Chapter 160

The aftermath followed a predetermined course. The men who exited the car exchanged words with Ezra, and soon a brawl erupted. Dane frowned, watching Ezra get beaten mercilessly. Ezra pretended to collapse from a punch and moved toward their car. A moment later, Joshua whispered,

“Got it.”

A faint beeping sound was heard. Ezra had attached a tracking device to the car. Joshua, confirming the coordinates on his watch, nodded, and Dane followed suit. The men kicked Ezra, spat on him, and then left. They verified that the coordinates on the watch moved in sync with the receding car.

“Keuh, cough, cough.”

Dane and Joshua approached Ezra only after the car had completely disappeared. Ezra, slumped behind the car’s trunk, coughing repeatedly, looked up at the two men approaching him and asked,

“D-Did it work? Cough.”

Dane nodded without a word. Ezra’s face was already a mess, bruised and cut in several places. Dane, staring down at him, opened his mouth.

“You don’t know what their objective is, do you?”

As expected, Ezra shook his head.

“I didn’t hear anything, they just told me to bring Miller.”

Silence fell for a moment. Dane and Joshua stood silently in the cold night air.

“Let’s go back now.”

Dane said quietly. He nudged Joshua, who reluctantly took out a few folded bills from his pocket and offered them.

“Got a cell phone? Call a taxi, we need to track those bastards now.”

Ezra hesitated, then bowed his head and accepted the money.

“…Thank you.”

Leaving him muttering, Dane headed for the driver’s seat. Almost simultaneously, Joshua was about to open the passenger door when,

“Hey…!”

Suddenly, Ezra shouted at them. The two, stopping in their tracks, turned around. Ezra hesitated before speaking.

“…I’m sorry, I must have been out of my mind for a moment.”

“You should apologize to Grayson,”

Dane coldly pointed out, followed by Joshua’s warning.

“Don’t run away just because you’re scared. Otherwise, the Miller family can’t protect your family.”

“I know.”

Ezra replied listlessly. In fact, he didn’t even seem to have the energy to call a taxi, let alone run away.

“If you rescue Grayson, let me apologize…”

At the fading voice, Dane paused for a moment and nodded. Getting into the car, they soon drove off. Watching the car disappear in an instant, Ezra belatedly wiped away tears with his arm. He was left alone in the cold night air, letting out a long sigh.

Desire Me if you can

The place the thugs headed to was a mountainside about an hour away by car. Following the direction indicated by the tracking device, they deliberately took a long route and parked the car at the foot of the mountain, where houses with their porch lights on were clustered together.

“Ready?”

Instead of answering Dane’s question, Joshua started climbing first. This bastard? Dane exclaimed in disbelief, then quickly followed, striding after him.

For a while, the two climbed the mountain in silence. Apart from Joshua occasionally giving directions, neither of them spoke. Thanks to this, they quickly ascended to a considerable height.

“Why are you doing this?”

Dane suddenly spoke. Joshua, who was leading the way to give directions, glanced back, and Dane continued.

“From your perspective, it doesn’t matter if he’s rescued, right? You were even planning to kidnap Grayson and teach him a lesson, so why are you stepping up like this?”

“I still plan to teach him a lesson, but I don’t plan to kill him.”

Joshua replied in a dry tone.

“Besides, if it goes down like this, Chase’s wounds will never heal. That can’t happen.”

He muttered between his increasingly rough breaths.

“Chase needs to receive an apology from Grayson. He needs to be able to curse him out until he feels better. So, I have to save him now.”

Having said that, Joshua stopped walking. To Dane, who had followed him, he whispered, looking at one spot.

“It’s there.”

Dane, who had stopped behind him, stared in the same direction. A fairly large makeshift building and several men who seemed to be standing guard were visible.

Incredibly, the building, hidden in a sunken, flat area, was not easily noticeable. Few people would climb this rocky mountain, and the exterior of the dilapidated building, at first glance, was perfect for concealing someone as if they were living in the mountains. If it weren’t for the suspicious men loitering around, Dane and Joshua would have wondered if they had come to the right place.

However, in addition to the suspicious men, they confirmed that the car they had attached the tracker to was parked neatly next to other cars, and they were certain. Ezra had done it right. Joshua immediately sent the coordinates to ‘Team’. Meanwhile, Dane examined the men guarding the building one by one.

