BOND

chapter 5

Damon Francesco

Damon's mind went blank as he gazed into his mate's captivating green eyes. For the first time in his life, he was at a loss for words. His usual confidence and alpha demeanor deserted him, leaving him feeling vulnerable and unsure.

As he closed the gap between them, his heart pounded in his chest like a drum. He couldn't help but be drawn to Xaden's beauty, his delicate features, and his intoxicating scent.

Damon's hands trembled slightly as he placed them on either side of Xaden's head, his fingers tangling in his hair. He pinned Xaden against the wall, his body pressing against his, and his face inches from his.

Xaden's eyes widened, fear and uncertainty etched on his face. Damon saw the faint scent of fear wafting from him, and his wolf, Zephyr, growled softly, urging him to comfort their mate.

As he tilted Xaden's head, his nose brushed against his neck, chasing the addictive aroma. Damon's eyes fluttered closed, his senses overwhelmed by the sweet, smoky scent.

Xaden's heart raced beneath him, and Damon felt his own pulse pounding in response.

"Mine," Damon whispered, his voice barely audible. Zephyr hummed in agreement, their claim on Xaden solidifying.

Damon's eyes snapped open, his gaze locking onto Xaden's. He saw the fear and uncertainty there, but also a glimmer of curiosity.

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Damon's nose was buried in the crook of Xaden's neck, inhaling the intoxicating scent that drove him wild. But before he could fully process the aroma, a fist connected with his jaw, sending him stumbling back.

As he regained his footing, Damon's eyes locked onto Xaden's, and his mind reeled in shock. His mate... was a male. A freaking male! Not a female, as he had always assumed.

Damon's laughter erupted like a manic, uncontrollable force. He couldn't believe it. His mate, the one person destined to be his, was a human male. It was too much to handle.

"You've got to be kidding me, Zephyr!" Damon exclaimed, still chuckling maniacally. "Our mate is a human male? What's next? The moon turning pink?"

Zephyr growled, "Damon, stop laughing. This is serious."

Damon's laugher slowly subsided,replaced by a mix of frustration.

Damon's eyes narrowed, his voice icy. "Zephyr, this is unacceptable. A human male mate? Pathetic."

Zephyr growled, "Damon, don't be foolish. Our mate needs us."

Damon's tone turned glacial. "Needs us? Ha! I don't need anyone, especially not some fragile human."

Zephyr snarled, "You're not thinking clearly, Damon. Our mate's scent is unmistakable."

Damon's expression twisted in disgust. "That's precisely the problem. I'm stuck with a weak, human mate. This is a disaster."

Zephyr's voice remained steady. "You'll protect him, Damon. It's our duty."

Damon's laughter was cold, mirthless. "Duty? You think I care about duty? I care about power, control. And this... human... is a liability."

Zephyr's growl turned menacing. "You'll do what's right, Damon. Even if it kills you."

Damon's eyes flashed with anger, but his tone remained icy. "We'll see about that, Zephyr."

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Xaden rorison

Xaden's eyes locked onto the tall, dark-haired man as he entered the cell. His broad shoulders and chiseled features seemed to fill the space, and his brown eyes gleamed with an intensity that made Xaden's heart race.