Bonds

Chapter 21

~Alex’s POV

完.83%

The dial tone buzzed in my ear, a mocking little rhythm that mirrored the gnawing anxiety in my gut. I slammed the phone back down on the cradle, the plastic greaning under the impact. My fingers hovered over the screen again, the familiar pattern of her number etched into my memory. Part of me yearned to press call, to hear her voice, any voice, at this point. But the other part, the more cautious part, held me back, yet the nagging feeling remained.

why had she called?

What was she thinking?

A sigh escaped my lips, a plume of frustration in the still air of my office as I dropped the phone on the table.

It vibrated, startling me from my thoughts. My heart leaped–maybe it was her! But the flicker of hope died as quickly as it arose. It was just Christian, his name flashing on the screen in a digital taunt.

With a grimace, I answered the call. “Expecting someone else?” he drawled, his voice dripping with amusement.

“Are you calling me to tell me it’s done or calling to just irritate me?” I countered, my voice Hat

“Now, now, Alex,” he chuckled, the sound grating on my nerves. “I know you’re lonely cooped up in that office all day. Just wanted to be a friend.”

I fought back a growl. Christian’s idea of friendship was twisted. Sometimes, it intrigued me, most times it just annoyed me but it was what I liked about

him. How twisted he was.

“Cut the crap. Christian,” I growled, the sound low and menacing.

“Alright, alright,” he conceded, feigning surrender. “Since you want to be so serious, the message has been sent. His company will take the first hit tomorrow. Then I’ll work on twisting the knife where it hurts the most.”

A flicker of satisfaction, primal and unwelcome, coursed through me. Daniel Stone. The name had become a constant thorn in my side, a festering wound that wouldn’t heal. His arrogance, his ruthlessness, everything about him made my blood boil. Seeing him crumble, his carefully constructed empire teetering on the brink – it would be a twisted kind of justice.

My wolf rumbled in agreement deep within me, a deep guttural sound that vibrated through my bones. Pushing those primal urges down, I spoke.

Just keep me

voice dripping with mock sincerity.

retort when he spoke again,

up my spine. I waited, my breath caught in my throat, expecting him to elaborate. But he remained silent, a smug smile evident in his voice even through the

bubbled up inside me. “Are you waiting for me to ask what

the discomfort he was causing. “But hey, no

worry that would gnaw at me untill had answers. “Do your damn job, Christian,” I growled, the

of anger. Christian was a necessary evil in this game, a skilled manipulator who could navigate the dark underbelly of the business world with ease. But

Chapter 21

knife, to play

of emotions swirling inside me. My mind drifted back to Amaya like it always did.

usually composed face was etched with a hint of concern. “Mr. Thome,” she began, “I

Ruth,” I interrupted, impatience coloring my tone. The day’s events had worn on my

brusqueness. “He was quite insistent on seeing you and wouldn’t leave without

forehead. What

say what

rather tight–lipped. Just kept repeating it was urgent and wouldn’t be discussed

a spark amidst the

I sighed, pushing myself out of my

into my office. My wolf let out a low growl that rumbled deep in my chest. It wasn’t just about Amaya. Even before I found out about Daniel Stone’s little

finally spoke, his voice smooth

taking him in. “Well what?”

offer me a seat?” he asked, a hint of amusement dancing in his

drawled, “I wouldn’t say you exactly qualify as a guest. So offering a seat doesn’t seem high on the

crack in the smooth facade. It was gone as fast as it appeared, replaced by a practiced smile. “Fair enough,” he conceded, taking

said, leaning back in my chair, “let’s get to

the urgency in his voice a stark contrast to his earlier composure. There

nerves.

Interesting.

was unexpected, to say the least. I raised an eyebrow, watching him.

deep breath, his shoulders slumping slightly. “My company. I’m in a bit of a bind, financially speaking.

invest?”