When Mercy Died, by Peter Van Oossanen

Sam Stanton returns in the gripping second installment of The Extraterrestrial trilogy—a man scarred by unbearable loss, yet driven by an unrelenting need for justice.

His world was shattered when his beloved, her children, and her mother were brutally murdered in retaliation for his takedown of a powerful criminal syndicate. Consumed by grief and teetering on the edge of suicide, Sam is pulled back by the unwavering support of those still standing by him. Now, thirteen months later, he emerges from the shadows, ready to confront the forces that once destroyed his life.

In the heart of this mission, Sam crosses paths with Leona Martin—a sharp, no-nonsense LAPD detective and the niece of the police chief. Though they share a common goal, mistrust runs deep. Sam suspects ambition drives Leona; Leona sees Sam as a rogue vigilante consumed by vengeance.

But as peril draws them closer, mutual suspicion begins to give way to understanding. A fragile bond forms, forged in grief and danger. Still, Sam’s heart remains locked away, haunted by the love he lost.

Their battle reaches a brutal climax, leaving both Sam and Leona gravely wounded. Believing them near death, their enemies prepare to bury the bodies—unaware that Sam Stanton’s fight is far from over.