“Okay.”

Joshua whispered.

“It would be nice to have a blueprint, but that’s asking too much… Should we grab one of them and squeeze him for information? After finding out Grayson’s location, I’ll draw attention from this side, and in the meantime, you go in from that side…”

“Josh.”

“Yeah?”

The moment he turned his head at the quiet call, Dane struck Joshua’s neck hard. Joshua, caught off guard, widened his eyes in surprise but soon collapsed powerlessly. Dane looked down at the unconscious Joshua and chuckled.

“Can’t do that, not you. Where do you think you’re going with me?”

Dragging Joshua behind a rock, Dane instructed him, looking at his limp form.

“Now that you’ve come this far, you’ve done your part, so wait here quietly, don’t do anything dangerous.”

He would definitely be furious when he came to. He might even beat Dane up. But that was a problem for later. Joshua had his beloved children and partner. The men in front of them were all armed. They didn’t know what else they had besides the visible guns. Grenades, or in the worst case, even dynamite. They had to be as cautious as possible because they didn’t know who these people were. If they were that religious group that was terrorizing Dominant Alphas, there would be fanatics who would be willing to die.

I can’t take you into such a dangerous situation.

Dane patted Joshua’s shoulder and turned away. Now then. Watching a man separate himself, as if to relieve himself, he narrowed his eyes.

Shall we go?

Desire Me if you can

Tap, tap, tap.

A rhythmic dripping sound could be heard from somewhere. The wide space reeked of blood. There was nothing there. Except for a man sitting tied to a chair.

“Cough, cough.”

He convulsed with a sudden cough. Groaning, he slowly opened his eyes, and a gray wall came into his blurry vision. The uneven surface of the wall, roughly plastered with concrete, had various eerie tools leaning against it. From shovels to classic items like baseball bats, as well as various objects ranging from steel pipes to golf clubs, all were stained red with blood. Ugh, Grayson tilted his head to one side, lost in thought.

Did the tracker break?

It might have been damaged when he was first dragged here, or perhaps during the constant beatings. Judging by how quiet it’s been, that’s probably the case.

But it doesn’t matter…

Grayson clenched and unclenched his fists with a serious expression. His hands were handcuffed and secured behind the chair, but breaking them wasn’t difficult. The problem was that he couldn’t control his strength. It was probably the same reason the machine had broken down. The constant throbbing pain in his arm was the same sensation he had felt a long time ago. It was the sensation of his arm breaking unexpectedly when he went to pick up Joshua because of Chase’s problem. It was clear that the spot had broken again.

He had the requirements for self-defense. No, he had more than enough.

But he couldn’t kill anyone.

In this state, even escaping would be a problem. He probably wouldn’t be able to use his strength ‘appropriately’.

‘Crazy…’

He remembered the look Dane had given him once. When Grayson had said he would kill the man who had abused and murdered his child and then set fire to cover it up, Dane had looked at him with a face mixed with contempt and disgust. If he were to kill someone while trying to escape from here…

The thought alone sent shivers down his spine. How disgusted would Dane be if he found out? He didn’t want to add another reason for him to hate him.

161 – 161

Besides…

Grayson thought listlessly. What’s the point of struggling to go back? Dane isn’t there.

That’s right. Dane is no longer there. The house will be empty. Just like before. And he won’t be there to welcome him back.

Then why bother going back with so much difficulty?

He tilted his head back and stared at the filthy ceiling. What difference does it make whether he’s here or there?

Of course, a lot changes. Above all, he doesn’t have to get beaten or harassed anymore. No more needles or cigarette burns.

Nevertheless, Grayson felt no motivation. He didn’t feel like going to the trouble of breaking the handcuffs and killing all the guys outside just to go back. He just sat there blankly. After letting out a sigh and slumping down, he suddenly brightened his eyes.

“Ah.”

Is this what it means to be depressed?

The thought suddenly occurred to him, and he let out a short exclamation. Oh, so this is what it means to be depressed. The feeling of not wanting to do anything and sinking to the bottom. The helplessness of feeling like his whole body is sinking into an endlessly deep sandpit. So, am I depressed now?

