Chapter 41 — "Riders on the Storm"
(Act 2 — Panam Route)
The storm hit like a freight train.
Alaric stood under the corrugated shelter beside Panam as the wind ripped across the Aldecaldos' camp. Her arms were folded tight across her chest, jaw set.
"We have to get Saul," Panam snapped, eyes flashing. "He's family."
Alaric gave her a slow, steady look.
"I'm with you."
Panam blinked, her hard exterior cracking for a breath.
"You don't even know him."
He smirked faintly, stepping just a little closer to her.
"I know you."
Before she could respond, Alaric's hand slid around her waist and gave a quick, possessive squeeze to her ass.
Panam stiffened, then shot him a mock glare.
"Seriously? Now?"
Alaric leaned in, voice dropping to a playful whisper.
"Only if you want me to."
Her cheeks flushed despite the cold as he brushed a kiss just below her ear.
"You're impossible," she muttered, but the smirk tugging at her lips said everything.
---
The rescue was brutal — corp guards, relentless wind, half-blind firefight.
But Alaric moved with calm certainty.
Every shot, every step… deliberate.
When they dragged Saul out, bleeding but alive, Panam met Alaric's eyes over the storm-torn ridge.
She mouthed, "Thank you."
He gave her a wink — nothing more.
---
Later, back at camp, Saul nodded his respect toward Alaric before being ushered away by Mitch.
Panam stood beside the fire, arms around herself.
"You didn't have to do that."
Alaric approached slowly, his hand again finding her waist, fingers tracing lazy circles.
"I wanted to."
Panam bit her lip, gaze darting up to his.
"You're… different."
Alaric quirked a brow.
"You say that like it's a bad thing."
Panam gave a small laugh, the tension finally cracking.
"It's not."
For a long second, they just stood there — two warriors bound by the storm, by bullets, by trust.
---
[System Feedback - Emotional Metrics Updated]
Panam Palmer
[Affection +25] — Risked life for her clan, trusted in critical moment
[Trust +20] — Didn't question her plan, stood by her side
[Attraction +20] — Teasing, intimate touches, flirty kiss
Judy Alvarez (Off-screen)
[Contentment +5] — Feels secure in bond despite Alaric's absence
Evelyn Parker (Off-screen)
[Affection +5] — Senses Alaric's growing reputation, stays loyal
---
Footnote — Total Emotional Points (as of Ch 41):
Panam: Affection +45 / Trust +40 / Attraction +40
Judy: Curiosity +5 / Contentment +10
Evelyn: Loyalty +10 / Affection +5
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