Bonds

Chapter 12

-Maya’s POV-

My silence hung heavy in the air, thicker than the city mist clinging to the car windows. Ivan finally broke it, his voice laced with an apology I wasn’t ready to accept. “You are upset with me,” he stated, the obviousness grating on my already raw nerves.

I swivelled towards him, my glare hot enough to melt the ice currently residing in my veins growing every second from the encounter with Alex.

“My relationship with Miranda… it’s complicated,” he offered, his voice trailing off like an unfinished sentence. But complications meant nothing to me in that moment. My hurt, a gaping wound, demanded clarity, not excuses.

“Does this complication make you SCARED of her?” I spat, each word laced with venom. “Because you just puppet on her strings. I don’t even know her, so what is her problem with me?!”

sat there and let her make jabs at me, like a

My voice escalated, mirroring the turmoil within. The frustration of the encounter with Miranda, the sting of Alex’s reappearance, all converged into a torrent aimed at Ivan. He flinched at the force of my outburst, but it did little to get rid of the firestorm.

He sighed, a weary sound that spoke volumes. “It’s not you,” he began, attempting to soothe the tempest. “Miranda is like that with everyone. She thrives on feeling superior, tearing down those around her to build herself up. I’m sorry she ruined our dinner.

But his apology rang hollow. “She didn’t ruin the dinner, Ivan,” I snarled, my wolf straining at the leash, baring her fangs at the perceived weakness. “You

did.”

The accusation hung heavy in the air, a stark contrast to the soft hum of the engine. His eyes widened, surprise battling with hurt. But it was the hurt that stung, a flicker of vulnerability exposing the truth beneath his carefully constructed facade,

My wolf whined, urging me forward, demanding answers. Yet, a sliver of reason held me back.

Taking a deep breath, I forced myself to calm the storm within. The questions wouldn’t disappear, but the accusations wouldn’t get us anywhere. I needed a different approach.

silence when I needed you? We are going

between us, taut and heavy. But this time, it wasn’t suffocating. It was filled with anticipation, a shared space where

cannot handle what it is? Is that why you went to my father to marry me out of all the options you could have had…. Because you think I am so weak and go with whatever I’m told?,” I stated, the accusation hanging heavy in the stagnant air of the

is not true. I don’t think you are weak and it’s not that simple,” he muttered, his

my control. “Because right now, all I see is you letting your sister walk all over me, silence strung

whisper. “A complicated one, filled with….baggage not like regular siblings. She is

seconds.”

of baggage?” I pressed,

for release. Finally, he spoke, his voice laced with pain. “Our parents were killed right in front of us. She was five years

Chapter 12

deep within me, striking a chord of empathy. “How old

Seven.”

号:84%1

like or for

After they died, it was the two of us against the world

with you? You make it sound like I’m some kind of trophy or maybe you are the trophy,” I scoffed, the hurt

losing the only constant she has left. It

picture of a fractured relationship, of loyalty twisted by loss and fear, My anger softened, replaced by a

fear dictate your actions, Ivan,” I said, my voice

searching mine. “I will,” he vowed, his voice firming with resolve. “But it won’t be easy. Miranda…she

ruthless together,” I challenged, a spark igniting in my chest. “We face this, whatever it is, head–on. As equals, not puppets

else’s drama.”

a flicker of hope lighting up his features. “As equals,”

His hand lingered in mine, the silent agreement warming my skin. Suddenly, he brought the car to a halt, the tires squealing against the

are you-” i began, confusion tugging at my brows. But a thrill, unexpected and exhilarating, fluttered in my chest. He

stated, his voice firm despite the tremor in his