The attack on Alexander's estate left scars on both the building and its inhabitants. Smoke still lingered in the air as dawn broke, revealing shattered windows, scorched walls, and debris scattered across the grounds. Alexander's team had successfully repelled Wolfe's forces, but it had come at a cost—several men were injured, and two had lost their lives.
Mia sat in the safe room with Alexander by her side, her hands trembling as the adrenaline wore off. She had barely processed the attack when she noticed Alexander's unwavering focus on her.
"Are you sure you're okay?" he asked, his voice soft but filled with concern.
"I'm fine," she assured him, though her tone was uncertain. She placed a protective hand over her stomach. "I just… I can't believe they came here. I thought we were safe."
Alexander clenched his jaw, his anger simmering just beneath the surface. "Wolfe has crossed a line. Coming here, putting you and our child in danger—this won't go unanswered."
Before Mia could respond, Selena entered the room, her face grim but composed. "The team has secured the estate. Wolfe's men retreated after sustaining heavy losses, but we managed to capture one alive. He's in the interrogation room."
Alexander stood, his expression hardening. "Good. I'll deal with him myself."
Selena glanced at Mia, her gaze softening. "You should rest, Mia. We'll take care of everything."
The captured mercenary sat in the cold, dimly lit room, his hands cuffed to the metal table. He was defiant at first, sneering at Alexander and refusing to answer questions. But it didn't take long for Alexander's commanding presence to break through his defenses.
"You've already lost," Alexander said, his voice low and menacing. "But if you tell me what I want to know, I might consider letting you live."
The man hesitated, beads of sweat forming on his brow. "You think this is over?" he finally spat. "Marcus Wolfe doesn't lose. He's just getting started."
Alexander leaned in closer, his piercing gaze unrelenting. "Tell me where Wolfe is."
The mercenary smirked. "You'll never get to him. But if you want a message delivered, tell him this—he'll never stop until you've lost everything you love."
Alexander's fists clenched, but he remained composed. The man's words only solidified his resolve.
Selena entered the room, handing Alexander a folder. "We found this on him. Coordinates and a list of names. It might lead us to Wolfe's next move."
Alexander glanced at the folder, then back at the mercenary. "You've been more helpful than you realize."
Meanwhile, Mia sat in their room, replaying the events of the attack in her mind. She couldn't shake the image of Alexander fighting off their assailants, protecting her with everything he had.
As she rested, her thoughts turned to their child. She placed her hand on her growing belly, a mixture of fear and determination washing over her. This wasn't just about her anymore—she had to be strong for their baby.
When Alexander returned, his expression was a mix of exhaustion and anger. He sat beside her, taking her hand in his.
"They won't stop," he said quietly. "Wolfe will keep coming until he's taken everything from me."
Mia met his gaze, her eyes fierce. "Then we won't let him. You're not in this alone, Alexander. We'll face him together."
Alexander pulled her into his arms, holding her tightly. "I won't let anything happen to you or our child. I swear it."
That night, Alexander and his team gathered in the war room. The coordinates they had retrieved from the mercenary pointed to a remote island, one of Wolfe's suspected strongholds.
"We can't wait for him to strike again," Selena said. "We need to take the fight to him."
Alexander nodded. "Agreed. We'll plan a surgical strike—hit him where it hurts and end this once and for all."
As the team discussed logistics, Mia quietly entered the room. All eyes turned to her, but she stood tall, her resolve unshaken.
"I want to help," she said firmly.
Alexander started to protest, but Mia cut him off. "This isn't just about you or me anymore. It's about our family. I need to be a part of this."
After a moment, Alexander nodded, recognizing the strength in her eyes. "Then we'll do this together."
Over the next few days, preparations for the mission were in full swing. Alexander's estate became a hive of activity as his team gathered weapons, mapped out strategies, and trained for the operation.
Mia spent her time learning everything she could about Wolfe and his organization. She wanted to be prepared for whatever lay ahead.
One evening, as they stood on the balcony overlooking the estate, Alexander wrapped his arms around her, his hands resting on her belly.
"No matter what happens, I want you to know how much I love you," he said softly.
Mia leaned into him, her heart swelling with emotion. "I love you too. And we're going to get through this. All of us."
As the sun set on the horizon, they stood together, ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.