Enough games. Where are you

Alexander held Mia close, his heartbeat steadying as he reassured himself that she was truly in his arms. But the rage inside him remained, burning hotter than ever. This was a direct attack on his family—on his pregnant wife. And he wasn't going to let it slide.

Mia pulled back slightly, her hands gripping his shirt. "Alexander, they mentioned something about a next phase. I don't know what it means, but they were confident… too confident."

His jaw clenched. "Then we end it before they get the chance."

He pulled out his phone and dialed Victor.

"Status?"

Victor's voice was tense. "We've intercepted chatter. Marco's people aren't done yet. This was just a warning."

Alexander's eyes darkened. "Then it's time to send them one back."

A New Target

Victor had already set up a command post back at the estate. By the time Alexander and Mia arrived, the screens were filled with intelligence reports, maps, and intercepted messages.

Victor pointed to a location on the map. "This is where we hit next. We traced the warehouse attack back to an abandoned facility outside the city. If there's any lead on Project Paragon, it's there."

Mia sat down, rubbing her belly instinctively. "Are you sure it's safe?"

Alexander knelt beside her. "You're staying here. No more risks."

Mia sighed. "I want to fight, Alexander. I don't want to be helpless."

He cupped her face gently. "You're not helpless. You're carrying our child. That's the strongest thing anyone can do."

She smiled faintly but didn't argue further.

The Raid

Alexander moved with precision, his team surrounding the facility under cover of darkness. They breached the entrance, weapons ready.

Inside, it was almost too quiet.

Then, a voice crackled through an unseen speaker.

"I was wondering when you'd come, Alexander."

Marco.

Alexander's fingers tightened around his gun. "Enough games. Where are you?"

Marco chuckled. "You're always so predictable. But you'll never stop Project Paragon."

A door at the far end slid open, revealing a room filled with research equipment, documents scattered across tables. But the most disturbing sight? A row of vials, each labeled with something Alexander didn't recognize.

Victor scanned the documents. His face paled. "Alexander… this isn't just a revenge scheme. They were experimenting. On people."

Alexander turned toward the speaker. "What did you do, Marco?"

Marco's voice was almost gleeful. "Paragon isn't just a plan. It's evolution. And Mia? She's the missing piece."

Rage surged through Alexander.

"Not anymore."

He raised his gun.