After thinking that far, Grayson let out a deep sigh.

He didn’t really want to know this.

He frowned, then let out a short groan. It wasn’t easy to even use his facial muscles slightly to make an expression. His face was torn, swollen, and covered in wounds.

“Ptooey.”

It was when he spat out the blood-mixed saliva that had pooled in his mouth that he suddenly sensed someone’s presence.

Who is it?

Grayson recalled the faces of the guys who had come to him, beat him, cursed at him, and mocked him. The figure of the huge man, who was the worst of them, flashed before his eyes for a moment, but he soon ruled him out. The footsteps were light, almost inaudible. If he wasn’t in this situation, he would have thought someone was quietly coming to find him.

Of course, that wouldn’t happen.

Grayson analyzed the situation coldly. Then is it the smallest and skinniest guy in the gang? But that man walked with a bit more bounce. There’s no way he would walk this quietly.

Hmm, he pondered. In the end, there’s only one answer. Someone new has come. Grayson frowned, then relaxed his expression when he felt the pain.

I hope they don’t use Fire to burn me.

While kidnapping people and doing this, they prayed and sought God every time. As if to justify their actions. Just do it moderately, you morons. Grayson thought.

Unfortunately, his Trait was really the worst in times like these. His wounds healed too quickly. If he were a normal person, he would have been on the verge of death already, but his consciousness was clear. If he escaped from this place in time and received proper treatment, there probably wouldn’t be any scars left. The problem was that he had no motivation to do so.

…They’re here.

The footsteps stopped in front of the door. For some reason, they didn’t open the door right away and stood there for a moment. As if checking the surroundings. Or maybe they’re deliberately taking their time to scare Grayson. Even though he’s just blinking with a bored expression.

Creak…

The door opened slightly. Grayson was puzzled to see the door, which usually opened wide with great fanfare, opening so quietly. And a moment later, an unexpected face appeared beyond the open door.

“Oh.”

Grayson’s expression, which had been bored until then, gradually changed. What is this? What’s going on?

Am I dreaming?

The tall man, who was staring at him in surprise, stopped abruptly. The man’s eyes seemed to widen, and then his face contorted.

“Grayson, you…”

What on earth happened to you, looking like that?

Dane barely swallowed the rest of his words, but that didn’t change the situation before him. Grayson, whose usual neat appearance was nowhere to be found, was covered in blood and dust, swollen, bleeding, and covered in wounds. Feeling his heart sink at the miserable sight, Dane rushed towards him, but suddenly Grayson’s face turned pale.

Suddenly, a chilling snapping sound echoed through the room.

“Wh-what?”

Startled, Dane stopped right in front of him. The moment he realized that it was the sound of Grayson breaking the handcuffs, Grayson suddenly covered his face with both hands and turned his large body to the side. Dane blinked in bewilderment.

“What are you doing?”

He asked, dumbfounded, but there was no answer. Is this guy messing with him? Dane was starting to get annoyed.

“Hey, what are you doing? Are you kidding me right now?”

When he urged him roughly, Grayson finally answered. In a barely audible voice.

“I’ve become ugly…”

Dane didn’t say anything. An awkward silence fell between them. Dane, who had been blinking in disbelief, raised his hand with a fierce expression. The next step was to shout, ‘You idiot!’ and slap Grayson on the head, but for some reason, he hesitated.

Grayson stubbornly buried his face in his hands, hiding it tightly. As if he would never show his messed-up appearance. Dane stared down at him silently, then bent down without a word. Kneeling on one knee, he turned the hand he had been about to hit with behind him and grabbed the back of Grayson’s head. He could feel him trembling slightly. Dane tilted his head to one side and slowly brought his face to Grayson. And he pressed his lips firmly against the back of his hand, which was still covering his face.

…Huh?

Grayson blinked with his face buried in his hands. He was bewildered by the unexpected sensation. What is this on the back of his hand? This warm warmth and breath, could it be…

He carefully peeked through the gap he made by slightly opening his fingers, and Dane’s face was reflected. Dane frowned and smiled at the two eyes that were blinking in bewilderment.

“Who says you’re ugly?”

