Chapter 118
Nathan’s POV
rejoined my team at our temporary base, my mind still racing from what I thought I’d witnessed in the market. That copper hair, that silhouette–it had to be Rachel.
“Alpha, we spotted a group at the docks, but we couldn’t confirm if the target was among them,” Tyler reported, his expression serious as he handed me several surveillance photos
I nodded, processing this information while examining the images. “Were they arriving on the island or preparing to leave? That could change our plans.”
“We believe he may be preparing to depart, Tyler replied.
“We’ll check again in the morning,” I decided, looking up from the photos. “As planned, we move in tomorrow and eliminate the target. But if he’s not on the island, we’ll have to wait for his return.”
I scanned the room, making eye contact with each team member to ensure they understood. They all nodded in acknowledgment.
Tyler continued, “We still can’t get close to the mansion, but we believe it’s possible despite the heavy guard. There’s a Marge area behind the property that might be our best option.”
I nodded, authorizing Tyler to proceed with his plan. The other team members delivered their reports, and while I listened, my thoughts kept drifting.
Rachel…
“Get some rest,” I instructed my team as the meeting concluded. “Tomorrow could be challenging.”
As night fell, I sent my team to prepare for the evening’s mission. Finding myself drawn outdoors, I walked along the beach, letting the cool breeze clear my head.
Suddenly, that pull inside me returned–stronger than before, impossible to ignore..
Like a compass needle finding north, my entire being seemed to orient toward something I couldn’t see.
Before I realized it, I had tracked this sensation through town, across woods, over hills, and along the edges of other properties and residences. I found myself standing near the building complex where our target supposedly lived.
But I wasn’t at the front near the mansion–I was at the back, where the pull was stronger than ever.
It felt like something physically yanking at my insides, urging me to climb the wall before me and find the missing piece of my soul.
I took a deep breath. Tyler had said the back of this property was our best option–likely with fewer security measures.
Being alone, I was confident I could scale the wall undetected. Darkness always helped with such tasks.
I listened carefully for patrols, and when I was certain no one was around, I vaulted over the wall to find myself in a garden beside a small cottage.
1/3
Chapter 118
Whatever was drawing me to this island was inside that cottage
Could it be her? My fingers touched the crescent pendant in my pocket. Was this all wishful thinking?
My heart cried out to her. “Rachel!” just as it had in the marketplace.
Since I’d seen her standing on that cliff edge, worried she would fall, then watching her disappear in an instant, my heart had called to her countless times.
But had she really fallen?
Then I heard it.
Her familiar laugh reached my ears first. Though faint, muffled by the cottage walls, I would recognize it anywhere. I was certain it was Rachel’s voice.
How was this possible?
I stood motionless–waiting, listening.
Minutes later, I heard footsteps approaching the cottage door, realizing someone else was in Rachel’s cottage, preparing to
leave.
Could it be the target?
No wonder Tyler and the team had difficulty finding him.
He wasn’t in the mansion!
I strained to hear their conversation. The man was saying goodnight to her–he was kissing her cheek.
My heart froze.
Why was Rachel with our enemy?
Though I couldn’t see her from where I stood, I could hear their voices.
As the man descended the porch steps, my mind raced at a thousand miles an hour, calculating the likelihood of attacking, killing the target, and safely taking Rachel away.
I was about to contact Tyler through our mind link to request backup and prepare for attack, but my feet wouldn’t move. My eyes locked onto the target’s face.
It was almost like staring at my own reflection. Even in the dim light of the cottage porch, I could clearly see who it was.
Carter?
My half–brother? But what was he doing here? None of this made sense.
I stood there, trying to comprehend seeing him on this island.
We had confirmed Carter was working with the rebels attacking us in the north. So how could he also be here?
