Alpha's Regret After the Divorce by Christina novel Chapter 213

Chapter 213

We shared a look of understanding before Rocco carefully pushed the door open. The smell hit me immediately–a mixture of mold, chemicals, and something else I couldn’t identify. I covered my nose as we stepped inside.

“This was the biological research section,” Rocco said softly. “The main lab should be on the second floor.”

I flicked on my flashlight, revealing a dark corridor with debris scattered across the floor. “We need to search systematically. You know the layout, lead the way.”

Rocco nodded. “Watch your step. This place has been abandoned for years. The structure might not be stable.”

“I don’t need reminders about basic safety,” I shot back, irritated by his protective tone.

“Sorry,” he said, looking genuinely contrite. “Force of habit.”

We moved slowly through the dark hallways, our flashlights casting eerie shadows on the walls. The building felt unnaturally quiet, every small sound amplified in the silence. My heart jumped at each creak and groan from the settling structure.

As we approached a junction in the corridor, I didn’t notice the gaping hole in the floor until my right foot stepped into empty air. My stomach lurched as I began to fall forward, arms flailing for balance.

Before I could even scream, strong hands grabbed my waist, yanking me backward. I collided with Rocco’s chest, his arms wrapping around me as he pulled me away from the edge. The momentum spun us around, leaving us face to face, inches apart.

My breath caught in my throat. His arms were still around me, solid and warm. His familiar scent surrounded me, triggering memories I’d tried to bury. My heart was racing, but I told myself it was just from the near fall.

I stepped back quickly, putting distance between us. “Thanks,” I said stiffly, adjusting my backpack.

“You okay?” he asked, his hand still hovering near my arm.

“I’m fine,” I replied, pulling away from his touch. “Let’s keep moving.”

He dropped his hand slowly. “The floor’s worse than I expected. We need to be more careful.”

I nodded, focusing on regaining my composure. “Lead on.”

We continued more cautiously, eventually making our way to the second floor. The door to what had been the main laboratory was hanging off its hinges, clearly forced open with considerable force.

Inside, the lab was a mess of broken equipment and scattered papers, but certain areas appeared to have been deliberately cleared and used recently. I noticed a map pinned to the wall with several locations marked–including the three sites we were currently investigating.

“Rocco,” I called softly, pointing to the map.

While I examined the map, Rocco searched through a cabinet in the corner. “Kira, look at this,” he said, holding up a medical kit with traces of fresh blood and several labeled vials.

11:03 Tue, Oct 28

79

‘Structural collapse!” Rocco shouted. “We need to get out now!

We turned toward the exit, but another violent shake sent a massive support beam crashing down between us. The floor around it gave way, creating a chasm that separated us completely.

“Kira! Rocco yelled from the other side of the gap.

‘I’m okay!” I called back, coughing through the dust. “But we can’t cross this!”

“Find another way out!” he shouted as more debris fell around us. “This area’s not safe anymore!”

“What about you?” I called, assessing the widening gap between us.

“I’ll head out through the data center on this side! Meet me outside!”

I nodded, already backing away from the collapsing section. “Be careful!” I shouted, surprised by the genuine concern in my voice.