Chapter 72: Chapter 71

“Daddy Archer!” Rosie shrieked, her little legs carrying her as fast as they could toward him.

Archer knelt down, a smile softening his otherwise commanding features, and handed her a big lollipop.

Her delighted giggle filled the room.

“Madam Levigne, can I borrow Katrina for a moment?” Archer asked, his tone polite but firm.

Madam Levigne laughs dramatically, and a playful smile tugged at her lips. “Well, I might have to forcefully resign her here. She isn’t even working her hours because of you.”

I flushed, muttering an apology under my breath, but Archer only smirked as he gestured for me to follow.

The next thing I knew, we were out shopping with Rosie, her excitement contagious as she darted from one display to the next.

My mind, however, was elsewhere, struggling to find the right words for what I needed to say.

Finally, I turned to him, my voice quiet but steady. “Rosie isn’t my child, Archer.”

He stopped in his tracks, blinking at me in disbelief. “W-What?!” His gaze darted to his Beta, who stood awkwardly nearby, clearly avoiding eye contact.

“You misinformed me again,” Archer muttered, his tone low and clipped.

We finished our errands and returned to my apartment. Rosie was fast asleep in Archer’s arms, her head resting against his chest. He laid her gently on the couch before turning to me, his expression serious.

“Archer, they can’t kaigo here,” I said, motioning to the small apartment.

“Okay,” he replied, nodding. “Just bring it to my mansion. Call me, and I’ll send my Beta to escort you.”

“There’s no need…”

“Why?” He paused, studying my face. “Wait, does this mean you agreed to live with me?”

I couldn’t help but laugh.

“No, Archer. Please give me more time to think about it. I just wanted to mention… you have so many cars parked in the narrow alley, and I don’t want my neighbors gossiping about us. Can you please minimize the car situation when you arrive? Or maybe we can just meet somewhere else, not here.”

His brows furrowed, but before he could argue, I added, “And I also noticed you’ve had me followed. I don’t need bodyguards, Archer. My life isn’t in danger.”

His jaw tightened, his expression darkening. “You’re mistaken, Katrina. Your life is in danger.”

“Why? Is it because you’re the Alpha?”

“Yes,” he admitted, his voice heavy.

“And I’m not just an Alpha. I’m the boss in the underworld. There’s so much going on right now in business. I have rivals; they probably know about you and are targeting you.”

I stared at him, the weight of his words sinking in. “Why would they target me?” I asked, my voice barely above a whisper. “Wait, you said the term underworld… does that mean…”

He met my gaze, his expression unyielding. “Yes, Katrina,” he said firmly. “That’s exactly what it means.”

I couldn’t believe the words that came out of Archer’s mouth.

Underground business?

My mind reeled at the implications. He hadn’t gone into detail, but I knew enough to understand it wasn’t anything clean.

Crime. It had to involve crime. My chest tightened as the realization sank in.

He mentioned that Alpha Drake—the same Alpha who had saved Archer years ago—was the one who introduced him to this shadowy world.

Archer owed him for that. It explained so much about the weight he carried, the secrets he always seemed to have.

As I tried to process everything, a sudden knock echoed through the apartment.

It was sharp and insistent, each strike on the door sending a jolt through me. Rosie looked up from her spot on the couch, her eyes wide with fear.

Then came the growling.

Low and menacing, it sent chills racing down my spine.

My instincts screamed danger. I grabbed Rosie, pulling her close as we backed away from the door.

Before I could react further, the door burst open.

My heart dropped as a group of black wolves stormed in, their eyes gleaming with hostility. Their growls filled the small space, a terrifying symphony of aggression.

Rosie clung to me, her tiny hands trembling.

I held her tight, trying to shield her with my body.

My mind raced.

The largest wolf stepped forward, its teeth bared in a savage snarl. It was clear they weren’t here for a friendly visit.

Fear threatened to paralyze me, but I knew I had to stay strong for Rosie.

“Archer,” I whispered, praying he’d arrive before it was too late.