Bonds

Chapter 56

-Alex’s POV-

My paws pounded against the damp earth, the familiar sensation grounding me. It was one of the reasons I loved letting my wolf out-the exhilarating release of pent-up energy. This morning, especially, I had woken with a restlessness that wouldn’t be ignored So, the moment! crawled out of bed, I found myself outside, in the landscaped expanse behind the mansion, shifting

With the wind whipping through my fur and the scent of damp grass filling my nostrils, I was free. No walls could confine me, no thoughts could intrude on the raw, instinctive joy of running. Not her, not Adrian, and definitely not the conversation I’d had with my father. I pushed myself harder, letting every frustration and worry dissipate with each powerful stride.

Finally, after what felt like an eternity, the need to return to human form asserted itself With a loud whoosh, I shifted back, the world solidifying around me, Grabbing a set of clothes I kept at a discreet location specifically for these occasions, I pulled them on and began the walk back towards the house.

The hush of the early morning was broken only by the crunch of gravel beneath my feet. As I entered the house, the maids bowed their heads respectfully as they always did. I gave a curt nod in acknowledgement, my mind still preoccupied with the events of the past few days. My steps carried me towards my room, a haven I desperately needed.

The moment I pushed open the door, however, my haven shattered. My wolf let out a low growl, the air thick with an unwelcome presence. Even before I saw her, I recognized the cloying scent of Miranda clinging to the air like an irritating perfume. Perched precariously on the edge of my bed, eyes glued to her phone, she looked up the moment she sensed me. A smile plastered itself on her face – a smile I knew held no warmth or sincerity.

Ignoring her completely, I strode towards the closet, intent on getting ready for the day. The smile faltered, replaced by a narrowed gaze that was far more representative of the woman she truly was.

“Aren’t you even going to acknowledge me?” she purred, her voice dripping with feigned sweetness.

I gave her a withering look, barely a flicker of my annoyance escaping. “You can ignore me all you want,” she continued, her voice gaining a hint of defiance, “but the truth is, you’re stuck with me.” She tossed her hair dramatically, a move I was sure she’d practiced in front of a mirror countless times.

“But that’s not what I came to tell you about,” she added quickly, seeing the steely glint in my eyes. “It’s about Ivan’s company.”

Now I did stop, turning to face her fully. My eyes narrowed, a silent warning. “I already told you no. Now get out of my room.”

“You know you don’t have to be so hostile all the time,” she pouted, her voice taking on a childish whine. “And I’m not leaving until you agree to help him.” She straightened up, puffing out her chest in a pathetic attempt to appear assertive.

movement

the clothes I’d been holding, I stalked towards her, my measured

Good.

spending an eternity here,” I growled, my voice low and

For a moment, i thought she might actually back down, but then she squared her shoulders, a flicker of defiance

Chapter 56

wouldn’t dare,” she

just beneath the surface. Dealing with Miranda was like trying to reason with a stubborn child then she let out

you going to the hospital?” My voice was clipped, but there was a hint

her face, and a surge of regret washed over me for even entertaining the idea of engaging with her. But. before I could turn away, her voice, laced with a hint of satisfaction,

going to check on my sister-in-law,” she announced, her words dripping

my throat, and the room seemed to shrink, the air

question tumbled out of my lips before I

turned towards the door as if to leave. But the glint in her eyes betrayed her act. She thrived on drama, on having the upper hand. in a flash, I was across the room, my hand shooting out to grab hers before she could

Amaya?” Each word was a growl, laced with

and she yanked her hand free with surprising force. “Get your hands off me!”

know,” she continued, her voice regaining a semblance of control, “go to the hospital and find out yourself.” with

didn’t matter that I rejected her, he still considered her as his mate. The rejection may have severed some of the connection, but

forced myself to focus and calm down

screamed at me to get back in the car and race to the hospital. The information I’d gleaned with a single phone call felt branded onto my brain-Amaya’s name, the hospital room number echoing in the empty space of my skull. But instead of following that primal urge, I found myself back in the sterile confines of my office, the silence broken

blurred, the reports swam before my eyes. Every notification, every chime, sent a jolt of restless energy through me,

to her. To make

down.

I’d buried myself in work, throwing myself into a maelstrom of activity, anything to silence the frantic chatter in my head. Finally, with a sigh of exhaustion, I leaned back in my chair, rubbing the tension from my temples when Ruth

you requested for the rest of the day, is there anything you need me to do?” The surprise was still evident in her gaze. I understood