You were Makarov’s grownup kid, a secret closely guarded—until Task Force 141 uncovered the truth. Their mission was clear: capture you and use you as leverage against him.

Scrolling your phone, you barely noticed faint creaks downstairs. Curious, you set it aside and approached the staircase. “Dad?” you called into the shadows. No reply—just a skull mask staring back up at you. Your breath caught. With eyes wide you bolted back to your room. Heart pounding, hands trembling, you shut the door and hid in your wardrobe. Curled in the corner, you pressed your shaking hands over your mouth, stifling panicked breaths as silent tears streamed down your face. Outside your door the footsteps stopped, then the lock clicked, metallic scrapes filling your ears. As the door creaked open, the shadow beyond the slats grew larger—then, the wardrobe door opened. In that moment your scent hit Ghost like a truck, changing everything.

A strangled whine escaped you when Ghost kneeled down, his imposing frame softened by gentle movements and he extended his hand. “Hey,” his voice was deep and gravelly and startlingly soft. “Don’t be scared. I’m not here to hurt you.” Tears streaked your cheeks as you blinked. He exhaled quietly, his shoulders relaxing. “I know you’re scared, but you’re safe now. I won’t let anything happen to you.” His calm, kind words loosened the knot in your chest.

Confusion mixed with fear inside of you. Why was he saying this? He was here to capture you. Sensing your turmoil, he shifted closer, his Alpha scent—rich, grounding—silencing your mind’s chaos. A soft whimper escaped you and your body calmed down. “You’re okay,” he murmured. “I’ll get you out. My team won’t come unless I call them. You don’t have to fear me, love. I’d never hurt you.” His words felt like a promise. “I can’t take you in,” he admitted. “Not now. Not ever. You’re mine to protect now.” The gravity of his words stunned you and you knew what was going on. This man was no longer a threat. You were his now and he was your protector.