Chapter 169

thirty three

Our hero, ‘Firefighter Dane Striker.’

Last night, a terrorist’s bomb exploded, and a village was on the verge of being buried. The one who prevented the disaster was none other than Dane Striker, single-handedly. As a firefighter and former soldier, he possessed exceptional bomb disposal skills and played a significant role in the incident. He is truly a hero who always rushes to the front lines when danger arises.

This is the very mountain where the explosion occurred. Initially, due to the terrorist’s false information, the explosion point was misidentified, almost leading to a massive number of casualties. It was a moment of crisis, but thanks to Dane Striker’s resourcefulness, a significant number of bombs were removed. As a result, the accident of the village being buried by a landslide was prevented. Unfortunately, some bombs detonated, and he was caught in the explosion and is currently in critical condition. People who have heard this news are sending messages of praise and wishing for his speedy recovery, and a candlelight vigil is being held, hoping for him to regain consciousness safely…

Articles about Dane Striker poured out daily. Everyone was moved by his dedication and courage, and donations continued to pour in. The hospital was overflowing with flowers and cards for him, and candlelight vigils were held every weekend. However, despite several days passing, Dane remains unconscious. He is wrapped in bandages from head to toe, breathing only with the help of machines. From the moment he was first discovered until he came out of the operating room, CPR was performed twice, and he has faced death several times since then.

According to experts who conducted a belated on-site inspection, the bombs were prepared to explode in two stages in case of an emergency. Dane disarmed the first explosive device, and the explosion occurred while he was disarming the second.

The miracle was here. The god that the fanatics were shouting about was not on their side but on Dane’s side. Dane found another hidden detonator at the last moment.

He must have made that decision thinking that whether he detonated it by pulling out the detonator incorrectly or just stood there blankly, he would be caught in the explosion and die anyway. What a bold and sacrificial choice…

Even the expert being interviewed trembled as if moved. Thanks to him, the biggest explosion was prevented, but unfortunately, some bombs exploded as they were. As a result, part of the mountain collapsed, and Dane was seriously injured. However, the massive landslide that was feared did not occur.

Thanks to Dane, who did not give up until the end.

As the news spread, the public’s reaction became even more passionate. There were suggestions to create a foundation in Dane’s name, to elevate him to sainthood, and even a school announced that they would build a building named after him. While the whole country was in an uproar, Dane was still unconscious.

Desire Me if you can

Beep, beep, beep, beep…

The machine made a regular sound, drawing a steady line. Grayson Miller, standing beyond the glass window, stared at the man inside with an expressionless face.

The man, wrapped in bandages all over his body, lying unconscious on the bed, with several machines and IV drips attached, showed no response. If it weren’t for the graph drawing small mountains one at a time, he might have thought he was dead.

Grayson, who also had bandages on various parts of his body and one arm in a cast, fixed with an arm sling, visited Dane’s hospital room like this every day.

The place he was first transferred to was a different hospital from Dane. Due to his Trait, he was sent to a hospital where Steward could collaborate, but upon regaining consciousness, he immediately caused a near-violent commotion upon learning this fact.

“Where’s Dane? I’m going where Dane is, what happened to Dane!”

Only after being injected and forcibly put to sleep several times was he able to complete the treatment. Fortunately, his Trait allowed for a very fast recovery rate.

After repeating the act of causing a seizure-like commotion and being injected to lose consciousness several more times, Steward gave permission to move him. Only then was he transferred to the hospital where Dane was hospitalized. And now, this is the situation.

Outside the hospital, one or two people still passing by would leave flowers and pray. All wishing for Dane’s recovery. Grayson found the sight disgusting.

What the hell are those things.

He couldn’t understand it at all. Why is Dane lying there like that? What the hell are those bastards? Why does Dane have to sacrifice himself like this, risking his life? There are plenty of such people in the world, why does he have to do this for people he doesn’t even know, people who are irrelevant whether they exist or not?

“I can’t just let all the people under that mountain die!”

Why not?

Grayson gritted his teeth, recalling what Joshua had said.

Why can’t I let them die? Why does Dane have to go so far? Even becoming so battered, for what?

“That bastard throws himself in first when that happens, he doesn’t listen to anyone!”

At the words that came to mind again, Grayson covered his face with one hand, cursing. He knows. That’s Dane Striker. Even in this state, he will never regret it. It will be repeated over and over again. He throws himself into danger without a second thought, and I’m like this every time…

He couldn’t suppress the boiling inside. In the end, he buried his face in his hands and let out a stifled groan.

Desire Me if you can

“Is there any news about Dane Striker yet?”

Ashley Miller, sitting in his office and reviewing documents, asked, and the secretary replied, “Yes.”

“His condition is so serious that it’s a miracle he’s survived this long. He’s still holding on because he’s in such good physical condition, but in reality, there’s no telling when or how…”

He trailed off, looking embarrassed. Ashley fell into thought with a serious face. He’s right. It was amazing that he had lasted this long. He had also seen Dane’s condition. It was the first time he had seen such a miserable sight. If the machines were removed, even right now…

Ashley’s face turned pale at the gruesome thought.

Then what will happen to Grayson?

If he really feels emotions and that person is Dane Striker, it’s unimaginable what will happen. Just like his father, Dominic, and Ashley himself would do the same if he were in that situation.

Suicide.

As he unknowingly crumpled the documents he was holding, the phone suddenly rang. When he pressed the button, another secretary immediately spoke.

“Mr. Miller, Mr. Niles has arrived.”

The secretary standing across the desk quickly stepped aside. A moment later, the door opened, and Koi entered. The secretary gave a short bow and quickly left the room.

“Koi.”

“Ash.”

Ashley, coming around the desk, called out his name and hugged Koi. As Koi hugged him back and raised his head, Ashley immediately kissed him on the lips. After tasting the sweet saliva, he buried his nose in his neck and took a deep breath. As he deeply inhaled the Pheromone scent spreading around Koi, his anxious heart calmed down.

“Sorry, I know you’re busy.”

“It’s okay, what’s wrong?”

As Koi apologized, Ashley immediately denied it and asked. Still smelling his scent and repeating calm breaths, Koi carefully spoke.

“Hey, how’s Dane? Is he still in that condition…?”

At the worried tone, Ashley nodded briefly.

“He’s still holding on well.”

“I see…”

Koi, who had nodded slightly, hesitated for a moment. Because he had experienced this several times already, Ashley immediately noticed his condition.

“If you have something to say, say it.”

“Yeah, well…”

Asking about Dane’s condition was something he had done yesterday and could do at home. Now he knew why he had come all the way here. That’s what Ashley was thinking.

“There’s something I want you to allow me to do.”

Koi, who had spoken courageously, added in an unusually strong tone.

“No, even if you don’t allow it, I’m going to do it. So, I’m here to notify you.”

Ashley, who had been standing still, slowly raised his head. Facing his coldly hardened face, Koi unknowingly swallowed hard. Koi knew all too well how many emotions were raging beneath that expression. But he had to do it. Because this was something only he could do.

“…What are you trying to do?”

At Ashley’s quiet voice, Koi finally confessed.

“I want to use Pheromone on Dane.”