Bonds

Chapter 15

-Alex’s POV-

My phone buzzed, the insistent hum jarring against the simmering rage coiled in my gut. I answered, my voice clipped, barely above a growl.

“Alex,” the smooth, unruffled voice on the other end sent another shot of irritation through the. “Got your message. You really sure about this?”

A harsh scoff escaped my throat. “Do I sound unsure?”

“Think of the consequences,” the man continued, his tone even, almost emotionless. “This ain’t some schoolyard scuffle. Daniel Stone might be an arrogant k , but he’s also Amaya’s father,”

The name hit me like a e r punch. My jaw clenched, teeth grinding together. But I didn’t care. I didn’t care about her anymore. The same words I had been telling myself the last few days.”

“What’s your point?” I spat, venom lacing each word

“Think, Alex,” the urgency crept back into his voice, a hint of steel finally breaking through. “Taking down Daniel won’t be a walk in the park. There’ll be retaliation, chaos. Amaya could get caught in the crossfire. You ready to live with that?”

Fury washed over me, cold and suffocating. I didn’t need a lecture on the fallout. I know the risks, the potential damage. But the image of Daniel’s smug face, the memory of his taunts, fueled my resolve.

“I don’t give a d a m n about them,” I snarled, my voice low and dangerous. “Daniel Stone crossed a line. Played his games, pushed me to the edge. Now, he pays.”

Silence stretched on the other end, heavy and thick. Then, a sigh. “Alright, Alex. Just remember, the path you’re on is dark. No turning back once you step

onto it

“No looking back,” I said, my voice hard as stone. “I won’t rest until I see Daniel Stone on his knees, begging for mercy. Until then, the only consequence 1 care about is his.”

The line went dead, leaving me alone with the echo of my own words and the stark reality of my choice. There would be a price, innocent lives caught in the maelstrom of my vengeance. But the wolf within, the primal need for retribution, drowned out any flicker of doubt.

I slammed the phone down, the force sending a tremor through the room. My fists clenched, knuckles white, the image of Daniel’s face burning behind my closed eyelids.

This wasn’t just about settling a score. It was about dominance, reclaiming the power Daniel had stolen, Proving, to myself and the world, that I wouldn’t be pushed around, wouldn’t be made a fool.

I stormed out of the room, grabbing my keys and heading home hoping Miranda was asleep so I wouldn’t have to deal with her because I was definitely not in the mood.

The roar of my engine died down, punctuating the storm raging inside me. I slammed the car door shut, the vibration echoing the fury trembling in my limbs. The metallic g of rage clung to me, mirroring the bitter taste in my mouth.

Bursting through the front door, I nearly ripped it off its hinges. I almost let out a groan when i saw her.

Miranda sat perched on a plush armchair, swirling wine in her hand. Each tap of her perfectly manicured nails against the crystal goblet was a taunt against the chaos I carried.

“Ah, Alex,” she drawled, her voice dripping with mock sweetness. “Just the man I was hoping to see.”

Chapter 15

for the stairs

we have something

pivoting on the bottom step. The anger in my eyes could

Igrowled, barely controlling the

smile widening ever so slightly. “Seems your Congratulations gifts

the knot with

Amaya sent a fresh jolt of anger

I snapped, turning back

she feigned shock, eyes widening dramatically. “But how utterly… dull. Don’t you think

I repeated, voice tight

a knowing glint in her eyes. “Such hostility, darling. One would almost think the

clenched my jaw, refusing to give her the satisfaction of a reaction.

little reunion

into my palms. I knew where this was going, the subtle jabs, the

your luck, Miranda,” I

continued, her smile never faltering. “Luck seems to be on my side lately. And speaking of luck, I received

through the anger. I knew what she was talking about. The picture, the one reminder of

I growled, taking

Sharing a little secret with my brother? Perhaps reminding him exactly

her do this. Amaya didn’t

wouldn’t,” I spat, my

gleaming with malice. “Why

caught between rage and fear, the weight of her threat heavy on my

low whisper. “You see, Alex,

w ith unspoken tension, the silence thick and suffocating. I stared at her and I knew she wouldn’t hesitate to use the picture, to destroy Amaya if it meant gaining an

Chapter 16

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small laugh escaping my

his thumb gently stroking my cheek. “I’m sure you didn’t,” he stated confidently. “You did great, Amaya. They

of arguing, I met his gaze, a silent gratitude welling up within me,”So, where are we going then?” I asked, a flicker

eyes.

mischief dancing in his dark eyes.

me through bustling bodies until we stopped in front of a small, unassuming building adorned with a faded blue awning and a single flickering lantern above the doorway. A

I murmured, a smile tugging at my

my hand. “Ready for

“Follow me,” he said, leading me to a hidden door tucked away in the corner

opened into a small, circular room. In the center stood a massive telescope, pointed towards

“Wow,” I breathed, awestruck.

a hand on

gentle as he guided me on how to adjust the lens. I peered through the eyepiece, and a gasp escaped my lips. The vastness of space unfolded before me, a dizzying array of stars and celestial bodies