Bonds of the Alpha Billionaire (Maya and Alex)

Chapter 23

-Maya's POV-

The familiar scent of stale beef and leather greeted me as I pushed open the door of The Rusty Compass. My eyes scanned the bar, immediately landing on Riley. She was hunched over, concentrating on pouring a drink, her hair cascading down her back like a fiery waterfall.

As she straightened, our eyes met. A jolt passed through her, and she flinched, taking a step back. "Hi," I greeted, my voice softer than usual.

Her response was a shaky, "Hey." Even from a distance, I could see the dark circles under her eyes, a stark contrast to the vibrancy I remembered.

Concern tugged at me. "Ar

1. me. "Are you okay? Can you

take a break so we can talk in the back?"

She hesitated, her gaze flickering around the room, before nodding slowly. She excused herself to a nearby coworker, who readily agreed to cover her duties.

As soon as the swinging door closed behind us, shutting out the bar's low murmur, I blurted out, "You look exhausted. Haven't been sleeping?"

She sighed, rubbing the circles beneath her eyes. "Yeah, not really. These past two days... I don't even know who to trust anymore. I mean, anyone could be like you, right? And all it takes is one bad mood for them to rip me to shreds.

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"Riley, interjected gently, placing a hand on her arm to stop her from spiraling. "Werewolves aren't bad people. And I'm so sorry I'm putting you through this but no one is going to hurt you."

Her eyes, wide and searching, locked onto mine. "How do you even ex st?" she whisper yelled, "Were you bitten by one? Do you, like, transform every full

moont

I chuckled, the sound offering a welcome break from the tension, "No, not at all, I was born this way. Being a werewolf is part of me, it's in my blood. And actually, werewolves can shift wheneverthey want, not just at full moons."

A shadow crossed my face. "Although, I haven't let my wolf out much lately."

not?" she pressed, curiosity replacing some of the fear in her

story," I admitted, sinking deeper into the worn leather barstool across from her. "One I don't like to

intently. "So, this wolf... is it like a separate being inside

part of me. Think of it as

"So, when you, uh, shifted

simmering beneath the surface. That night with the bikers, though... everything happened so

did

out. "You fought them off and then... she hesitated, her voice dropping to a

Werewolves have heightened senses, and our

control how much of the wolf you let out?"

20 Jun

Chapter 23

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learning to manage the wolf's urges and channel its strength without succumbing to its magn. It's a delicate balance"

communities of werewolves, and they have ways to train and control their woll natures. It's more of a... mentorship thing." "Mentorship?" She repeated, leaning forward in her chair. "So, there are other werewolves

is a complex one, with its own set of rules and

face fell. "But... how can I just forget something like that? And what about

up my hands in mock surrender. "Hold on

people. We have

resort. Mostly, we just try to live our

She muttered, shaking her head. "This is all so much to take

wouldn't have told you any of this if I didn't think I could trust you. You soom... different. Stronger than you let on." Her cheeks flushed a faint pink, "Stronger

good heart. And that's something I

small, hesitant smile touched her lips, "Alright, Mays. I'll try my best to keep your secret. But you have to promise to

dumb after you just poured one for someone else, but I just got a job and my best friend is coming and you can join us if you want to celebrate with me, I'm kind

a small laugh. "Sounds good. Just promise me you won't turn into a giant wolf and devour the entire

lit backroom. "No promises," I countered playfully, "but I'll try

called out, "Hey, Sarah! Can I take a ten-minute break? I just need to chat with a friend for

hair popped her head out from behind the bar. "Sure thing. Take all the time you need. I can handle things here for a bit." She smiled gratefully. "Thanks,

the corner,