Bonds

Chapter 97

-Maya’s POV-

Everything felt different after that moment with Ivan. I meant what I’d said. When he first confessed his feelings, I never imagined we’d be here. Sure, my father had arranged the whole thing, a marriage of convenience, but somewhere along the way, feelings lack in. I didn’t want to admit it at first, but after he shared his pain, his past, my heart softened. It wasn’t wide open yet, but it was getting there.

And it wasn’t just my personal life that was blossoming. I was thriving as his PA. Okay, there were certain activities that made me blush in hindsight, especially since they happened right here in his office and thankfully Alex, who I had realized I was finally moving on from, had disappeared. No physical sightings in over two weeks. But the city was abuzz with his wedding to Miranda. And guess what? I didn’t care. I was wrapped up in my own world, happy for the first time in a long time.

The twins were doing great. I still couldn’t believe I let them go to school, thanks to Ivan’s convincing. Part of me hated seeing my babies grow up so fast, but they were thriving in their play class. My friendships with Sarah, Riley, and Natalia had blossomed too. Everything was clicking into place, and then the unexpected happened.

While my

life was finally peaceful, the war between my father and Alex had escalated to a whole new level. Humans had died. Finally, Ivan stepped in. As the mediator between the two, he pushed them to actually talk things through. Not in a private space where they’d probably rip each other’s throats out, but in a neutral zone. That’s where my crazy werewolf gala idea came in. It was meant to be a joke, but van took it seriously. Somehow, he managed to convince both my father and Alex to attend.

I was ecstatic. A gala was something I’d always dreamed of experiencing. That’s why I was currently on a shopping spree with the girls- Sarah, Riley, and Natalia. I’d even invited Riley, werewolf or not, she was welcome in our world for this.

Now, finding a dress that wasn’t ridiculously expensive or completely impractical for a werewolf was proving to be a challenge. We’d hit five stores already, and everything was either too sparkly, too short, or looked like it belonged on a queen. Not exactly the vibe I was going for.

“Ugh,” I groaned, collapsing onto a plush velvet chair in the latest boutique. “This is hopeless. Maybe a gala isn’t such a good idea after all.”

Sarah knelt beside me. “Don’t give up yet. There has to be something in here that works.”

Natalia chimed in, “Maybe we should expand the search. Have you tried the high–end stores downtown?”

Riley added, “And maybe consider something a little less…restrictive? We don’t want you tripping over your dress during the night.”

I sighed. They all had good points. Maybe my dream of a flowing, elegant gown wasn’t exactly practical for a werewolf gala.

Iannounced, a determined glint in my eyes. “High–end stores downtown, and we’re keeping an open mind. No more Cinderella fantasies.

We piled out of the boutique, ready to conquer the next stop. This gala might be a gamble,

bit defeated but not discouraged. The high–end stores downtown were our next target, a fresh battlefield in the war against

held it in long enough,” Sarah started as we walked, “spill the beans. What’s really going on with

crept up my cheeks, a traitor giving away the secrets my lips were trying to hold. It had been like this for weeks now. Ever since things had shifted between Ivan and me, the girls had been relentless in their pursuit

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Chapter 97

the…aftermath,

my mouth to deflect their

ladies

nametag read ‘Evelyn,

“We’re

smile widening,

before I could stop myself. Of course I

eyebrow. “Not something you see every day. But that just

you have any specific styles

to find something elegant but also practical. You

dress could be a good option? They offer the elegance you desire with the freedom of

hadn’t considered.

spread across my face. “Can

mine. “Absolutely. Follow me, ladies. I have just the thing for

hour was a whirlwind of fabrics, sequins, and stifled sighs. We tried on everything from sleek black cocktail dresses that clung to our curves a little too tightly to flowy, floral numbers that looked more like garden party attire than gala–worthy. Each dress felt like it belonged on someone

been a bad idea. Maybe there was no

drifted towards a secluded corner of the store. There, tucked away amongst a sea of jewel tones, hung a dress that seemed to call out to me. It wasn’t on a hanger like the others, but draped carefully on a mannequin, its emerald

that one?” I blurted

patiently shuttling dresses back and forth, turned to follow my finger. Her gaze lingered