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THE UNFORSEEN DOMINANCE OF ZACH MARLOW ~ 58 ~
Julian chuckled. “Glad you recognize my voice. I've got your father captive.”“No… Julian, don’t do this.”“If you know what’s good for you, come to the location I’ll send. Now.”“You bastard!” she shouted, slamming her palm against the steering wheel.Julian’s dark laugh crackled through. “You’ve got ten minutes, Barbara. Don’t show up, and I’ll send your father’s head to you.”Tears welled up, but her jaw tightened. “If you harm him, I swear—”“Tick-tock, darling,” he cut in and ended the call.As Barbara sat behind the wheel, her phone pinged with a message. Her heart pounded when she read the text.“Come to this address with your bodyguard and tiny savior, Zach.”Her eyes darkened.Julian… he still wants Zach.Though Zach had managed to defeat Julian before, it was now clear — his enemy wasn’t done. Julian wasn’t just after her father; he wanted revenge. Cold and merciless.She stared blankly at the address. A seaport near the outskirts of Belmont. He’s going to kill Zach and that
THE UNFORSEEN DOMINANCE OF ZACH MARLOW ~ 59 ~
Back in the seaport warehouse, the cold wind whistled through cracks in the wooden panels, echoing the tension that hung heavy in the air. Barbara sat slumped on the hard floor, blood crusted at the corner of her mouth, her body aching and weak. But her eyes… her eyes still burned with defiance.Julian, still crouching before her, his shadow looming, eyes feasting on her with a dangerous hunger. He reached out and gently touched her bruised face, tracing her cheek like she belonged to him.She slapped his hand away with the little strength she could summon, her breath ragged. “Let my father go, Julian,” she hissed.He chuckled softly, shaking his head, amusement laced with venom. “You’re still demanding, even now? Despite being in no position to save yourself, my love?”Barbara scoffed, biting down the sharp pain in her ribs. “You're disgusting.”His expression shifted, darkening. “I might consider your request for two reasons,” he began calmly. “One—because frankly, I don’t care ab
THE UNFORSEEN DOMINANCE OF ZACH MARLOW ~ 60 ~
Julian's smirk faltered for just a second as the dust cleared. His gaze sharpened as he took in Zach's figure —tall, broad-shouldered, every inch radiating dark fury.Julian's lips twisted, masking his disbelief. How? How had Zach found this place? This abandoned and forgotten corner of the dock was known only to his most loyal men. Yet here he was, storming in like a force of nature.Still, Julian didn’t flinch. He straightened, and as if to assert control, whistled lightly before walking away from Barbara’s crumpled body, sprawled helplessly on the cold cement.Zach's eyes scanned the scene quickly. He noticed Mac—Barbara’s father—dangling above the water like discarded meat, his wrists tied, legs weakly kicking. Then, his eyes landed on Barbara. His heart clenched. She looked half-conscious, her face pale and bruised, her body shivering even under the weight of her own despair.A cold rage lit Zach's features.“You. Piece. Of. Trash,” he growled, every word a thunderclap in the air
THE UNFORSEEN DOMINANCE OF ZACH MARLOW ~ 61 ~
They charged.Zach didn’t wait. His body moved like a bolt of thunder—fluid and fierce. He dodged the first punch, ducked the second, then spun low, sweeping a thug off his feet and slamming his elbow into another’s ribs. Bones cracked.Another came with a blade. Zach twisted his body, grabbed the man’s wrist, and redirected the knife straight into his own thigh. The man screamed.Julian stood back, watching the scene with lips curling into a sick grin. He muttered under his breath, teeth clenched in hunger. “I must get your head today, Zach. I must…”“Don’t go easy on him!” he suddenly shouted. “Break his—”He froze.His eyes widened.One of his best fighters had gone down—hard. Zach had flung him against a rusted metal beam like he weighed nothing.Another thug lunged from behind, but Zach twisted, his fist shooting backward into the man’s gut before flipping him over his shoulder.“What…?” Julian whispered.This wasn’t just Zach fighting.This was something more.He wasn’t just fas
THE UNFORSEEN DOMINANCE OF ZACH MARLOW ~ 62~
