11. Alec

Chapter 11

Alec

L angley, Virginia

Alec stood in the shadows, the night air cool against his skin as he watched the building across the street. The Cerberus team was in position, every member keyed up and ready to execute the plan they had spent the last forty-eight hours meticulously crafting. The weight of what they were about to do hung heavily in the air, a mixture of tension, anticipation, and adrenaline that always accompanied a high-stakes operation.

Grier was beside him, her expression focused as she checked her equipment one last time. Alec watched her out of the corner of his eye, his mind racing with everything that had led them to this moment. They had come a long way since their harrowing escape from Moscow, navigating a treacherous path of deception, betrayal, and danger. And now, they were about to bring it all to a head.

Tyler Simmons, the mole who had betrayed them all, was inside the building, along with several key players in the broader conspiracy they had uncovered. Alec's jaw tightened as he thought about the man Grier had once called a colleague, a man who had betrayed not only her but the entire intelligence community. Tonight, that betrayal would come to light, and Alec was determined to see justice served.

But it wasn't just about justice—it was about protecting Grier, ensuring that the truth was revealed and that the people responsible for this mess were held accountable. It was about making sure that the woman he had come to love more than anything in the world could finally have some peace and safety.

"Are you ready?" Grier's voice broke through his thoughts, bringing him back to the present.

Alec nodded, his gaze locking onto hers. "I'm ready. We're going to take him down, Grier. And we're going to make sure this never happens again."

She offered him a small, determined smile, her green eyes gleaming with resolve. "We do this together."

Together. The word echoed in Alec's mind, filling him with a sense of purpose and determination. He had been a lone wolf for so long, relying on his instincts and training to get him through the toughest situations. But with Grier by his side, he had found something more—someone to fight for, someone who made him believe that maybe, just maybe, there was more to life than the mission.

Alec reached out, his hand brushing against hers in a brief, reassuring touch. "Let's finish this."

With a final nod, they moved into position, the Cerberus team converging on the building from all sides. Alec led the way, his movements silent and precise as they slipped through the shadows, the plan unfolding like clockwork. Every member of the team knew their role, and Alec trusted them implicitly.

Grier's role was crucial. Her skills as an analyst and cryptographer had been instrumental in uncovering the evidence that would bring Tyler down. Her skills hadn't gone unnoticed by those at Cerberus. Perhaps it was time they hired a cryptographer of their own. Now, she would be the one to upload the files, ensuring that the entire Agency as well as those of several allies saw the truth. Alec's heart pounded in his chest as he thought about the danger she was walking into, but he pushed those fears aside. She was strong, capable, and he had no doubt she would get the job done.

They reached the back entrance, and Alec signaled to the team. In unison, they breached the door, moving swiftly and silently through the dimly lit corridors. The building was a maze of offices and storage rooms, but Alec knew exactly where they needed to go. The intel they had gathered indicated that Tyler and some of his co-conspirators were meeting in a secure conference room on the third floor, discussing their next move.

As they made their way through the building, they encountered several guards—FSB agents who had been stationed to protect the meeting. Alec took them out quickly and efficiently, his training kicking in as he neutralized the threats without hesitation. Kane was right beside him, his movements fluid and controlled as he provided cover, his focus unwavering. Kane's primary role in the op was to ensure Grier's safety. Unbeknownst to her, Alec had made him swear if things started to go sideways, Kane would get Grier out and back to Cerberus in Chicago.

They reached the stairwell and began their ascent, the tension building with each step. Alec could feel the adrenaline coursing through his veins, sharpening his senses as they neared their target. He could hear the faint murmur of voices as they approached the third floor, the sound growing louder as they moved closer.

Alec held up a hand, signaling for the team to stop. He pressed his ear against the door leading to the conference room, listening intently. Inside, he could the sound of a man's voice, calm and confident as he discussed the next phase of their operation. The arrogance in his tone made Alec's blood boil, but he forced himself to stay focused. They needed to catch him in the act, to expose him for what he was. Grier met his gaze, and Alec nodded. It was time.

He signaled to the team, and they moved into position. Alec counted down silently, his heart pounding in his chest. Three. Two. One.

They burst into the room, weapons drawn, and chaos erupted. Tyler and his co-conspirators reacted instantly, reaching for their guns, but Alec and the Cerberus team were faster. Shots rang out as they engaged the enemy, the sound deafening in the enclosed space.

Alec's focus was razor-sharp as he moved through the room, taking down targets with lethal precision. He caught a glimpse of Grier out of the corner of his eye, her expression fierce as she fought her way to the computer terminal where she would upload the files. Despite the chaos around them, she moved with purpose, her every action deliberate and controlled.

As Alec dispatched another agent, he turned just in time to see Tyler trying to make a run for it, darting toward the door on the far side of the room. Without hesitation, Alec gave chase, his legs pumping as he closed the distance between them. He tackled Tyler to the ground, the two men grappling for control.

Tyler was strong, but Alec was stronger, years of training giving him the edge. He pinned Tyler to the floor, his hand gripping the man's collar as he stared down at him, fury and betrayal burning in his eyes.

"It's over, Tyler," Alec growled, his voice low and dangerous. "You're done."

Tyler sneered, his lips curling in defiance. "You think you've won? You have no idea what you're up against."

Before Alec could respond, the door to the conference room burst open, and Deputy Director Mendelson strode in, flanked by several armed agents. Alec's blood ran cold as he realized what was happening—Mendelson was part of this, had been all along.

"Alec McKennon," Mendelson said, his voice smooth and confident. "I have to say, I'm impressed. You and Grier have caused quite a bit of trouble for us."

