Chapter 348
Chapter 348
Third Person’s POV
Silas stood in the corridor long after the voices inside the room had quieted.
She cared for her brother. She cared for Kade.
But what about him?
Would Freya ever care for him that way–enough to fight for him, to protect him, to risk everything the way she had for others?
The thought lodged in his throat like a stone. He could command entire battalions under the Ironclad Coalition, yet tonight, he couldn’t even summon the courage to open that hospital door and ask her.
Maybe this was what it meant to lose her before he’d ever truly had her.
Maybe the moment she no longer needed him was the moment she would stop caring altogether.
Silas turned away, the steel of his boots echoing against the corridor floor. Wren followed silently behind, sensing the Alpha’s stormy aura and wisely keeping his distance.
By the time the sun dipped low the next day, Freya had returned to The Capital.
The journey left her pale, her movements stiff with pain. When Lana saw her best friend lying weakly on the pack infirmary bed, her eyes immediately filled with tears.
“Gods, Freya, you were gone only a few days,” Lana scolded, her voice trembling. “And you came back like this? You promised me you’d be careful! Do you know how terrified I was when I couldn’t reach you on WolfComm? When Kade finally told me you’d been shot, I thought p>
Freya tried to smile. “I’m sorry. Things happened fast. And honestly, this isn’t that bad p>
“Not that bad?” Lana’s brows drew together in disbelief. “Do you have to be half–dead before you admit it’s serious p>
Freya gave a quiet laugh, though it ended in a wince. “I’ve had worse. Back in the Iron Fang Recon Unit, missions like that were routine p>
Lana shot her a glare. “You’re impossible p>
Across the room, Victor Ashford had pulled Kade aside. The commander’s expression was grave. “You’re certain Eric Thorne and that illegitimate heir of the Williams family are the
same person? ”
Kade nodded, his tone steady. “The DNA report confirms it. Freya and Eric share a direct sibling bond. I’ll be submitting the results to the military council once she’s stable p>
Victor’s sharp gaze narrowed. “Then what the hell is going on with the Williams family? Why would they claim him as their bastard son p>
“We’re not sure yet,” Kade said quietly. “From what I gathered, Eric’s memory is gone. He refused testing before. He probably has no idea who he really is p>
Victor folded his arms. “You’re planning to go to C country with her, aren’t you p>
“Yes,” Kade replied without hesitation. “She’ll want to see him herself.
Victor exhaled heavily. “Be careful. The Williams pack is old blood—ruthless blood. Especially Parker’s father, Everett Williams. He never married, never took a mate. Three years ago he suddenly announced Parker as his son, but everyone knows there’s more to that story. Everett doesn’t do anything without a reason p>
“You think there’s a scheme behind it?” Kade asked.
Victor’s jaw tightened. “There’s always a scheme. Keep your eyes open. Don’t trust anyone connected to that family p>
Kade inclined his head. “Understood p>
Then Victor’s expression softened slightly, though his tone remained stern. “And another thing -you left for Dalen without informing your parents. They were worried sick p>
Kade’s shoulders tensed. “I know. But I had to go. I couldn’t let another chance slip by p>
Victor studied him for a long moment. “Another chance p>
Kade’s gaze dropped. “Three years ago, I didn’t tell her how I felt. I’ve regretted it every day since p>
Victor’s brows lifted, surprise flickering through his usually unreadable face. “And now p>
Kade’s voice grew quieter. “Even if she still sees me as a younger brother, I’ll stay by her side. That’s enough p>
Victor’s expression darkened. “What if Silas Whitmor refuses to step aside p>
Kade’s eyes sharpened, his wolf stirring beneath his calm exterior. “Others might fear the Whitmors. I don’t. If Silas tries to force her hand again, I’ll stand against him—and against his entire pack if I must p>
2/3
A long silence hung between them before Victor finally asked, “You care that deeply p>
Kade’s lips curved faintly, but there was no humor in it. “I do. The first time I saw her, I was arrogant, picking fights, trying to provoke her. But later… I realized it wasn’t hate–it was fear. The kind of fear you feel when you know one look will undo you p>
He drew a slow breath, lost for a moment in memory.
“I saw her step out of a fighter jet, wind in her hair, the insignia of the Iron Fang Recon Unit gleaming on her uniform. She looked untouchable–like the sky itself had chosen her. I told myself not to fall. But when she carried me through a blizzard to find a medic after I collapsed on a mission… I stopped pretending. That was when I knew p>
His voice softened. “I fell in love with Freya Thorne p>
Victor was silent for a long moment, his eyes glinting with something between surprise and understanding.
Finally, he muttered, “You Blackridge men… always dramatic p>
Kade managed a wry smile. “Don’t worry, Uncle. Even if I go up against Silas and the entire Whitmor line, I won’t drag the Ashfords or the Blackridges into it p>
Victor snorted. “Don’t talk nonsense. The Ashfords don’t pick fights, but we don’t run from them either p>
A faint smile tugged at Kade’s lips. He knew that was Victor’s way of giving approval.
Then Victor asked, “Silas arranged the private jet, didn’t he? So why isn’t he here now p>
Editorial Board