Chapter 175

Chapter 175
Arabella's POV

I sat there, trying to process everything Asher had just told us. A bounty. A fucking bounty on my head. Again. Just when I thought life might finally be settling down.

But then Asher's next words hit me like a physical blow.

"But Arabella can't stay at your place anymore," he said to Alexander, his face serious. "You need to move her. Somewhere safer. She means too much to you, so I'm letting you decide where. But she needs to go."

I felt like someone had punched me in the stomach. The room seemed to sway slightly, and I gripped the edge of the table, my knuckles turning white. My mind flashed back to the last time I'd been forced to run—packing a bag in the middle of the night, Alice clutched to my chest, terrified Wesley would wake up and catch me.

Now here I was again. About to be uprooted. Nowhere was safe.

I could almost see Frank's cold eyes, so similar to Wesley's. I'd always known Wesley's father would want revenge, but having it confirmed made the fear wash over me like a tidal wave.

My thoughts became hazy, only one thing clear: Frank would never stop until he had me and Alice. And I knew that to protect me, every single one of these men would go up against Black Moon without hesitation.

I barely registered the conversation continuing around me. Their voices sounded distant, underwater almost. I tried to focus, but my vision started to blur at the edges, my breathing becoming shallow and rapid.

My heart pounded so hard I could hear it echoing in my ears. My muscles tensed, the fight-or-flight instinct nearly overwhelming. I wanted to run, but where? I wanted to fight, but how?

I felt Alexander's hand cover mine where it clutched the table. "Stop, Puppy. You're spiraling. I can feel it," he said, his voice low. His scent enveloped me, but this time it wasn't enough to calm me.

"Alexander, I can't fucking breathe," I managed to gasp out, my voice breaking. "I feel like I'm going to break apart." My fingers trembled, nails digging into my palms.

Then I was being lifted. Through the haze, I heard Alexander say to Lucas and Tristan, "Lucas, Tristan... I'll be right back. She's having a panic attack."

I pressed my face against his chest, trying to anchor myself with his scent, his heartbeat, anything to stop the overwhelming terror.

Cool air hit my face, and I realized Alexander had carried me through the corridors and out to the garden behind the club. He sat down on a bench, holding me tightly against him, his presence like a fortress around me.

"You're okay, Puppy. You're okay. I'm here," he murmured against my hair, his voice a solid rope pulling me back from the edge of panic.

"Breathe with me," he instructed gently. "In... out... in... out..."

Gradually, my breathing slowed to match his. The vise around my chest loosened, and I could feel air filling my lungs properly again.

His thumb gently wiped away tears I hadn't realized were falling. His hand stroked my hair, my neck, the contact grounding me, helping my taut nerves to relax.

"I-I'm scared," I admitted quietly, my voice still shaky. "I've never felt this vulnerable before."

"I know, Puppy. But no one's going to fucking touch a hair on your head. You hear me? I'll protect you," Alexander said, his voice firm with conviction.

I looked up into his eyes. "But what if he really does come after the whole Blood Moon pack?" The thought made my heart ache almost beyond bearing.

"Then I'll die for you. I'd give everything for you."

His words hit me like a knife to the heart. I pushed away from him suddenly, tears blurring my vision. "You don't fucking understand. I don't want that!" I was nearly shouting now. "I don't want any of you sacrificing yourselves for me!"

I watched Alexander's expression change, his eyes growing dangerous and focused. "We have a plan in place. This will be over soon."

Then his lips crashed down on mine, fierce and desperate, filled with possession and promise. His scent, his warmth surrounded me completely, and for the first time since Asher's announcement, I felt a flicker of safety.

The kiss left me breathless, and as we broke apart, I saw Lucas and Tristan approaching across the garden.

"Is she okay?" Lucas asked, concern evident in his voice. "The panic subsiding?" Tristan's hand came to rest gently on my shoulder, his presence bringing a calm strength.

"It's a normal reaction," Alexander explained, his arms still around me. His tone grew cold. "We need to end this threat. Soon." I could feel the tension in his body, his displeasure radiating off him in waves.

"Asher's waiting for you both to come back," Lucas told us. "He has more intel on Frank he wants to share." He looked at me, his voice softening. "Are you ready to go back in, sweet girl?"

"After that, we need to discuss moving her and Alice," Tristan said calmly. "Given Frank's threat, there's no way they can go back to the house now."

Alexander nodded, his chin brushing the top of my head. "We'll move them to one of Asher's safe houses today. Top security, Frank won't find them."

I leaned against Alexander, realizing that a new chapter of my life was just beginning. My body still trembled slightly, but I accepted the reality: whatever waited for us ahead, at least I wasn't facing it alone anymore.