Bonds

Chapter 78

-Maya’s POV-

Adrenaline surged through my veins, overriding any rational thought. Before I could even register what I was doing, I was stepping in front of Ivan, placing myself directly between him and the snarling black mass that was Alex’s wolf.

It felt instinctive, a primal urge to shield Ivan from whatever danger Alex posed. But my actions only seemed to make things worse. The wolf’s growl intensified, a deep, guttural sound that sent shivers down my spine. It was a sound that spoke of pure, unbridled rage, and it was

directed solely at me.

Panic clawed at my throat.

Would he attack me?

Ivan reacted quickly, grabbing my hand and pulling me back behind him. He raised his own hand in a placating gesture, his voice calm yet firm. “Alex, we’re not here to fight. We just want to talk.”

The wolf didn’t respond, only continued its menacing growl. It circled us slowly, its eyes glowing a fiery red in the darkness. The tension in the air was thick enough to choke on.

Just then, Miranda let out a huff of exasperation. “Oh for crying out loud,” she drawled, her voice dripping with annoyance, “just shift back already. Your wolf is terrifying everyone.”

A beat of silence followed. Then, with a sound like thunder, bones cracked and shifted within the massive form. A moment later, Alex stood before us in all his glory, his face etched with fury.

Heat flooded my cheeks as I averted my gaze. The sight of him, so raw and exposed, was flustering. But a flicker of movement caught my eye. I stole a glance at Ivan, only to find his jaw clenched tight, his eyes narrowed in what looked like… jealousy and anger?

The awkward silence stretched on, broken only by the guards‘ coughs and nervous shuffling as they handed him clothes.

Finally Miranda spoke up again, “Well, it’s a bit chilly out here, wouldn’t you say? Shouldn’t we all head inside?”

Her attempt at lightening the mood fell flat. Everyone, it seemed, was focused on Alex’s simmering rage. After what felt like an eternity, Alex spoke. His voice was a low growl, colder than the winter wind itself, “What do you want?”

Ivan let out a heavy sigh. “There doesn’t

n’t have to b

a war. We can resolve

took a menacing step forward, towering over Ivan. “I lost wolves, Ivan! Pack members lost their families! And you

continued, his voice cold and devoid of any warmth, “he’ll

palpable. “There won’t just be a

about the potential loss of innocent lives – human for vengeance so deep, so all–encompassing, that

He was consumed by

considering the threat hanging in the air, “look, we can understand your

10:27 Sat, 22 Jun

Chapter 78

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this isn’t the answer. Think about the consequences. Think about the lives that will be lost, both human

scoffed, a harsh, humorless sound. “Consequences? Lives lost? Do you think my wolves didn’t have lives? Do you think they didn’t have families? They’re gone, ripped away. And you expect me to

But there are other ways. It’s already brewing. More wolves are dying. Unleashing a war… that will only lead

scary then he let out a humorless laugh. “No. I have given him a free pass for way too long. This

barely a whisper. “If this

everything. It will be

to me for a brief moment before darting away. His eyes were cold, devoid of any warmth or recognition. It was as if I

find out. Let the world burn. Maybe then, just maybe, something will

his rage, his desire for

in, his voice laced with a hint of desperation. “Think about your pack. Think about what they would want. They wouldn’t want

me what my pack wants!” Alex roared, his voice raw with emotion. “I have lost wolves and many lost families. They want blood. They crave

unusually quiet throughout

cunning demeanor, “can we all just take a step back for a second? Maybe a good night’s sleep will help everyone clear

completely. His gaze remained fixed on Ivan, his eyes

have merged with a bastard in the first place, Ivan. Maybe then, your pack wouldn’t be

rin

just directed at my father; it was directed at Ivan,at me, at

the precipice of another confrontation. But then, with a

didn’t come here to fight. We came here to talk, to try and find a

for a beat longer, the weight of the situation hanging heavy in the

Alex, and suddenly it felt like everything that had happened in the past few months didn’t matter. He had reverted back to his default setting,