Defy The Alpha(s)

Chapter 412: They’d Pay

Elias Turner, no, Patrick Vale, sat motionless on the edge of the bed, his fingers gripping a photograph. It was the only thing he seemed able to hold onto anymore.

The girl in the picture was none other than his girlfriend, Cynthia. Well, now, his late girlfriend.

If he had known that night just a few days ago would be the last time he would see her, he would have never let her go. There were far more skilled men that would have led the operation, but he let her take charge because he trusted her. And now, his mistake has cost him forever.

A guttural roar was ripped from his throat as he hurled the picture frame across the room. It struck the wall with a violent crack, the glass shattering into pieces. But then, the same sound seemed to break something open in him.

"No, no, no..."

Patrick dropped to his knees, crawling over to the mess, not even flinching as shards bit into his palms and knees. Blood slicked the floor as he pulled the photo from the broken frame, hugging it to his chest like it could somehow bring her back.

"I’m so sorry..." he sobbed with a cracked voice. "I’m so, so sorry..."

Saying those words knowing she’d never hear them made the cries come harder, and his shoulders to shake with the weight of grief.

There was not even a body to bury. Cynthia was simply gone while he sat here, still breathing. She must be cold wherever she is and disappointed in him.

Suddenly the door was kicked open, and

Patrick jolted, turning with wide, bloodshot eyes as two figures stepped into the room.

"Aww," Vera drawled with mock sweetness, her smile curving with venom. "There he is."

She glanced over her shoulder. "Told you he’d be cooped up somewhere crying like some baby."

Kel-Tec KSG shotgun casually slung over one shoulder. He gave Patrick a lopsided grin.

wiped at his face, trying to gather whatever dignity he

around the wrecked room and sighed. "Came to bust your sorry ass before they get to you. You’re not exactly

forward. "Now

Patrick stayed rooted, his hands balling into

hands in

his face. The slap was deafening and

before the second hit came, harder, across the opposite cheek. Then the third one arrived, and this time it was with a closed

as

by the collar, hauling him up. She then yanked him close until their faces were inches

I wouldn’t care about your pathetic ass," she said. "But you’re currently useful to us brother. So no, you don’t get to waste away, Elias. Not when we have

speak. His eyes were dazed, his lip bleeding, and he still held the photo like it

picture, and for a moment, her hardened

it," she said, her voice surprisingly gentle. "You just lost the love of your life, and your heart must be breaking

move that contradicted the violence from just moments before, Vera suddenly cupped his face. Her touch was tender, even doting, as if she hadn’t just slapped the soul out of

give Cynthia the revenge she deserves? They took her away from you, Elias. They have to pay. Or would you rather her death

expected an answer. But Patrick said nothing, the only sound escaping him a thick,

ELIAS!" she roared into

he stammered, his heart

"Say it again!"

shouted louder

your position has been compromised, and we have to get you out of here before

forceful push and turned