Chapter 81 Veil of Shadows

Book:Alpha's Rise and Luna's Love Published:2024-6-4

Aldrich materialized in an instant at the scene of the attack. As he took in the sight before him, a heavy weight settled in his heart. The moon hung high in the midnight sky, casting an eerie glow over the dimly lit alley. The air was thick with tension, as if the very night held its breath, aware of the sinister events that had transpired.
“Maggie!” He stepped forward, his gaze fixed on the prone form of Maggie, her delicate features etched with fear. Charlie stood nearby, his eyes filled with worry and relief as he handed her over to Aldrich’s care. The alpha’s strong arms enveloped her, cradling her close, his touch gentle yet possessive. His wolf surged within him, protective instincts raging against the threat that dared harm his mate.
“Boss, the attackers were too formidable. If it weren’t for Maggie, all of us would have died here…” Charlie said, still trembling with fear.
“Charlie, I will never let these attackers get away with this… Now, please help contact the nearest hospital, we’ll head there right away.”
With great care, Aldrich conducted a thorough examination of Maggie’s body. His hands moved tenderly over her, searching for any signs of injury.
Charlie immediately went to make arrangements. “Yes, Miss Nelson needs medical attention.”
As he discovered no wounds on Maggie’s body, a surge of relief washed over him, mingled with a lingering anger at the audacity of their assailant. Satisfied that she was physically unharmed, he gently placed her in the backseat of his car, ensuring her comfort before turning his attention to the aftermath of the attack.
“Charlie,” Aldrich’s voice carried a steel undertone, his eyes narrowing as he spoke. “Secure the area. I want every available resource to find the attacker and ensure the safety of our pack.”
Charlie nodded, the gravity of the situation etched in the lines of his face. He immediately set about organizing their security team, barking orders into his radio. The sound of footsteps echoed through the alley as reinforcements arrived, their presence a comforting reassurance in the face of danger.
Aldrich swiftly transported Maggie to the hospital, his heart heavy with concern. He wasted no time, ensuring the doctors performed a thorough examination, leaving no stone unturned.
Maggie’s deep slumber left Aldrich feeling guilty and worried. He held her hand tightly, softly brushing his lips against her lips and cheeks. “Darling, you’ll be fine,” he whispered reassuringly.
He tried to establish a connection with their unborn children, and thankfully, they were unaffected. “We’re okay. The powerful white light emanating from Mom shielded us from harm,” they conveyed.
“White light?” Aldrich was puzzled. What had Maggie done to repel the vicious attackers that even Charlie couldn’t handle?
However, Aldrich knew this wasn’t the time to ask such questions. His priority was Maggie’s well-being. “How is your mother? Is she in pain or feeling uncomfortable?”
“Dad, relax. Mom is doing well.”
“Yes, you just checked, and Mom has no injuries. Charlie protected her perfectly.”
Aldrich tenderly kissed Maggie’s closed eyes. “But she’s sleeping so peacefully, so lifeless. It scares me.”
“Mom’s just exhausted.”
“She’s simply resting.”
Their conversation was interrupted by the arrival of the doctor. “Mr. Barret, would you like to come with us for the examination?”
“Of course, I can’t allow my mate to leave my sight for a second!”
Aldrich followed the unconscious Maggie into the examination room. The doctor proceeded with caution, perhaps because Aldrich exuded an icy aura, making it seem like the doctor wasn’t there to treat Maggie but to vie for her with Aldrich.
“Please be gentle with her!” Aldrich said coldly.
The doctor nodded nervously. “Mr. Barret, I assure you, I’m being careful!”
Aldrich remained noncommittal, feeling that Maggie seemed to have grown thinner, as if any external force could harm her.
The doctor, visibly anxious, completed the examination. “Miss Nelson is perfectly fine. She’s just extremely tired and needs good rest. Avoid any strenuous activities in the coming days, and it’s best for her to stay in the hospital for observation. Adequate nutrition is also crucial.”
Aldrich absorbed every word.
Maggie was promptly arranged in a luxurious private room in the hospital. The room was adorned with a cozy ambiance, providing her with the comfort and care she needed.
Throughout her stay, Aldrich hardly left her side, his protective nature unwavering. He made sure Maggie received the best medical attention and pampered her with love and affection.
Days passed, and Maggie’s strength gradually returned. She was overwhelmed by Aldrich’s devotion and Charlie’s unwavering support. The bond between them deepened, and their love for each other grew stronger, even amidst the trials and tribulations they faced.
Together, they forged an unbreakable connection, with their hearts entwined and their future promising a love that could withstand any challenge that came their way. The journey ahead would be filled with passion, excitement, and the eternal vow to protect and cherish each other. Their romance would unfold like a timeless love story, captivating the hearts of readers everywhere.
Sitting vigilantly beside Maggie’s bed in the VIP room, Aldrich kept a watchful eye on her. Her delicate features were serene in slumber, her chest rising and falling in a steady rhythm. Yet, even in her unconscious state, she clenched her fists tightly, betraying a hidden tension that piqued his curiosity. Gently, he pried open her fingers, revealing two energy beads nestled in the palm of her hand. They were not the one she used every night, and this discovery only deepened the mystery.