Zach stood, his muscles taut, his fists clenched so tight that his knuckles turned white. His eyes narrowed as he looked at Julian, whose monstrous form now loomed over him. His body rippled with power, veins bulging, skin slick and dark like tar, and his eyes—those glowing red eyes—burned with an infernal fire.But Zach wasn’t fazed.He wasn’t scared.He wasn’t intimidated.His voice was as cold as steel, every word cutting through the tense air. “You’ve gone too far, Julian. You used dark powers to grow this strong, didn’t you?”Julian’s lips curled into a twisted grin, his mouth stretched unnaturally wide. “Smart boy,” he growled, his voice deeper, rougher. “You’re right. I used the darkest of magics to get this power. Do you really think you can take me down now?” He raised a massive fist into the air, flames licking at his fingertips.Zach didn’t flinch. “You’re nothing, Julian Vikings. Power means nothing to me. It’s the fight inside that matters.” His voice was steady, calm, an
THE UNFORSEEN DOMINANCE OF ZACH MARLOW ~ 63 ~
Zach gently helped Barbara into the backseat of the car, his gaze never straying far from her pale face. Her breathing was steady, but the ordeal she'd just survived left traces of exhaustion on her features. He couldn't ignore the way her lips trembled ever so slightly, nor the way her eyes fluttered in her sleep, haunted by things he couldn’t yet understand.He gave a small nod to Mac, who had been standing nearby, still in shock from the day's events. Zach didn’t speak, but his actions said enough. He would protect Barbara, no matter what. He wouldn’t let her suffer any more.As the car started, Mac looked over at Zach, his voice filled with concern. “I can’t believe all of this… after what happened to Barbara… is she going to be okay?” His brow furrowed as he thought of his daughter.Zach glanced at him, his eyes hard but steady. “You shouldn't worry about that.”Mac seemed to relax, but the worry still lingered in his eyes. “I’m still scared, though,” he confessed softly. “This c
THE UNFORSEEN DOMINANCE OF ZACH MARLOW ~ 64 ~
Later in the evening air was cool against Zach's skin as he stood on the balcony of the guest room. The city of Belmont sprawled beneath him, its twinkling lights reflecting the fading warmth of the sunset. He held the Heart of Solis gently in his hands, the weight of it familiar, like an old companion. The ancient antique glowed faintly in his grip, a soft light that seemed to pulse with its own rhythm. Zach closed his eyes, the rhythmic beat of his pulse syncing with the gentle hum from it. He let the stillness wash over him, his mind clear as he focused on drawing strength which laid in-depth in the antique. The memory of Julian's men, the violence of the day, still lingered in his muscles, but the antique soothed the weariness. It renewed him, restoring the energy he had expended in the brutal fight. As he meditated, he felt the power flow through him, like a current of energy he could command at will.A soft knock on the door interrupted his concentration. Zach's eyes fluttered
THE UNFORSEEN DOMINANCE OF ZACH MARLOW ~ 65 ~
Zach cleared his throat, his voice steady but laced with discomfort. “I... I didn’t mean to—” His gaze shifted, unable to land on Barbara for more than a second. The moment was thick, awkward, charged with heat neither of them had prepared for.Barbara’s expression softened as her eyes welled with relief. She didn’t wait for a full explanation—she surged forward, wrapping her arms around him tightly, her body still warm and damp from her bath. The towel that clung precariously to her hips had dropped onto the floor during her quick movement, forgotten.“I thought you left,” she murmured against his chest, her voice quivering. “I thought you were gone... that you’d left without me because of what happened.”Zach stiffened, his arms raised in uncertainty, hovering mid-air like he was deciding whether to touch her or not. Her bare skin was cold against his shirt, and every inch of his body was aware of it. His heart pounded like a drum against his ribs, his throat dry.Barbara pulled ba
Latest Chapter
~ 92 ~
