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

her, I headed straight for the stairs but Miranda wasn’t one

we have something to discuss?”

bottom step. The anger in my eyes could curdle

Igrowled, barely controlling the

her smile widening ever so slightly. “Seems your Congratulations gifts are in order, wouldn’t

the knot with my

a fresh jolt of anger through me. I didn’t need this,

generic,” I snapped, turning back

utterly… dull. Don’t you think a personalized touch would be more

generic!” I repeated, voice

a knowing glint in her eyes. “Such

of

tad… left out? After all, your little reunion with your past didn’t quite go as planned, did

I knew where this

your luck, Miranda,” I

know,” she continued, her smile never faltering. “Luck seems to be on my side

breath hitched, a sliver of fear worming its way through the anger. I knew what she was talking about. The picture, the one reminder of a past i

about it,” I growled, taking a

smile widening into a triumphant smirk. “Think about what, darling? Sharing a little secret with my brother? Perhaps reminding him exactly who his wife truly

I couldn’t let her do this. Amaya didn’t deserve to be dragged into their

my voice

I?” she challenged, her eyes gleaming with malice.

caught between rage and fear, the

closer, her voice a low whisper. “You see, Alex, the game has changed. And this

suffocating. I stared at her and I knew she wouldn’t hesitate to use the picture, to destroy Amaya if it meant

Chapter 16

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my lips. “With what just happened with that

sure you didn’t,” he stated confidently. “You did great, Amaya. They would be foolish not to

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

eyes.

winked, a hint of mischief dancing in his dark eyes. “That,

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 hand-painted

I murmured, a smile tugging

squeezed my hand. “Ready for

conspiratorially. “Follow me,” he said, leading me to a hidden door tucked away in the corner of the room. It creaked open, revealing a narrow passage lit by

circular room. In the center stood a massive telescope, pointed towards a skylight directly overhead. The night sky

“Wow,” I breathed, awestruck.

few years ago,” Ivan explained, placing a hand on my shoulder. “She wanted a place to escape the city lights

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