Chapter 82

"Lia!!! Help me, Lia! Save me Lia!" Alpha's voice cries out but from where, he doesn't know. 

"Will?!" he wandered crazily but everything was covered by a strange white fog. "Will, where are you?" 

"Lia…it hurts—-he's hurting me!" 

Lia cried nonstop in desperate hope to find Alpha but all he was surrounded by was taunting and whispering shadows. 

"I'll fuck you until you die today! You think you can run away from me ha ha ha!" Suddenly, the harsh fog subsided revealing a disturbing scene of Antonio ruthlessly fucking Alpha with a sadistic pleasure. 

"Let g-go of me ahhhh!!!" Alpha let out a heart wrenching scream in agony. "Lia!!" 

But Lia was frozen upon seeing the scene. Didn't they run away from them? Didn't he already save Alpha so why….?

He tried to move, to reach out and stop the horror unfolding before him, but his feet was glued to the ground. What if it was all a dream and he never rescued Alpha? 

Every muscle in his body strained yet he was paralyzed. "W-Will…" a very low sigh escaped his lips. 

"No one will come to save you ha ha ha!" Antonio laughed menacingly, wrapping his hands around Alpha's neck and choking him where he coughed uncontrollably.

"Nooo….." Just as Lia was about to scream, he felt a cold grip on his shoulder. He was yanked backwards, the world spinning around him. When he landed, he was face to face with Jasper, whose eyes glowed with twisted sinister expressions.

Lia's eyes widened in extreme fright, his body felt heavy yet he was unable to move or get away. 

"No, get away from me!" Lia struggled, but Jasper's terror stopped his breathing and he couldn't dare fighting. 

Jasper's breath was terrifyingly unnerving against Lia's ear as he whispered maliciously, "What I couldn't finish while alive, I'll do now that I'm dead."

Jasper's hand slid down, and Lia's skin crawled with revulsion. "No! Stop!"

But before Jasper could do anything Lia was pulled back into the fog by a saving hand. 

"Lia!" He bolted upright in bed, his body slick with sweat, his heart pounding violently in his chest. He was shaking, the remnants of the nightmare clinging to his mind.

Beside him, Alpha stared at him with big worried eyes. His hands tightly clutching Lia's arm as if he would disappear. "Lia, why cry?" 

"Huh?" Lia blinked, clearing his mind. It was…just a dream. He forced out a smile, gently brushing Alpha's sleepy messy hair. I think I scared him. 

Swallowing hard to push down the memories of the nightmare he opened his arms. "I'm fine, it's nothing. Want to sleep some more, it's still time until morning. Come here," 

Alpha didn't waste any time and snuggled closer. 

Alpha's hand found Lia's and squeezed it reassuringly because he could tell Lia was scared by something. 

Lia smiled lovingly at his boy. 

But even as Alpha drifted back to sleep, Lia lay awake, staring at the ceiling. The fear of losing Alpha, of seeing him back in that place of torment, gnawed at his mind. He knew he had to be strong, for both of them, but the shadows of the past were not so easily dispelled.

"I won't let anyone hurt you again," he whispered to the sleeping Alpha, pulling him even more closer, almost crushing him, as much a promise to himself as to his lover.

◾◾◾

Eve's hands trembled as he hastily stuffed his belongings into a small duffel bag.

"What are you doing, Eve?" Dexter asked worriedly and tiredly. "Why are you packing?"

Eve didn't pause in his packing and glanced at him for a second. "I'm leaving, Dexter," he replied, his tone was surprisingly calm. "I'm going to live with my brother Li from now on."

Dexter's eyes widened in shock. He grabbed his hands quickly, stopping his packing and making him look up. "What? Eve, you can't leave. And you're definitely not going to meet Lia. It's not safe there. He lives with a big scary man and so many dangerous men are after them." 

Eve ignored him by yanking his hands and continuing to pack. "I don't care. I can't stay here any longer with mom. I have made up my mind. I want to spend the rest of my days with my brother." 

"But Eve-"

"Dexter, please. This is not a debate." Eve paused in his packing and turned to face him, his expression serious. "I need you to take me to him." 

"And throw you in the mouth of danger. Never," 

"Dexter please. I want to see brother Li. I need to know that he's doing fine. Please, please, Dexter please." 

Dexter's heart ached at his pleading tone, but he knew he couldn't change his mind.

"Alright," he said, his tone defeated.

"Yes! Thank you!" 

He thought that once Eve met with Lia, he would ask Lia to convince him to go back home with him.

But why does he feel like something bad is going to happen?

◾◾◾

The days passed in a fragile peace. 

Though there's a new adorable yet pitiful problem Lia faced. 

Alpha would cling to him every time. He seemed to be suffering from anxiety and attachment issues. 

Wherever Lia would go in any part of the house, even in the same room, Alpha would be just a step behind, his eyes glued on Lia, always watchful and always fearful. Lia's heart ached for him, but he was at a loss for how to ease Alpha's constant state of distress.

