Chapter 51
Chapter 51
Freya’s POV
Just as I opened my mouth, a familiar voice rang sharply behind me.
+8 Pearls
“Looks like I came just in time. If Alpha Whitmor wants to move against me, go ahead. But don’t even think about using Freya as leverage p>
My body froze. I turned, and there he was–Kade Blackridge, striding across the range with that commanding wolf–born presence.
Kade? Here? My brows lifted in surprise.
He reached my side in a few strides. “Freya, I heard from Lana that you were here. So I came to get you. Returned the coat?” “Yeah… it’s returned,” I said, realizing immediately that Lana must have told him.
“Then let’s go.” He tugged my hand free from Silas’s collar and turned to face the Ironclad Alpha. “Mr. Whitmor, if you think you can move against me, use my sister as a plaything, be my guest. Try it p>
Silas’s frown tightened, his gaze narrowing at the sight of Kade and me side by side. The image stabbed like sunlight into his chest–just like the scene he’d witnessed at the hospital, me held close by Kade.
“There’s nothing in this world that’s absolute. You may think you’re the hunter, but perhaps… unknowingly, you’ve become prey,” Kade said, gripping my hand, and then we left.
In The Capital, few had the audacity to confront Silas Whitmor head–on. Fewer still survived such encounters unscathed. “Wren,” Silas’s voice cut softly behind us, cold as ice, “tell me… could I ever become the prey p>
Wren stiffened. “Impossible. Who in The Capital would dare p>
Even Kade, a notorious small–scale Alpha in the city, could not compare to Silas in sheer authority and reach.
“Yet,” Silas murmured, his gaze lingering on the pistol I had just used, “what if… someday, I truly become prey? Who do you think the hunter would be? ”
The thought was chilling. Who in this world could, or would, hùnt Silas Whitmor?
I followed Kade out of the shooting range, still gripping his hand. “Were you not afraid of what you just said to him? That you’d provoke him? ”
Kade smirked, calm as ever. “Since I said it, why would I be afraid p>
“But Whitmor isn’t like anyone else. Even if you’re strong- ”
“ You think I’m that weak? ” Kade interrupted, a predator’s grin tugging at the corner of his lips. “ I’m no longer the reckless pup from the Iron Fang Recon Unit. If Silas wants to strike, he better prepare for mutual destruction p>
His confidence made me pause. There was no use arguing further. Whatever happened, we’d face it together.
“And… you, Freya,” he added, teasing yet earnest. “Weren’t you the one speaking boldly for me back there? Didn’t you feel fear? ”
I let out a bitter laugh. “ Me? This is my fight, too. And Kade… unlike you, I have no family watching over me. If something happens to me, no one will mourn. I am alone. Even if danger comes, 1 p>
never finished my sentence,
“How you think no one would mourn you?” Kade’s grip tightened, his amber eyes blazing. “If something happens to you, I cannot speak for others–but I swear, I will carve my way through fire and blood to avenge you p>
I stared at him, unsteady. The boy who once needed my guidance, my protection, had grown into this unwavering Alpha-
Chapter 51
+8 Pearls
mature, decisive, dangerous. His expression left no doubt: if harm ever came to me, he would act, without hesitation.
“I… won’t fall so easily. You forget what I can do,” I said, my throat tight but voice steady.
Kade’s grin deepened, wolfish. “Of course. And I will not let anything happen to you, either p>
We climbed into the car.
“I want to go pay respects to your parents,” he said. “Would that be alright p>
I blinked, touched by the thoughtfulness in his voice. “You don’t have to. They’re still at the funeral home, waiting to be interred p>
Kade nodded. “If I’d known you were retrieving their ashes, I would have come with you p>
I felt the sting of tears but smiled faintly. “Your intention is enough. They are safe, for now p>
When we arrived, I knelt before the casket holding my parents‘ ashes. The national flag draped across it shone bright, the same red my parents had once fought to protect with their lives.
pressed my hands together in silent prayer. “Mom, Dad… just a few more days, and I’ll bring you home p>
I opened my eyes and saw Kade bowing sincerely before the casket. “Uncle, Auntie… rest assured. I will protect Freya. She will never be hurt again p>
The determination in his posture, the heat of his wolf–born aura–it made my chest tighten. In this city of power and predators, I was not alone.