Bonds

Chapter 139

-Alex’s POV-

A knot of dread twisted in my gut the moment we pulled up to the location. Even from a distance, something felt off, a wrongness that sent something I didn’t like crawling down my spine. I knew the entire situation was a gamble, a dance with the devil, but this… this felt different.

My wolves were already ready, waiting outside for my order. The plan was simple – Amaya would enter first, confirm the twins‘ safety, and then I would follow, providing unseen backup. But the moment she disappeared through the doorway, a sickening premonition washed over me.

I lingered in the shadows, my senses on high alert. Silence stretched, thick and heavy, broken only by the pounding of my own heart. Just as I was about to move, a sound sliced through the air – the unmistakable click of a gun being cocked.

My blood ran cold. Every muscle in my body tensed, ready to spring into action. Slowly, cautiously, I turned, my gaze landing on the figure standing behind me.

Miranda.

A bitter laugh escaped her lips as she met my eyes. “Well, well, well,” she drawled, her voice dripping with venomous sarcasm, “if it isn’t my oh–so- alive fiancé. Thought you were a goner.”

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I let out a frustrated groan, the sound rumbling deep in my chest. The last thing I needed right now was a confrontation with Miranda. “Miranda,” I gritted my teeth, “put the gun down. This isn’t the time.”

She threw her head back and bellowed with laughter, a chilling sound that echoed in the empty space. “The nerve,” she spat, her voice laced with a dangerous edge. “Making demands when you’re the one cornered like a rat. Pathetic.”

I took a tentative step towards her, but she instantly reacted, her finger tightening on the trigger. “Don’t even think about it, Alex,” she warned, her voice low and menacing. “I don’t know how you cheated death this time, but trust me, I won’t miss my second shot.”

to reason with her felt pointless,

tough, so powerful. But I see right

to give her the satisfaction of a reaction. I had to get to Amaya, to the twins. Every passing second felt like

for her, that no matter

at her, my expression blank. Frankly, I didn’t care about her childhood sob story. From the look in her eyes, it was clear she was on

childhood! Tore my family apart right in front of my eyes! You know what that does to a person, Alex? It fucks you up real good. I tried to get help, but the damage was

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a shaky breath, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. “And then, when Ivan started this vendetta… it felt right. The thought of seeing you all suffer, of getting some kind

father did. Bringing Amaya, the children, and me into this… it’s pointless. My father’s dying, Miranda. He’s a shell of his former self. He wouldn’t last a minute in a fight. Why aren’t you going after him? He’s the one who destroyed your life. Not me. Not Amaya. Not

fleeting glimpse of the vulnerable girl she once

her hand. “One more word and I swear…” Her voice trailed off, but the threat hung

simmered, but I forced myself to remain calm. I knew escalating the situation wouldn’t help anyone. I needed to find a way to disarm her, both literally and figuratively. But how? My gaze darted around the room, searching for anything that could give me an advantage. There was nothing. Just us, and the weight of

time, “we both know this isn’t the answer. You won’t find peace by hurting me, or Amaya, or the children.

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she scoffed, her voice laced with bitterness. “You have everything. A family, a future. What

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of sadness in her eyes, a flicker of despair that resonated with a part of me.

Walk away from all of this. There’s

the air, broken only by the ragged rhythm of our breaths. Miranda stared at me, her face a mask of conflicting emotions. Was she considering my words? Hope flickered within me, a fragile

of her laughter shattered the fragile silence. It wasn’t a light chuckle, not a friendly giggle. It was a harsh,

your face, completely fooled! You actually thought