My Hockey Alpha

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The atmosphere in the room was still charged as we all retreated to the office, leaving the captive burglar alone but securely bound. Once the door was securely closed behind us, I felt the knot of apprehension in my stomach ease up ever so slightly.

"Okay," Enzo began, running his hand through his dark hair in exasperation. "What are our options here? Because beating the information out of him is off the table." As he spoke, his eyes flickered to me, and I saw that same look in his gaze.

I knew that he wanted to beat this intruder, but maybe not for the reasons he was letting on. Was it the protective fatherly instinct beginning to shine through, or was it lingering bitterness from the war on the Crescents? Maybe both?

"I'm glad you agree," I said, relieved yet still tense. "I don't want to resort to violence, but it's clear he was sent here for more than just a simple robbery.*

Luke, leaning against the bookshelf, chimed in. "For the record, I haven't seen any Crescent activity on my scouting missions lately. So, if that's what we're worried about-

"But can we be sure?" I interjected, cutting him off. "It seemed that way before, too, and then they struck when we least expected it."

Enzo's eyes met mine, a flicker of worry clouding his features. "Nina has a point. They were quiet before they attacked last time. We can't underestimate them."

"Yeah, but the Alpha King sent his men after the Crescents," Matt reasoned, pulling up a chair to join the circle we had unconsciously formed. "As far as we know, they scattered as soon as that happened, and they haven't reconvened."

"Or maybe that's what they want us to think," I mused. "Just because they're being quiet doesn't mean they're not plotting something."

"True." Luke nodded. "But we've got this guy tied up and he's not talking. So what's our next step?"

"We can't just let him go," Enzo said, his gaze sharpening. "We need information, one way or another."

"I agree. Even if we don't get a word out of him, someone may come looking for him," Matt suggested. "That could give us an idea of where they're operating from. It's risky but..."

"It's a risk we may have to take," Luke concluded. "So, what do you propose?"

Enzo took a deep breath, letting it out slowly as if weighing his words. "We'll have to move him. We can't keep him here, not in my home. Not with Nina..." He paused, looking at me. His eyes flickered to my belly, and I found my hand instinctively hovering over it.

"Our HQ in the tunnels should do," Matt said, almost as if reading Enzo's thoughts. "It's secure, and not many people know about it."

Luke perked up at the suggestion. "That's not a bad idea. It's isolated enough that even if he yells his head off, no one will hear him."

Enzo nodded decisively. "Alright, that's settled then. Matt, Luke, get him prepared for the move. Keep him restrained and under watch at all times. We don't know what he's capable of."

Matt rose from his chair, stretching his arms as he prepared for the task ahead. "You got it, Enzo. We'll handle it." "Just be careful," I added, my eyes meeting Matt's. "We don't know what kind of backup he might have."

"Don't worry, Nina," Luke reassured, pushing off from the bookshelf. "We've been doing this long enough to not underestimate our enemies."

As they left the room to prepare, Enzo turned to me, his eyes searching my face. "Are you okay?"

I paused, feeling a swirl of emotions rise within me. "I don't know, Enzo. I don't like the implications. With everything else going on, the idea of another Crescent conspiracy..."

He stepped closer, his eyes locking onto mine. "Listen. Whatever happens, Nina, we'll face it together."