Bonds of the Alpha Billionaire (Maya and Alex)

Chapter 78 -Maya's POV-

Adrenaline surged through my veins, overriding any rational thought. Before I could even register what I was doing, I was stepping in front of Ivan, placing myself directly between him and the snarling black mass that was Alex's wolf.

It felt instinctive, a primal urge to shield Ivan from whatever danger Alex posed. But my actions only seemed to make things worse. The wolf's growl intensified, a deep, guttural sound that sent shivers down my spine. It was a sound that spoke of pure, unbridled rage, and it was

directed solely at me.

Panic clawed at my throat.

Would he attack me?

Ivan reacted quickly, grabbing my hand and pulling me back behind him. He raised his own hand in a placating gesture, his voice calm yet firm. "Alex, we're not here to fight. We just want to talk."

The wolf didn't respond, only continued its menacing growl. It circled us slowly, its eyes glowing a fiery red in the darkness. The tension in the air was thick enough to choke on.

Just then, Miranda let out a huff of exasperation. "Oh for crying out loud," she drawled, her voice dripping with annoyance, "just shift back already. Your wolf is terrifying everyone."

A beat of silence followed. Then, with a sound like thunder, bones cracked and shifted within the massive form. A moment later, Alex stood before us in all his glory, his face etched with fury.

Heat flooded my cheeks as I averted my gaze. The sight of him, so raw and exposed, was flustering. But a flicker of movement caught my eye. I stole a glance at Ivan, only to find his jaw clenched tight, his eyes narrowed in what looked like... jealousy and anger?

The awkward silence stretched on, broken only by the guards' coughs and nervous shuffling as they handed him clothes.

Finally Miranda spoke up again, "Well, it's a bit chilly out here, wouldn't you say? Shouldn't we all head inside?"

Her attempt at lightening the mood fell flat. Everyone, it seemed, was focused on Alex's simmering rage. After what felt like an eternity, Alex spoke. His voice was a low growl, colder than the winter wind itself, "What do you want?"

Ivan let out a heavy sigh. "There doesn't

n't have to b

to be a war. We can resolve this."

to be a war?" he roared. He took a menacing step

cold and devoid of

be a war,"

potential loss of innocent lives - human for vengeance so deep, so

was

threat hanging in the air, "look, we can understand your anger. What

10:27 Sat, 22 Jun

Chapter 78

88%

isn't the answer. Think about the consequences. Think about the lives that will be lost, both

Do you think they didn't have families?

But there are other ways. It's already brewing. More wolves are dying. Unleashing

that left Alex's lips was scary then he let out a humorless laugh. "No. I have given him a free pass for way too long. This

the humans?" I finally spoke up, my voice barely a whisper. "If this war spills over, they'll find out. They'll

everything. It

brief moment before darting away. His eyes were cold, devoid of any warmth or recognition. It was as if I were a stranger, a face in the crowd. The rejection stung, a sharp pain that went far deeper than the potential exposure

out. Let the world burn. Maybe then, just maybe, something will finally

was like talking to a brick wall. Alex was consumed by his rage, his desire for vengeance. Logic, reason, the potential consequences - none of it seemed to

"Think about your pack. Think about what

wolves and many lost families. They want blood. They crave it

been unusually quiet throughout the entire exchange,

we all just take a step back for a second? Maybe a good night's sleep will help everyone clear

the first place, Ivan. Maybe then, your

rin

father; it was directed at Ivan, at me, at our entire pack. It was a clear message:

on the precipice of another confrontation. But then, with a defeated sigh, Ivan raised his hands in a

came here to talk, to try and find a peaceful

trailed off, leaving the sentence unfinished/We stood there for a beat longer, the weight of the

had happened in the past few months didn't matter. He had reverted back to his default setting, the cold, heartless version of himself I

10:27 Sat, 22 Jun