.
“The two bodies they pulled from the fire–George’s matched. But the other one? Not female. Not Sophie. DNA doesn’t match. Dental doesn’t either p>
My heart stopped. “So where the hell is she?” I’d asked.
“Missing. And that’s the part that scares me.” His voice had gone low. “You need to be on guard, Alpha. Check every corner of Nivelle. I’ll handle things here p>
“Does my dad know p>
“Yeah. Yours and mine. They wanted to fly out immediately. I told them not to. But they sent Jim and a few men your way on the jet. Should be landing soon p>
“Alright p>
“Be careful, Alpha p>
That was it. That was all it took for the fear to hit.
I couldn’t think. Couldn’t focus on anything. My hands were shaking, and my chest felt too tight. I couldn’t sit in that fucking office knowing she might still be out there. I had to see Anna. I had to make sure she was safe.
I could’ve told her. I should’ve maybe. But what good would that have done? She already had enough on her plate
, exams, stress, trying to get her life back to normal after everything. I wasn’t about to dump more burden on her
not when I could carry it for both of us.
1/4
So I went to the library.
And the second I saw her, sitting there with her hair falling over her shoulder, her eyes lighting up when she looked at me, it was like someone finally let me breathe again.
And I lost it.
I had to touch her. Feel her. Remind myself she was here. Mine. Alive. Real.
Was it stupid? Yeah. Reckless? Definitely. But at that moment, I didn’t care. I just needed her.
Afterward, I told her I was heading back to work. That was a lie. I didn’t go anywhere. I stayed right outside the library. Sat there watching, waiting. I’d already called Jim earlier to have a few men stationed around. The place
was under silent surveillance for hours.
At seven, I sent her a text saying I was outside.
But she didn’t reply.
Didn’t come out either.
I could still see her through the glass. She was with Sasha, both of them packing up. Then Sasha stood, said something, and walked off.
I waited.
Five minutes.
Ten.
Still no Sasha.
Then Anna left. Alone.
That was when the dread hit me like a fucking truck.
I don’t even remember getting out of the car. One second I was sitting there, the next I was already running. My heart was pounding so hard I couldn’t even hear straight. I don’t know how long I ran before I saw Sasha coming from the side of the building.
She looked terrified, a streak of blood down her neck. When she saw me, she started crying, gasping Anna’s
name.
That was it. I lost it completely.
That kind of fear, the one that feels like someone’s hand is wrapped tight around your throat and squeezing till you can’t breathe, that’s what hit me.
And now, standing here watching them carry Sophie’s dead body out, I should’ve felt relief. Maybe even peace.
But I didn’t.
All I felt was this heavy, burning weight sitting right in the middle of my chest.
2/4
Because Anna almost didn’t make it.
Because Sasha almost didn’t either.
Because if anything had happened to Sasha, Chris would never forgive me.
And if anything had happened to Anna… I wouldn’t forgive myself. Ever.
“Jim,” I said finally, my voice flat. “Take care of the rest p>
“Yes, Alpha p>
I turned toward Anna, she looked way too exhausted. I reached out and pulled her into my arms, holding her tight, like letting go might make her disappear.
“Come on, baby,” I whispered, brushing my fingers through her hair. “Let’s
go home p>
She just nodded against my chest. Didn’t say a word.
I looked over at Sasha. She was standing a few feet away from us, arms wrapped tightly around herself, her face pale and shaken. Her eyes were distant, blank, like she was still trying to process everything that had just happened.
“Sasha,” I said softly, “I’ll drop you off at Chris’s, alright p>
She nodded, her lips trembling but no words came out.
I helped them into the passenger seat, shut the door softly, then walked around and got behind the wheel.
Nobody said a thing, and honestly, I didn’t need them to.
They were safe. That was all I gave a damn about right now.
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Sara Lili
Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland’s breathtaking cold.