Bound By Blood.

ch.41~ Hunting.

"Where the fuck are you?"

Recovered Translated correspondents between Death Eater Mattheo Riddle, to Order Member, Alexandra Brooks, 2003.

The Riddle Manor, 2003.

Mattheo.

I've spent the last four hours trying to calm the fuck down.

Trying to validate myself on why I choked Theo, at the mention of a girl who shouldn't mean a damned thing to me anymore.

Trying to validate myself on why I even let my feelings erupt like that, on what I was doing so wrong that I was now being left out of missions.

Perhaps Draco is right, I am slipping.

And ill be fucking damned if I let myself do that.

I worked too hard, to get where I am today.

Too hard to move backwards, to allow a girl who I fully mourned, to show up and throw the world on its fucking axis.

And right after this conversation with Draco, I'll have everything I need to let it go.

There was a sharp knock on the door, and before I could respond, it swung open, revealing Draco with his trademark smirk etched across his features.

The moment I locked eyes with him, I felt the familiar spark of irritation—though it was quickly overshadowed by the simmering anger still boiling in my veins.

"Malfoy," I drawled, trying to keep my emotions at bay,"You owe me an explanation."

He crossed my arms defiantly, "Care to clarify what exactly you're talking about?"

"Don't play with me. Why did you go on a mission without me?" I stepped closer, my gaze steady and unyielding, "And involving a direct order member, no less?"

"Cut the shit, Mattheo!" he barked back, his patience wearing thin. "This isn't about you not being on the mission. You only care because Brooks was there. That's the only reason you're asking."

I clenched my jaw, resisting the urge to lunge at him. "And if I did? She's still a liability."

"Don't act like it's about that," Draco shot back, his cool demeanor slipping. "I didn't buy a single word you said downstairs. I'm not an idiot. Everyone sees it, and trust me when I say I will tell your father if you keep this up."

I couldn't help it; a harsh laugh escaped my lips, cutting through the tension in the room like a knife. "Really, Malfoy? You think you can threaten me? You're in no position to be throwing around ultimatums. Remember who you're dealing with."

Draco's expression shifted, his eyes narrowing with a mix of irritation and disbelief. "You think I care about who you are? If you keep getting distracted, it'll cost us—"

"Cost us? Is that what you're worried about?" I interrupted, stepping closer, my voice low and taunting. "Please. You're not my keeper, and you certainly don't dictate my choices. You can't drop my fathers name as if it's some sort threat that'll make me act right. I know exactly who I answer to, and it isn't you."

Draco's jaw clenched, the frustration bubbling just beneath the surface, but I could see the flicker of wariness break through his bravado.

I leaned in closer, my voice barely above a whisper. "So do yourself a favor and get the fuck out of my office. If you're so concerned about my behavior, tell Zabini I need him. Perhaps he'll actually be useful today."