Bonds

Chapter 104

-Maya’s POV-

Adrenaline surged through my veins, my gaze darted back to the computer screen, the image frozen on a shot of me watching the sleeping

the

twins. Panic clawed at my throat,

Who was watching me?

And how long had they been doing it?

Throwing the covers back in a single, frantic motion, I scrambled out of bed. My bare feet slapped against the cold floor as I raced towards the door, the chilling image on the screen burning into my memory. I had to get to the twins, see if they were alright.

Were they safe?

Had whoever was watching me done anything to them?

Reaching their room, I flung the door open with a force that sent it slamming against the wall. Relief washed over me in a tidal wave as I took In the scene before me. Nate and Ivy lay nestled together still, fast asleep, their breathing soft and even. The sight of them, safe and sound, calmed the frantic storm raging inside me for a moment.

But the image on the computer screen kept flashing through my mind, a constant reminder of the threat that lurked in the shadows. Someone had been watching me, watching the twins. What did they want? And how long had this been going on? The thought sent a fresh wave of panic crashing over me.

would be fun. But it wasn’t, someone was watching me still. They had been in the house. They

the porch, his back to

my

face etched with surprise. His gaze flickered over my dishevelled appearance, taking in the way my hair hung loose around my shoulders and

He took a few quick steps towards me, his brow

back a step, my hand flying out to grip the railing for support. Suddenly, the adrenaline that had been keeping me going started to ebb away, leaving behind a

steady me. His touch was gentle, sending a spark of warmth through the growing coldness that had

myself to focus. This wasn’t the time to be collapsing. “No,

tumbling out in a jumbled mess. I told

Chapter 104

the

could feel the color draining from my face. Shame burned in my gut, a hot inferno fueled by the knowledge that I had put the twins at risk. Ivan listened patiently, his expression unreadable. He didn’t interrupt, didn’t judge. He simply waited, allowing me

welled up in my eyes, threatening to spill over. I felt so stupid, so careless. How could I have

fresh wave of panic through me. “Maybe it’s the adrenaline from what happened earlier messing with your head?” His jaw clenched slightly at the last

live feed of me watching the twins. Frozen on the screen. You said you

through my mind, each one a potential

on my shoulder, his touch surprisingly gentle. “Okay, okay,” he soothed, his voice calm and steady

voice laced with desperation. “They could be anywhere! We need to check the

at you. You’re shaking like a leaf. We can’t go searching the house in this state. We’d wake the twins and probably miss something

paused for a moment, his eyes scanning my face. “Here’s what we’re going to do,” he continued, his voice taking on a more authoritative tone. “You go back inside and get some rest. It’s cold out here

I watched as he dialed a number, his brow furrowed in concentration. He spoke in hushed tones, his voice low and serious as he explained the

he explained.” They’ll be here first thing in the morning. They’ll sweep the entire mansion, check all the security footage, and find out who’s responsible for

relief washed over me, momentarily pushing back the tide of fear. “Are you sure they