Alpha's Regret: The Seventh Time was Forever

Chapter 184 – A Slap

Stanley had zero idea that Voren’s strength wasn’t something he just happened to have, but something built over years of brutal pack training, or that Voren wasn’t even entirely human the way he was.

Werewolves moved through human spaces like they belonged there, blending into crowds so naturally that nobody ever questioned it, but for them, picking out a human took no effort at all since they swore humans carried a distinct scent that stood out no matter where they were.

Voren let out a low, rough laugh, the sound dragging through clenched teeth as pain tore across his body with every step he forced himself to take, and even though he tried to keep his posture steady, the faint limp he couldn’t fully hide made it obvious he was pushing himself harder than he should have.

"You couldn’t afford me," he said, his voice calm despite everything weighing on him. "Unless you’re ready to drop at least ten billion a month, I’ll be in your office first thing tomorrow morning."

Stanley laughed at that, but he still nodded, even if there was a hint of disappointment in his face, because he knew Voren’s value went way beyond that number, and the fact that Voren had even lowered his usual expectations for him was underserving.

"One day, when I make director, I’ll make sure you get everything you deserve and bring you in the right way, because someone like you isn’t just useful, you’re rare," Stanley said, and for a brief moment, they both laughed, the tension easing just enough to let them breathe before reality came rushing right back in.

"So... did you get the evidence?" Stanley asked, and the moment the words left his mouth, Seraphine filled Voren’s thoughts, though he trusted Corvine to handle whatever needed handling on that side without messing it up.

He had already done his part, taken down Santiago, and secured everything that mattered to him, and now there was nothing standing between him and Seraphine anymore, except for the fact that she owed him.

call in that favor, or what he would ask for when the time came, but something told him there might come a point where he would need

so we’ll have to find her to get it," Voren said, and the two of them headed toward the hospital zone, where the aftermath still clung

injuries, and directed survivors toward safer areas, while those who had made it out of the fortress sat scattered nearby, some wrapped in blankets, some crying under their breath, and others so completely drained they just stared ahead without

of it really registered with Voren, though, because his attention kept

Seraphine.

her out, and now every second that passed stretched his patience thinner, his thoughts running through one possibility after another, wondering if she had already been taken inside and placed in a hospital

through his

helping with patients, and with how

in with Corvine, and realizing he didn’t even have Corvine or

her. She could be anywhere," Voren said, frustration creeping into his tone as he took in the crowd. "We should find Corvine. Wherever he is, she’ll be

that, although the thought of how Corvine had been quietly holding back his feelings for Seraphine made Voren raise an

ahead, though all Voren could see

pointing again but one of his agents approached him. "Sir, we heard that Santiago has been brought in. Do you

ward. He was badly injured," Stanley said to the officer, his attention on Corvine from