The Wolf's Obsession

Chapter 9: Shadows of the Past.

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The cold, damp walls pressed in around them, the scent of earth and mildew heavy in the air as Alessandro held his gun steady, his body poised like a coiled spring.

Isabella's heart hammered in her chest, but she forced herself to stay calm, to focus on his instructions from their earlier training.

Her fingers gripped the dagger he had given her, and she glanced up at him, seeing in his eyes that same unbreakable resolve.

Footsteps echoed down the tunnel, drawing closer, the sound bouncing off the stone walls in haunting reverberations. Alessandro took a step back, pulling her behind him, his gaze never leaving the dark shadows at the end of the corridor.

"Stay close," he murmured, his voice low and commanding. "No matter what happens, don't hesitate. Remember your training."

Isabella nodded, swallowing back her fear. They had no choice but to stand their ground, and despite the anger and betrayal still festering inside her, she knew Alessandro was her only chance of survival. She would have to trust him, if only for now.

The first of De Luca's men rounded the corner, their figures shrouded in darkness, their faces obscured by the low light. Alessandro raised his gun and fired, his shot striking the man in the shoulder.

He staggered back, but another quickly took his place, lunging forward with a knife gleaming in his hand.

"Isabella, behind you!" Alessandro's warning came just in time, and she spun around, her dagger slicing through the air. She barely managed to block the attacker's blow, her instincts kicking in as she dodged to the side.

She drove her dagger into his side, her grip firm despite the tremor in her hands, and he fell with a grunt, collapsing at her feet.

She gasped, her heart racing as the reality of what she'd done sank in, but there was no time to dwell on it. Another man closed in, his face twisted in fury as he charged at Alessandro, swinging a crowbar.

Alessandro blocked him with swift precision, his movements fluid and lethal. But Isabella could see the strain in his expression, the stiffness in his injured shoulder as he fought.

More men poured into the tunnel, their numbers seemingly endless. Isabella backed against the wall, her breaths shallow as she watched
Alessandro fend off each attacker, his determination unyielding despite the odds.

But as more men surged forward, she realized with chilling certainty that they were hopelessly outnumbered. One of De Luca's men lunged at her, his hand reaching for her throat.

She ducked, slashing with her dagger, but he was faster, catching her wrist and twisting it until she cried out in pain. The dagger slipped from her grasp, clattering to the ground as he shoved her against the wall, his hand tightening around her throat.

"You're coming with us, little girl," he sneered, his grip like iron as he pinned her against the stone. Panic surged through her, and she clawed at his arm, gasping for breath.

But before she could react, a gunshot rang out, and the man's body slumped, releasing her as he collapsed to the ground.

Isabella looked up, her vision blurry, and saw Alessandro standing over her, his face twisted with fury. "Are you all right?" he asked, his voice

filled with barely controlled rage She nodded, catching her breath, but the reprieve was short-lived. Another group of men stormed the tunnel, forcing Alessandro to step back, his expression darkening as he realized they were outmatched.

He scanned the tunnel, his gaze sharp, calculating, and his hand found hers, squeezing it tightly. "There's an emergency exit ahead, but it'll be a tight run. We're leaving." he said, his tone leaving no room for argument.