Chapter 2 Capture Bianca!

Rafael wanted to console Bianca, but the uncertainty in his eyes revealed that he had no idea how to ease the pain she was drowning in.

Being left at the altar wasn't something one could simply shrug off; it was a wound that sliced through to the very core.

Bianca managed to hold herself together until they were in the car. But as soon as they were alone, the barrier broke. The pain surged through her in waves. She had loved Antonio too deeply, more than she should have. She had given him everything-helped him gain her father's trust, supported him in every negotiation, and stood by him, making him stronger.

The only thing she hadn't given him was herself, and that was because she wanted to remain a virgin until their wedding night. That was supposed to be her gift to him.

"Bianca, this isn't the end of the world. You'll get through this, trust me!" Rafael wrapped her in a warm embrace, a gesture he rarely showed. Rafael was always so guarded with his affection.

"I'll be fine, Rafael. Now, please get out and cancel everything related to the wedding. I need you to do that for me."

"What? Are you serious, Bianca? You're asking me to leave the car just like that?"

"Yes, take the driver with you and handle it. Take this burden off my shoulders. Tell the guests whatever you need to; I don't care. And make sure all the gifts are returned by courier first thing tomorrow. I don't want to see a single one left. Most importantly, tell Dad not to worry about me-I'm fine. Got it?"

"Got it. But what about you? Where are you going? Let me come with you, Bianca. You shouldn't be alone right now."

"I'm heading to the family cabin near the forest. I'm telling you, but you can't tell anyone-not even if Dad pressures you. I need some time alone." She sighed deeply as she turned to face her handsome brother. "Why are you still here? Get moving!"

"You've got quite the temper! I'm trying to help, and this is the thanks I get? Fine, I'll go. Just promise me you'll be okay. You have to call me if you need anything. Understand?"

"Of course! Who else would I call if not you, Rafael? Thanks for being here with me." She reached out and gave her greatest ally a pat on the shoulder before he got out of the car and the driver remained outside. "Rafael! I almost forgot-lend me your card. I don't have anything on me."

"Bianca, don't max it out! Between you, Isabella, and Carmela, I'm going to end up broke."

Despite everything, she managed a small smile and said nothing more as she sped off down the road.

Rafael could call an Uber or take a taxi back to the church. All Bianca wanted was to escape the suffocating air. Not a moment passed on the drive without tears streaming down her face.

She wondered if she was being overly dramatic or if she had truly earned the title of drama queen. But the ache in her chest answered for her: "Yes, I have every right to cry until there's nothing left."

Bianca had finally arrived at the forest cabin-a place she had always found charming with its blend of rustic and modern elements. It had been some time since her last visit, and she hoped the keys were still hidden in their usual spot. She exited her car and began searching under the mat. There it was, the key, just as she had left it.

She opened the door without hesitation. Suddenly, out of nowhere, a man appeared. She hadn't seen him coming. Either she was losing her edge, or this man possessed super speed. She had looked in every direction and seen no sign of anyone nearby.

"If you behave, I won't hurt you, beautiful! I think today's hunt has been very successful," he said.

Bianca was caught off guard. The very tall man had her by the neck, his breath hot against her ear as he whispered disturbingly close. She struggled to free herself, but he was too strong. She couldn't get away!

"You can take whatever you want, just don't hurt me!" she pleaded, her voice trembling.

"And who told you I'm interested in what this place has to offer?" the man replied, having stumbled upon her and now determined to take advantage of the situation.

Still dressed as a bride, Bianca found herself being dragged toward the bedroom. Her fear escalated, and she began screaming for help. The cabin was isolated, but she prayed that someone, anyone, might hear her.

"Don't resist, little princess; no one will hear you here. Why are you dressed as a bride? That dress looks very good on you, but I think it'll look even better if I take it off."

"HELP! SOMEBODY HELP ME!"

Her screams grew frantic, her voice hoarse as he began tearing apart her white wedding dress. The fabric was shredded, leaving only scraps clinging to her.

Her nearly transparent panties and exposed breasts were now visible. Desperation consumed her-nothing seemed to stop this savage man from his brutal intentions.

***

The clouds loomed heavily over Zurich Airport, with the Swiss Alps standing like silent sentinels in the distance, as the private plane touched down. The moment the wheels hit the tarmac, Rocco Castellano was the first to step off.

Rocco was tall and muscular, with green eyes that sparkled like emeralds, giving him the appearance of someone in their late twenties. In reality, he was two hundred and twenty-nine years old, a seasoned wolf.

He led the Twilight Crescent Pack, the eldest of four Alphas who governed a mafia empire that pulsed through every corner of the world.

Recently, their control over the North Swiss Alps had slipped through their grasp-thanks to Rocco's worst enemy, Nikolai Drakov. The bloodthirsty vampire had set a cunning trap, one that had caught them off guard and cost them dearly. And now, they were here to reclaim it-whatever the cost.

To make matters worse, Nikolai had discovered one of their family's most treasured heirlooms, an artifact with the power to tip the balance in his favor. If that relic fell into the wrong hands, it could spell disaster for the pack. They had to retrieve it at any cost, before it became a weapon against them.

For centuries, the pack had ruled with an iron fist, exerting influence through a vast network of power and fear.

As a dynasty of Alphas, the weight of their legacy pressed heavily on Rocco's shoulders. Losing control of the North Swiss Alps had dented their reputation, and regaining it would be a formidable challenge. But it was crucial-not just for their dominance, but for the balance of power they maintained.

But then, frustration cut through his thoughts. Rocco had just started to disembark when his beta informed him that Roderic had been spotted near the Thousand Dead Forest. He could have sent his men to track him down, but the debt that wretched wolf owed him was one he needed to settle personally.

Memories of that fateful night surged back-the night Roderic had killed his lover. She hadn't been his luna, but she had been a good she-wolf with a generous heart. She had been a beautiful companion until Roderic killed her out of spite.

"What will you do, Alpha?" asked Gryffin, his beta.

"I'm going after him, of course! Deploy men throughout the forest; I'll be there as soon as possible. I'm catching that savage today!"

"Rocco! Where are you going? We just arrived a few minutes ago. Can't whatever you have to do wait until we settle in?" Vincenzo's voice sliced through the air, filled with frustration.

Rocco glanced back, trying to keep his tone steady. "Some things can't wait, brother. But I promise, once I'm done, I'll come back and play a game of chess with you. Will you hold me to that?"

Vincenzo's eyes brightened, a rare, genuine smile curving his lips. "I promise! I just hope this time you can actually beat me!"

Rocco managed a strained smile in return. It wasn't often the Castellano brothers smiled, except Vincenzo, who could charm a smile from anyone.

"Don't underestimate me. You'd better hurry, because I can't wait to show you who's the best!" Vincenzo shot back with playful determination.

Without another word, Rocco shifted into his wolf form. The transformation was swift, and soon he was a sleek, powerful creature darting through the dense forest surrounding the Castellano mansion. Speed was his ally if he wanted to reach his destination quickly.

In no time, he arrived at the spot Gryffin had mentioned. His wolf, Hawke-a massive white creature with gleaming green eyes-scanned the area, sniffing out every corner. Despite his efforts, there was no sign of Roderic. Just as he was about to move on, a woman's scream pierced the air from a nearby cabin.