Chapter 4 - The Ransom Demand
For three days, the mountain cabin became our entire world.
Under my constant care and nourishment, Mateo began to thrive in a way that defied medical logic.
His pale skin turned a healthy pink, and his cries grew loud, demanding, and full of beautiful, vibrant life.
Gabriel watched us constantly, his cold, hardened demeanor softening every time he saw his son resting against my chest.
But the peace was a fragile illusion, shattered on the fourth morning by a ringing burner phone.
Gabriel answered it on speaker, his eyes locked onto mine.
"Falcone," Marcus’s arrogant, slimy voice echoed through the quiet cabin.
My breath hitched, and I instinctively pulled Mateo closer.
"You have a lot of nerve calling this number," Gabriel said, his voice terrifyingly calm.
"I have your underboss, and I have half your territory," Marcus bragged.
"The Russians want you dead, but I want my wife."
"She is not your wife," Gabriel corrected smoothly.
"She is the woman you tried to murder, and she belongs to my protection now."
Marcus laughed, a cruel, grating sound that sent chills down my spine.
"Give me Elara and the brat, and we let you walk away from the syndicate alive."
"If you don't, we will burn this city to the ground to find you."
Gabriel didn't yell, and he didn't make a furious counter-threat.
"You have exactly twenty-four hours to enjoy your pathetic life, Marcus," Gabriel said quietly.
"Because I am coming for you."
He ended the call and crushed the burner phone beneath his heavy combat boot.
He looked at me, seeing the raw terror shaking my frame.
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"He will never touch you again, Elara," Gabriel promised, pulling a heavy assault rifle from a duffel bag.
"It is time to go hunting."
