Bonds

Chapter 101

-Maya’s POV-

Alex’s grip tightened on my wrist, his knuckles tuming white with the force. The surprise in his eyes was quickly replaced by something else, a primal possessiveness that sent a shiver down my spine. For a moment, the defiance I felt faltered, replaced by a flicker of fear.

But it was a fleeting emotion. Squaring my shoulders, I met his gaze head–on. “Let go of me, Alex!” I hissed, yanking my hand back with surprising strength. The pain in my leg shot up again, a searing reminder of my vulnerability, but I ignored it.

“It’s none of your business!” I snapped.

His eyes narrowed further, his jaw clenching tight. “It is my business,” he countered, his voice a low growl. “You are beating his mark right where mine used to bel How dare you?”

I stared at him, incredulous. Was he seriously asking me this right now? The fight outside raged on, the sounds of snarls and crashes echoing through the corridor. Here we were, in a dimly lit back room, and he was fixated on the mark Ivan had placed on my shoulder.

“Are you being serious right now?” I spat, my voice laced with anger. “There’s a battle outside, one you started with your reckless order! Wolves are probably dying right now, and you’re worried about a stupid mark? News flash, Alex, you rejected me. You tossed me away like yesterday’s trash. I quit my job to get away from you, and all you can do is grab me and question my choices?”

“I just saved your life,” he muttered, his voice gruff.

“I didn’t ask for your help!” I shot back, my temper flaring. “Now let go of me! I need to find ivan and the others, see if they’re alright.”

Ignoring the throbbing pain in my leg, I pushed myself to my feet. The world tilted slightly, and I grabbed onto the nearest armchair for support. The fact that we were both completely naked, the adrenaline of the fight finally fading, suddenly hit me. But right now, that was the least of my concerns.

He stared at me, his expression unreadable. “You’ll get yourself killed out there,” he warned.

“Then call it off!” I countered. “You gave the order, call your wolves off!”

The anger in my voice surprised even me. But the thought of Ivan and the others, caught in the middle of this chaos Alex had unleashed, filled me with a fierce protectiveness.

He hesitated, his gaze flickering towards the closed door. The sounds of the fight seemed to intensify for a moment, then recede slightly.

“They won’t listen to me now,” he muttered, his voice defeated. “It’s too late.”

“Too late to stop the fight you

jaw clenching tight. For a moment, I thought he might argue, but

he said finally, his voice softer now. “But right now, you can’t go back out

was a flicker of concern in

Chapter 101

down my gu

hurt from his rejection were still raw,

care of myself, Alex,” I said coolly. “Thank you for the, uh, medical attention. But I think

The pain shot up my leg

but I swatted his hand away. “Don’t touch me,”

froze, his hand hovering in mid–air for a moment before slowly retracting. A flicker of something akin to shame crossed his face, but

replaced by a

said through gritted teeth. “But you’re not going anywhere

instead moved with surprising gentleness, pushing the armchair closer to me. I hesitated for a moment, torn between my anger

I lowered myself onto the plush cushion. The cool fabric felt soothing against my hot skin. Alex watched me with an unreadable expression as I

know you’re angry. And you have every right to be. I messed up, big time. Rejecting you was a mistake, the biggest one

a moment. Did he just apologize? After all

anything,” he continued, his voice low. “Right now, we need to focus on

safely.”

starting to be overshadowed by a wave of confusion. What exactly was going on with him? Why the sudden change in

you even know about the mark? How did you know he marked me?” I finally asked,

already

him wouldn’t get me anywhere right now. I had bigger

at least get you some water?”

him, surprised by the simple request. He looked genuinely concerned, a stark contrast to the domineering Alpha I

said after a moment’s hesitation. “Water

turned and

f*ck was