Bonds

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Alex’s POV-

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F

wid

The days stretched out like an endless desert. Time, once a steady companion, had become a relentless tormentor. I’d gone from being the king of my world to a prisoner of it. Over these past months, the world had shrunk to the size of this cell. I’d learned that even with power at your fingertips, life could still knock you down.

Ivan had played his cards close to his chest. I’d underestimated him, thinking I’d ended the game when I ended his life. But his plans, carefully laid, were like a time bomb I hadn’t defused. Adrian, that backstabbing leech, had seized the opportunity to take over my company. It was a bitter pill to

swallow.

Hours turned into days, days into weeks. I stopped counting. There was no point. All that mattered were the moments I’d spend with Amaya and the kids. It was a long road to get here. Ivy, my little firecracker, had slowly warmed up to me. I think it was my beard. She’d giggle and tug at it, saying I looked like a beast from her stories. It was the first time she’d touched me without fear. Being called a beast didn’t matter in that moment.

Nate was different. Quiet, watchful, like a young hawk. His eyes always seemed to be asking questions without making a sound. But I think he found his answers in just watching.

I saw her, she was like a sunrise, a new kind of beauty. It was hard to believe she was the same woman I’d left behind but she was a master of deception. She’d put on a brave face for the kids, a smile that didn’t quite reach her eyes. I could see the worry gnawing at her, hidden beneath the surface. Every visit ended with the same promise: she was getting closer, she’d get me out. I wished she’d stop. She was burning herself out. With all my resources, I couldn’t escape this place, what chance did she have? I’d accepted my fate, but at least I had them to visit. I’d done a lot

soul caught in the crossfire. That is

All of that?

break out of this prison, my mind had raced with the idea for months. An idea fueled by my wolf who had been relentless to break free. But for the first time in my life, I wanted to do the right thing. I wasn’t responsible for the mass murders, but I

this was

again, fighting for me. But I knew the outcome. Guilty. The room would fall silent, and I’d accept my fate.

said, “Not guilty.”

frozen, unable to process it. Then, two tiny bodies crashed into me, Ivy and Nate. Amaya came

I held my children tight,

I was free.

out that door, Alex,” she said softly. I took a deep breath, the reality of the moment sinking in. I wanted to be with my family,

a blur of camera flashes and reporters shouting questions I couldn’t comprehend. All I wanted was to go home with my family. And then I saw them – Christian, Riley, Natalia, Nathan, and Sarah. Sarah and Natalia were cheering, their joy infectious. Riley was trying to calin them down, Nathan looking amused. For the first time in what felt like forever, the loneliness that

was the biggest I’d ever seen. “The beard is suiting,” he said, a hint of teasing

eyes filled with genuine relief. “I’m really

enough mushy stuff. We’ve got a company to

1/2

Chapter 164

others followed in the other vehicles. The drive to the company was a whirlwind of emotions. Every familiar sight was a stark reminder of the life I’d left behind. When we arrived,

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queen.

sleek, modern woman, presumably his PA, stood in front of the door. Her expression was cold

she seemed to be someone else entirely. “I believe there’s been a misunderstanding,”

her voice rising. There was an unspoken threat in her tone that made the PA take a step back. With a swift movement,

on my chair. Anger flared within me, but I knew I had to let Amaya handle this because she looked like she had a plan and

of us broke Alex and me apart. I understood your anger, your need for revenge. But you crossed the line when you started working with him.” She produced a file of documents. “I have proof of every life you helped him take. You might have gotten away with it