Bonds of the Alpha Billionaire (Maya and Alex)

Chapter 23

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.

35

"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."

curiosity replacing some of the fear

the worn leather barstool across from her. "One

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

as strong emotions

a mix of awe and apprehension. "So, when you, uh, shifted a bit the other

the surface. That night with the bikers, though... everything happened so fast. My wolf sensed danger and reacted before I could

you did

off and then... she hesitated, her voice dropping to a

blush crept up my cheeks. Her keen observation hadn't gone unnoticed. "Yeah, about that. Werewolves have heightened

the wolf you let out?" Her brow furrowed

Thu, 20

Chapter 23

83%0

to manage the wolf's urges and channel its strength without

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

of unease creeping into my voice. "But the werewolf world is a complex one, with its own

about the whole monster thing?

whoa," Theld up my hands in mock surrender. "Hold on a second. Werewolves aren't monsters out to

people. We have

humans, but violence is a last resort. Mostly, we just try to live

her head. "This is all so much to

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

a good heart. And that's something I

stared at me for a long moment, her gaze searching. Then, a small, hesitant smile touched her lips, "Alright, Mays. I'll try

someone else, but I

morphing into a small laugh. "Sounds good. Just promise me you won't turn into a

warmly in the dimly lit backroom. "No promises," I countered playfully, "but I'll try my best

a ten-minute break? I just need to chat with a

time you need. I can handle things here

table in the corner, the familiar

The Novel will be updated daily. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

Comments ()

0/255