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 but Miranda wasn’t

have something to discuss?”

on the bottom step. The anger in my eyes could curdle milk, a stark contrast to the amusement playing

Igrowled, barely controlling the

smile widening ever so slightly. “Seems your Congratulations gifts are in order,

the knot with my dear

jolt of anger through me. I

send something generic,” I snapped, turning

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

I repeated, voice

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

to give her the satisfaction of a reaction. But she persisted, her voice dripping with

After all, your little reunion with your past didn’t quite go as planned, did

this was going, the subtle jabs, the

luck, Miranda,” I warned,

you know,” she continued, her smile never faltering. “Luck seems to be

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

even think about it,” I growled, taking

Sharing a little secret with my brother? Perhaps reminding him exactly who his wife truly

ran cold. I couldn’t let her do this. Amaya didn’t deserve to

spat, my voice

I?” she challenged, her eyes gleaming with malice. “Why don’t

frozen, caught between rage and fear, the weight of

a low whisper. “You see, Alex, the game has changed.

and suffocating. I stared at her and I knew she wouldn’t hesitate to use

Chapter 16

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laugh escaping my lips. “With what just happened with that

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

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

eyes.

hint of mischief dancing in his dark eyes.

adorned with a faded blue awning and a single flickering lantern above the doorway. A hand-painted sign proclaimed

a smile tugging at my

my hand. “Ready

mixture of excitement and apprehension. He winked 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 dim sconces.

telescope, pointed towards a skylight directly overhead. The night sky glittered above, a canvas of stars sparkling like diamonds s**d on black

“Wow,” I breathed, awestruck.

mine had this space built a few years ago,” Ivan explained, placing a hand on my shoulder. “She wanted a place to escape the city lights and reconnect with

led me towards the telescope, his voice 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