Alec tightened his grip on Tyler, his mind racing. "Us? So, it's true—you've been working with Tyler this whole time."

Mendelson smiled, a cold, calculating expression. "Tyler was just a pawn. The real power lies with those who control the flow of information, who manipulate the truth to serve their own ends. You and Grier were never supposed to make it this far, but I underestimated you. A mistake I won't make again."

Alec's jaw clenched as he stared down Mendelson. He could see the smug satisfaction in the man's eyes, the confidence of someone who believed he had already won. But Alec wasn't about to let Mendelson walk away from this.

"You've underestimated Grier, too," Alec said, his voice low and steady. "And that's going to be your downfall."

Mendelson's eyes flicked to Grier, who was standing by the computer terminal, her fingers flying over the keyboard as she completed the upload. Alec could see the moment Mendelson realized what was happening, the brief flash of panic in his eyes before he masked it with anger.

"Stop her!" Mendelson barked, but it was too late.

Grier hit the final key, and the room was flooded with the sound of data being transmitted. The files they had gathered—evidence of Tyler's betrayal, Mendelson's involvement, and the broader conspiracy—were being sent to secure servers, where they would be made available to several allied governments.

Alec released Tyler and stood, his eyes never leaving Mendelson. "It's over," Alec said, his voice filled with quiet triumph. "The truth is out."

Mendelson's face twisted in rage, but he knew he was beaten. The agents flanking him lowered their weapons, unsure of what to do now that their leader had been exposed. Alec could see the defeat in Mendelson's eyes, the realization that his carefully constructed web of lies had unraveled.

Alec didn't waste any more time. He moved to Grier's side, his hand resting on her shoulder as they watched the data upload complete. The tension in the room was palpable, but Alec felt a sense of calm wash over him. They had done it. They had exposed the truth, and now, justice would be served.

As the Cerberus team secured the room and took Tyler, Mendelson, and the rest of those with them into custody, Alec turned to Grier, his expression softening. "You were incredible, Grier. We couldn't have done this without you."

Grier looked up at him, her eyes filled with a mix of relief and exhaustion. "We did this together, Alec. And now… it's over."

Alec nodded, but there was a part of him that knew their journey was far from over. The immediate danger had passed, but the implications of what they had uncovered would ripple through the intelligence community for years to come. And then there was the matter of what came next—both professionally and personally.

In the aftermath of the operation, Alec and Grier found themselves in a quiet moment of reflection. The Cerberus team had taken control of the situation, and the building was secure. But as they stood there, the weight of everything they had been through began to settle over them.

"We should probably get ready for our debriefings," Grier said, her voice tinged with a note of finality.

Alec nodded, though the thought of parting ways—even temporarily—filled him with a sense of unease. They had faced so much together, and now that the immediate threat was over, Alec couldn't help but wonder what would happen next.

"Grier," Alec began, his voice hesitant as he searched for the right words. "I know we've been through hell and back, and I don't want to push you into anything you're not ready for. But I need you to know that what I feel for you… it's real. And I don't want to walk away from that."

Grier met his gaze, her eyes softening as she stepped closer to him. "Me either, Alec. I meant what I said, too. I don't know how this is going to shake out, but as long as we end up together, I can be okay with however it ends up. A long time ago, I told Samantha I wanted my own fairy tale romance and ending. I never thought I'd get it, but I was wrong." She stood on her tiptoes and kissed him. "You are my storybook hero, Alec, and I'll be damned if anyone ever takes you away from me."

He stood looking down at her, not quite sure what to say.

"Kiss the girl, you stupid sonofabitch," said Kane. "If you don't, I will, and I'd say she deserves it, don't you?"

Alec chuckled. "You even try, and I'll knock your teeth down your throat. And yeah, I think she deserves it." He took Kane's teasing prompt to kiss Grier with a restrained ferocity and passion that promised so much more. Lifting his head, he smiled down at her before kissing her again. "One step at a time, Grier, together."

With that unspoken agreement between them, they shared a quiet moment, the world around them fading into the background as they acknowledged the deep connection they had forged. It wasn't going to be easy—nothing worth having ever was—but Alec knew they were both willing to do whatever it took to have it.

The following morning, as they parted ways for their respective debriefings, Alec watched Grier walk away, a sense of optimism settling over him. He'd found someone who understood him, who accepted him for who he was, and that was a rare and precious thing. He had no idea what the future held, but for the first time in a long time, he was looking forward to finding out.

Hours later, Alec waited outside the CIA headquarters in Langley, Virginia, his breath visible in the cool evening air as he waited for Grier to emerge. He had made arrangements for this moment, a small gesture to show her just how much she meant to him. She wanted a fairy tale ending, well, he was going to see that she got one.

When Grier finally stepped through the doors, her eyes widened in surprise as she saw the horse-drawn carriage waiting for her, Alec couldn't help but smile. He stepped forward, offering her his hand as he gestured to the carriage.

"Your carriage awaits, my lady," Alec said, his tone light but filled with meaning. "You want that fairy tale ending; well, I mean to see that you get it."

Grier settled into the carriage, leaning against him with her head resting on his shoulder as the horses began to trot towards the private airstrip where a Cerberus jet waited to take them home. Wrapping his arm around her, pulling her close, Alec felt a sense of peace he hadn't known in years. The world was still a dangerous and unpredictable place, but for now, in this moment, he had everything he needed.

Their future fairytale was theirs to write, one chapter at a time.

Kane's story is in Enticing Kane. Click here to read it.

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