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3rd POV
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"A sacrificial lamb," Stan says, his eyes fixed on the snowy road ahead. He is nervous. Afraid of what Jack may do due to the bombing at his very own gates.
He cannot drive fast enough to quench Jack's desire to fly over there.
And flying, is not an option because of both the weather and, the enemies.

"Just. Drive!" Jack hisses, his teeth clenched so hard that with any more pressure, they may break to pieces.
His blue eyes are hard as marbles.
His face has been corrupted by the purest of rage to ever exist in him.

If an enemy is to see him as he is at the moment, they might die without even being touched.

The anger boiling in his heart clouds his judgment.
How dare they attack his home!
The very home that his partner is living in.
How dare they think of harming Annie for the second time!
Has he been so friendly with them that they mistake his lack of violence for weakness?

If so, then it is time to show them his full claws. It is time to make them fear his name once again.

He brings out his phone and makes a call without hesitation.
"I've authorized the use of W-L3. Take out those damned bastards tonight!" His order is clear. His words uttered with such anger that it wounds Stan's ears.
He is certainly grateful that he isn't one of Jack's enemies. Having this man for a foe is a nightmare.
One second you'll have his mercy but in the next one, you'll lose your head.

********************
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Twenty minutes later, Jack, accompanied by some of his men burst into the mansion. They have the way for him, joining Annie's men who are lined up on every hallway and in every room.
They barely exchange any glances, just rush past them to make sure their Boss is as safe as he can be.

But Jack cares little about his safety as that of Annie's.
He can already see her somewhere in a corner, crying from the shock of the bombing.

"Where is she?" He questions anyone listening. His eyes are already reddening from all the uncontrollable emotions raging within him.
The only thing or person that can balance them is nowhere to be seen.
Did the microchip react again?

He storms up the stairs, followed by his bodyguards. "Annie? Annie?" He shouts her name getting to the hallway.
Just as he is about to call out again, his bedroom door clicks opening before Annie who wears his gray t-shirt steps out.
Barefooted, she walks out of the room.
Forgetting the chaos, Jack thinks to himself how adorable she looks, especially with her hair held up.

Half of his worries slip out of him before he runs along the hallway towards her.

"I was so worried," he whispers, embracing and lifting her off the floor. "Are you okay?"

She giggles wrapping both her arms and legs around him. "I'm fine. You could have just called."

Jack digs his head more against her chest, relieved of seeing and hearing her.
"I wanted to feel you like this. I didn't trust any phone call I'd have made."

She giggles again, sliding her right hand into his soft hair before kissing his head.
This feeling of being cared for is amazing.
How did she manage to attract such a mature and considerate man all to herself?

The guards who were following him quickly disperse to stand along the staircase in case of an emergency.
With what has happened, they would stick with him even to the bathroom if need be.
But he's with his beloved.
And they all approve of her secretly.

Some had gone as far as to bet who amongst the two women would win his heart. The majority had voted for Annie who in the end, is always meant to be his.

"I'll make those bastards pay for what they've put you through," Jack promises moving his head backward and raising his face to hers.

She smiles.

"Now what were you doing in my room you naughty de-"
Playfully, Annie shuts him with her lips.

She is also relieved to see him unharmed and present to comfort her. The fact that he didn't rush to Pattie confirms his previous words and actions, he indeed has only her in his mysterious heart.

Their passionate kiss is abruptly interrupted when a woman screams Jack's name.
"Jack! The baby!"

His head snaps away from Annie's before letting her slide off of him without her notice.
Feeling a little disappointed, she releases him and both turn to face Pattie who is walking towards them, supporting herself against the wall.

"Is she-"
Annie's concerned words are cut short when Jack vanishes from her side. He runs straight for Pattie who seems weak and extremely pale, "-okay?!" she manages to murmur the last word, a heavy sadness suddenly pounding her heart.

"You...what happened?" Jack questions scooping Pattie off her feet and into his arms.

"A...Annie," Pattie whispers weakly before her eyes shut.

"Pattie? Pattie?" He tries waking her but her head only drops to the side, falling against his chest. "Fuck!"
He whirls around and hurries back to where Annie is standing. "Open your bedroom."

"Oh, okay."
She darts for the door, unlocks and then pushes it open for Jack.
'He, he hasn't even asked me if I'm okay with her in my room.'

'She's pregnant. Let's forgive him just this once.'

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ANNIE'S POV
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I stand on the highest balcony in the mansion, overlooking the town below the hill which has always been peaceful.
But now...all I can see are clouds of smoke rising into the air from the buildings on fire.

It's just like the news described...chaotic.

In less than twenty hours, the city has turned into a warzone. It's too frightening to think of all the innocent people who will possibly lose their lives because of this destructive war that has exploded from nowhere.

And what has Jack got to do with it since his gate was bombed and a lot of guards were killed?
What do I, got to do with this?
Why do I feel uneasy knowing of the bloody war out there? As if I'm...part of it.

Winter is supposed to be peaceful and beautiful. But instead, the snow will be stained with blood and the air will be filled with mourns and cries.

I cling tightly to the warm coat I'm wearing as a chilly breeze passes by.
As I continue staring at the city, a warm scarf comes winding around my neck.
"Why are you out here?"
It's Paul.

"For some air." I turn to the side to face him. "Where have you been?"

"Running some important errands for you," he answers fixing the scarf he has offered, his eyes glued on his hands. "How have you been?"

"Fine...ish. But wait, what do you mean errands for me?"

Paul sighs, his warm breath gushes out to mingle with the cold air around us before disappearing.
"How long will you be like this? When will your memories come back?"

"I...I don't know. I feel pathetic being so blank about so many things that I feel I should know about."

Either intentionally or by mistake, Paul tugs the scarf too hard and in turn has my body slamming against his.
"Project Beta is a success. It should be us fighting out there, not his men."

"What do you mean?"

"Um..." He clears his throat stepping away from me, seemingly affected by our close contact.
"Maybe, maybe it's for the best. You were always his before we moved away. Maybe this is your fate."
The pained expression on his face makes me sympathize with him even though I have no idea what he is talking about.

"What fate? Why are you talking so mysteriously? Did something happen to you when you were out there?"

Paul only chuckles turning around to offer me his back.
"Paul? Are you okay? Talk to me. What happened?"

"Nothing."

His voice betrays his emotions.
Being a good friend, I rush around to stand before him. "Hey? Why are you-"
He suddenly winds his arm around my back before pulling me against him for a firm embrace.

"Let's leave Annie. Let me take you to some place far away from the coming disaster. You'll be much safer with me than with Jack."

"Paul!" I wheeze when he hugs me a little too tightly. "Let...go."

"He has too many enemies. He'll only cause you more harm."

"P-Pa-P-"

"Gawd, I'm so sorry," he apologizes realizing he's been crushing my lungs all this while. "I'm sorry Annie."
He rubs my chest as if it'll soothe the flames in there while I inhale deep breaths to make up for the air locked out.