Alpha

"Let’s go. My man, Kaysir, is already there, surveying the area. He’ll give us more information." I set off, and the others followed.

We approached the cars and climbed in. Ades was driving, and I was driving. Soon we set off for Marcus’s bungalow, hoping he was keeping Zara there.

The three cars passed each other a short distance apart, but they rolled smoothly into the cold, oppressive night. Snow began to fall. Fine flakes fell from the sky, covering everything.

My thoughts plunged into darkness. Clenching my fist, I placed it under my chin and stared out the window. In what condition would I find her? The very thought of it terrified me to the core.

I wasn’t ready to see her... How was I going to face her? So close, so close to getting her back. As soon as she was safe, I would ask for forgiveness I didn’t deserve.

My restless heart pounded in my chest. The first words I was going to say to her whirled through my head. She disconnected our mental link.

"Forgive me, just forgive me sincerely, and hope that one day, when she recovers, she will forgive you," I thought.

"We’re here," Hades announced, and I saw Marcus’s bungalow looming a few houses away. I immediately got out of the car and began looking for Kaysir. The others followed.

The snow was falling faster and faster, and soon the roads would be completely covered.

Seeing us, Kaysir tore himself away from the pole he was leaning on and rushed toward us, wearing his thick jacket and scarf. His nose was red from the intense cold.

"Alpha! You’re here," he said respectfully, but I sensed tension in his voice.

"What’s the report?" I asked, adjusting my jacket. My pistol lay firmly in the holster on my belt.

The men gathered around me to listen to the information Kaysir had gathered. He glanced at the men with a calculating gaze and began: "There are two cameras up front. One on the door, one inside, in the parking lot. Three cameras are located in the back and along the walls. We’ll need to remove the cameras."

I knew Marcus would have installed more cameras to monitor everything from all sides.

"That’ll be easy, we’ll just jam the live feed with our RF jammers." Hades pointed to the car, where two men stood ready with their laptops and devices.

They nodded quickly.

"I couldn’t get in because Marcus wouldn’t let me through the main door, and if I tried, it would have aroused suspicion."

"I did," Kaysir told me sadly.

"It’s okay, you’re doing well." I clapped him on the shoulder. Kaysir had made me proud of myself by finding that earring. It had led to this discovery; otherwise, I might never have thought of it.

"Did you see him leaving or entering? Or any other movements through the windows?" Hades asked, standing in all his glory.

Kaysir shook his head. "No, he only went out to get his keys and seemed to be in a hurry. He usually likes to talk, but not today."

"A perfect example of someone with something to hide. She’s inside, let’s not waste any more time," I said gloomily.

Then, turning to Kaysir, I ordered, "Stay here and guard the men in the car. I’ll go after Zara."

"Please, save Luna," he pleaded sadly.

"We’ll do it." Hades pulled a small box from his bag and handed me a small communication device.

I did as he asked and signaled to my men. They began to move. Hades instructed those in the car to inform him as soon as the camera feed stopped so we could move on.

There was no moon in the sky; it was thickly shrouded in dark clouds, making everything look uninviting and gloomy. The streetlights cast long shadows across the road, quickly obscured by the snow.

The wind was sharp and piercing, but I didn’t care. I was already numb with pain; the cold was just a welcome distraction. Anything to feel alive.

We moved forward, keeping a low profile, and I signaled for the five men to surround the area from all sides, keeping clear of the cameras.

We had to wait a few more seconds until confirmation came through that the camera feed had been cut off and the signals had been jammed.

Moving forward unnoticed, we reached the gray main gate. One of the men climbed it like a monkey and, effortlessly, without making a sound, leaped inside.

It was like watching an action movie in complete silence. He quietly opened the door, letting us in. My eyes narrowed when I saw Marcus’s Jeep parked in the garage.

The porch light was on, and I was sure the bastard was home. The temptation to text him and ask where he was washed over me like a tsunami, but I wanted it to be a complete surprise.

"Spread out, and we’ll go in at the same time. He has a security system inside, so we won’t have much time once it goes off," I commanded, and everyone scattered in different directions. Hades stayed with me along with two other men.

We approached the inner glass door. One of my companions took out sharp tools to pick the lock. Inserting them into the keyhole, he began poking at it while we watched, holding our breath.

After a few seconds, the lock clicked, signaling that the door was open. It creaked softly, and my body tensed.

~Creak~

Then the sounds of breaking glass were heard from other directions, and Hades quickly gave the order to enter.

And then, as expected, the alarm went off.

<Beeeee-Beeeeeee>

"We only have a few minutes; Let’s make the most of them," I shouted, and we rushed inside with all our might.

A commotion erupted from within as I headed for Marcus’s room. Someone screamed, a woman or two. Hades aimed and detonated the security system, disabling it forever.

"Find her and take everyone into custody. I’m going after Marcus," I shouted to Hades. He nodded, and I moved forward.

Kicking down the door to Marcus’s room, I rushed inside.