We're Safe Now

Mia adjusted the microphone hidden within the folds of her scarf, her heart pounding as she glanced at Alexander. He was standing by the SUV parked a few feet away, his posture tense, his eyes scanning the area for any sign of danger. It was the first time she had ever seen him look so visibly on edge.

"Are you sure about this?" Alexander asked, his voice low but firm. "We can still call it off."

Mia shook her head, her determination unwavering. "This is the only way to get to them, Alexander. We need to draw them out, and I'm the bait they want."

Alexander clenched his jaw, his frustration evident. He hated the idea of Mia being in harm's way, but he also knew she was right. If the Syndicate wanted her, they wouldn't stop until they got to her—and this plan was their best chance at striking first.

Elena's voice crackled over their earpieces. "Mia, remember to stay in the marked zone. We've set up surveillance and backup teams nearby, but if you stray too far, it'll be harder to keep you covered."

"Understood," Mia replied, her voice steadier than she felt.

She took a deep breath and stepped out onto the bustling city street, blending in with the crowds. The Syndicate had been watching her for weeks, and now, they'd believe she was finally vulnerable—alone, distracted, and easy prey.

Mia wandered through the open-air market, pretending to browse the colorful stalls. Her movements were deliberate but unhurried, giving the impression of a casual outing. She could feel the eyes on her—unseen but unmistakable.

"Stay calm," Elena's voice reminded her through the earpiece. "You're doing great. Just a little longer."

Mia's fingers brushed over a display of silk scarves, her mind racing. She couldn't shake the fear bubbling beneath her calm exterior. What if the plan didn't work? What if they were already too late?

As she turned to leave the stall, she noticed a man lingering a few feet away. He wasn't browsing or talking to anyone—he was just watching her. Their eyes met briefly, and Mia's stomach tightened.

"He's here," she whispered, her voice barely audible.

"Describe him," Alexander's voice came through, sharp and commanding.

Mia described the man as best as she could: mid-thirties, average build, wearing a dark hoodie and sunglasses.

Elena's voice followed quickly. "That matches the profile of one of their field operatives. Don't engage—just keep moving."

Mia nodded subtly and continued walking, her pace steady. She turned down a narrow alley, her heart racing as she waited for the man to follow. Sure enough, she heard his footsteps behind her.

As Mia rounded the corner, she stopped abruptly, her back against the wall. The man approached cautiously, his hand reaching for something beneath his jacket.

"You've been following me," Mia said, her voice steady despite the fear in her chest.

The man smirked, pulling out a small device. "You're smarter than I thought," he said. "Too bad that won't save you."

Before he could make a move, a loud crack echoed through the alley, and the man crumpled to the ground. Mia gasped, her eyes darting to Alexander, who stood at the end of the alley with a gun in his hand.

"Are you okay?" Alexander asked, rushing to her side.

Mia nodded, tears streaming down her face. "I'm fine," she whispered.

Elena and the backup team arrived moments later, securing the scene and taking the man into custody.

Back at the safehouse, the man was interrogated by Elena and Alexander. Mia stayed in the adjoining room, her nerves still on edge. She felt a flutter in her belly and placed a hand over it, whispering softly, "It's okay, little one. We're safe now."

When Alexander finally emerged, his face was grim.

"What did he say?" Mia asked, her voice trembling.

Alexander hesitated before answering. "He confirmed what Elena suspected—there's a traitor close to us. Someone feeding the Syndicate information about our movements."

Mia's heart sank. "Who?"

"We don't know yet," Alexander admitted. "But we're getting closer. This isn't over, Mia. Not by a long shot."

Mia nodded, her resolve hardening. She placed her hand on Alexander's, her eyes meeting his. "Then we'll keep fighting. Together."

Alexander kissed her forehead, a rare moment of vulnerability breaking through his stoic exterior. "Always."

But as the night deepened, neither of them noticed the small tracking device that had been slipped into Mia's scarf during the market chase, blinking silently in the darkness.