Chapter 3

A new day dawned, but for Madeline, it brought no relief. The soft morning sunlight bathed the city against the walls of her small apartment. But inside, darkness consumed her.

It had been twenty-four hours since my son was taken. Twenty-four hours of agony. My world had shrunk to a single thought—finding Ivan.

She lay curled up on the bed, her tear-streaked face pressed into the pillow, her body trembling with grief. Her phone had been buzzing non-stop—her boss, the police, unknown numbers. She ignored them all.

 None of it mattered. Not when the ransom was set at a staggering $500,000—an amount so impossible it might as well have been a death sentence.

"Why would anyone do this to him?" she whispered hoarsely. "He's just a child…"

Desperation clawed at her throat. "Whom do I turn to now?" she cried, her voice breaking. She had no one. No family, no wealthy friends. Nothing but her prayers to the Moon Goddess.

Her hands clenched into fists. "Selene, please… send someone to save him."

The doorbell rang.

Madeline flinched. It rang again, this time louder.

"Go away!" she yelled, her voice raw.

The knocking didn't stop. It became insistent, relentless.

With a sigh, she dragged herself to the door, wiping at her tear-streaked face. "I said I don't want to—"

She froze.

Catherine stood before her, concern etched across her face.

Madeline blinked, her voice caught in her throat. "Catherine? What… what are you doing here?"

"Can I come in?"

Madeline hesitated, then stepped aside wordlessly.

Catherine walked in and shut the door behind her, her gaze sweeping over the room—the untouched food, the crumpled bedsheets, everywhere was thick with despair.

"I don't have to ask if you've eaten," Catherine murmured. "You look exhausted, Maddie."

Madeline let out a bitter laugh. "Do you think I care about food? My son is missing. The cops are useless. The ransom is impossible. Tell me, Catherine, where does that leave me?"

Tears spilled down her cheeks again. She collapsed onto the couch, gripping her hair in frustration. "I can't do this. I can't…"

Catherine sat beside her, a firm hand on her shoulder. "Listen to me. I might know someone who can help."

Madeline lifted her head slowly. "Help?"

"Yes. There's a man—a werewolf Alpha—who has a reputation for finding lost children. He doesn't work for money, only justice."

Madeline frowned. "An Alpha?" The word itself carried weight, with a fear and mystery. She had heard rumors—whispers of an Alpha who operated in far estate feared by many, revered by others.

Catherine nodded. "He's dangerous but fair. People say he's saved children from traffickers, kidnappers… monsters."

 The mention of "monsters" felt too close to home.

She hesitated. The idea of trusting a stranger—an Alpha, no less—felt reckless. But what choice did I have?

"You think he'll help me?" Her voice wavered.

Catherine's eyes softened. "I'll find out. Give me an hour."

 An hour later, Madeline paced the living room, glancing at the clock every few seconds. The air felt thick with anticipation.

Then—another knock at the door.

She rushed to open it, her heart in her throat.

Catherine smiled. "He agreed. We leave now."

A rush of relief and anxiety flooded in Madeline. Is this really happening? Could this Alpha truly bring Ivan home?

"Give me a second to change," she murmured, suddenly feeling underdressed for what could be the most important meeting of her life.

The drive felt longer than it should have. Madeline barely noticed the passing streets, her thoughts consumed by dread and fragile hope.

When they arrived, the Pack's compound loomed before her—a towering cream-colored estate with iron gates and high walls. 

The presence of guards, their eyes watching her every move, sent a shiver down her spine.

They were led inside, past a grand hallway lined with statues of wolves and historical relics. The scent of power clung to the air, overwhelming.

"Wait here," a guard said before disappearing into another room.

Madeline's pulse pounded. Then, footsteps.

A figure emerged, stepping into the light.

A deep voice rumbled through the space. "Welcome to my Pack. You have nothing to fear. Your son will be found."

Madeline's body turned to ice.

No.

This wasn't happening.

Her breath hitched.

Alpha Domenico.

The man who had destroyed my life.

The man who had ordered me to abort my child four years ago.

The man who stood before me now, unaware of the truth.

Memories crashed into her like a tidal wave—his cold words, the agony of betrayal, the unbearable loss.

Her fingers curled into fists, her nails digging into her palms. Every instinct screamed at her to run. But she couldn't. Not now.

Domenico's eyes scanned her face. A flicker of recognition passed through them.

Then—his expression hardened.

Madeline swallowed, forcing herself to stand tall.

If he didn't remember her yet, he would soon. And when he did…

The real battle would begin.