Death or Trap?

Death or Trap?
\-Blake-

My heart beat steady and strong as I stood in front of the mirror in my room, adjusting the collar of my dark shirt with precise fingers, the fabric smooth against my skin, every detail perfect for the dinner ahead.

Why act so nice tonight? The coincidence of Sofia's sudden invitation, right after her loss at the presentation, felt like the right chance for me into a clear opening to pull every secret from her lips.

Get to know of her father's schemes laid bare under my charm and orchestration.

I turned away from the mirror, my steps firm across the floor, mind already mapping questions sharp and casual, ready to unravel their plans while she thinks she controls the game.

All I needed was solid information, and I would get it by playing the perfect gentleman.

As I reached the couch and stood up to leave, a soft knock sounded on the door, quick and familiar. Jaxon, of course. "Come in," I said, voice calm and even.

The door opened slow, and Jaxon stepped inside, his face tense, eyes sharp with worry, something rare for him. Why this look?

"Jaxon, what is going on?" I asked, concern clear in my tone, my posture straight as I faced him directly.

He took a breath, words coming fast. "Alpha, I just received a call from our men surveying the restaurant area. They reported unusual movements around the place."

My pause stretched deliberate, absorbing his words, heart pulsing alert. Unusual movements? This dinner was no simple meal.

Something brewed, but desperation burned in me, I needed answers tonight, no matter the risk.

"Alright, I will still go for the dinner. All you have to do is watch my back with more men," I said to Jaxon, desperation lacing my eyes and voice, my Alpha resolve unyielding.

He hesitated, face showing doubt, but he nodded without argument. "Yes, Alpha. I will do exactly that."

As he turned to walk away, my phone rang sharp in my pocket, screen lighting up with Matilda's name.

Why her now? The timing hit perfect, fate twisting again to warn me clear. I picked up quick, voice warm. "Hello, Matilda. How are you doing?"

Her reply came soft, shaky. "I am doing good, but my aunty just spoke to me about a vision she saw earlier today when we were at work." Fear edged her words, pulling my focus tight.

Why visions now? "Matilda, calm down and speak to me," I said gently, noticing the tremble in her voice, my tone soothing her instant.

She steadied, words rushing out. "She said in her vision, she saw you captured and beheaded, and I was also captured, with some rogues behind the whole thing."

My breath caught brief, caution rising fast. Captured? Beheaded? Rogues? This matched Jaxon's report too close.

"Hmm. This vision of hers, how often does she see them?" I asked, tone cautious, eyes locking Jaxon's across the room.

"Hunters do not see visions if they are not important. Something is about to go wrong if we make the wrong steps. Please, Blake, just be very careful," Matilda explained, her plea urgent over the line.

Her worry touched deep, but my mind raced ahead. "Alright, I will be very careful, and you too. Make sure you are careful," I said calmly, ending the call with resolve firm.

Jaxon stood waiting at the door, curiosity and concern mixing on his face. "Alpha, hope all is well?" he asked, stepping closer.

Worry etched my features now, Matilda's warning sinking heavy. Visions never lied for hunters. I had to plan fast, test if this threat was real.

"Jaxon, we need to work on a new plan now," I said, calling him back into the room with a sharp gesture.

We huddled quick, voices low, mapping escape routes and signal codes, my fingers sketching simple signs on paper, every second ticking urgent.

Twenty minutes later, the car hummed smooth through city streets, Jaxon at the wheel, my posture relaxed in the back seat, but senses sharp.

Why push forward? Answers outweighed risks, Sofia's no-show would confirm the trap, but showing up baited their full hand.

My phone rang again, Sofia's name flashing. Perfect timing. "Hello, Sofia. Where are you?" I said, voice casual.

"I am sorry, Blake. Something very urgent came up on my way to the restaurant. I will not be able to make it in time," she said, sounding genuine, apology thick.

Genuine? No. Her tone rang false to my ears. "So what do you suggest we do now?" I asked, playing along smooth, curiosity pulling tighter.

"Are you at the restaurant already?" she asked, probing quick. Something off there, testing my position.

I continued the game. "Yes, I am at the restaurant already."

Her reply came fast, apologetic still. "Oh, so sorry, Blake. Maybe we cancel for today and reschedule for another time." Trap sprung.

"Alright, no problem," I said calmly, ending the call with a faint smile. That moment confirmed it, Sofia never planned to show. Her absence was the signal.

As the call dropped, movement caught my eye outside the window, about ten men in black suits, faces covered, approaching the vehicle slow and deliberate.

My senses sharpened instant, scents hitting clear through the glass. Rogues. Their stench filled the air, wild and foul. An attack for sure. And I sensed this would turn bloody.

★★★

\-Inspector Harrison -

I was about to walk out of the office when my intel called. They spotted McAllister's car near a restaurant. Unusual movements too.

Signals of trouble brewing. Anger surged fast. This was my chance. I grabbed men quick and backup. We sped straight there.

We arrived just in time. Men in black, faces covered, surrounded his car. My gun raised high. "Freeze! This is the police!" I yelled loud.

Backup sirens weren't here yet. They turned toward me slow. Steps closing in. Then sirens blasted sharp. They panicked, retreating fast.

All ran to a parked van. I fired shots. Useless. Bulletproof. "Follow them!" I ordered backup.

Now to McAllister. Door opened. Shock hit hard. Not him stepping out.

"Who are you?" I demanded, shock mixing with irritation and anger.

"I am Johnson. Just here for food," the guy replied, voice shaking bad.