"Echoes of Unseen Fate"

Chapter 19

Alexander POV

One second, I was the cold, unflinching CEO of Thatcher Group, the man everyone in the room knew for his steely demeanor. The next, I felt heat creeping up my neck at the sight of the text message from Amelia: "Amaya, Take your man."

Seriously? Did she just imply that I—Alexander Thatcher—had a chance with Amaya? I could feel a flutter in my chest, an unexpected rush of excitement that I barely allowed myself to acknowledge. Was I actually blushing? The thought was almost ridiculous. Yet here I was, completely captivated by the idea that maybe, just maybe, there was more between Amaya and me than I had dared to admit. She had a way of making me feel things I thought I'd long buried. How was it possible for a simple text to send my mind racing like a teenager with a crush? It was maddening. But I couldn't help it; the thought of being with her felt exhilarating.

Not long after that, my phone began to ring, pulling me from my thoughts. I hurried to the bed where I had left it, snatching it up and seeing Amaya's name on the screen. Instantly, a part of me stiffened. Was she okay? Did something happen? She was all alone at home—surely nothing could have gone wrong, right? Yet, a different type of panic began to brew within me, sending my heart racing as I contemplated what might have driven her to call.

After a few seconds of the phone ringing, I finally picked it up, only to be greeted by heavy breathing on the other end. "Amaya? What's wrong?" I spoke into the phone, my heart pounding in my chest.

Her voice came through, shaky and frantic, barely forming words. "He's outside. He's here for me. I'm scared, Alex."

The moment those words left her lips, a rush of anger surged through me, mixed with an overwhelming protectiveness. My muscles tensed as I imagined her alone and terrified, the image of her vulnerability igniting a fierce rage within me.

I felt an instinctual need to shield her from whatever danger lurked outside her door. The world outside faded away as I focused entirely on her voice, my mind racing with thoughts of how I could get to her as quickly as possible.

I couldn't bear the thought of her being in harm's way. "I'm coming, Amaya. Just hold on," I said, my voice steady despite the turmoil inside me.

I swiftly grabbed my car keys, my heart racing as adrenaline surged through me. Slipping on my shoes and pulling on my jacket, I dashed out the door, each movement fueled by urgency. The cold air hit my skin as I made my way to my car, my mind focused on Amaya and the danger she was facing.

As I fumbled with the keys, I dialed 911, the dispatcher's calm voice contrasting sharply with my frantic thoughts. I couldn't shake the image of her terrified face from my mind.

At the same time, I reached for my phone again and called Aaron. "I need you," I said as soon as he picked up, urgency lacing my tone. "Something's wrong with Amaya. She's in danger." I could hear his quick intake of breath on the other end, and I knew he wouldn't waste a second.

With each second that passed, I could feel the weight of my protective instincts pressing down on me, pushing me to drive faster. The world outside blurred as I focused on reaching her, determined to ensure she was safe.

I sped down the street, the engine roaring as I pressed the accelerator, weaving through traffic like a man possessed. Red lights flashed by me, but I didn't care. I blew through them, one after another, each one a mere suggestion in my mind. The thought of Amaya being in danger propelled me forward, overriding any sense of caution or fear of consequences.

The sirens of my own anxiety blared louder than any police siren could. I'd gladly pay any fine, any price, if it meant getting to her faster. I could almost picture her—wide-eyed and trembling—waiting for someone, anyone, to rescue her from whatever horror had invaded her home.