His voice was unbelievably tender. Grayson stopped moving, his eyes wide with surprise, and Dane grabbed his arm. As if drawn by the weight, Grayson’s hand slowly came down even though he didn’t apply any force. When his face was barely revealed, Dane, who had been waiting until then, smiled at him, meeting his eyes.

“You’re so pretty.”

Grayson’s mouth opened as if he couldn’t believe it. His long eyelashes fluttered wildly up and down.

It didn’t end there. He closed his eyes and pressed his lips to Grayson’s lips. The touch was gentle, then pressed firmly, and a wet tongue softly licked inside. It was an undeniable kiss. Dane, who had stopped breathing in surprise, spoke to him again.

“You’re really pretty, pretty boy.”

A glow gradually settled in Grayson’s eyes. As if he finally believed Dane’s words, his ears could be seen fluttering wildly.

Ah.

Seeing that, Dane suddenly realized.

He’s lovely.

A soft smile spread across his lips. Dane felt a stronger emotion than ever before, to anyone. Ironically, to a man who was bigger than him. The next moment, Grayson hugged him tightly.

“Dane…!”

He was a mess, but his strength was unbelievably strong. Dane felt breathless for a moment and was flustered. But he couldn’t push him away. Because Grayson was hugging Dane with all his might, repeating the same confession over and over again.

“I missed you, I missed you so much… Dane, I missed you so much. So, so…”

“Yeah.”

Dane patted his back very lightly. He was worried that it might hurt, but it was actually an unnecessary consideration. He was already hugging Dane with all his body.

For a while, Dane left him like that. He thought it would be a good way to reassure him since he must have been having a hard time, but he couldn’t take too long.

“Okay, let’s do the rest outside.”

Dane carefully separated him, making sure Grayson wasn’t hurt any further.

“I knocked out the guys guarding outside, but I don’t know when they’ll wake up. Let’s get out of here quickly, I’ve secured the route.”

“The rest?”

Grayson suddenly asked Dane, who was about to rush ahead. He realized that he had given him unnecessary hope again, but it was already too late. Instead, Dane grabbed his arm and pulled him out, bringing up another topic.

“Why didn’t you escape? You could have.”

The handcuffs, which had become useless, dangled from Grayson’s wrists like ornaments. Dane glanced at them and asked, and Grayson hesitated before answering.

“My arm is broken, so I can’t control my strength… I might kill them if I try to escape.”

He glanced at Dane and added.

“You can’t kill people.”

Dane immediately contorted his face.

“You idiot, it’s self-defense.”

Grayson looked down at him with a dumbfounded expression.

162 – 162

Dane retorted sharply at the gaze that seemed to accuse him of betrayal.

“Who was it that said it’s okay to kill in self-defense?”

It was Grayson. He knew it himself, so he was momentarily speechless. But, after a brief silence, he opened his mouth.

“If you kill, you’ll hate me.”

Grayson’s voice was heavy with self-pity and resignation, as if saying, I know it all. Dane, who was walking ahead, turned around with a frown.

“Who says killing guys who kidnap and torture people is murder?”

Grayson paused at the unexpected words. When he looked up, Dane added in his usual cynical tone.

“That’s cleaning. Reducing carbon dioxide, environmental protection for the Earth.”

“But, still.”

Grayson protested, genuinely flustered this time.

“You got mad at me last time when I said I was going to kill that bastard.”

That’s why he had been holding back until now.

Dane frowned at the words that sounded almost wronged.

“I only got mad because you were saying you’d kill him to look good to me. Or am I wrong?”

There was nothing to say to that. Grayson was quickly subdued and nodded slightly.

“…Right.”

“Of course.”

Dane snapped back before turning and walking away again. Before turning the corner, he stuck to the wall to check the hallway, and Grayson, who quickly stuck to his side, asked.

“Did you call the police?”

“Why would I call the police?”

At the immediate response, Grayson was about to say something, but Dane added first.

“Firefighters never call the police.”

Most people knew how much firefighters and police were at odds. Dane was the same. As a firefighter, he would rather run through a minefield alone than call the police. In the end, Grayson had no choice but to shut his mouth.

“Shh,” Dane said, putting his second finger to his lips, signaling to be quiet. The moment Grayson held his breath, Dane, who seemed to be waiting for something while sticking to the wall, suddenly dashed out into the hallway.

