Elias Kane

As Alexander's team crept closer to Wolfe's compound, a sudden disruption echoed through the silence. Gunfire erupted in the distance, followed by panicked shouts from Wolfe's guards.

"Status report!" Alexander barked, signaling for his team to take cover.

Selena checked her comms, frowning. "It's not us, and it's not Wolfe's men. Someone else is on the island."

Before anyone could speculate further, a figure emerged from the shadows. Clad in tactical gear, the stranger moved with the fluid precision of a trained operative. The man approached cautiously, his weapon lowered to show he wasn't a threat.

Alexander signaled his team to hold fire but remained alert. "Identify yourself!"

The man stepped into the light, revealing sharp features and piercing green eyes that hinted at a complex past. "Name's Elias Kane," he said, his voice steady and calm. "And if you want to take down Marcus Wolfe, you're going to need me."

The tension was palpable as Alexander sized up the newcomer. "Why would Wolfe's enemy show up here uninvited? And why should we trust you?"

Elias smirked, shrugging. "Trust is earned, not given. Let's just say I have a score to settle with Wolfe. He's been funding illegal operations that destroyed my life. I've been tracking him for years, and tonight's my best shot at revenge."

Selena crossed her arms skeptically. "Convenient timing, don't you think? How do we know you're not working for him?"

Elias's gaze hardened, his tone turning icy. "If I were working for Wolfe, do you think I'd be standing here alone, offering to help?"

Alexander studied him for a long moment, weighing his options. Time was running out, and any delay could cost them their chance to strike.

"Fine," Alexander said finally. "But if you so much as blink wrong, I'll end you myself."

Elias nodded, unfazed. "Fair enough."

As they pressed forward, it quickly became clear that Elias was more than capable. He navigated the treacherous terrain with ease, pointing out traps and hidden defenses that even Selena hadn't detected.

"How do you know so much about this place?" Selena asked suspiciously.

Elias glanced at her briefly. "Because I helped design it. Wolfe used to hire me for security consulting—before I realized what kind of monster he was."

Alexander raised an eyebrow. "You worked for him?"

"Briefly," Elias admitted. "When I found out he was trafficking weapons and people, I cut ties. He didn't take it well. Killed my wife and framed me for crimes I didn't commit. I've been hunting him ever since."

The group fell silent, the weight of his words sinking in.

Meanwhile, Mia was unaware of the new development. She sat in the estate's library, trying to distract herself with a book, but her thoughts kept drifting to Alexander.

Suddenly, she heard footsteps behind her. Turning, she saw Lucas—the family's trusted bodyguard—standing there, his face pale.

"Mia," he said urgently, "there's someone at the gate claiming to have information about Marcus Wolfe."

Her heart skipped a beat. "Who is it?"

"He wouldn't give a name," Lucas replied. "But he says he knows Alexander."

Despite her hesitation, Mia followed Lucas to the gate. Standing there was a middle-aged man with a weathered face and haunted eyes.

"Who are you?" she demanded, keeping her distance.

"My name is Victor Stanton," the man said. "I'm an ex-associate of Marcus Wolfe. And I know the real reason he's after you and your husband."

Victor's revelation was a bombshell. "Wolfe isn't just targeting Alexander because of his power and influence," Victor explained. "It's personal. Years ago, Alexander's father betrayed Wolfe in a deal that cost him everything. Wolfe has been biding his time, waiting for the perfect opportunity to destroy the family—and now he's using you to do it."

Mia's blood ran cold. "Why are you telling me this?"

"Because I regret my part in helping Wolfe," Victor said, his voice heavy with guilt. "I've been looking for a way to atone, and I figured warning you was a good start. But if Alexander doesn't stop him tonight, Wolfe will come for you next."

Mia's mind raced. She had to warn Alexander—but how could she contact him without jeopardizing the mission?

Back on the island, Elias continued to prove his worth. As they infiltrated Wolfe's compound, he led them to a hidden entrance that bypassed the majority of the guards.

"This passage leads directly to Wolfe's main operations room," Elias explained. "He'll be in there—guaranteed."

Alexander hesitated. Something about Elias still felt off, but he couldn't deny the man's effectiveness.

"Let's move," he ordered.

As they descended into the passage, Alexander's comm buzzed. Selena handed him a secure phone, her expression serious. "It's Mia. She says it's urgent."

Alexander answered, his tone sharp. "Mia, what is it?"

"Alexander," she said, her voice trembling, "I just found out why Wolfe is targeting us. It's about your father. He betrayed Wolfe years ago, and now Wolfe's trying to destroy everything connected to your family."

Alexander's grip on the phone tightened. His father's past sins had always loomed over him, but this revelation added a dangerous layer to the mission.

"I'll deal with it," he said firmly. "Stay safe."

As the call ended, Alexander turned to Elias. "What else aren't you telling me?"

Elias's expression darkened. "A lot. But if you want to take Wolfe down, you'll need to trust me—at least for now."