The room seemed to hold its breath, the sterile atmosphere a stark contrast to the whirlwind of emotions brewing within Aldrich. His brows furrowed as he contemplated the origin of these unfamiliar energy beads. He was well aware of Maggie’s nightly rituals, the practiced routine that brought her peace. The sudden appearance of these foreign beads raised questions and ignited a sense of unease.
“Sweethearts, where did these two beads come from?” Aldrich tried to ask the unborn children, but after their harrowing experience, they too had fallen into a deep slumber.
Aldrich pressed his head against Maggie’s belly, ensuring he could feel the gentle breaths of their children. Only then did he find some peace of mind.
His fingers traced the smooth surface of the beads, searching for any clue or hidden meaning. The energy within them hummed against his touch, a mysterious power that remained tantalizingly elusive. Aldrich’s mind raced, considering every possibility. Had someone tampered with Maggie’s routine? Or was there a deeper secret she had yet to unveil?
Leaning back in his chair, Aldrich surveyed the room, his eyes lingering on the IV drip that fed life into Maggie’s veins. The steady beep of the heart monitor provided a reassuring backdrop to his thoughts, reminding him of her fragile mortality. The weight of his responsibilities settled heavily on his shoulders, the burden of protecting his pack and his mate pressing against his heart.
The alpha’s mind was a whirlwind of theories and suspicions, each one competing for attention. As he gazed upon the peaceful form of Maggie, an overwhelming sense of protectiveness washed over him. He vowed to uncover the truth, to shield her from any harm that threatened to darken their lives. Whatever secrets these enigmatic energy beads held, Aldrich was determined to unravel their mysteries and safeguard their love.
In the midst of the hospital’s urgent flurry, Charlie arrived, leading the team of bodyguards who had been swiftly transported for medical aid. He entered the VIP room, his footsteps echoing softly against the sterile floors. The weight of the recent events etched deep lines of concern on his face, mirroring the gravity of the situation. Charlie approached Aldrich, his voice filled with urgency and determination.
“Aldrich,” Charlie began, his voice tinged with a mix of exhaustion and determination. “The guards are being treated as we speak. It seems they will pull through, but it was a close call.”
“Thanks a lot, Charlie. My heart is filled with gratitude towards you all.”
“Boss, it’s our duty!”
“You’re loyal and brave wolves. Once you all recover, I’ll express my gratitude to you all!”
Charlie hesitated, sensing the condition of his body, which indeed had healed and become even stronger. He didn’t know how to explain this to Aldrich, his gaze deep and intense as he looked at Maggie, a mix of awe and curiosity tugging at his heart.
Aldrich nodded, his eyes never straying from Maggie’s still form. Her presence in the room was both a comfort and a reminder of the danger they faced. He trusted Charlie to handle the logistical aspects of the situation, but his focus remained fixed on his mate.
“Boss, don’t you doubt me?” Charlie asked with difficulty.
“What?” Aldrich finally looked at Charlie seriously.
“My body, there isn’t a single wound. I can even move like lightning and have enough strength to take on Ethan!”
“You… I know you were injured and fell to protect Maggie…”
“Yes, at that moment, I had already mentally bid farewell to my partner, Julie.”
“What happened?” Aldrich suddenly recalled the interrupted connection when the babies called for help. He saw something back then. “The light! That white light?”
“No, precisely speaking, it was Maggie. She saved all of us.”
“Charlie, please describe it to me in detail.”
“Me and the guard wolves were ready to face death. But just at the critical moment, Maggie rushed out from the car. She smashed the owl statue.”
“Statue?”
“Worth fifty million dollars.”
“That’s not the point.”
“Right, I don’t know what Maggie did next, whether it all happened by chance or if Maggie did something, but suddenly, a white light burst out from her.”
“Did that light repel the attackers?”
Aldrich had seen those lights every night when Maggie absorbed energy, but this time they were much more powerful and dazzling. However, he never knew they had defensive and offensive capabilities.
Charlie gave an affirmative answer, “Not only that, the light emitted by Maggie also healed me. The wounds on my body rapidly healed. It’s all too incredible. If it didn’t happen to me, I would never believe it…”
“Charlie, this is not a good thing.”
“If you were there, you would be amazed too!”
“I would, but Charlie, I hope you can keep this matter a secret.” Aldrich’s tone was very serious.
Charlie suddenly understood Aldrich’s concern, “I assure you, no other wolves will know about this. The guard wolves in the hospital room, I will also pass on the order.”
“Thank you for understanding.”
“All of this is for Maggie. She saved all of us wolves.”
Aldrich nodded, “Maggie always brings surprises…” Unlike the previous certainty and ease when saying this, Aldrich’s tone was heavy and suppressed.
The room seemed to hold its breath as both men contemplated the significance of this discovery. Aldrich’s attention shifted from Charlie to the bead, his eyes narrowing as he studied it. The mysterious object seemed to emanate a subtle glow, as if holding a secret known only to itself. His mind raced, seeking answers in the depths of his knowledge and experience.
Charlie leaned closer, his voice filled with a mix of wonder and concern. “What do you make of this, Aldrich? Where did this Energy bead come from? It’s unlike anything Maggie has used before.”
Aldrich’s fingers gently grazed the surface of the bead, his touch hesitant yet reverent. Its smooth texture warmed beneath his touch, as if responding to his silent inquiry. A myriad of possibilities danced in his mind, each one tinged with uncertainty and potential danger.