Stay Close

The following morning, the estate was alive with activity as the team pieced together the remnants of Marco's operation. Alexander had barely slept, his focus unwavering as he combed through the data Victor had salvaged.

Mia watched him from across the room, her hand resting on her belly. Despite her exhaustion, she couldn't help but admire his determination. "You need to take a break," she said softly, approaching him.

Alexander glanced up, his features softening when he saw her. "I can't stop, Mia. Not until I know you're safe."

Before Mia could respond, Victor entered the room, his expression grave. "We have a problem," he announced, placing a tablet on the table. "Or maybe… a solution."

Alexander and Mia exchanged a glance before stepping closer to the table. On the screen was a photo of a woman with piercing green eyes and jet-black hair, her face half-shadowed.

"Who is she?" Alexander asked, his tone cautious.

Victor hesitated before answering. "Her name is Natalia Romanov. She's an ex-operative with ties to Marco. From what I can gather, she was part of his inner circle until they had a falling out a year ago. She might be the key to taking him down."

Alexander's eyes narrowed. "And why would she help us?"

Victor smirked. "Because she hates Marco even more than we do. I managed to track her down. She's in Prague, running an underground network that specializes in information trading. If anyone knows Marco's next move, it's her."

Mia stepped forward, her curiosity piqued. "Can we trust her?"

Victor shrugged. "That's the million-dollar question. But we don't have many options."

Alexander ran a hand through his hair, weighing the risks. "If she's our best chance, we'll take it. Set up a meeting."

Prague, Three Days Later

The city was a mix of old-world charm and modern chaos, its cobblestone streets bustling with life. Alexander and Mia arrived under the cover of night, accompanied by a small team of trusted operatives.

The meeting was set in a dimly lit café tucked away in a quiet alley. As they entered, the sound of jazz music mingled with the faint clinking of glasses.

"Stay close," Alexander whispered to Mia, his hand brushing against hers.

At a corner table, a woman sat sipping a glass of red wine. Her posture was relaxed, but her sharp eyes scanned the room with the precision of someone who had seen far too much.

"Natalia," Victor greeted as they approached.

She looked up, her lips curving into a sly smile. "Victor. It's been a while."

Her gaze shifted to Alexander and Mia. "And you must be the infamous Alexander Knight. You've made quite the name for yourself."

Alexander's expression remained unreadable. "We're not here for pleasantries. We need your help."

Natalia chuckled, leaning back in her chair. "Straight to the point. I like that. But help doesn't come cheap."

Victor slid a folder across the table. "We're not asking for charity. This is everything we have on Marco, including his latest project—'Paragon.'"

At the mention of the project, Natalia's playful demeanor faded. She opened the folder, her eyes scanning the documents.

"I thought he abandoned this madness," she muttered, more to herself than to them.

"You know about it?" Alexander pressed.

Natalia's gaze met his, her expression dark. "I was part of the team that started it. Marco believed he could create the ultimate human—a being of unparalleled strength, intelligence, and resilience. But it wasn't just science to him—it was an obsession."

She looked at Mia, her eyes softening. "And you… you're the missing piece."

Mia stiffened, her hand instinctively going to her belly. "Why me?"

Natalia sighed. "Marco's obsession with legacy drove him to search for the perfect genetic blueprint. Your family history, your DNA—it's unique in ways even you don't fully understand. He believes you're the key to unlocking the next stage of evolution."

Alexander's fists clenched. "How do we stop him?"

Natalia's smile returned, but this time it was laced with bitterness. "Stopping Marco isn't just about taking him down. You have to destroy everything he's built—his labs, his research, his connections. And that won't be easy."

"Do you know where he is?" Alexander asked.

Natalia hesitated before nodding. "I have a lead. But it'll cost you."

Alexander leaned forward, his voice low and dangerous. "Name your price."

Natalia's smile widened. "A clean slate. Erase my past, and I'll give you Marco."

Victor exchanged a wary glance with Alexander. "That's a big ask."

"It's the only way," Natalia said firmly. "Take it or leave it."

Back at the Safe House

Later that night, Mia sat on the edge of their bed, her thoughts racing. Alexander joined her, his hand resting on her knee.

"Are you okay?" he asked gently.

She nodded, though her eyes betrayed her turmoil. "I just can't believe all of this is happening. That my life—our baby—is somehow part of Marco's twisted plan."

Alexander cupped her face, his thumb brushing against her cheek. "We'll get through this, Mia. Together."

She leaned into his touch, drawing strength from his unwavering confidence. "Promise me you'll be careful. I can't lose you."

"You won't," he vowed. "I'll do whatever it takes to keep you and our child safe."

As the city lights flickered outside their window, the weight of the coming battle settled over them. Marco's plans were unraveling, but the cost of victory remained uncertain.