Grayson, startled, followed, and immediately a thud echoed. Dane, who had knocked down an armed man with a single blow, glanced at Grayson as if telling him to follow. Grayson whispered, careful not to raise his voice in excitement.

“Cool, sexy, you’re the best, my love.”

Dane, who was about to lead the way, staggered for a moment. He turned around, dumbfounded, and a large man with sparkling eyes was in his view. Soon, he sighed as if he couldn’t help it. And the moment he was about to turn around again.

“Dane!”

Grayson suddenly screamed. Before he could even grasp the situation, Dane’s feet were suddenly lifted into the air.

…Huh?

In a daze, his body suddenly soared. A huge bald head flashed into his view.

What is that…

Dane was flustered, but there was no time to take any action. As it was, his whole body was mercilessly slammed into the wall.

“Dane, Dane!”

Grayson ran to Dane, his face pale. Dane, who had fallen to the floor in an unsightly manner, belatedly regained his senses and raised his head. The man approached with ominous footsteps, thump, thump. The giant, taller than Grayson and almost three times his size, was walking towards them.

“Get out of the way.”

Dane pushed Grayson away as if he was a nuisance and hurriedly got up and took a stance. He had been dispatched to several local war zones, but this was the first time he had faced such an opponent. The man, with a fierce face and gnashing teeth, was empty-handed, but his body itself was a weapon. Dane quickly pulled out his military knife from his waist. He had a gun, but if he used it, the noise would bring the other guys running, which would be very troublesome. He had to somehow take down that giant with this.

“Dane, it’s dangerous!”

Ignoring Grayson’s urgent cry, Dane readjusted his grip on the knife and charged at the man. The man reached out his arm, trying to grab his body as it was, but Dane twisted his body and climbed up the wall. As soon as his feet touched the wall with his legs wide apart, he kicked off and flew up. In an instant, he landed behind the giant man, and at the same time, Dane swung his military knife. Swish, the sound of flesh tearing was eerie.

“Kkeueuk…….”

The man, stabbed in the back, groaned in agony. Dane landed on the floor, crouched down, and swung his knife again. This time, he aimed for the man’s Achilles tendon, but failed. The man barely dodged his foot, leaving only a shallow scratch. Tsk, Dane clicked his tongue and charged at the man again. Quickly scanning the man’s body and finding an opening, Dane swung his knife again. Suddenly, the man’s eyes widened, bloodshot, and he gritted his teeth.

“You bastard……!”

A large arm flailed through the air. Ah, Dane realized his mistake in an instant, but it was already too late. He was hit in the head by a thick, large hand.

“Dane!”

Grayson shouted again. Dane’s body, thrown helplessly to the floor, bounced once before falling back down. Then, the man rushed towards Dane. Before Dane could even recover, the man, who had charged with loud footsteps, thump, thump, grabbed him.

“Keuk, keueuk…….”

The man, who grabbed his neck with one hand, widened his eyes. He put all his strength into his body as if he was going to tear Dane to pieces. The man was furious that he had been injured, and his expression showed that he was about to die. This little runt, I’m going to kill you, I’m going to kill you……!

“Iit……!”

The man drooled from his mouth, grabbed Dane’s neck with one hand, and grabbed his arm with the other, trying to tear it off as it was.

“Eueo……?”

Suddenly, the man made a dazed sound. Soon, the hand holding Dane loosened. Dane, who was struggling to get out of his grasp, frowned, feeling something strange. And the next moment, an unpleasant sound of pudeudeuk was heard. Following the sounds of pudeudeuk, pudeudeuk, pudeudeuk in succession, a clear stream of blood suddenly scattered everywhere.

“Eo…….”

The giant man left only that one word and his eyes rolled back. Then, behind the man who was collapsing forward, Grayson was seen covered in blood. The back of the man lying on the floor was widely torn. Dane realized then that Grayson had completely torn the wound on his back that he had cut. The exposed vertebrae protruding from the widely opened crack in his back were clearly visible. It looked as if he had torn the flesh with his bare hands and pulled out the spine inside. Unbelievably. But seeing the still-wet blood soaking Grayson’s hands falling to the floor, he had no choice but to believe it.

