Bonds

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Alex’s POV-

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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.

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 of bad things. Maybe this was karma, paying my dues like my father. Thinking about him brought back the day of the battle. For once, he’d acted like a real father. His death hurt, a wound that wouldn’t heal. Damon Thorne, the architect of my misery, was dead. I hadn’t forgiven him, but maybe one day I would. As a final act of closure, I’d asked for his body to be found and buried next to my mother. Maybe their souls would sync

Miranda. She was a victim, a broken soul caught in the crossfire. That is what she had said and she hoped she’d found peace wherever she was.

All of that?

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

was my penance.

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

said, “Not

back to reality. Not guilty. I was free. I stood frozen, unable to process it. Then, two tiny bodies crashed into me, Ivy and Nate. Amaya came up behind them, tears streaming down

my children tight,

I was free.

with a mix of anticipation and happiness. “You have to walk out that door, Alex,” she said softly. I took a deep breath, the reality of

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 had haunted me for years was gone. I had my family, these crazy people Amaya had brought into

through the crowd of reporters. When we finally reached them, Christian’s smile was the biggest I’d ever seen. “The beard is suiting,” he said, a hint of teasing

of me unexpectedly. He returned the laugh, his eyes filled with genuine relief. “I’m really glad you’re out, Alex. His voice was thick with emotion. He turned to

“Now, enough mushy stuff.

1/2

Chapter 164

The drive to the company was a whirlwind of emotions. Every familiar sight was a stark reminder of the life

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queen.

floor, my office. Or, rather, Adrian’s. A sleek, modern woman, presumably his PA, stood in front of

demeanor shifted. Her eyes flashed dangerously, and for a brief moment, she seemed to be someone else entirely. “I believe there’s been a misunderstanding,” she said, her voice low and menacing. “Step aside.” The

step aside,” Amaya repeated, her voice rising. There was an unspoken threat in her tone that made the PA take

eyes landed on Adrian, perched arrogantly 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 I would only escalate things and have myself thrown straight in jail

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 once, but not this time.” She stepped closer, her voice dripping with contempt. “You’re going away for a very long time.”