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.”

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

his jaw clenching tight. For a moment, I thought he might argue, but then he let out

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

moments ago. There was a flicker of

Chapter 101

down my gu

raw, and

said coolly. “Thank you for the, uh, medical attention. But I think I’d rather take my chances out

The pain shot up my leg again, sharper this time, but I gritted my teeth

to grab my arm, but I swatted his hand away. “Don’t touch

retracting. A flicker of something akin to shame crossed his face, but it

by a look

“But you’re not going anywhere in that

the armchair closer to me. I hesitated for a moment, torn between my anger

felt soothing against my

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

moment. Did he just

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

safely.”

at him, unsure of how to respond. The anger still simmered within me, but it was starting to be overshadowed by a wave of confusion. What exactly was going on with him?

mark? How did you know he marked me?” I finally asked, ignoring the other other million questions

ran a hand through his already messy hair.

answer wasn’t satisfying, but I knew pushing him wouldn’t get me anywhere right now. I had bigger problems to deal with, namely the battle raging outside and the safety

I at least get you some water?” he

at him, surprised by the simple request. He looked genuinely concerned, a

finally said after a moment’s hesitation. “Water would be

face, a fleeting glimpse of the Alex I had known before. He turned and moved towards a small sink tucked away in a corner of the room

f*ck