And it would be right to say that Lia was somewhat suffering from the same issues. He would panic if Alpha wasn't in front of him. Ever since he suffered that nightmare he's always on alert. 

Like even now he has searched the entire house but he couldn't find Alpha. Dread washed over him and he thought his heart would leap out of his mouth. 

"Will?" He stepped outside the house and his breath caught in his throat at the sight before him. "Will, baby w-what..you…" 

Alpha was crouched in the garden, his hands and face smudged with blood. In his grasp was the limp body of a small bird, its feathers crimson and screwed up. Lia's stomach churned as he approached him slowly. 

"Will.." 

Hearing his name, he looked up with his dark and lifeless eyes. There was a flicker of something unrecognisable in them, something feral. 

"The bird…it was living in our garden. I didn't like it. I don't want any human, animal, or bird to come near you," he pointed an accusing finger at the dead bird in his defence. Lips curling in a vicious smile waiting to hear a praise from Lia. 

Lia's heart twisted at the sight. The killing intent in Alpha's eyes was chilling. He swallowed hard, forcing himself to stay calm. He slowly bent down and froze when Alpha kissed his lips and rubbed his face against Lia's staining his face as well. 

"Will," He didn't mind it much, he was more focused on calming Alpha who's hell over bent that everything and everyone wants to take Lia away. "No one will come between us, love. No one can take me from you, alright." 

Alpha's gaze softened slightly at his words, but there was still a dangerous edge to his expression. "Really?" 

"Yes," he nodded profusely, reaching out to gently take Alpha's bloodied hand. "No one. It's just you and me."

Alpha seemed to relax, his tension easing as he leaned into Lia's touch. But Lia could feel the tremors of fear running through him. And upon that, the drugs had twisted Alpha's mind, making him hungry for violence. Lia doesn't know when or where Alpha would lose control. 

He helped Alpha rose, the little bird slipping out of his hands and took him inside to clean him. He needs to find a way to break the hold the drugs had on him. But for now, he had to play along, to keep Alpha as calm as he could.

Next morning, Lia stirred in bed with the feeling of the weight of Alpha's head on his chest. He smiled softly, running his fingers through Alpha's hair. 

It woke Alpha up. He didn't say anything and just watched Lia with an intensity that was both comforting and a little unsettling. Lia leaned down and planted a gentle kiss on his forehead.

"Good morning, sleepyhead," Lia tried to coax a smile from Alpha.

Alpha's lips twitched slightly, but he didn't respond verbally. Instead, he tightened his grip around Lia's waist. Lia could feel the silent demand in that touch: Stay close.

Surprisingly, Lia found comfort in this possessiveness. He loved how crazy Alpha was for him, how deeply he was needed. It made him feel wanted, cherished in a way no one else ever had.

Lia stroked Alpha's back soothingly. "How about we make some breakfast?" he suggested softly, hoping to start the day on a positive note.

Alpha nodded slightly but didn't release his hold on Lia. They disentangled slowly, and as soon as Lia stood up, Alpha was right there, following his every move.

In the kitchen, Lia began gathering ingredients for pancakes. But he was disturbed when Alpha decided to hover over him letting Lia know his silent obsession. 

Lia turned to smile at him, trying to ease his nerves. "You can set the table while I cook."

Alpha hesitated for a moment before moving to do as Lia asked but never taking his eyes off Lia. He found this slightly strange because Alpha wasn't talking much, though it wasn't surprising. Lia is used to him constantly blabbering all day, and completely giving him silent treatment the next day. 

As Lia flipped the pancakes when he felt Alpha's arms snake around his waist from behind. He stiffened for a moment but then relaxed, reminding himself that Alpha needed this reassurance. 

"I love to be held like this but you'll get hurt, love," Lia grinned in useless hope that Alpha would listen. 

He tightened his grip if anything, face burying in the crook of Lia's neck, his hot breath tingling against Lia's skin causing him to sucked in a deep troubling breath. 

Alpha still didn't speak, but his silence was louder. Lia could feel the demand for his undivided attention. 

And strangely, it thrilled Lia into a craziness. 

When breakfast was ready, they sat down at the table, their legs tangled under the table. Alpha ate quietly yet his eyes never left Lia.

"Do you like the pancakes?" 

Alpha nodded, and Lia reached across the table to squeeze his hand, but Alpha grasped it desperately taking Lia off guard. He smiled cautiously and fed another bite to Alpha. 

After breakfast, they moved to the living room. Alpha settled beside Lia on the couch, practically in his lap. Lia wrapped an arm around him to offer some comfort while Alpha's head rested against his chest. 

"Why are you so afraid today, huh? I'm here with you, no? And we will always be together from now on." Lia whispered, pressing a tender kiss to the top of Alpha's head. 

Alpha didn't speak but Lia could see the unspoken promise in his gaze: 

I'll never let you go.

