Dark Revenge Of An Unwanted Wife: The Twins Are Not Yours!

Everything became messy and chaotic afterwards. And everyone in the room dodged for cover behind whatever manner of shield they could lay their hands on.

There were shouts in the room, not of pain really, but from commands—Ewan's men going further to act as shields for the Thorne couple, for Athena. But Athena's mind was on the havoc being wrecked outside. Eric and Shawn. Were they dead? Had they been shot down?

Her heart beat escalated with a mixture of pain and anger. She couldn't lose her friends. But she was helpless in the onslaught of bullets. She hadn't budgeted that they would have company this morning. Who was feeding the enemy information? Who could be the betrayer within their ranks?

She gritted her teeth as she counted the names of the people she had trusted with information, people who were with her here. And yet, she couldn't place the tag on any one of them. Maybe one of Ewan's men?

With their location still being rocked with bullets, she turned to meet Ewan, only to see him talking into the phone. What now?

Ignoring the plea of the man guarding her, she hurried, making sure to keep herself low so as not to be hit by the flying bullets, toward his side.

"Who are you talking with?" Her voice came out sterner than she had anticipated, accusatory.

Ewan frowned. "What? You think I am the one giving away our location? Do you want to speak with Spider then?"

Athena swallowed the shame that enveloped her. But why was she ashamed?

Was it now a crime to suspect him? She wondered as she gestured for him to put the phone on loudspeaker. She didn't think Spider knew her well enough to accept instructions from her. And why was Ewan calling Spider? Reinforcements? They would take so long to get here!

"Spider, you can continue speaking… what were you saying?"

Spider's smooth voice sounded over the phone. "Our men were in position as we planned out. They should be fighting off the gang. Yes, they are… I just got a notification. I think they can keep the enemy busy, and away from the house."

Athena looked at Ewan with a stunned expression. Another backup? How many backups does this beautiful man plan and keep in position? She had never met anyone like him. If he had joined the CIA, she was sure he would have been a favorite to the higher-ups.

She was glad he was on her side. If not… her body shuddered unconsciously at the thought.

"You still have surveillance of the house, right?" Ewan was still speaking. "Now tell me the situation outside…"

A pause at the other end, making Athena's spirits dim a little.

"Well, it's a bloody massacre. Some of our men are dead. They, of course, were able to stand their ground and kill some of the gang members. The prisoners are injured; one looks dead. The CIA agents…"

Athena's breath hitched at this point.

"I think they are alive. I'm not sure how long…"

Old Mr. Thorne, who had long informed his security detail to be here as soon as possible— even if it meant taking the helicopter— when the shootout began, sent out a second text. Hurry up!

They would be needed to help with the carriage of the prisoners to the black cells, and the tending of the agents. More hands would be needed here too, after the shootout was over, to do away with the dead bodies.

It was a good thing that this area was located in the middle of nowhere—he wouldn't have to deal with the police. God knows he wasn't in the mood to appease them with lofty words, threats, or bribes.

Athena let out a relieved breath. She couldn't deal with losing her friends. Shawn had a family waiting for him at home. She couldn't handle another burden of guilt.

"So, how long do we sit out…"

Spider tsked. "A few minutes. We are almost done."

An explosion was heard, and Spider's chuckle followed. "Well, your people usually do things big. Good thing there are no residential houses nearby."

Athena knew then that a bomb had been employed. How it hadn't affected the house, except for the quaking that seemed to travel beneath the floors, was something she couldn't understand. Well, trust Ewan and his zealous antics.

"Thank you, Ewan." She muttered.

But Ewan said nothing, rather ending the call and turning to Florence. "Are you okay?"

Florence nodded, albeit sadly, noting the tension between the duo. She gave Athena a meaningful look before getting to her full height and walking away with her husband, leaving the couple alone.

The bullets had stopped flying. The house was no longer under attack.

"I am sorry," Athena blurted out, not wanting the tension to linger.

"What are you sorry for?" Ewan asked, standing to his full height.

Athena had no choice but to get to her feet too, aware they were the center of attention— to an extent; some in the room were already walking toward the entrance as the door burst open, ushering in a few of Ewan's men— a telltale sign that the battle was over, for now.

"For doubting you again. I just…" She cursed in frustration. "How are they finding us? Did Spider say anything about that?"

Ewan pursed his lips, still annoyed with the dart fired against him earlier, but understanding her frustration. "He thinks we are being tracked," he answered, his voice level.

Aiden then joined them. "Our agents are on their way. Mr. Thorne's too. They will help with the cleanup."

"Did you send for Rodney too?" Athena inquired, dusting her hands.

Ewan frowned.

Aiden sighed. "You are still serious about incorporating him into the family? Are you sure about that? He might be a rattlesnake."

"I am sure, Aiden. I have a good feeling about him. He will be my driver."

Aiden gave up. "Have it your way. But I am not bringing him here. You can meet him at the first junction… he will drive you to the hospital…"

A loaded pause.

"But first, we have to check out the casualties outside."