saving my prey

LIAM pov

Now, I've forged a formidable reputation for myself; I am a force to be reckoned with. I have clawed my way to the top, forging my reputation with blood and sweat, and I stand unrivalled now

I stand at the helm, ready to unleash the long-awaited tide of revenge that has been festering within me.

I know every detail about her—Lyra. I've anticipated this moment meticulously, studying her preferences, from her favorite meal that tantalizes her senses to the intoxicating scent of her signature perfume. I've uncovered the names of her past lovers, the halls she walked during her school years, and delved deep into her digital existence. I possess an intimate knowledge of her, knowing her figure as it appears in both the shadows of her clothing and in the vulnerability of her bare skin. Lyra, you've haunted my thoughts, and I've waited for this day with unwavering determinations

I turned to my secretary with a cold, commanding stare. "I want you to kidnap Lyra Stone for me—and do it quickly. Leave no traces behind."

But boss," Luther protested, his voice tinged with confusion, "you could always invite her over if you want. The family has always arranged meetings between the two of you, which you've consistently declined. Why resort to kidnapping?

Luther's audacity ignited a fire within me. "Did I ever ask for your opinion concerning my affairs, or have you forgotten your place!??

He dropped to his knees, hurriedly apologizing, but it was too late—trust was a luxury I couldn't afford.

I signalled to Ben, a man trained for such tasks, to take Luther to the "room." "When you get there, you'll learn your lesson. In a week, you will fulfil my request," I instructed, and Luther resigned and followed Ben into the shadows.

I thought Luther was right, but deep down, a festering need was emerging: I wanted to instil chaos in the minds of the Stone family. I yearned for them to experience the sheer panic of searching for their missing child, to expend every ounce of their wealth and resources in desperation. And when the terrible realization dawned that I held her captive, I wanted them to kneel in pleading, begging for mercy. But mercy would not be on my agenda; I had long since learned that forgiveness was a luxury they did not deserve.

For thirteen long years, the haunting spectres of my family's demise plagued my nights. I was tormented by visions of their brutal murders—my mother and my entire clan lay slaughtered in front of me. Lyra's cries echoed in my mind, leaving me restless and tormented. I sought help from a psychiatrist, but their empty words did little to ease my torment. Sleeping pills became my solace, yet they offered only a momentary aid to my pain.

I hold sway over some of the grandest hotels in the city, a position that grants me considerable power as the head of the Valenti family. In this realm of shadows and whispers, no one dares to defy the weight of the valenti name. My influence runs deep within the underworld, governed by my resolve and reputation alone. The Stone family, obstinately standing, remains only due to their storied legacy. Their long history once commanded respect, but after years of conflicts and the decimation of their ranks, their influence has waned.

"Boss, we've got a situation with the girl, Kyra." The voice was tinged with urgency. "She's run away from home."

I furrowed my brow, feeling a ripple of concern. "Where is she now?"

"She's currently in the Alley Street area 4," the voice replied, hesitantly.

"You may leave," I instructed, feeling the weight of the matter settle heavily on my shoulders.

That area was notorious, a treacherous stretch of the city where danger lurked in every shadow. It was rife with men who lived on the edge, willing to gamble with their lives at a moment's notice.

Ipaused for a moment, the weight of my decision heavy in the air, before snatching my car keys and slipping my gun into my pocket, ready to confront a past that had lingered too long. Once in the car, I turned on the GPS, my heart racing as I pinpointed her location. The small device nestled in her necklace, a suggestion I had made to my man years ago, guided me through the winding streets.

As I drew closer, a surge of anticipation fluttered in my chest. It had been thirteen long years since I last saw her face—just an array of photographs that couldn't capture the essence of who she had become. Lyra's blonde hair cascaded around her shoulders, catching the light like spun gold, and her deep, vivid blue eyes seemed to pierce through the shadows of my memory from the moment I laid eyes on her.

As I approached, however, I was momentarily thrown off by the figure draped in black clothing; I mistook her for someone else entirely until my instinct kicked in, urging me forward. When I reached out and grasped her, the shock of seeing her in the flesh filled me with disbelief. My breath caught in my throat, and just as I started to process the moment, the world around me shattered.

Suddenly, a heavy stick collided with my head,sending splinters flying as I staggered back, disoriented. The piercing scream of the girl cut through my fog of confusion, and I could see her collapsing to the ground, panic etched on her face. My vision blurred with each heartbeat; I felt warm drips of blood begin to trickle down from the impact.

Fueled by adrenaline, I turned fiercely and launched a punch with all my might, connecting squarely with the face of my assailant, sending him crashing backward into the dirt. Out of the corner of my eye, I spotted Lyra regaining her footing. With a fierce determination, she swung at the remaining attacker, but her effort barely staggered him. In a cruel twist, he seized her by the throat, his grip unyielding and oppressive, a cruel smile twisting his lip he landed a harsh blow to her abdomen, causing a gasp of pain.Her eyes widened in horror as she fought Suddenly, the tension shattered with a sharp crack — a single gunshot rang out and he fell.

I could have handled that," she said, her voice raspy as she gasped for breath and coughed, each sound mingling with the faint echoes of our chaotic surroundings.

"Sure you did, princess," I replied with a smirk, giving her a light tap on the head. She went limp in an instant, collapsing softly to the ground.

With a sigh, I scooped her up, cradling her in my arms as I turned to carry her back, the weight of the moment settling over me like a heavy blanket.