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.”

me. “Too late for what?” I snapped. “Too late to stop the fight

challenge and an accusation rolled into one. Alex flinched, his jaw clenching tight. For a moment,

said finally, his voice softer now. “But right

gestured towards the armchair where I had been sitting moments ago. There was a flicker of concern in his

Chapter 101

down my gu

rejection were still raw, and the

I said coolly. “Thank you for the, uh, medical attention. But I think

determined glint in my eyes, I took a tentative step forward. The pain shot up my leg again,

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

before slowly retracting. A flicker of something akin to shame crossed his face,

by a look of

said through gritted teeth. “But you’re

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

plush cushion. The cool fabric felt soothing against my

“I know you’re angry. And you have every right to be. I messed up, big time.

hung heavy in the air and I froze for a moment. Did he just apologize? After all these time, after

explaining that now isn’t going to change anything,” he continued, his voice low. “Right now, we need to focus on getting you

safely.”

but it was starting to be overshadowed by a wave of

marked me?” I finally

hand through his already messy

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

at least get you some water?” he asked hesitantly, his voice almost

genuinely concerned, a stark contrast to the

after a moment’s hesitation.

Alex I had known before. He turned and moved towards a small sink tucked away in a

the f*ck was