He felt an unpleasant stench of blood. Dane was so surprised by the gruesome sight that he stopped breathing. He widened his eyes and looked down at the man who was still gasping for breath, then slowly raised his gaze. Grayson, stained with crimson blood, stood there looking down at them with a blank face.

“Self-defense.”

That was all he said. Dane said nothing. It was after that that he opened his mouth.

“Yeah, that’s right.”

Dane hurriedly got up and lightly patted Grayson on the shoulder, as if to say he had done a good job.

“Let’s go.”

That was all Dane said. Grayson’s mouth slowly opened at the sight of him starting to run down the hallway again.

“Okay.”

With a slight blush on his cheeks, he hurriedly chased after Dane. At this moment, he didn’t feel any pain. Rather, his feet were so light that he felt like he could fly.

Desire Me if you can

Bang, a loud noise echoed. Emerson, the head man, who was checking the situation that had just occurred in real time through the surveillance camera installed in the hallway, trembled with anger. How dare they, how dare those bastards……!

The guys standing behind him, who were watching him slam the desk hard with his fist and glare at the screen, were uneasy and spoke with difficulty.

“Um, well, Mr. Emerson. Wh-what should we do? Sam, Sam got taken down…… What should we do now?”

“What do you mean, what should we do! We have to stop those bastards!”

Emerson shouted roughly.

“Grab your weapons right now, shoot and hit them anywhere! If those bastards escape from here, we’re all finished!”

“Yes, yes, sir. I understand, Mr. Emerson……!”

The men were flustered and rushed out of the control room, competing with each other. Emerson, who was watching their backs, gritted his teeth and clenched his fist.

It’s okay, I still have a trick up my sleeve.

He turned around and thought, glaring at Dane and Grayson reflected in the surveillance camera.

If necessary, I can just use that to get rid of them all.

163 – Title

“Ugh……”

With a painful groan, Joshua opened his eyes. What happened? For a moment, he couldn’t remember what had occurred. All he knew for sure was that the back of his neck was stiff and throbbing. As he realized that, the events just before he lost consciousness flashed through his mind.

“You son of a bitch……”

Joshua cursed as he pushed himself up. That crazy bastard had struck him in the back of the head while he was off guard. To dare knock him out and go in alone, he was so angry that he almost punched a nearby rock, but he restrained himself. Assessing the situation came first. Now that Dane had clearly charged into enemy territory alone, what he needed to do was figure out the situation and decide whether to wait for the team or follow him inside.

It didn’t take long. The shouts coming from all directions made it clear what was happening.

“Chase him, quickly! Find him!”

“He couldn’t have gone far, catch him now!”

“You, check over there again, no, not that way!”

More than a dozen men were running around, shouting. While Joshua was unconscious, something big had clearly happened. Like an intruder. The loud gunfire echoing from one side more than confirmed that guess.

Dane Striker, you damn bastard.

Joshua ground his teeth. Dane wouldn’t have just left Joshua unconscious and gone down the mountain alone. Not because of loyalty or morality, but because he was the kind of man who took responsibility for what he started. He probably would have carried Joshua under one arm and Grayson over the other shoulder as he went down the mountain. Regardless of whether it was possible or not.

In that case…….

Seeing the scene, Joshua clicked his tongue. He ended up getting caught and couldn’t go anywhere. Showing off and going alone.

One might think that just laughing at this mess would be revenge enough, but Joshua changed his mind.

I have to pay back the debt for hitting me in the back of the head.

Thinking that, he was looking for a chance to infiltrate when.

Huh……?

Suddenly, he felt something was off. He slipped out from behind the rock he was hiding behind and looked down at them. The men were getting into cars and leaving one by one. It wasn’t a move to find the hostages they had captured. Joshua sensed something ominous in the way the guys were getting into their cars and leaving in such a hurry, as if they were running away from something.

Desire Me if you can

“Ugh……”

The man who was shooting the gun collapsed, foaming at the mouth. Dane, who had been hiding, went behind him, wrapped his arm around his neck, and choked him unconscious. After confirming that the man had lost consciousness, Dane turned his head. Now there were three, four…… maybe seven left.

Maybe there were more. If they were hiding somewhere else, plotting something.

Soon, Dane’s brow furrowed. If that were the case, he didn’t know what they would do. Then the only option was to escape quickly…….

