Page 7 of Bond & Claim


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The revelations about our connections to Anya create a web of intrigue and complexity, leaving me with more questions than answers. The Knot Head Forbidden Forest, with its enigmatic aura and the mysterious mission that awaits us, seems to be the backdrop for a convergence of lives and relationships that transcend time and circumstance.

“Anya, you need to give us a moment,” Roarke suddenly snaps, his tone firm and resolute. “We need to talk...”

Anya’s brow furrows, and her irritation is palpable. “Just the men?” She snaps back, her voice laced with frustration. “Why?”

Roarke hesitates for a moment, as if carefully choosing his words. “There are things we need to discuss that may not be suitable for everyone to hear just yet,” he finally replies, his gaze steady on Anya.

“Me?” Her hands fall on her hips as she takes a defiant stance. “That Theo guy clearly wanted me to be a part of this mission as well, so why can’t I know everything?”

His eyes flicker with annoyance, and maybe something else underneath the surface. “You will know everything. Just not yet.”

“Well, that seems silly…” Anya’s lips press into a thin line, clearly torn between her curiosity and her frustration at being excluded from the conversation. “Fine,” she concedes, her voice clipped. “But make it quick, and don’t keep any secrets.”

With a nod of agreement, Roarke leads the rest of us away from Anya, putting some distance between us and the woman who seems to be at the center of this mysterious mission.

As we huddle away from Anya in the dimly lit depths of the Knot Head Forbidden Forest, Roarke begins to share his concerns and the instructions he believes are crucial for our mission. His words carry a sense of urgency, and I can’t help but listen intently, eager to understand the complexities of the task at hand.

“Anya can’t find out that we’re wolf shifters,” Roarke begins, his voice low and serious. “It’s essential to keep this information from her.”

I exchange a puzzled glance with Wyatt, Lucas, and Owen, all of us trying to grasp the significance of Roarke’s statement. The forest’s eerie silence seems to amplify the tension in the air.

“Why not?” I finally ask, unable to contain my curiosity. “Anya is part of this mission, and it’s clear that we’re all connected. She should know what we’re dealing with.”

Roarke’s expression hardens, and his voice takes on a stern tone. “I understand your concern, but there are reasons for this decision. I know what I’m doing, okay? There’s a reason I’m Alpha.”

I can’t help but feel a sense of frustration and unease. An essential part of our mission is shrouded in secrecy, and the decision to keep Anya in the dark feels like a betrayal of trust.

“But she’s a part of our mating round,” I argue, my voice tinged with determination. “She deserves to know the truth, and we should trust her with it.”

Roarke’s gaze holds a mix of sympathy and resolve. “I understand your perspective, but I’ve made my decision. I don’t need to be questioned on it.”

The weight of Roarke’s decision hangs heavy in the air, and I exchange glances with the others, realizing that our leader’s determination leaves little room for negotiation. We reluctantly agree to keep our shifter identities a secret from Anya, but the unease lingers, casting a shadow over our mission.

I don’t like this. I don’t like it one bit. Anya has always been a magnetic presence, even from the moment I moved in next door. I’ve spent years fighting my feelings for her, convincing myself that it was for the best because I don’t think she should know about my true nature. But something has brought us here together. There is a reason she’s in the midst of this, and I truly think it’s time to be honest.

As we make our way back towards Anya, a sense of determination surges within me. Roarke’s insistence on keeping our shifter identities a secret from her doesn’t sit right with me, especially considering the depth of my feelings for her. I can’t bear to hide my emotions any longer, and I’ve made up my mind to tell her the truth.

Pulling Roarke aside, I speak in a hushed tone, my voice filled with conviction. “Roarke, I can’t keep this secret from Anya.”

“Why not?” he growls.

A heat burns through me but I keep pushing on. “Because… I have feelings for her. I have for a very long time, and this feels like the perfect chance to see where things could go… The only reason I haven’t made a move yet is because she doesn’t know the truth about me, but this feels like the perfect time to tell her everything…”

Roarke’s eyes narrow, and a surge of anger flashes across his face. Before I can react, he shoves me up against a tree, his strength evident in the force of the gesture. His voice is a low growl as he leans in close.

“You better not say a word about us,” he warns, his eyes locked on mine with a fierce intensity. “I have no intention of forming a mating round with Anya at the center, and I won’t let your feelings jeopardize the mission.”

The weight of his words hits me like a blow, and I feel a mixture of frustration and resignation. Roarke’s determination to protect Anya and the mission is unwavering, and he’s made it clear that my feelings must remain hidden.

I nod, acknowledging his stance, but the turmoil within me remains. The forest’s eerie silence seems to echo the inner conflict that rages within, as I grapple with the decision to keep my emotions a secret from Anya, a woman who has become an integral part of my life.

As I stand there, pinned against the tree, I make a silent promise to myself. I’ll find a way to protect Anya and our secret, but I won’t hide my heart any longer. This mission, with all its mysteries and dangers, has brought us together for a reason, and I intend to follow my heart, even if it leads us into uncharted territory.

I allow Roarke to vent his frustrations and assert his rank as Alpha. It’s not my nature to challenge him openly, especially when it comes to the delicate balance of our shifter identities. If he believes that concealing our true nature is essential to the success of this mission, then I’ll bide my time and respect his wishes.

I’ve waited for years to reveal my true feelings for Anya, and I can wait a little longer if that’s what it takes. The mission will span a full year, and once it’s over, I’ll find the right moment to tell her everything. Until then, I’ll be there for Anya just as I’ve always been, offering my support and friendship whenever she needs it.

It won’t be easy, keeping my emotions in check, but I’m willing to do whatever it takes to protect Anya and ensure the success of our mission. Roarke may have his reasons, and I’ll trust his judgment for now, even as my heart aches with the desire to reveal the truth and claim the love I’ve kept hidden for far too long.

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