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.

helping my paranoia levels. I mean, how am I supposed to have a conversation with my father

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

nothing short of amazing these past few weeks. He had

he? Maybe it’s really all in our heads,

That would be foolish. But 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

he has,” I finally admitted, a

said, a triumphant lilt in her voice. “Now, how about we get you back to focusing on those fabulous designs of yours? The world needs your creativity, Amaya, not your

back. The tension had been knotting my muscles, and Natalia’s voice, laced with reason, had finally managed to loosen the grip. “You’re right.

a light, teasing voice cut in. “Personal calls aren’t allowed during

upwards, the phone nearly tumbling from my grasp. Startled, I met the gaze of a woman, the same person who had ushered me the day I interviewed standing

amusement.

shoving the phone into my pocket. “I, uh, I didn’t realize anyone was there.” I scrambled

a dismissive hand. “I’m not here to play

there.”

opportunity to properly meet. I’m Sarah O’Brien, and let me be the first to

that you gave me a boost of confidence when I interviewed, I am guessing you

needing a fresh set of eyes in the design department for ages. Ms. Edwards can be a bit… stuck

I leaned back in my chair. “Really? She seems nice enough.” Sarah’s comment piqued my

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 bit. She went on

flicker of excitement within me. The idea of collaborating with a team of