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."

followed in with easy steps, a matte black Kel-Tec KSG shotgun casually slung over one shoulder. He gave Patrick a lopsided

dignity he had left. "What are

around the wrecked room and sighed. "Came to bust your sorry ass before they get to you.

"Now come on. Let’s

into a fist. "No. I’m not

raised both hands in mock

her hand cracked across his face. The slap was deafening and Patrick

cheek. Then the third one

whistled as if

collar, hauling him up. She then yanked him close until their faces were inches apart, her voice

brother. So no, you don’t get to waste

eyes were dazed, his lip bleeding, and

gaze landed on the picture, and for a moment,

the love of your life, and your heart must be breaking right now. But tell me, do you think this is what Cynthia would want if she could see you

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 him. His face was flushed red, and she massaged the

like a pathetic fool, or are you going to give Cynthia the revenge she deserves? They took her away from you, Elias. They have to pay. Or would you rather her death

a rhetorical question, Vera expected an answer. But Patrick said nothing, the only

she roared

stammered, his

"Say it again!"

Patrick shouted louder

we have to get you out

shoved him back with a forceful push and turned to