Defy The Alpha(s)

Chapter 233: The Architects

A clearing stretched out in a remote patch of land, its dirt surface ringed by thick, towering trees. The afternoon sun was hot but the trees around made the heat bearable for the figures who stood waiting. This place had been chosen on purpose, isolated and perfect for things that needed to be kept secret.

Patrick stood in the center of it all, his hands clasped behind his back, his face an unreadable mask of control. High overhead, the thunderous roar of an approaching helicopter shattered the quiet.

The wind whipped violently, sending loose dirt and dried leaves into a swirling frenzy as the chopper descended. The trees shuddered under the force, with its branches bending as though bowing in submission.

Patrick’s men held their ground, their long coats flaring from the downdraft as they signaled the pilot for a smooth landing. The sound was deafening, the rhythmic beating of the rotor blades drowning out everything else.

Then the doors swung open, and Umal stumbled out. His appearance was a mess; his clothes were disheveled, face slick with sweat, and his breath came in short, panicked bursts. He was terrified out of his mind as if he had escaped the devil’s clutches. And perhaps, he did.

But even as he hurried toward Patrick, Umal knew his life was on the line. And so, before he even reached him, Umal dropped to his knees, his head bowing low. "I’m so sorry."

Patrick didn’t move, nor blink. Instead, with a simple flick of his fingers, he gestured to one of his armed men.

The guard stepped forward, reaching down to pluck the briefcase from Umal’s trembling hands and snapped the case open before Patrick.

An icy chill settled in the air as Patrick’s face went from neutral to grim when he saw the remaining bottles nestled within.

Only five vials? In silence, Patrick breathed through his nose, controlling the rage that threatened to break free.

"Just five?" he asked with a calm voice, but there was no mistaking the rage buried beneath those words. This was supposed to be the precious first batch of an expensive, highly secretive and experimental drug. And he just wasted it.

"A-as I told you earlier... T-There was chaos—" Umal stammered, his voice pitched with desperation. "This was all I could escape with before Asher could use his powers on me!"

Patrick’s eyes narrowed. "The few you could escape with? What happened to the rest?"

Umal’s throat bobbed as he swallowed, knowing that his next words could very well seal his fate.

"One was used for the demonstration," he said carefully.

react so Umal forced

"Two broke and.... "

waiting with dangerous

as he uttered

shut his eyes as if he’d just been dealt a final blow. His fingers curled slowly into a fist

wished he hadn’t because

Asher’s hands." It was a statement,

his head, his entire body trembling as fear took hold. "N-No! That’s not it!" he rushed out, "There’s a chance Asher

enough. A

of

chilling indifference, as though he had just ordered the removal of

he couldn’t run

hands clasping together in

the deal! Just give me a second chance! I can—" His plea died under the

second and third drove through him, tearing through his flesh

body jerked back and he collapsed, his blood pooling beneath him, sinking into the earth.

guards stepped forward, grabbing his lifeless body by the legs. Without a word, they dragged him away, his blood smearing the

watched dispassionately. What a failure this was. Then

beside him. She was young, beautiful, sharp-minded, and ruthless when she needed to be. Just the way he

brave enough to speak.

stride didn’t falter as

under. For

furrowed

mind works and he’s trouble. He won’t rest until he gets to the bottom of this. We can’t draw his attention

waited for him. The driver stepped out, opening the door with a silent bow.

door thudded shut, she straddled him, her hands reaching for his jawline before tilting