His grandmother was his only family.
After his parents divorced and started new lives, neither wanted him.
His grandmother took him in.
To pay for his tuition, she collected scrap metal and worked grueling odd jobs, destroying her health in the process.
He couldn't lose her.
But the Captain...
Serena had saved his life, treating him with dignity and giving him a reason to fight.
He couldn't betray her.
He was trapped in an impossible nightmare.
What could he do?
How was he supposed to choose?
The Doyles... were absolute monsters!
Monsters!
"Why... why are you doing this to me?"
Caleb sobbed, slamming his bloody fist against the cold floor.
Blood ran down his knuckles, but he didn't even feel the pain.
"If it hurts that much, just agree to their terms."
A calm, distinctly familiar voice echoed behind him.
Caleb didn't even think before he roared back, "No! The Captain treated us like human beings! She gave me hope. I won't be a traitor. I'd rather die than be a traitor!"
"If my grandma were awake, she'd rather die than let me sell my soul for her!"
As the words ripped from his throat.
Tears blurred his vision.
He panted heavily, his eyes bloodshot.
Then, reality caught up to him.
That voice... why was it so familiar?
He whipped around.
Standing under the fluorescent corridor lights was Serena, dressed casually in a
hoodie and cargo pants, hands in her pockets.
She stood against the glare.
Casting a long, imposing shadow.
She looked like a deity descending into hell to offer him salvation.
"Captain..."
Caleb stared in shock.
He hurriedly wiped his face with his sleeve. "What are you doing here? I was just..."
"You passed," Serena said, walking up to him. "Saving you wasn't a waste of my time."
She raised her chin. "Let's go."
Caleb's mind blanked. "Go where?"
"To the ICU
grande're getting your grandmother out," Serena said. net
breezing past him toward the doors.
Panic spiked in Caleb's chest, and he leaped up to block her path.
"Captain, no! You can't. The Doyles have men everywhere and their real target is you. You're our only hope. If something happens to you, I never forgive myself!"
He couldn't let her get dragged into this mess.
Her safety was paramount.
Even if she was a Lancaster, the Doyles fought dirty.
The Doyles were ruthless!
He refused to let her risk her life for him.
"Doyle men?"
Serena scoffed lightly. "You think the Lancaster family is scared of a few guard dogs?"
"No, that's not it," Caleb stammered. "I just don't want you to risk—"
He froze.
His words died in his throat as he finally looked past her toward the ICU entrance.
The elite Doyle bodyguards were out cold, sprawled across the floor in twisted heaps.
Some were still twitching, unable to stand.
A different squad of imposing men in black suits stood over them, their faces like stone.
And leaning casually near the door frame was a tall, strikingly handsome figure.
Hearing the commotion, Nicholas Blackwood looked up. His
Bing eyes curved into el
devastatingly wicked site?
smile
He grinned at Serena. "All taken care of."
That smile.
He looked exactly like a fiercely protective, devoted guardian waiting for praise.
He practically looked ready to wag a tail.