Chapter 127: The Name That Returned

He rescued us. Liam, Jax, and Jane, we all rushed Ayla to the hospital. I was so focused on her, I didn’t even see what was around me; my world was just her, fighting for her life.

She paused for a moment, "Then Michael tracked us down at the hospital. We had to leave Ayla there with protection and run. Into the forest. I split from the others... and the next day, after everything, without realizing it, I crashed right into you. That’s why I didn’t realize I was no longer in Turkey."

The words hung in the air, heavy and final. Aylin’s chest heaved, tears soaking her shirt as exhaustion hit all at once. Zayden didn’t hesitate; he pulled her into his arms, holding her tightly against his chest. His hand ran through her long, wavy, golden-brown hair, fingers tangling gently as he held her close, as if he could protect her from everything.

"From now on," he murmured into her ear, his voice thick with emotion, "you’re mine. I’ll protect you no matter what. You and Ayla—both of you are my responsibility now. No one is going to hurt you or Ayla again."

She melted into the hug, the warmth of his body chasing away the cold for the first time in what felt like forever. His heart thumped steadily against her cheek, a promise in every beat. But as she pulled back a bit to dry her eyes, his expression changed—curious, edged with something sharper.

"But wait," he said, his steel-blue eyes narrowing. "Who the hell is Liam? I think I know someone by that name..."

The question hung in the air, unanswered, as the fire popped in the silence, a shadow of doubt creeping in, hinting at secrets still waiting to be uncovered.

Aylin blinked, feeling a bit lost. "Liam? He’s Ayla’s boyfriend. They met back in college in Istanbul. He got a full scholarship from Denmark, a tall guy with brown hair. His Turkish isn’t great, but he gives it a shot. He’s goofy and makes her laugh like no one else. They’ve been inseparable since... everything went down."

Zayden’s face didn’t show much, but something dark flashed in his eyes, maybe a memory, some calculation, or just unease.

"Denmark," he echoed, more to himself.

Aylin tucked a piece of hair behind her ear, looking concerned. "Yeah? Why do you ask?"

He shook his head, shaking off the thought. "Nothing. Just... I knew a Liam once. From Denmark. We were at military camp. I was twenty-two, and he was fourteen. The kid was sharp—way too sharp for his age. Then his dad passed away suddenly—under strange circumstances. Liam disappeared the next day. No trace. No goodbye. Just... gone."

Aylin frowned. "You think it could be the same guy?"

"I’m not sure." Zayden rubbed his jaw, all playfulness gone. "But coincidences like that? They make me uneasy."

Aylin reached for her phone. "I could ask Ayla for a picture—"

"No." Zayden’s tone was firm, cutting through the conversation. "Don’t do that. If it’s him... I want him here face to face. No heads-up. No prep."

Aylin searched his face and felt the tension brewing under his calm front. "You doubt him."

"Yeah." Zayden stepped closer, lowering his voice. "If he’s the same Liam... then this is way bigger than we thought. A lot bigger."

Aylin swallowed hard. "Okay. I’ll let her know to come. With Liam."

Zayden nodded decisively. "Book their flights. For tomorrow. First class. Private, if you can swing it. And Aylin?"

She looked up.

"Don’t mention me to her. Not yet. Let Liam show up without a clue."

Aylin’s lips lifted into a mischievous grin. "You sure are sneaky when you’re suspicious."

He smirked, a hint of flirtation creeping back. "You like it."

She rolled her eyes, already typing. "Just let me do my thing."

He stood up, walked over to the side table, and poured two glasses of water. Without saying anything, he handed one to her. She took it, their fingers brushing, then kept typing her message:

Aylin: Tomorrow. Flights are booked. Everything’s set. Come alone? No. Bring Liam. His ticket’s good to go, too. Details are attached. Don’t tell anyone else. Love you. See you soon.

She hit send and took a deep, shaky breath. When she looked up, Zayden was watching her, his expression softening as his inner storm calmed down.

He crossed the room in three strides and pulled her into a hug.

"You did great," he murmured against her hair.

She relaxed against him, her head resting under his chin. "I’m scared. For her. For what might be waiting."

Zayden kissed the top of her head, lingering for a moment. "Nothing’s gonna hurt her. Or you. Not while I’m around."

Aylin tilted her head back, looking into his steel-blue eyes with her golden-brown ones. "Promise?"

He cupped her face, his thumbs brushing away her last tears. "With everything I’ve got."

She stood on her tiptoes and gave him a slow, deep kiss, filled with gratitude. When they pulled away, she whispered against his lips, "I love you."

Zayden’s breath caught for just a second before he smiled—real, rare, and totally breathtaking. "Say it again."

She laughed softly, a bit shaky but warm. "I love you, you possessive idiot."

He playfully growled and nipped her bottom lip. "Good. Because I’m never letting you go."

*****

In Istanbul, Ayla was getting ready for college when her phone lit up on the coffee table. She grabbed it, her heart racing.

A message from Aylin.

She read it, then read it again, tears of happiness welling up in her eyes.

Just then, Liam walked in, jingling his keys and wearing his hoodie half off. "You okay? You look like you’ve been crying again."

Ayla jumped into his arms, wrapping herself around his neck and burying her face in his shoulder. "She called! Aylin called! She’s alive, she’s safe, and she wants us to come to the U.S. Tomorrow. Our flights are booked!"

Liam froze for a second, "No way."