Chapter 4

 Bonds (Vera's POV)

The man fidgeted under Gabriel’s scrutiny.

His warmth gone, and replaced by an icy edge as his alpha aura flared. “Take her home. Now,” he barked at his beta, striding to a black Maybach without a glance my way. 

The engine growled as he sped off. My wolf huffed, confused, my heart stuttering. Was he two-faced? His scent unique scent had stirred my soul moments ago; now he was the ruthless Nightmoor alpha, cold and distant.

The beta turned to me, eyes earnest. “Miss Vera, I’ll take you home. Boss’ll skin me if I don’t.” My wolf bristled at Nightmoor’s interference, but rogue scents lingered from the alley, a reminder of danger under the full moon. 

Safety first—I’d deal with Gabriel’s issue later. “Fine,” I muttered, following the beta to a nondescript SUV, my soaked clothes clinging to my skin as the rain’s chill seeped into my bones.

The drive to my pack’s stronghold—an old mansion built in the suburbs, its stone walls a front for our pack’s territory—was silent, my wolf restless, replaying Gabriel’s touch, his vow in the flames of my past life.

As the SUV pulled up to the wrought-iron gates, the mansion’s warm lights glowed like a beacon, stirring a long-lost ache in my chest.

I stepped out, the beta’s “Stay safe, Miss” fading as I approached the door, my wolf’s senses sharp despite its weakness.

Cee, our pack’s housekeeper and seer, flung the door open, her silver-streaked hair glinting under the porch light. Her hazel eyes widened at my drenched state, her beta aura soft but protective.

“Vera, you’re soaked!” she scolded, ushering me inside, her hands warm as she grabbed a towel. “That Lana’s so irresponsible, dragging you out like this!” My heart clenched, my wolf whimpering at Cee’s familiar fussing.

In my past life, Cee had warned me about Lana’s schemes, her pleas ignored as I defended my “cousin.” My anger at her truth had driven a wedge between us, and Lana had silenced her for refusing to betray me.

Guilt gnawed at my soul, my wolf’s claws scraping within. This time, I’d listen. I leaned into Cee’s touch as she dried my hair, my voice soft. 

“I’ll keep my distance from Lana, Cee. I promise.” Her hands stilled, surprise flickering in her eyes, but I

pressed on, acting coy to ease the moment. “And for my birthday tomorrow, can you make those cream cookies I love?”

Cee’s lips parted, her wolf sensing my shift, but she smiled, patting my cheek. “Of course, pup.”

The warmth of the mansion, its cedar-scented halls alive with pack activities, wrapped me in a

sense of security I’d lost six years ago.

My wolf growled, resolute—I’d protect this home, Grandpa Gideon, and everyone who loved me, no matter the cost.

After a hot shower, the steam cleansing the alley’s dirt, I slipped into my bedroom, the moon’s silver light spilling through the window. My wolf stirred, its senses heightened, as I checked my phone.

A text from the sleazy rogue blinked on the screen: Goods sent to email. No need for the balance. Your cousin’s a wild one—brothers had a blast.

My lips curved into a cold smile, my wolf’s satisfaction curling through me. I decided to ignore the fact that they came after me and opened my email, my heart pounding as I clicked the video.

Where once staged photos had branded me a disgrace, now a grainy clip played—Lana, not me, violated in that filthy alley, her screams echoing the torment she’d planned for me.

The fake had become real, her trap turned against her. I tossed my phone aside, my wolf snarling in triumph, and turned down the framed photo of Lana on my bedside table, her fake smile mocking me.

I hoped Lana was somewhere staring into space, as her wolf cowered with memories of the rogues’ laughter and rough hands like I did all those years ago.

I was sure she won’t be able to fathom how her well planned trap meant to ruin me had caught her instead. 

My wolf’s growl echoed in my mind, as I laughed in dark satisfaction—she’d taste every ounce of pain she’d inflicted on me.

My thoughts drifted to Gabriel as I dropped onto my bed, his cold exit clashing with his warmth in the alley. My wolf whined, drawn to his scent, the fated mate pull I couldn’t trust. Nightmoor’s pack was a storm of betrayal, crushing other packs. 

My family—Gideon, Cee, our pack—was all I had. I couldn’t risk them for a man whose blue eyes haunted me, whose vow burned my soul.

Yet his bloodied sleeve, his protective aura, lingered. Why was he there, risking himself? Lana’s words—half his territory for me—gnawed at me. 

My wolf whispered of a bond I wasn’t ready for. I shoved it aside, claws itching, resolve hardening. 

Tomorrow, my eighteenth birthday and pack initiation, was when Lana’s photos had destroyed me. This time, I’d expose her betrayal with the video, reclaiming my place as heir.

As I was still lost in thought, someone knocked on my door. Without much thought, I told them to come in.

As the door opened, Cee walked in. I sat up almost immediately as a frown creased my brows. “Cee, what's going on?”

She chuckled. “Why will you ask that child? Everything is fine unless I'm not allowed here at night.”

“That's not I meant. Anyways, did you just come to see me or there's something more?”

“Wow. What happened to you?”

“What do you mean?”

“You are never this direct.”

“I guess everyone changes at some point.” I shrugged.

“It's wonderful change.” She replied with a smile. “It means you will be more decisive.”

“If you say so.” I replied trying to play it cool.

“Enough with the sentiments. I came to ask why the sudden change of heart concerning Lana.” My heart skipped a beat. Damn, nothing really escapes her.

“I mean you never listen to me when ever I point certain things about her to you.”

Not wanting to divulge anything that will make her think I'm crazy, I just replied “I'm going to be the new alpha very soon. I just felt the best way to prove myself a good leader is by listening to my subject.”

She stared at me for a long moment as if she knew there was something I was hiding.

“Okay.” she said and I heaved a sigh. “That's a good way of thinking.”

With that she pulled me in for a hug and I melted against her at once. I felt tears prick my eyes at the thought I lost her once.

But never again.