◾◾◾◾

"Brother, every one of our labs were attacked. Our operations were hit hard. Most of the subjects were rescued, and several of our key doctors have been captured."

Wagnar's eyes stared into nothing. "What about the data? Was it stolen as well?"

Antonio swallowed hard, glancing at the trembling doctors lined up against the wall. "All gone, sir. Destroyed or confiscated. We've lost everything."

Wagnar's silence was deafening. The doctors exchanged terrified glances, breaths coming in short gasps.

"The mafias. They will throw us to the wolves. They'll stop funding us and cut off all our resources." 

One of the doctors, a middle-aged man drenched in sweat, stepped forward. "Sir, we tried to save what we could, but they were too fast. We didn't stand a chance against them. Still, we were succeed to save few of the labs and the subjects—--"

Wagnar's fist crashed onto the desk, sending papers and pens flying. "Incompetent fools! Do you have any idea what this means? Years of work, millions in resources, all gone! If I couldn't get my empire back you all would be the ones sold off to the mafias!"

Antonio stepped forward quickly. "Sir, if I may—"

Wagnar's gaze turned to him, icy and unforgiving. "What is it, Antonio? Another failure to report?!"

Antonio shook his head. "No, brother. An idea. A way to turn this around."

"Speak."

Antonio took a deep breath. "Sunford."

A dark smile slowly spread across his lips. "Sunford?" he repeated. 

"Yes, brother. How about we create a place that would be a disguise for the labs and nobody will bat an eye. We will relocate the remaining subjects there. If anyone gets suspicious, they'll see nothing but classrooms, students, and teachers. A school that's not for ordinary students but seems like one. 

We can also admit normal kids but only from rich people. It'll help in raising our funds. And if the parents ever questioned about their kids, we can simply make up some stories about how their kids die. The perfect cover. Parents won't ask questions, authorities will see only a respected institution. Meanwhile, our work goes undisturbed."

Wagnar's lips twisted into a smile. "Then it's settled. Sunford will be our hermitage. Sunford would soon be etched into the annals of my enemies' nightmares." 

Antonio laughed and nodded. 

"And what of Alpha?" Wagnar demanded.

Antonio hesitated for a while. "We are searching for him. We haven't found any trace of him yet."

Wagnar surged to his feet, delivering a powerful punch to Antonio's jaw. "I want him found! At any cost! Do you understand me?"

Antonio staggered and clutched his face, but quickly nodded. "Yes, sir. I promise you, we will find him. He's been tested for years. No one could handle him, let alone someone as ordinary as that stupid Lia."

"Then bring him back to me. I don't care what it takes. Find him, or I'll find someone who can."

"Yes, sir. We won't rest until Alpha is back in our hands."

◾◾◾◾

Alpha killed yet another bird and was busy burying it when he heard a rustling in the bushes behind him. 

His ears twitched and he stopped his work. He rose, muscles coiled like a predator sensing prey. Slowly, he approached the source of the noise. 

The bushes parted, revealing a small human, a child, with a huge innocent smile. "Brother Li!"

Alpha's ears twitched again, but this time, his mind struggled to process the words. He could only grasp fragments—Brother Li, Lia.

Experiments had twisted his mind. He had been subjected to endless trials, injected with chemicals that altered his brain's wiring. His consciousness had been fragmented, his ability to understand complex language stripped away. Now, he could only focus on one word or command at a time.

And in this moment, his mind was consumed by one name, one face: Lia.

Lia was everything. Anyone who was not Lia was an enemy and a threat that wanted to take him away.

The child who unaware of the danger in front of him continued to speak. "You must be the person my brother Li loves. Dexter was right, you really do look like a big scary dude."

Alpha's mind latched onto the word 'Lia.' The face of the child blurred in his eyes, twisted into a hostile figure. He could not understand the child's words fully, but he sensed the threat. In his distorted perception, the child was an enemy, a danger to Lia.

Alpha raised his hands and cupped the child's face. The child looked up confused and began to ask, "Where is Lia?"

But the question was cut short when Alpha's grip tightened, the strength in his hands increasing overwhelming second by second. The child's eyes suddenly widened in fear when he felt pain. Alpha increased the pressure so much that he could feel the bones beneath his fingers, fragile and breakable.

"Alpha? What are you doing here again—wait Eve?" 

Suddenly, Lia appeared behind them but got shocked as he saw Eve standing there. Eve's eyes drifted to Lia and he smiled widely. 

But everything froze along with his smile when Alpha brutally twisted his neck, breaking it with a sickening snap.

"NOO!!!" 

Time seemed to stop. Lia didn't even recognize that the scream echoing in the air was his own. His eyes widened in utter shock as he watched Alpha let go of Eve.

Eve's lifeless body crumpled to the ground with the same smile he came with still on his face. 

He had come to tell his brother that he was going to live with him.

A tear fell from Lia's eyes, a single drop of liquid grief, glistening in the moonlight before it hit the earth. 

But that dream of his could never be fulfilled now.