Bonds

Chapter 43 -Maya's POV- The soft hum of conversation drifted from the phone pressed against my ear, momentarily pullingaway from the half-finished sketch on my desk. Natalia's voice, usually a source of comfort and calm, held a tinge of concern that sent a jolt through me.

"Earth to Amaya," she repeated, her voice laced with amusement.

"Shit, I'm so sorry," I blurted out, snapping back to attention. "I wasn't listening to you." The apology tumbled from my lips before! could even process the fact that I had zoned out in the middle of our conversation. I couldn't see her, but I could practically picture her rolling her eyes on the other end of the line.

"Of course you weren't," she replied, a playful scold in her voice. "As I was saying, I don't know, but I have a bad feeling about this whole thing. I know your father, Amaya. He's a ruthless businessman, through and through but also an s I e. I don't see him willingly signing away power like that." It was as if she was peering directly into my mind, reading the doubts and anxieties that had been swirling there for days. Natalia had always possessed an uncanny ability to understand me, to anticipate my thoughts and feelings. It was one of the things! cherished most about our friendship.

"It almost feels like he strong-armed you into it," she continued, her voice turning serious. "Think about it. He stands to gain everything from this merger - leading two of the most powerful packs in the entire city. The influence, the resources..." Her voice trailed off, but the unspoken implication hung heavy in the air.

I let out a long sigh, the sound echoing in the sudden silence that followed her words. The truth was, I had been kicking myself ever since I agreed to the merger and I couldn't help but wonder why, Ivan had proven himself tand again, standing bythrough thick and thin.

"I don't know, Nat," I admitted, frustration creeping into my voice. "He hasn't givenany reason to doubt him. He's been nothing but supportive, helpful but still..." My voice trailed off.

"And the lawyer, still nothing?" Natalia asked.

I huffed out a breath. "Still nothing. Which isn't exactly helping my paranoia levels. I mean, how am I supposed to have a conversation with my father about all this when I can't even see him?” A beat of silence followed, then she spoke, her voice calm and measured. “Listen, Amaya, I understand your doubts. This whole situation is suspicious as hell. But still Ivan has consistently proven himself to be trustworthy, reliable. I think we are both just overthinking it." I chewed on my lower lip, a small spark of guilt flickering to life within me. She was right. Ivan had been nothing short of amazing these past few weeks. He had helpednavigate the chaos surrounding my return, provided unwavering support during the whole Petrov debacle, and had even taken in my children. He just seemed too good to be true.

"He has, hasn't he? Maybe it's really all in our heads, "I conceded, the words tumbling out in a soft murrnur. "Exactly. Look, I'm not saying you should blindly trust everyone. That would be foolish. But in this case, give Ivan the benefit of the doubt. He's earned it, wouldn't you say?" 61% Chapter 43 1 thought back to all the times Ivan had been there for me, the way he had looked atwith genuine care and concern in his eyes. The evidence, I had to admit, pointed towards his sincerity.

"Yeah, I guess he has," I finally admitted, a hint of a reluctant smile playing on my lips.

"There you go." She said, a triumphant lilt in her voice. "Now, how about we get you back to focusing on those fabulous designs of yours? The world needs your creativity, Amaya, not your worries." "Alright, alright," I conceded with a sigh, pushing away from the desk and rolling my shoulders back. The tension had been knotting my muscles, and Natalia's voice, laced with reason, had finally managed to loosen the grip. "You're right. Maybe I am letting the past color my judgment a little too much," Suddenly, a light, teasing voice cut in. “Personal calls aren't allowed during work hours, are they?" I jolted upwards, the phone nearly tumbling from my grasp. Startled, I met the gaze of a woman, the sperson who had usheredthe day I interviewed standing in my doorway, a mischievous smile playing on her lips, her bright green eyes sparkled with amusement.

"Oh!" I stammered, quickly ending the call and shoving the phone into my pocket. "I, uh, I didn't realize anyone was there." I scrambled to compose myself, trying to project a more professional air.

The woman chuckled, a friendly sound that instantly putat ease. “No worries," she said, waving a dismissive hand. “I'm not here to play hall monitor. Honestly, this whole 'no personal calls thing is a bit ridiculous. Everyone sneaks in a chat here and there." She sauntered further into the room, extending a hand towards me, "We haven't had the opportunity to properly meet. I'm Sarah O'Brien, and letbe the first to officially welcyou to Lunar Designs." A genuine smile spread across my face as I grasped her hand. Her grip was firm, and her eyes held a warmth that was both disarming and inviting. "Seeing that you gavea boost of confidence when I interviewed, I am guessing you already know my name," I replied, returning her greeting. "And thanks, it's good to be here." "Really good to have you on board," She declared, her voice brimming with enthusiasm. "We've been needing a fresh set of eyes in the design department for ages. Ms. Edwards can be a bit... stuck in her ways sometimes.” She winked conspiratorially.

Intrigued, I leaned back in my chair. "Really? She seems nice enough." Sarah's comment piqued my curiosity about the company dynamic.

She snorted. "You don't need to sugar coat it. She is a force to be reckoned and sometimes she is scary, not only that, it's hard for her to embrace change but don't worry," she said with a sly grin. "That's where we cin, the creative rebels. And with you on our team, we might just be able to finally shake things up a bit. She went on and on how your designs were different from what she expected, she wasn't eager but even she couldn't deny that your creativity wowed her." Her infectious enthusiasm sparked a flicker of excitement within me. The idea of collaborating with a team of passionate designers, even if it meant navigating scorporate politics, suddenly seemed like a thrilling challenge.

"So, telleverything." I said, leaning forward in my chair. "How do things work around here? Who are the key players I need to know about? And most importantly, who should I be... mindful of?" Her eyes gleamed with mischief. "Ah, now you're asking the real questions," she said, e up, because you're about to get a crash course in Lunar Designs 101." 6180

And with that, she launched into a detailed explanation of the company hierarchy, peppering her narrative with juicy tidbits about the different personalities, unspoken rules, and hidden power dynamics within the design department. By the tthe clock struck lunchtime, I had a much clearer picture of the landscape I was navigating. More importantly, I had found an unexpected ally in Sarah.

As we headed out for lunch together, a newfound sense of confidence е surged through me. Sure, there would be challenges, but with Sarah By My side! felt ready to face them head-on. And who knows, maybe together, we could even shake things up a bit at Lunar Designs but my stomach lurched as her playful demeanor vanished, replaced by a sudden seriousness.

She stoppedright before the doorway, her hand reaching out to clasp my arm. "There's something else you should know, Amaya," she said, her voice low, “The reason I'm so happy you got this job... well, it's not just about your amazing designs." My brow furrowed in confusion. "There's more?" She offered a smile. “We don't get many like us here at Lunar Designs.

My confusion deepened. "Like you?" I asked, hesitantly voicing the question that hung heavy in the air.

Her eyes, a bright emerald green just moments ago, flickered then turned completely to black. The gasp escaped my lips before i could stop it.

They returned to normal, "I'm just like you, Amaya," she said, her eyes locking with mine. "I am a werewolf." X