Chapter 163

“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.

“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?”