After some careful consideration, I decided to call the Werewolf Enforcement Bureau despite the abductor’s warning.

 

The ransom he demanded was substantial and in cash. More importantly, he could not guarantee that he would release Victor and Vera after receiving the money.

 

After I made the call, David Ulric, Leo’s cousin, contacted me before the bureau arrived.

 

As usual, he rudely yelled, “How could you plot something like that with Victor and Vera and even make a fake police report afterward?!”

 

With a frown, I asked, “Leo told you again, didn’t he?”

 

Victor and Vera were the only members of the Ulric family who treated me kindly. The rest treated me as though I were nothing.

 

“You’re a member of the bureau, David. When you receive a police report, you should be out there saving someone, not questioning me!” I berated him.

 

“You think you hold authority over me just because you’re the Luna, huh? You wouldn’t have gotten that position if Cheryl hadn’t been forced to leave, you know!” he rebuked.

 

“I was planning to leave the country, but Leo talked me out of it, saying he wants me to become his Luna,” I retorted.

 

“That’s only because you saved his life once! You would still be a lowly Omega if not for that!”

 

Refusing to argue further, I hung up and called the bureau again.

 

While at it, I also lodged a report against David.

 

–

 

The sheriffs arrived soon after and interviewed me to assess the situation. Their expressions grew serious as they heard the abductor’s demands, which I had recorded on my phone.

 

They attempted to dial the abductor’s number, but it had been disconnected. Their only option was to wait for him to call back.

 

Meanwhile, I was on the phone with my personal finance advisor.

 

“How much cash can I mobilize right now? Approximately 2,300,000 dollars? Alright, get that amount ready.”

 

Afterward, I called Kael Ulric, Leo’s uncle, who was shocked upon learning about the abduction.

 

“Is this real? Is Leo there with you?” he asked.

 

“Leo’s not here. He’s out with Cheryl to celebrate Valentine’s. The sheriffs are here with me,” I replied.

 

After a brief pause, Kael asked, “Then why are you calling me?”

 

“The abductors want 4,125,000 dollars in cash as ransom, but I don’t have enough. How much can you gather? I’ll pay you back in a week,” I assured him.

 

“How much do you need?”

 

“About 1,800,000 dollars,” I replied.

 

“I’ll do my best. He’s my older brother, after all.”

 

–

 

One hour later, the abductor called back as promised.

 

I answered immediately and was greeted by a stern voice. “Time’s up. Have you delivered the money?”

 

“I’m still gathering it. Please give me more time,” I pleaded. I don’t have that much cash on me, and Leo’s not here.”

 

“I told you I’d gouge their hearts out if you couldn’t deliver the money, didn’t I?”

 

“Don’t hurt them, please! It’s money you want, isn’t it? Killing them won’t be good for you—you won’t get the money, right? Please, just give me another half hour, and I promise I’ll have the money by then.”

 

At that moment, I could hear Victor and Vera’s desperate screams from the other side of the phone.

 

The abductor’s voice turned eerie as he said, “I’m taking five teeth per person every half hour, so go ahead and stall all you want!”