“Ugh.”

Dane suddenly grimaced and clutched the side of his chest. He must have hurt his ribs when he hit the wall earlier. Grayson immediately asked at the stifled groan.

“Are you okay, Dane?”

At the worried tone, Dane stared at his face. He was a mess himself, but he was worried about others. Dane gave a bitter smile and tapped Grayson’s cheek.

“Of course. I’m fine.”

After saying that, Dane turned his gaze forward again. The loud gunfire continued. The bullets fired at them from all directions never stopped, as if they were being supplied forever.

When the hell are those damn teammates coming?

Dane frowned in annoyance. First, he had to evacuate Grayson to a safe place and then go find Joshua. The safe route was…….

Dane flicked his fingers without a word. Grayson, who was about to move immediately at the signal, paused for a moment.

Uh.

Dane’s eyes widened in surprise at the way his body swayed greatly. Grayson collapsed to the ground.

“Grayson!”

Dane called his name in a hushed voice. He quickly approached and examined his body, and saw blood seeping out from everywhere.

Damn it, the injuries are too severe.

Dane’s face quickly turned pale. The fact that Grayson had lasted this long was probably thanks to his Trait. But just because he was a Dominant Alpha didn’t mean he was all-powerful. Even if it took longer than ordinary people, he was still a person and a life. Death comes equally to everyone.

Just as he thought that, Grayson suddenly got up. As if nothing had happened, he smiled and said.

“Sorry, I slipped.”

That couldn’t be it.

Dane immediately suspected, but Grayson continued as if nothing was wrong.

“Then shall we go again? You said it was that way?”

He pointed in one direction. This wouldn’t work. Dane thought. He had to come up with another way. If I become bait and lure those guys out and then take them out one by one…….

“No.”

Grayson suddenly blurted out. Dane frowned and looked back at him.

“What do you mean, suddenly.”

“You can’t leave me behind.”

Unexpectedly, he stopped, hearing the words that accurately saw through Dane’s thoughts. He just stared at him without saying anything, and Grayson quietly muttered.

“If you die, I die too.”

Dane was embarrassed by the quiet voice.

“Grayson, we’re not like that.”

As soon as he denied it, Grayson calmly replied.

“I know. My feelings are separate from your feelings. So, however I die, wherever I risk my life, it’s my will and has nothing to do with you.”

After hearing that, he had nothing more to say. Dane just silently stared at him. At Grayson’s eyes, which were so sincere and unwavering.

The gunfire continued. He had to make a decision. Quickly, quickly.

As usual.

But he was still just staring at Grayson without being able to move.

“……!”

At the murderous intent he felt in that moment, Dane immediately pulled out the gun from his waist and turned around. Almost at the same time as he saw the face of the man aiming the gun at him, a loud gunshot rang out.

Dane sighed as he saw the familiar face revealed behind the man who fell powerlessly.

“Josh.”

A word that he didn’t know whether to be happy or embarrassed by flowed from his mouth.

Joshua smiled and greeted him.

“Hello, Dane. Long time no see.”

He continued, still smiling, narrowing his eyes.

“You have no idea how much I missed you.”

Ah, just as Dane gave an awkward smile, Joshua punched him in the face. Only when Dane fell to the ground without even making a sound did his expression relax as if he felt relieved. A surprised Grayson hurriedly approached Dane and examined his injuries.

“What are you doing? What the hell. Suddenly appearing and…….”

“Stop, it’s okay.”

Dane stopped Grayson, who was about to get angry. He wiped his bleeding lips and added.

“I did something to deserve it, so you stay still. So, is the score settled now?”

Grayson was momentarily taken aback by Dane’s overly calm reaction. Joshua was the same. He had already returned to his usual self and answered with a refreshing smile.

“No, this is just the interest. I have to pay back the principal separately when we get back.”

“Don’t overdo it, you miser. Those who have should know how to give.”

“I think that’s something you should say while looking at the other person.”

Joshua didn’t budge at Dane’s nonchalant words. Grayson was bewildered as he watched them exchange words as if this kind of thing was just routine.

“More than that.”

Joshua soon changed the subject and said.

“Hasn’t it suddenly gotten quiet?”