Unfinished Love: A Story of Redemption

Chapter 5

IVY MARINO

Allen took a deep breath and began his tale, revealing details about the kidnappers' hideout and their plan to move Lucia's triplets to a remote location in ten days time. He claimed to have infiltrated their ranks and gathered valuable intel, all while staying undetected.

As he spoke, Lucia and Alpha Damian listened intently, weighing the credibility of his words. I, on the other hand, observed Allen with jealousy burning in my eyes. I was not accustomed to sharing Alpha Damian's attention, and the fact that this newcomer had caught his interest made me uneasy, which also meant that Alpha Damian would now make do his promise to help Lucia regardless of how much I protested.

"You expect us to believe you just waltzed into their lair and gathered all this information?" My voice was laced with bitterness, my gaze fixed on Allen. "I find that hard to believe."

Allen turned his attention to me, a sly smile playing on his lips. "Believe what you will, Ms. Ivy." He said with a hint of mockery. "But I assure you, I'm quite skilled at gathering information, especially when there's a reward involved."

My nostrils flared with anger, and I shot a sharp glance at Alpha Damian, silently questioning his fascination with Allen. Alpha Damian, however, remained focused on the matter at hand. "If what you say is true." He said, addressing Allen, "then your information might prove valuable. But know this – if you're playing games, you'll regret it."

Allen inclined his head, his enigmatic smile still present. "I have no intention of deceiving you," he replied. "I merely wish to be rewarded for my efforts, as any capable informant would."

Lucia could sense the tension between I and Allen, and she couldn't help but feel caught in the middle of a power struggle she didn't fully understand. "We need to act quickly." She urged, her voice tinged with desperation. "If we want to save my children, we can't waste any time."

Just as they were speaking, some members of the pack came in to see Alpha Damian. "I'm sorry Alpha Damian but it can't wait," Matt and Jake, two Betas, were arguing and needed Alpha Damian to way in on the matter.

In the midst of a heated argument, I caught Allen stealing glances at Lucia whenever he thought no one was looking. The jealousy within me reached its breaking point, and I decided to confront him.

"You're just using this opportunity to get close to her, aren't you?" I hissed at Allen, my eyes burning with anger.

"Isn't she beautiful? She's is a Queen." He said admiringly.

"I don't have time for this." I told him and left.

************

Deep in the shadows of Alpha Damian's stronghold, my jealousy and anger reached a boiling point. I couldn't bear the thought of Allen's testimony bringing Alpha Damian closer to Lucia, the woman who had once captured his heart. I sought someone important.

"The ever beautiful Ivy, what can I do for you." Consumed by my possessiveness over Alpha Damian. I needed to devise a sinister plan to take Lucia out of the equation, hoping to sever the bond that had brought Lucia and Alpha Damian together.

"Thank you for seeing me. Word on the street is that you are known for your ruthlessness and discretion." I said in the dimly lit chamber.

"You could say that." She said with a grin. "We intend to conquer the world of men, and become everything they are and more."

"Good, I have a task for you." I said, nodding to cloaked figure with piercing eyes that held no trace of remorse. My voice cold and determined.

"Do you know the woman Lucia, who just came in to see Alpha Damian?" She shook her head.

"Here is a picture of her, and everything I have on her." I said, handing a picture of Lucia and some other files I had to the woman who studied it for a long time before burning it in a fire. She slowly raised her head and look at me when she was done.

"Find her triplets and eliminate them. Make sure there are no traces left behind, and ensure it's done before Alpha Damian has the chance to act on Allen's information."

The she smiled and nodded without a word. "And?" She said holding out her hand and acknowledging the gravity of the task at hand.

"Here." I threw her a bag of cash. Their reputation preceded her, and I knew she would complete the job with chilling efficiency.

*********

I was still playing out all the possible scenarios, a bit satisfied after meeting with the cloaked figure. "Hello Ivy." A voice startled me the moment I entered my chambers.

"Holy Chihuahua!" I said, I was a bit shocked. He was waiting in my chamber. "You scared me, Alpha Damian."

"So sorry about that, but I needed to see you."

"Okay, what for?" I said a bit defensively.

"Are you alright, Ivy?" He asked, his voice laced with concern. "You seem troubled by something."

I glanced up at him, obviously masking my true emotions behind a façade of nonchalance. "I'm fine, Damian," I replied curtly.

"Are you sure? Because you were quite animated out there today." He said softly.

"I'm just not used to sharing your attention with others."

He stepped closer, invading my personal space. "Lucia needed our help, and I couldn't just turn my back on her." He said gently, "but that doesn't change my commitment to you or our bond."

My eyes softened momentarily, but my jealousy quickly flared up again. "I know," I said, my voice tinged with insincerity. "I trust you, Damian. It's just Allen's presence... It's unsettling."

His brow furrowed, and he frowned. "Unsettling? Why would you feel that way? You only just met him."

I struggled to find the right words to conceal my true intentions. "It's just a feeling," I said evasively. "He's an enigma, and I can't help but wonder what he's really after."

He considered my words, his instincts tingling with suspicion. "You think he has ulterior motives?" he questioned.

I hesitated before nodding. "It's possible," I replied carefully. "I mean, why else would he get involved in our affairs? There's something about him that doesn't sit right with me. He said he's from Shadow Pang pack in Buckhead, and I think he's in love with Lucia."

I noticed that Alpha Damian's curiosity was piqued when I mentioned Lucia which at the least meant that I was right and he still has feelings for Lucia. I know he trusted my instincts, and he wouldn't hesitate to act if there was even a hint of deception.

"Are.. are... You-" he started to say but trailed off.

"Yes Alpha Damian, you needed to see the way he was gawking at her with lust." I said and noticed Alpha Damian turned a shade darker but he recovered quickly.

I smiled, grateful that everything was working for my good. If Allen doesn't stir Lucia's attention from Alpha Damian, then perhaps, the Assassin's action would make Alpha Damian realize that the children are already dead and won't see any need to help Lucia. If the assassin fails, Alpha Damian will be jealous of Allen's affection for Lucia and pull out. I smiled triumphantly, knowing I my position was secured.

"Come here." He said gesturing to me, he wrapped his arms around me and kissed me, first lightly and then passionately.

"Oh, baby, I've missed this." I moaned, throwing my arms around his neck and pulling him down to me.

"Don't worry Ivy, I'm here. Lucia is never going to take your place in my life." He reassured me and continued kissing me.