Suspicion Flaring

Suspicion Flaring
\-Blake-

My heart pulsed with defiance, my Alpha aura unshaken as I stood before my car, facing Inspector Harrison, his gun aimed at me, his voice firm with accusation.

"McAllister, you're under arrest for multiple murders." His words sparked irritation, my confidence unwavering, my gaze piercing his.

Does he think he can cage me? The coincidence of his pursuit, right after the rogue ambush, felt like a calculated strike, an unknown force testing my resolve.

I leaned forward, my voice calm but sharp. "Arrest for murders? Are you sure?" My tone dripped with challenge, my experience in leaving no trace fueling my boldness.

For years, I've handled rogues without a hint of evidence, my moves precise, undetectable.

He hesitated, his phone ringing, his gun steady as he answered. "Have you gathered the bodies?" he asked, his voice tense.

My Alpha senses caught the reply, faint but clear. "They're animal bodies, like they fought and died." Animal bodies? My mind raced, suspicion flaring.

How did they shift back? Something's wrong. I kept my face neutral, masking my awareness, my heart steady.

Harrison pressed, his voice skeptical. "You sure?" The reply came, firm. "Yes, forensics is taking samples." He ended the call, his expression softening, disappointment clear.

"Sorry, McAllister, a mix-up. You're not our target," he said, his tone reluctant.

I stepped closer, my gaze icy, my Alpha charm radiating. "A mix-up, or your obsession to pin me?" My words were sharp, my confidence unshaken.

His silence spoke volumes, his jaw tight, his thoughts clearly racing. "Be a cop who works with proof, not guesses," I said, my voice cutting, my stance commanding.

He stiffened, my words striking deep, his eyes narrowing. "Next time, I'll have evidence," he replied, his smile sly.

I leaned closer, my tone calm but menacing. "Don't think I'll let this slide. My lawyer will enjoy pressing charges."

His dismissal was quick, his voice smug. "Your word against mine. No proof."

My smile was cold, my eyes unyielding. "We'll see." I turned, my steps deliberate, sliding into my car, my heart steady but questions swirling.

Who's feeding him information? Why animal bodies? Sorcery? I drove off, my thoughts racing, the city lights blurring past, my Alpha instincts alert. Someone's watching me.

Reaching my mansion, I spotted Jaxon at the entrance, his posture tense, his eyes troubled.

What now? The coincidence of his presence, right after this chaos, felt like another twist of fate, urging me to stay sharp.

I stepped out, my stride confident, my voice calm. "Jaxon, what's wrong?"

He approached, his tone urgent. "Sofia packed up and left. I had someone follow her."

My heart steadied, my gaze meeting his, my Alpha calm masking my thoughts. Hartman must have told her about our clash.

"Good work. I'll rest now," I said, my tone even, surprising him. His eyes widened, but I turned, my steps slow, my mind racing.

In my room, my heart surged, my whisper fierce. "Now, the war has officially begun."

★★★

\-Matilda-

My heart jolted, nerves tingling as the knock echoed through the apartment, my feet pausing mid-step, my breath catching.

I tried to scan my mind, if I was expecting anyone, but no one came to mind and I don't think it's Blake.

Who could it be now? The coincidence of this interruption, right after my intense training with Aunt Helen, felt like a twist of fate, stirring my unease.

I hurried to the door, my fingers brushing the frame, my eyes squinting through the peephole, my pulse spiking as Tyson's face appeared.

Tyson? Why him? Anger surged, my jaw tightening, my memories of his betrayal flooding back, bitter and sharp.

I flung the door open, my expression cold, unwelcoming, my voice fierce. "Tyson, what are you doing here?"

He raised his hands, his smile calm, familiar, the same one that once charmed me. "Easy, Matilda. I just want to talk, not cause trouble." His words grated, my fury rising, his past lies a wound still raw.

How dare he show up now? "What's there to talk about?" I snapped, my gaze piercing his, my stance rigid.

He tilted his head, his tone light. "Won't you invite me in?"

My laugh was sharp, my voice icy. "Liars and manipulators like you don't get near me, let alone inside. Say what you want, right here." My words were firm, my heart relishing the control, my strength newfound.

He nodded, his expression softening, his voice low. "I'm sorry for everything I did. It's not about us getting back, just me saying I'm truly sorry." His sincerity seemed genuine, but my heart hardened, my trust long gone.

I'm not that naive girl anymore. "I heard you. Now leave," I said, my tone cold, my eyes unyielding.

He hesitated, then extended a wrapped package, his voice earnest. "I brought this gift to show my apology."

My senses prickled, a vision flashing, an expensive wristwatch, something I once loved. He remembers. But my resolve held, my voice sharp. "No thanks. Your new girlfriend might like it more."

Before he could respond, I slammed the door, my breath steadying, my heart triumphant.

"I'm not who you think anymore," I whispered, my steps firm as I returned to the living room.

Aunt Helen looked up, her eyes curious. "Who was that?"

I smiled faintly, my voice calm. "No one important. I handled it."

She nodded, her tone approving. "Good. Keep pushing away what you don't want. Never show weakness to the wrong people." Her words struck deep, my heart warming, her wisdom a guide.

She heard everything, didn't she? She stood, heading to her room, her steps light, leaving me alone, my thoughts swirling.

Something's off with Tyson. Curiosity tugged, my feet moving quietly to the door, my eyes peering through the peephole again.

He was still there, his posture tense, his face troubled. Why hasn't he left? My instincts screamed caution, my heart racing as his phone rang.

He answered, nodding, his voice low, but my heightened senses caught his words.

"Sorry, boss. I'll do better next time." My breath caught, suspicion flaring. Who's his boss? What's he planning?