Chapter 163

* * *

"Ugh..."

With a pained groan, Joshua opened his eyes. What happened? For a moment he couldn't remember what had occurred. But the fact that the back of his neck was stiff and aching was certain. When he realized this, the events just before losing consciousness came back to his mind.

"This son of a..."

Joshua got up with a curse. This crazy bastard had hit the back of Joshua's head while he was off guard. How dare he knock him out and go in alone on his own. He was so angry he almost punched the rock with his fist but held back. First, he needed to assess the situation. Now that Dane had clearly infiltrated enemy territory alone, what he needed to do was assess the situation and decide whether to wait for the team or follow and infiltrate.

It didn't take very long. Because from the shouts coming from all directions, he could clearly tell what was happening.

"Chase them, quickly! Find them!"

"They couldn't have gone far, catch them quickly!"

"You check over there again, no, not that way!"

More than ten men were shouting in confusion. Something big had clearly happened while Joshua was unconscious. Like an intruder appearing. The loud gunfire echoing from one side more than supported that guess.

Dane Striker, this damn bastard.

Joshua ground his teeth audibly. There was no way Dane would just leave the unconscious Joshua and go down the mountain alone. Not because of loyalty or morality, but because he was a man who took responsibility for what he started to the end. If it were him, he probably would have gone down the mountain with Joshua under one arm and Greyson slung over the other shoulder. Regardless of whether it was impossible or not.

Then...

Thinking that far, Joshua clicked his tongue. In the end, he got caught and couldn't move forward or back. Serves him right, acting smart and going alone.

One might think that just mocking this situation would be sufficient revenge, but Joshua changed his mind.

I need to repay the debt for hitting the back of my head.

He was thinking this and looking for a chance to infiltrate when.

Huh...?

Suddenly he felt something was strange. He quietly emerged from behind the rock where he had been hiding and looked down at them. The men were getting in cars and leaving one by one. This wasn't movement to find the hostage they had been holding. Seeing the guys hurriedly getting in cars and leaving as if running from something, Joshua felt an ominous premonition.

* * *

"Ugh..."

The man who had been shooting collapsed, foaming at the mouth. Dane, who had hidden and gone behind him, had wrapped his arm around his neck to block his breathing and knocked him out. After confirming the man had lost consciousness, Dane turned his head. Now there were about three, four... seven left?

There might be more. If they were hiding somewhere else plotting something.

Soon Dane's brow furrowed. If so, there was no telling what they might do. For now, the only option was to escape as quickly as possible...

"Ugh."

Dane suddenly contorted his face and clutched his side. It seemed he had injured his ribs when he hit the wall earlier. At the muffled groan, Greyson immediately asked.

"Are you okay, Dane?"

At the voice full of worry, Dane stared at his face. Anyone could see he was the one who was a mess, yet he was worrying about someone else. Dane gave a bitter smile and lightly tapped Greyson's cheek.

"Of course. It's nothing at all."

After saying that, Dane turned his gaze forward again. The loud gunfire continued. The bullets being fired at them from all directions seemed endless, as if supplied forever.

When the hell are those damn team guys coming?

Dane frowned irritably. First, he needed to evacuate Greyson to a safe place, then go look for Joshua. A safe route was...

Dane silently moved his finger. Greyson, who was about to move immediately according to the signal, suddenly hesitated.

Huh.

Dane's eyes widened in surprise at the body swaying greatly. Greyson had collapsed face-first onto the floor.

"Greyson!"

Dane called his name in a hushed voice. When he hurriedly approached and examined his body, he could see blood seeping out from various places.

Damn, the injuries are too severe.

Dane's face quickly turned pale. That Greyson had endured this much was probably thanks to his phenotype. But being an extreme Alpha didn't make him omnipotent. It might take longer than ordinary people, but in the end, he was human and alive. Death comes equally to everyone.

Just as he thought that far, Greyson suddenly got up. As if what had just happened never occurred, he smiled and said.

"Sorry, my foot slipped."

That's not it.

Dane immediately suspected, but Greyson continued nonchalantly.

"Then shall we go again? You said that way, right?"

He pointed in one direction. This won't do. Dane thought. I need to think of another method. If I become bait to lure those bastards, shake them off, then deal with them one by one...

"No."

Greyson suddenly blurted out. Dane frowned and looked back at him.

"What, suddenly."

"You can't leave me alone and go."

At the words that unexpectedly and accurately saw through Dane's thoughts, he hesitated. As he just looked without saying anything, Greyson quietly growled.

"If you die, I'll die too."

At the quiet voice, Dane became bewildered.

"Greyson, we're not that kind of relationship."

When he immediately denied it, Greyson calmly responded.

"I know. My feelings are separate from your feelings. So however I die, wherever I risk my life, it's my will that has nothing to do with you."

After hearing that far, there was nothing more to say. Dane just silently looked at him. Greyson's eyes that were so sincere and unwavering.

The gunfire continued. He had to make a decision. Quickly, fast.

Like usual.

But he was still unable to move, just looking at Greyson, when.

"...!"

At the murderous intent he suddenly felt, Dane immediately drew his gun from his waist and turned around. Almost simultaneously with seeing the face of the man pointing a gun at him, a loud gunshot rang out.

At the familiar face revealed behind the man falling powerlessly, Dane sighed "Ah."

"Josh."

A word that was unclear whether it was welcoming or troubled flowed from his mouth.

Joshua smiled and greeted him.

"Hello, Dane. Long time no see."

He continued with his eyes narrowed, still smiling.

"You don't know how much I missed you."

Aha, just as Dane awkwardly smiled, Joshua punched him in the face. When Dane tumbled without even making an "ugh" sound, only then did his expression relax as if relieved. Surprised Greyson hurriedly approached Dane to check his injuries.

"What are you doing? Really. Suddenly appearing..."

"Stop, that's enough."

Dane blocked Greyson who was about to get angry. He rubbed his bleeding lips and added.

"I did something deserving of a hit, so you stay still. Now, is the score settled?"

At Dane's too calm reaction, Greyson was momentarily flustered. Joshua was the same, but he soon returned to normal and answered with a fresh smile.

"No, this is just interest. The principal has to be paid back separately when we return."

"Take it easy, miser. Those who have should know how to give."

"I think that's something to say while considering who you're dealing with."

At Dane's brazen words, Joshua didn't budge. Watching the conversation exchanged nonchalantly as if such things were routine, Greyson became bewildered.

"More importantly."

Joshua soon changed the subject and said.

"Hasn't it suddenly gotten quiet?"