Page 23 of Bond & Claim


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I try to make her understand, “Anya, I’m not saying we should abandon our humanity. But we have to find a balance. Our mission is too crucial to be compromised by impulsive decisions.”

Anya’s eyes flash with frustration and determination. “So, what, Roarke? I’m never allowed to make my own decision again?”

Our voices clash in the cave, a storm of conflicting philosophies and emotions. It’s a challenging moment for both of us, a reminder that leadership isn’t just about giving orders; it’s also about understanding and adapting to the diverse perspectives within the pack.

“I’m the one who makes tough decisions...” I retort, my voice tinged with frustration.

“Oh, Roarke, you have no idea the tough decisions I have had to face. When you left me and Ryan…” Anya’s words hang heavily in the air, a stark reminder of a past I had tried to leave behind.

Ryan. The name cuts through the tension like a knife. She doesn’t speak of him as if he were a past lover; instead, it sounds like... but no, it couldn’t be. My heart races, and unease settles in my stomach. I feel the primal urge to shift, to regain control over my emotions, and I struggle to keep it at bay.

Anya’s face suddenly contorts with guilt, and I can’t help but study her closely. What is she hiding? Why does the mention of Ryan elicit such a reaction? The weight of unanswered questions presses on me, and I know that I need to confront her about this, no matter how uncomfortable it may be.

“Who the hell is Ryan?” I demand, my voice laced with a mix of anger and confusion.

Some sort of resolve settles over her, and the guilt fades to a sneer. She says, “You were in such a huge hurry to go, you never found out that you’d gotten me pregnant. With a son. Your son.”

The words hit me like a freight train, leaving me momentarily speechless. A flood of emotions surges through me—shock, disbelief, and a profound sense of regret. How could I have been so blind to not realize I had a son? The guilt of my actions, of leaving Anya without knowing the truth, weighs heavily on me.

“Son?” I gasp. She nods. “I have a… a son.”

Anguish like I’ve never felt before rips through me, leaving my head reeling. It’s a potent mix of regret, anger, and the overwhelming knowledge that I’ve missed out on years of my son’s life. I can’t process it all in this moment, and I’m running on pure instinct now.

Like an insolent pup, I shift and take Anya by a bunch of fabric on the back of her neck. My wolf instincts have taken over, and I storm out of the cavern, my pace fast and furious. Every step is fueled by the need to clear my mind, to make sense of this revelation.

As the cool forest air rushes past me, I can’t help but think about the years I’ve lost with my son, the moments that can never be reclaimed. It’s a heavy burden to bear, and I know that there are countless questions that need answers. But for now, I need to find solace in the solitude of the wilderness, where I can grapple with the truth that has just been thrust upon me.

I run through the forest in wolf form, my powerful legs propelling me forward with a speed and grace that only a shifter could possess. Despite the turmoil swirling within me, I can’t help but feel a sense of freedom as I sprint through the trees, the cool breeze rustling my fur.

My instincts have led me to steal Anya, to stay close to her even as anger and confusion churn in my chest. There’s an undeniable connection between us, one that goes beyond mere pack bonds. She’s the mother of my child, a son I never knew existed until today, and the woman I left behind when I made the painful decision to depart years ago.

But now, everything has changed. The revelation about Ryan has shattered the fragile equilibrium we had maintained. I have so many questions, so many emotions surging through me, and I can’t find the answers alone in the wilderness.

As I continue to trail, my thoughts race. I need to confront her, to understand the truth, and to figure out how to navigate this new chapter in our lives. It won’t be easy, and I know there will be challenges ahead, but I can’t deny the pull that draws me back to her.

In the heart of the forest, where the world is painted in shades of green and the air is filled with the scents of nature, I chase after Anya, determined to unravel the secrets that bind us together and to find a way forward in this unexpected journey.

TEN

ANYA

Why did I do that? What is wrong with me?

As Roarke runs with me clutched gently in his mouth, I can’t help but replay the heated argument that just transpired in the cave. My mind races, and I’m filled with a mix of emotions—anger, regret, and a deep sense of unease. That was not how I had planned on telling Roarke about our son, the existence of the child he never knew he had.

I’m supposed to be good at communicating, that’s my job, right? But somehow, in the heat of the argument, the truth had spilled out like a torrent. I hadn’t meant for it to happen this way, and I can’t believe how easily it slipped past my lips.

I glance up at Roarke’s wolf form as he carries me through the dense forest. His eyes, though filled with anger and confusion earlier, now seem to hold a mixture of concern and determination. I know that we need to talk, to confront the reality of our shared past and the unexpected revelation of our child.

The bond between us is undeniable, forged through shared experiences and emotions. But it’s also fragile, and I fear that the revelation about Ryan has fractured it irreparably. We have a long and difficult journey ahead of us, one filled with uncertainty and challenges.

But he isn’t stopping yet, and that’s what has my head spinning.

As Roarke carries me in his powerful jaws, we ascend higher and higher up the rugged mountain terrain. The sensation is both exhilarating and dizzying, the world spinning around us as we climb to a place far removed from the cave mouth and the rest of our pack. I can’t help but feel a rush of fear and uncertainty, and I suspect the other wolves are equally hesitant to follow us. We are alone now, and it’s a daunting prospect.

The mountain stretches before us, its towering peaks and jagged cliffs creating a breathtaking yet intimidating backdrop. The wind whistles through the crags and the scent of pine and earth fills the air. We are surrounded by the untamed wilderness, a stark reminder of the primal world we inhabit.

Fear gnaws at me, not just for the unexpected turn our conversation took but also for the uncertain future that lies ahead. Our bond is at a crossroads, and I’m not sure where it will lead us. The journey up this mountain symbolizes the challenges we face, the uphill climb to understanding and forgiveness.

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