Puppy Love – Chapter 28

~Liam~

Upon arrival at the street, we noticed that everything remained undisturbed, just as we had left it. The crime scene was still cordoned off with tape.

“Does it look the same as last night?” Justin inquired, and Josephine confirmed with a nod as he parked the van.

ucted them to maintain the integrity of the scene. We can’t be sure if the perpetrators tampered with it as well, so let’s not give

were corrupt.

the tire tracks from grandma’s gate leading to the burnt van,” Justin directed.

h the details. He and Josephine went to explore that particular room, while Noah and I were assigned to search other areas.

randma’s house felt bizarre. Only a few weeks ago, I was

arents were home

,”

ted, scanning the surroundi

eking an explanation. He simply shrugged in response.

something for them, I wouldn’t be surprised if they had plans to target your grandparents. Holding your girlfriend wouldn’t necessarily force your father or mine to comply with their demands. It might pressure you, but you don’t have the final say. Your grandparents, on the other hand, are a different story altogether. Both our fathers would be moreinclined to bend, especially yours. Lady Stephante is his mother, and I know I’d do anything to protect my own mother, just like y

e praised, and hearing Noah piece everything together, I realised how much

I corrected him, and he nodded, chuckling.

stioned, leaving me unsure of how to respond.

then revealed something embarrassing, saying,

for Sophia to her and your father.” My impulsive actions left me feeling ut

I wanted them to take the situation seriously.”

Noah countered my argument, s

didn’t

ng. You’ve been through a lot of emotional trauma.”

s gaze. It was an unusual expression for Noah, who, along with Sebastien,

However, their sharp eyes betrayed their keen awareness of their surroundings. It was

n.

t’s going on between you two.

up in your issues with Sophia. If she’s just a substitute until Sophia is found, I promise you, Li, you’ll have a problem with me, and I am sure it is the same for the others because we expect better from you.

fore, I hope you understand it now and do what’s right. She shouldn’t be anyone’s substitute,” he said with genuine concern evident in his eyes.

ind the words, and he patiently waited for me to speak.

he furrowed his brow, considering my words before nodding in agreement to keep my confidence.

ore. I…” I hesitated, and he remained silent, waiting for me to continue.

es widening in surprise.

ng dinner when we arrived at

he end, I decided to give fate a chance,” I confessed, and he frowned, concerned.

I nodded in agreement.

plexity of the situation.

do you want her?

tion.

understanding.

o I believe you,” he reassured me, taking note of the bond’s response.

o the best.

a relaxed one once again.

ings.

uired, and he burst into laughter.

ess.

ly, we thought you didn’t know,” I admitted, and he laughed

ryone up north, so you don’t need any extras, but it’s just us,

Charlotte, Jewels, Gemma, Lily, and Harper had their hands full with those boys,” he said, laughing, and I could tell it was all deliberate.

o missed it, but I guess you guys were busy in the romance department,” he added, slipping his hands into his pockets before walking away.

ere this mischievous until now.

ound floor, meticulously examining surfaces for any traces of clues, we came to a surp

housekeeper. Had it been her, the lingering scents of Josephine and me would still be noticeable. Instead, the house exuded a faint aroma of disinfectants, ind

both intrigued and concerned about the extent to which they were involved.

en made our way upstairs to the room where we had found the housekeeper earlier. Josephine and Justin appeared puzzled, examining the environment.

” Justin remarked, and we nodded, already having reached tha

lace,” Josephine added, acknowledging the thoroughness of the cleaning.

to ensure her safety. If these individuals could clean the house so meticulously, they could also take measures to prevent her from regaining consciousness.

to send men from Lucland to guard her in the hospital. In fact, I think we should stay with the housekeeper until they arrive to relieve us. If these perpetrators are going to s

housekeeper from any potential danger.

everyone through the mental link, instructing them to return to the van. Once inside, I wasted no time and dialed Bryce’s number. I knew we couldn’t afford to wait for Justin to make the call – time was of the essence.

first ring.

he greeted, and I skipped the pleasantries to get

Grizlo immediately. They need to guard a witness,” I instructed urgently.

ed my judgment and request.

d anxiously.

would send them right away,” I replied

r task. Your father must have removed the limitations on our requests,” Charlotte added, acknowledging the si

n they had enough time to clean grandma’s house thoroughly?” Sebastien questioned, and Josephine nodded sol

or Li’s scent. They even took the time to air out the place,” she explained, and Oliver let out a low whistle.

pondered, voicing the concerns we all shared.

vel before, and it was disheartening to realise that it might have been ongoing for quite some

time.

suggested, and a heavy silence fell over the group.

lusions, Li, but it does seem likely. I hope you’re wrong, because if you’re not, then we’ll have to put a lot of trust in Kappa Levi and his team to ensure that woman comes through. That is, of course, if the hospital staff hasn’t already done something to her,” Justin said, and his reasoning was valid. The situation was increasingly precarious, and we had to proceed

to thoroughly search Sam Stree

that everyone is involved,” Sebastian suggested, and his point was well taken.

case of an attack. Personally, I’d prefer all eight of us to stick together to better defend ourselves until we figure out what’s going on. Without knowing the full extent of the situation, we’re walking blind, Justin stated, and everyone agreed with his cautious approach.

ter idea of what we’re dealing with,” Marvin added, voicing our shared hope for more cla

em no choice but to comply.

entered the room, we found t

our suspicions about potential corruption, we couldn’t entirely trust the med

quipment and treatments.

s receiving the right treatment,”

ndeed the best course of action. Aunt Claudia wo

and or Gad. Grandpa Eric possesses incredible healing abilities,” Noah proposed, and we began brainstorming potential solutions. Our enthusiasm quickly prompted Justin

tter understanding of what steps to take. Let’s not forget that this woman isn’t originally from Grizlo, so she might have brought some external issues into the mix. We could be overthinking this situation, and it might be an attempt to divert our focus from the real priority, which is finding Sophia,” Justin communicated through the mental link, reminding us to sta

of the situation and lose sight of our primary goal: finding Sophia. We were still relatively inexperienced in handling such high

nd had a lot to learn.

out.

tin later at the packhouse.

was my first real relationship, and I hoped it would be my last.

ed comfortably on my lap, while the rest of our team

, occasionally glancinq in our direction with evident disapproval in his eyes. I understood his reservations; my actions and words in the past had not been ideal, and it was natural for him to be cautious about my intentions. However, I knew in my heart that I wanted to keep Josephine safe and that my feelings for her were genuine and steadfast. When he confronts me on my intentions, I will assure him Josephine was safe. I had no intention of letting go.