Bonds

Chapter 43

-Maya’s POV-

The soft hum of conversation drifted from the phone pressed against my ear, momentarily pulling me away from the half-finished sketch on my desk. Natalia’s voice, usually a source of comfort and calm, held a tinge of concern that sent a jolt through me.

“Earth to Amaya,” she repeated, her voice laced with amusement.

“S h i t, I’m so sorry,” I blurted out, snapping back to attention. “I wasn’t listening to you.” The apology tumbled from my lips before! could even process the fact that I had zoned out in the middle of our conversation. I couldn’t see her, but I could practically picture her rolling her eyes on the other end of the line.

“Of course you

weren’t,” she replied, a playful scold in her voice. “As I was saying, I don’t know, but I have a bad feeling about this whole thing. I know your father, Amaya. He’s a ruthless businessman, through and through but also an s l e. I don’t see him willingly signing away power like that.”

It was as if she was peering directly into my mind, reading the doubts and anxieties that had been swirling there for days. Natalia had always possessed an uncanny ability to understand me, to anticipate my thoughts and feelings. It was one of the things! cherished most about our friendship.

“It almost feels like he strong-armed you into it,” she continued, her voice turning serious. “Think about it. He stands to gain everything from this merger – leading two of the most powerful packs in the entire city. The influence, the resources…” Her voice trailed off, but the unspoken implication hung heavy in the air.

I let out a long sigh, the sound echoing in the sudden silence that followed her words. The truth was, I had been kicking myself ever since I agreed to the merger and I couldn’t help but wonder why, Ivan had proven himself time and again, standing by me through thick and thin.

“I don’t know, Nat,” I admitted, frustration creeping into my voice. “He hasn’t given me any reason to doubt him. He’s been nothing but supportive, helpful but still…” My voice trailed off.

“And the lawyer, still nothing?” Natalia asked.

nothing. Which isn’t exactly helping my paranoia levels. I mean, how am I supposed to have a conversation with my father about

of silence followed, then she spoke, her voice calm and measured. “Listen, Amaya, I understand your doubts. This whole situation is suspicious as hell. But still Ivan has consistently proven himself to

small spark of guilt flickering to life within me. She was right. Ivan had been nothing short of amazing these past few weeks. He had helped me navigate the chaos surrounding my return, provided unwavering support during the whole Petrov debacle, and had

it’s really all in our heads,

in this case, give Ivan the benefit of the doubt. He’s earned it, wouldn’t

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Chapter 43

thought back to all the times Ivan had been there for me, the way he had looked at me with genuine care and concern in his

has,” I finally admitted, a hint of

voice. “Now, how about we get you back to

tension had been knotting my muscles, and Natalia’s voice, laced with reason, had finally managed to loosen the grip. “You’re right. Maybe I am letting the past color my judgment a little too

a light, teasing voice cut in. “Personal

from my grasp. Startled, I met the gaze of a woman, the same person who had ushered me the day I interviewed standing in my doorway, a mischievous smile

amusement.

ending the call and shoving the phone into my pocket. “I, uh, I didn’t

me at ease. “No worries,” she said, waving a dismissive hand. “I’m not here to play hall monitor. Honestly, this whole ‘no personal calls thing is a bit ridiculous. Everyone

there.”

sauntered further into the room, extending a hand towards me, “We haven’t had the opportunity to properly meet. I’m Sarah O’Brien,

spread across my face as I grasped her hand. Her grip was firm, and her eyes held a warmth that was both disarming and inviting. “Seeing that you gave me a boost of confidence when I interviewed, I am guessing you already know my name,” I replied, returning her greeting. “And thanks,

fresh set of eyes in the design

back in my chair. “Really? She seems nice enough.” Sarah’s comment piqued my curiosity about the

scary, not only that, it’s hard for her to embrace change but don’t worry,” she said with a sly grin. “That’s where we come in, the creative rebels. And with you on our team, we might just be able to finally shake things up a

The idea of collaborating with a team of passionate designers, even if it meant navigating some