THE FALTERED BOND

Ava | Chap. 7

My hand clutches my chest. It began with the sound of glass shattering onto the floor, then a brief silence gave way to a cacophony of shouts. I had been asked by Alexandra to wait at the dining table where she'd eventually join me, brows knitted in concern. She'd remain quiet so far though,

thumbs twirling as she sighs for the fifth time, eyes riveted towards the hallway.

The chaos above finally settles with a heavy silence and I hold my breath; a strange sensation, similar to that of before, prods the back of my mind. A burning heat rises in my chest, boiling my veins with what feels to be anger when a gentle voice reaches my ears and snaps me out of it: "Ma'am?" My eyes rise to those of a petite female standing by my side. She speaks gently at my reaction. "Are you alright, ma'am?"

Seconds pass before I process her question. "Y-yes."

Her smile doesn't waver and she gingerly places a steaming hot bowl of soup in front of me. "Bon appetit." She bows and dismisses herself from the room.

The bowl's sweet smell tingles my senses, making my mouth water with envy. A low growl rumbles in my stomach as a reminder I hadn't eaten anything since I left my home. I dip my spoon into the soup and raise it to my mouth. The warm broth delightfully coats my tongue as aromas of carrot, cabbage, corn and green peas dance onto my taste buds. I smile and quickly dive for another mouthful.

As I continue my meal, a small gust lifts whisks when Alexandra trots across the room and leaps forward with open arms. Large arms wrap around her, pulls her in for a passionate kiss and exchanges a few words before Alex turns towards me. Walking forward, her hand seemed incredibly small compared to the following man's giant digits as she pulls him to the table.

"Ava, I'd like you to meet my husband-''

I can't hold my excitement when my eyes settle on the honey blond male. "Cade!"

He chuckles warmly. "Ava! Good to see you again. How are you feeling, kid?"

I feel my cheeks heat at his words. "I'm good. Thank you."

"Well-" Alex chimes in happily. "I believe you two have met already?" She cocks a cheeky brow.

"Cade helped me find my way to the ceremony." I recall the event fondly, once again relieved he'd shown up to fend off the other males.

Her lips peck his cheek. "He's always been such a gentleman.''

Seeing the two interact, I catch a small twinge of envy nipping at the back of my mind. To have someone love me the way they seem to love each other. I sigh, acknowledging the yawning pit of dread forming in my stomach. Unlike other wolves, Omegas are born sterile, invalid. We can't form a mate bond. We can't conceive children. Thus we aren't worthy of claiming a spouse. I gaze somberly at my plate, my appetite lost. I push away my food and turn to the couple, catching the end of their conversation.

"... That slimy- I'm going to rip his entrails!" I blink, taken aback by Alex's sudden change of tone.

Cade's thumbs trace gentle circles on her shoulders. "Easy there, girl. I'll make sure he's properly punished for his behaviour, no need to be so feisty."

She whimpers, lips curved into a tiny pout. Cade grins and gently kisses her forehead, her lips rising once again. The gesture made me grin as well, affected by their contagious smiles. I force my gaze away as I realize I'd been staring, only to feel my heart drop when I saw Jace looming in the hallway. His forest eyes pierce into my own, immediately hooking me in his gaze before I promptly look away, hot with shame.

The atmosphere became of ice, his voice seething with anger. ''Cade.'' A collective gasp rose from the couple.

Alex's sigh is loud. "Oh what is it now-" Cade hushes her to silence, turning to Jace as he approaches.

"Sir?

- What's that doing here?" His glare sets my skin ablaze, the sting of tears rising behind my eyes.

Cade's voice seathes in reply. "She is under the Weston pack's protection now. She will be treated as such.

- This family's protection ain't worth shit, and you fucking know it, lapdog. I want her out." The atmosphere crackles, storming with tension.

Cade's breath deepens through tight jaws. He's trying to remain calm. "I only follow orders from Alpha Xavier. If you have any say on the matter, by all means, speak to him. But I assure you, no harm will come to this girl. Not under my watch."

A shiver runs down my spine at Cade's tone, a sudden wave of fear tightening its icy grip around my chest. I could hardly breathe. I dare a look towards the two males, watching them silently assess each other's strength.

Jace sneeres between gritted teeth. "Keep her out of my sight." At that, he turns and leaves a trail of ice in his wake.

My shoulders loosen with a sigh and I swallow thickly. Guilt claws into my stomach, churning my entrails like thorns; why is he defending me? Alex's heels click hastily as she joins Cade, whispering gently to his ear, turning to me with worry in their eyes. I gaze down, guilt clawing my chest.

"Are you alright sweetheart?" Alex's voice is empathetic, but strewn with petty. I can only nod when her hands gingerly slide into my own. Her thumbs stroke circles over my palms, soothing my tangled nerves. "Ava. Jace will never hurt you. We won't let him, or anyone hurt you." Gazing into her eyes, I'm hooked by the fierce flame burning brightly within them. "I promise.''

A warm spark traverses from the tip of my hands and courses its way through my entire body. I gasp, shivers crawling through my skin as tough I'd been tickled by a feather. Relief loosens my shoulders and I release a gentle sigh. I wish nothing more than to relish in this place's luxuries and allow myself to relax, but part of me knew better. I school my face, plaster a smile and nod.

Alex doesn't seem to notice, smiling back as she stands and turns to Cade. ''Would you like to give her a tour? I'll take care of Jace-'' her teeth clenche at the name; ''if needed. You two should get to know each other.

- Only if you're comfortable.'' Cade adds, turning towards me.''

My lips part to speak, but something holds me back and I quickly close them. I'm not pleased with the thought of roaming around with a stranger, but a little voice encourages me to follow through; perhaps I'll enjoy it.

I give in. "Sure, I could use a little fresh air."

He blinks happily, lips lifted into a soft grin. I stand, thanking Cade with a nod as he invites me to lock arms with his. Heat immediately flushes my cheeks. Quietly, we head to the far end of the kitchen, his steps slow and gentle compared to my small, quick strides as I try to match his pace.

I briefly stop to a halt while Cade slides the French glass door open, inviting many enticing smells to enter the room. We step forward. My eyes wince at the blinding light, the white wall melting away as my vision adjusts to reveal a sea of colors; a garden rose.

-*-

Greetings readers! Thank you for making this book reach 15k views I am eternally grateful. I apologize for the sudden silence, I've had many inconveniences happen back home and wasn't able to update the story.
I'll do my best to keep a steady pace however for now, expect a little sword update rythm.
Take care!