Chapter 238
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“That won’t hold them for long,” I muttered, emerging from the alley onto a busy commercial street. “We need to separate them further.”
“Your instincts are good,” my father commented, his tone unchanged despite the danger. “But remember, they want us to panic. Controlled aggression is what we need now.”
I tried to reach out to Rebecca again, finding the connection slightly stronger now. I sent a quick message: “We’re being pursued, but managing. Protect Lucas. I’ll find a way back to you.”
Her response came fragmented but clear enough: “Hospital… Raymond… Coming home…”
I grimaced, hoping she’d find the villa secure when she returned. My attention was drawn back to the road as another SUV appeared ahead of us, attempting to cut us off.
“Father, Mother,” I said, accelerating rather than braking, “brace yourselves.”
The industrial district at the edge of the city was largely deserted this time of day, which was both an advantage and a disadvantage. Less civilian presence meant fewer potential casualties, but also fewer witnesses to deter our pursuers.
I’d managed to lose two of the vehicles, but the remaining two had proven surprisingly tenacious, coordinating their movements to herd us toward this isolated area. As we rounded a corner, I saw what they’d been planning: two more vehicles waiting ahead, effectively blocking our path.
“They’re forcing a confrontation,” my mother observed calmly, though I could smell her anxiety.
My father surveyed the situation with the practiced eye of someone who had faced similar threats across decades of leadership. “A predictable tactic,” he said, his voice still remarkably steady. “They want to control the environment of engagement.”
I slowed the Bentley, assessing our options. Four vehicles, probably at least eight armed individuals. Not impossible odds for two Alphas, but the presence of my mother complicated matters. I needed to ensure her safety first.
“Father, when I create an opening,” I said quietly, “I want you to get mother to safety. I’ll handle the distraction.”
My father’s eyes met mine in the rearview mirror. “You’ve grown into a fine Alpha, son, but this is not a solo mission.” His voice carried decades of authority. “We’ll coordinate. Your mother is no helpless civilian either.”
My mother nodded in agreement, her expression fierce. “I’ve been Luna for thirty years, Dominic. I know how to handle myself in a crisis.”
“We need a strategic approach,” my father continued. “Divide their attention, then-”
Before he could finish, I felt a mental touch that wasn’t Rebecca. “Alpha, Mr. Dominic Sterling, this is Rivera. Don’t respond verbally. Your pursuers are monitoring standard frequencies. Nod if you can hear me.”
I gave a slight nod, keeping my expression neutral. I sensed my father receiving the same communication, his eyes narrowing slightly.
“The perimeter team has identified at least three more vehicles in the area. Don’t go to any of the predetermined safe houses–they’ve been compromised. Collins has employed rogue Deltas with military background.”
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Chapter 238
That explained their coordinated tactics. I tilted my head slightly, silently asking for more information.
€75
“Rebecca has delivered Raymond to Silvercrest and is returning to the villa. Beta Marcus has secured the immediate perimeter, but we’ve detected two potential incursion points.”
My hands tightened on the steering wheel. Rebecca was heading back into potential danger.
“Your mate is stronger than you think, Alpha,” Rivera continued, sensing my concern. “She has arranged for Lucas’s protection. Sofia and Diana will move him to a secure location.”
Relief washed through me, though concern for Rebecca remained. Sofia was human, but loyal and clever. Diana had served my family for decades and knew all our security protocols. Lucas would be as safe as possible under the circumstances.
My father leaned forward, placing a hand on my shoulder. “Trust your mate, Dominic,” he said quietly, somehow understanding my concern without hearing Rivera’s message. “She has the instincts of a true Luna.”
The pursuing vehicles were moving into position now, preparing to box us in completely. We needed to act quickly.
“Rivera, I need a distraction to the east, and I need it in three minutes. We’ll rendezvous at the old warehouse facility.”
Mated by Contract to the Alpha
