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

headed straight for the stairs but Miranda wasn’t one

something to discuss?”

the bottom step. The anger in my eyes could curdle

now, Miranda,” Igrowled, barely controlling the

but I think it is,” she countered, her smile widening ever so slightly. “Seems your Congratulations gifts are

the knot with

Amaya sent a fresh jolt of

something generic,” I snapped, turning back towards

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

I repeated, voice tight with

a knowing glint in her eyes. “Such

the satisfaction of a reaction. But she

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

my sides, nails digging into my palms. I knew where this was going, the subtle jabs, the veiled threats. Miranda always enjoyed twisting

luck, Miranda,” I warned, my voice

faltering. “Luck seems to be on my side lately. And speaking of luck, I received a rather interesting

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 desperately wanted to

I growled, taking a

smirk. “Think about what, darling? Sharing a little secret with my

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

I spat, my voice laced

her eyes gleaming with malice. “Why don’t you

frozen, caught between rage and fear, the

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

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

Chapter 16

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him, a small laugh escaping my lips. “With what just happened with that interview, yes

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

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

eyes.

of mischief dancing in his dark eyes. “That, my love,

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

I murmured, a smile

my hand.

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.

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

“Wow,” I breathed, awestruck.

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

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