Zach stood at the back of his car, his fingers moving swiftly across his phone screen. After tossing Daniella’s backpack onto the back seat, he typed a message, his brow furrowed in thought.{Mary, I'll be away for today or a couple of days at most. Please take care, and whatever you need, you can ask Barbara.}He hit send, then slipped the phone into his pocket, glancing toward the porch. Daniella was stepping out with her mother, Lou.“So, so, so, you’ve been dodging your grandfather for years,” Lou teased, grinning slyly. “But because Zach wants to visit the village, you're running like a happy puppy?”“Mother…” Daniella whispered sharply, halting on the porch. “It’s not about Zach. I just want to help him. He’s done so much for us.”Lou’s eyes twinkled mischievously. “Right. And when Grandpa begged you, you suddenly had a hundred excuses.”Daniella rolled her eyes but said nothing. As they reached the car, Zach greeted them warmly, gratefulness shining in his tired eyes."Thank yo
~ 91 ~
Yvonne’s hands trembled slightly as she took the parcel from the nurse. Her father and Ricky exchanged wary glances, their bodies tense, but Yvonne barely noticed. Her mind spun wildly, heart thudding against her chest.Slowly, she peeled away the brown wrapping. Nestled inside was a small, plain flash drive. The sight made her breath hitch. Memories rushed back—how she had handed the flash drive over, how the horrible man stabbed her, how Zach had come to save her, and how he had chased after the goons only because she begged him to retrieve it.Tears burned behind her eyes.That man didn’t just save my life... he saved this too, she thought, clutching the flash drive tightly in her palm. “He’s an angel... a real one.”A small, grateful smile unknowingly curved her lips.Chairman Weather noticed. His voice cut through the room, sharp. “What’s funny?”Yvonne looked up, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear, masking her emotions. “A present from an admirer.”“Really?” His tone was he
~ 90 ~
Outside the hospital, the sun cast a dull glow over the street where a line of exotic cars gleamed under the morning light. Security guards in dark suits paced near them, keeping watch. Inside the private hospital room on the top floor, the atmosphere was tense.Yvonne lay against the white pillows, her face pale but calm. Her father, Chairman Weather, stood by her bed like a storm contained in human form, his arms crossed, his brows furrowed with anger.The doctor, adjusting his glasses, bowed slightly and said with careful respect, “Sir, Miss Yvonne is stable now. She can be discharged today.”Chairman Weather gave a sharp nod, his face hardening further. His gaze then shifted to his daughter, seething.“How could you be so careless, Yvonne?” he scolded, his voice gruff. “How could you endanger yourself like this?”Without giving her a chance to answer, he spun toward Ricky, her personal guard, his glare sharpening.“And you! You are supposed to protect her with your life! Instead,
~ 89 ~
Zach stood there, hands stuffed deep in his pockets, his heart oddly restless as he watched Barbara flee through the door like a startled bird.What just happened? he wondered, frowning, his mind scrambling to process the last minute.A soft shuffle from behind him made him turn his head slightly. Mary reached downstairs, studying him with a knowing look. She feigned a little cough, a deliberate attempt to draw his attention.Zach blinked. "Uh, Mary. You're awake.""Hmm. Good morning," she replied, her voice carrying a teasing undertone as she folded her arms."Yeah, good morning," Zach muttered, scratching his head, unable to resist glancing back at the front door, half-expecting Barbara to barge back in and take back her unintended confession."Well, Barbara is gone," Mary said, struggling to suppress the mischievous smile threatening her lips.Zach nodded absentmindedly. "Yeah... she’s gone," he murmured, still lost in thought. She said "yes". Did she really mean it? His chest tigh
~88~
The hours dragged by like slow-moving clouds as Zach cultivated, seated cross-legged on the floor, palms resting on his knees, his breathing controlled and deep. Even after the poison in his system had been washed away in mere minutes, he pressed on. His body ached for restoration; his energy reserves felt hollowed out by the night's turmoil. He could feel the faint rush of new energy coursing through his veins, splashing and crashing like a roaring tide against his inner walls.When at last he opened his eyes, the dark circles beneath them had faded slightly. He heaved a breath, steady and low, before dragging himself to the bathroom. Under the steaming water of the shower, he tilted his head back, letting the rivulets wash away the weariness clinging to him like a second skin.After drying off, he made his way barefoot toward the kitchen, gulped down a glass of cold water, then turned to leave. Passing by the first room in the hallway, he noticed the door ajar. Curiosity stirred. He
