Alexander''s stride faltered, his head swiveling to lock eyes with Nichs. His gaze was sharp, almost as if he were attempting to see straight through the man standing before him. Unfazed, Nichs met Alexander''s stare with unwavering confidence, secure in the validity of his words. "Is that so?" Alexander mused, a hint of derision tingeing his voice as he chuckled lightly, an idea beginning to form in his mind. "That''s the only connection between us."


    His gaze shifted away from Nichs, settling on the faint silhouette of a metal cage in the distance. "Nichs, you''re a sharp one. There are some cases that are better left untouched, lest you get burned." Nichs''s brow furrowed in confusion. "The olddy''s case was just a routine domestic dispute. I don''t see any reason to avoid it."


    "You''re missing the point," Alexander retorted, ambling over to a nearby bench. He lounged casually, crossing his legs and fixing Nichs with a cool, detached stare. Nichs was at a loss, still not fullyprehending the intricate dynamics between Quinn and Alexander.


    Suddenly, arge wolfhound burst onto the scene, its coat shimmering in the sunlight as it charged towards Nichs with a thunderous bark. Caught off guard, Nichs froze, his mind momentarily nk. In the blink of an eye, the hound was at his feet, poised to attack.


    "Eric!" Alexander''smand rang out, and the dog skidded to a halt just inches from Nichs, its tongue lolling out as it panted heavily. Nichs paled.


    "Come here." Reluctantly, the wolfhound tore its gaze from Nichs and trotted back to Alexander''s side, sitting obediently at his feet. Alexander''s long fingers gently stroked the dog''s head as he turned to Nichs. "Do you understand now, Nichs?"


    Nichs''s fists slowly rxed, his palms slick with sweat. He forced a smile onto his face. "I understand. I won''t take Quinn''s cases anymore."A smile tugged at the corners of Alexander''s lips. "I apologize for that, Nichs. Eric can be a bit wild. I hope he didn''t frighten you."


    If you''re loving the book, nel5s.org is where the adventure continues. Join us for theplete experience-all for free. The next chapter is eagerly waiting for you!


    Nichs cast a wary nce at the wolfhound, which seemed docile in Alexander''s presence but still retained a predatory gleam in its eyes. It was clear that this was no ident. Maintaining a polite smile, Nichs responded, "Not at all. He seems quite charming. I wouldn''t have pegged you for an animal lover, Alexander."


    "There''s much more that I enjoy. Nichs, you might want to take a look around."


    ''I have no real interest in them,'' Nichs thought to himself. Nevertheless, he allowed Kyle to lead him on a tour of Alexander''s ''pets.'' The only word that came to mind was arrogance. The ostentatious disy was clearly a front, a smokescreen for the true intent intimidation.


    If you''re loving the book, nel5s.org is where the adventure continues. Join us for theplete experience all for free. The next chapter is eagerly waiting for you!N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive ? material.


    Any normal person would likely be terrified just walking through. The animals'' eyes were unnatural, faintly tinged with red as if the term ''man-eaters'' was no longer a mere descriptor, but a harsh reality they had been trained to embody. If a living person were thrown amongst these creatures, it was doubtful even their bones would remain intact.


    ''Alexander''s message is clear. Today, I may walk away unscathed, but everyone slips up eventually. Next time, I might not be so fortunate,'' Nichs mused.


    Meanwhile, Quinn sat on the couch, restless, uncertain of what Alexander might do to Nichs. The fates of Abigail and Juliet served as harsh reminders.


    Juliet hadn''t even done anything, yet she had still been targeted by Alexander. ''Could the same happen to Nichs?'' she wondered.


    As the thought crossed her mind, the bodyguards stationed at the door announced in unison, "Alexander."