Chapter 61

ISABELLA

Weeks had passed since that unforgettable evening at the restaurant, and life had settled into a comforting routine. The rhythm of my days had become familiar, almost soothing. Mornings were spent in the office my mates had set up for me in the penthouse, where I could work in peace and privacy. I often found myself on the phone or exchanging emails with the publishing house, fine-tuning the details of my book’s upcoming release. I poured over every illustration, every word, making sure it was just right. I wanted it to be perfect.

Asher, Jax, and Knox were often in and out, their lives split between running their business and the delicate task of building a council of Alphas. Each day, they grew closer to reclaiming the throne that had once been their family's. The work was intense, but they were driven by a shared vision, and I could see how much it meant to them. We had found a balance that worked for us, a harmony that made our home feel truly ours.

In those quiet moments when they were busy, I’d retreat fully into my work, the office a sanctuary where I could immerse myself in my writing. The penthouse was alive with the sound of keyboards clicking, conference calls, and the occasional burst of laughter. It felt like a home—not just a place to live, but a place where we were all growing together, personally and professionally.

I was in the middle of reviewing the final proofs of my book when my phone rang, interrupting the calm. The name on the screen made me freeze: Amanda. Dominic’s mother.

We hadn’t spoken much since the divorce, and our last meeting had ended in a heated exchange when Dominic and I had crossed paths unexpectedly. The bitterness from that encounter still lingered, making me hesitant to answer. But then, curiosity—and a lingering sense of responsibility—got the better of me. I answered the call.

“Isabella,” Amanda’s voice came through, strained and worried. “I know this is unexpected, but... I haven’t heard from Dominic in weeks. It’s not like him to disappear like this, and I’m starting to get really worried.”

Her words sent a chill down my spine. Dominic and I had ended things on bad terms, with more animosity than I’d ever thought possible between two people who once loved each other. But despite everything, there was a part of me that couldn’t completely shut off the concern. He was still the man I’d once cared for, and the thought of something being wrong gnawed at me.

“I—” I began, unsure of what to say. “I haven’t heard from him either, Amanda. We haven’t been in contact since that last... encounter.”

There was a pause on the other end, and when Amanda spoke again, her voice was softer, almost pleading. “I know things didn’t end well between you two, but if you hear anything... anything at all, would you let me know? I’m really worried, Isabella.”

I could hear the genuine fear in her voice, and it tugged at something deep within me. Despite everything Dominic had said and done, Amanda’s worry was real, and I couldn’t ignore it.

“Of course,” I said quietly, my heart heavy. “If I hear anything, I’ll let you know.”

We exchanged a few more words before hanging up, but the unease lingered long after the call ended. I stared at my phone, my thoughts swirling. I hadn’t given Dominic much thought in these past weeks, but now, with Amanda’s words echoing in my mind, I couldn’t help but feel a pang of worry too.

I shook my head, trying to push the thoughts away. Dominic wasn’t my responsibility anymore. But as I returned to my work, that gnawing feeling in my chest refused to go away.

JAX

As I headed to Asher’s office, I couldn’t shake the feeling that something was off. Lately, my brother had been acting strange, disappearing at odd hours and saying he was heading to the office when I knew damn well he wasn’t. Today, I was going to confront him about it.

When I walked in, Asher was grabbing his coat, looking like he was in a hurry to leave.

“Hey,” I said, leaning against the doorframe. “You heading out again?”

He barely glanced at me. “Yeah, just some work stuff.”

I frowned. “Work stuff? You’ve been ‘working’ a lot lately. Where exactly are you going, Ash?”

He stiffened, his hand pausing on the doorknob. “Why do you care, Jax? It’s business. Don’t worry about it.”

That defensive tone only made my suspicion grow. “I’m your brother. If something’s going on, I have a right to know.”

Asher shot me a look that was part frustration, part something I couldn’t quite place. “I told you, it’s nothing. Just let it go.”

He brushed past me and was out the door before I could press further. But I wasn’t about to let it go. Something in his eyes told me he was hiding something, something big. And I needed to find out what.

I waited a few minutes before slipping out of the office and following him. Keeping my distance, I tailed him as he drove through the winding roads that led out of town. He didn’t go to the office. Instead, he took a turn that led deeper into the woods, to a place I didn’t even know he visited.

When he finally parked and got out, I kept hidden behind the trees, watching as he made his way to an old cabin nestled in the forest. The place looked abandoned, but Asher moved with purpose, like he knew exactly where he was going. I waited until he disappeared inside before creeping closer.

The door was ajar, and I carefully pushed it open, my heart pounding in my chest. The cabin was dark and cold, the air thick with a musty smell. I followed the faint sound of footsteps to a set of stairs leading down to a basement.

I moved silently, my breath caught in my throat as I descended the steps. The basement was dimly lit, but as my eyes adjusted, I saw something that made my blood run cold. There, in the corner, was a cage—an actual cage—and inside it, huddled on the floor, was Dominic.

I couldn’t believe what I was seeing. Dominic looked like hell—disheveled, gaunt, and beaten down by whatever nightmare Asher had put him through. My mind raced, trying to make sense of it, but I couldn’t. How could Asher do this? Why would he do this?

I felt a rush of anger and confusion as I stepped further into the room, the floor creaking under my weight. Asher’s head snapped up, his expression shifting from surprise to something harder to read.

“What the hell did you do?” I demanded, my voice a low growl, eyes locked onto my brother.