~ 87 ~
Zach's steps faltered slightly as he entered the villa, a wave of dizziness clouding his vision. He instinctively reached out to the wall but missed. His body leaned dangerously forward—then firm hands caught him."Hey, are you okay?" a concerned voice asked.He blinked away the haze and straightened, forcing a smile as he recognized Barbara’s face. "Yeah," he said, though the faint spinning in his head said otherwise. "Wasn’t expecting to see my finance manager at my house past 11 p.m."Barbara rolled her eyes, a soft smile playing on her lips. "Well, I wasn't planning on staying either. Should’ve been gone hours ago, but your sister wouldn’t let me."He frowned. "Mary wouldn’t let you?""Yeah. I just put her to sleep."He blinked in disbelief. "What?""I brought her back like I said I would. Wanted to leave, but she begged me to stay. Said she felt uncomfortable being alone in such a big house—especially not knowing you’d be back tonight.""I see," Zach murmured, stepping past her,
~86 ~
The doctor cleared his throat, trying to regain composure. "Is that actually yours?" he asked stiffly.Zach raised an eyebrow. "You want to find out?"The nurse, still skeptical, grabbed the payment machine. "If it's counterfeit, security will be happy to deliver you to the police."The doctor leaned in, clearly expecting the worst. "Treatment bills will be approximately ten thousand dollars."Zach inserted the card with a bored expression. "Make it fifty. Get them the best."He input his pin. The transaction processed instantly.Approved.The machine chimed brightly.Silence fell.The nurses blinked at him like he'd grown wings. The doctor paled, sweat beading on his forehead."I...I apologize, sir," he stammered. "Please forgive our...mistake.""You!" he barked at the nurses. "Apologize at once!""Sorry, sir!" the nurses chorused, heads bowed.Zach barely spared them a glance."Move them to the special wards. Get them prepped now." the doctor barked, snapping his fingers at the stun
~ 85 ~
His scream snapped the others out of their daze.“Get him!” The leader yelled.Two of them lunged forward at once.Zach ducked beneath the first swing, then drove his elbow hard into the man’s ribs. The impact sent him spinning to the pavement, wheezing.The second came with a short blade.Zach seized his arm mid-strike, twisted, and with one violent jerk, flipped him over his back. As the man hit the ground, Zach snapped the joint with ruthless precision. The crunch echoed.Two more were already coming.Zach didn’t hesitate. He grabbed one by the neck mid-charge, slammed him headfirst into a nearby brick wall. The man’s body slumped as blood sprayed down the wall in a thick line.The last attacker barely had time to shout before Zach spun, gripped his throat with both hands, and squeezed.The man struggled, legs kicking, fingers clawing at Zach’s arms, but it was no use. His gasps turned to silence, and then—nothing.The leader, still on the ground, stared wide-eyed. His last man—a y
~ 84 ~
“No…” Yvonne breathed, panic crawling up her spine.She watched in frozen horror as he raised his hand to strike.“Fine!” she shouted, her voice cracking. “I’ll get it!”She rushed back to the car, her hands trembling as she reached beneath the front passenger seat — the only place she could think of hiding it earlier. Her fingers curled around the small, black flash drive. Reluctantly, she walked back toward them, raising it up.“Hand it over,” the man ordered, eyes greedy.“Not until you let him go,” she barked, refusing to be intimidated.The leader smirked, then flicked his fingers lazily. The two men shoved Ricky down and released him.Yvonne’s eyes stayed on Ricky, making sure he was breathing, before she slowly stretched the flash drive toward the leader. He snatched it and inserted it into a portable reader clipped to his belt.She crossed her arms. “You and whoever sent you — Pablo — you’re both going down. Soon.”He looked up from the device, laughter dancing in his eyes. “
