Bonds

Chapter Three

~Maya’s POV~

The entire air was sucked out of the room or maybe it was because I forgot how to breathe. Memories, buried deep, surged back with an unbearable intensity.

I couldn’t ignore the betrayal, the pain he’d inflicted when he coldly cast me aside. “I reject you, Amaya Stone,” his words echoed relentlessly in my mind, each syllable a stab to my wounded soul. And yet, despite the hurt, a part of me couldn’t help but acknowledge the lingering connection, the remnants of the love we once shared.

My mouth opened to say something— say anything. Luckily my father beat me to it when his growl reverberated in my ear, “What is he doing here?”

Ivan looked between Alex and my father while I watched the man who had ripped out my heart without a second thought walk towards Ivan’s sister, whisper something in her ear before they made their way to the far end of the dining hall.

My wolf howled, urging me to make a move but I couldn’t.

“I didn’t realize Miranda would bring him,” Ivan glanced at his sister who was chatting away happily as members of their pack congratulated her, his eyes narrowed, “And I did not realize their relationship had gone this far.”

“You don’t like him?”

There was no need to look at my father. I heard the smile in his voice when he asked the question.

“I have no feelings towards him. Alex Thorne is not a man I would trust but my sister has never been one to listen to me. I cannot tell her who she should or shouldn’t be with.”

The easy smile returned to his face, “Let’s not let one bad egg ruin our evening, shall we proceed?”

The dinner went on and I was slowly dying. Everytime my eyes turned in their direction, my heart broke even more.

at me just

he not feel the pain seeping from me? I hated how much it still hurt after

that Miranda hadn’t brought him to our side of the table for

Ivan trying to make small talk but

“Stop looking at him like a lost puppy. I don’t want Ivan finding out

on my plate, refusing to let them eyes wander back to the

eating, don’t you like

that.. I .. The food is lovely.. I

out!” The sudden sharp command echoed through the

silent fury radiating from him.

suddenly became aware of other people around him then it

like he was searching for something until they landed on

responding to the magnetic pull, urging me towards him. I knew without a doubt that he felt it too– mirrored my feelings but just as swiftly as the connection sparked to life, his demeanor shifted. His eyes, once soft with a hint of recognition, hardened before

stone I think—“ but my father’s voice cut through like a

sit here anymore

my father for holding out that long before snapping. His hatred towards Alex and his family was a longstanding flame that finally ignited, the reason for the rivalry

regarded my father for a moment longer then focused his attention back to his food. Miranda sat still, waiting for how it would play out,

chance to

no one had spoken to him, Alex continued with

tension rose, my father commanded, “Take

my pack approached Alex, still he continued eating his food ignoring

instant, he twisted it so fast that a

pay for that, you bastard,” he swung his claws towards Alex, his companion attempting

maneuvering away from the other’s attempt to grab him. Rising to his feet, Alex spoke calmly, almost unaffected, “This

out,” my

Alex in combat. Until that moment, he had been just a man – one who made billions and had been my once-loving mate. This version of him was an entirely different entity. His movements held a captivating elegance, a

his voice strained with urgency. “Mr. Stone, please call off your men before this escalates and they end up dead. I

you shouldn’t have let your sister