Bonds

Chapter 63 Maya's POV- I stared at Nate, who was cuddling Ivy's sleep form, and finally let out a sigh. The two of them might be a war zone when they were awake, but they were still inseparable. I couldn't help but smile at the sight of them, so peaceful and innocent. I let out another sigh and closed the door gently, not wanting to wake them. As I walked to the sitting room, I felt a sense of relief wash over me. I had made the right decision in leaving Ivan's house. I couldn't stay there, not after the way he had spoken to Alex, like I was nothing but a common object.

As I entered the sitting room, I saw Natalia curled up against Nathan, and I couldn't help but smile again. They were meant to be. I had always known it. Nathan just needed a push in the right direction, more like a punch in his face. I had been more than happy to help.

Natalia, attuned to her woll, had almost completely healed from her injuries, something I was grateful for. Sarah had almost healed by the tthey left and Riley was the least affected by the impact.

Natalia sensed my presence. Without a words she moved away from Nathan, smiling atthen patted the couch, creating space in the middle. There was no hesitation. I sat down between them, and they both hugged me, holdingtight. It was like old times, when they would hugin college, givingcomfort when things got tough with my father. We just stayed. In silence.

As we hugged, I couldn't help but think about my mother's words.

Jeremiah.

The brother I never got to meet.

The brother who was killed by Alex's father.

I closed my eyes, trying to process it all. It was a lot to take in, and I hadn't allowed myself to think about it too much. Natalia broke the hug, "You know this is the first place Ivan will come, right?" she asked, her voice soft but serious. I sighed, knowing she was right. "Yes, I know. But I couldn't stay there. I'll deal with him when he comes." I paused, thinking about Ivan's words, the. "I mean, he's been nothing but perfect, but you should have seen the way he talked aboutto Alex. Like I was a common object. I don't know who he thinks he is." Nathan spoke up, his voice firm and supportive. "We'll deal with him together, Amaya. You're not alone." As we sat there, holding each other, the silence that followed was palpable. It was as if we were all lost in our own thoughts, processing the events of the past few days. I broke the silence, "I saw Adrian." Nathan and Natalia looked at me, their eyes locked on mine, their faces expressionless. I continued, my words spilling out in a rush. "When i left the parking lot, I didn't stop running. I got lost, and when I turned my head, he was standing right there. He looked so different. Scary. There was an emptiness to his eyes, and worst of all? He wants revenge on Alex for what he did." I paused, taking a deep breath. "And then he askedto help. I told him I didn't want to be part of any vendetta he had against Alex, but i don't think it's over. He said he's been watching us. Every single one of us since he got out." e. "What is it?" Nathan asked, his voice low and even.

Natalia shifted uncomfortably, her eyes darting to Nathan and then back to me.

She hesitated before speaking. "I didn't say anything because I didn't want to bother you, but...I've been feeling like there was someone watching me. Shadowing me." She added quickly, when Nathan's eyes started to darken, “I can take care of myself, I just didn't want to bother you." Nathan's face darkened, his eyes flashing with anger." I know you can take care of yourself, but with everything that happened in the past ReelShort ILINTALI 190%2 Chapter 63 with Adrian, you should have told me. You should have toldthe moment you felt like someone was watching you." Natalia flinched, her eyes dropping in shame. “I'm sorry, Nathan. I didn't want to bother you, I didn't want to add to your stress." I sighed sadly, feeling a weight of guilt settle on my shoulders. "I'm really sorry your lives are unending because of me. I mean, if I had Just listened to my father and stayed away from Alex, maybe-* But Natalia interrupted me, her voice firm and gentle. "Ivy and Nate wouldn't exist. You would have taken away the chance for the world to know those beautiful little souls." I felt a lump form in my throat as Natalia turned to Nathan, looking at him with love and apology in her eyes. "I should have told you.. I really am sorry.

Nathan's face softened, his eyes filling with understanding. He nodded, his voice gentle before fixing his gaze on me. "Daniel Stone is an asshole. Anyone who meets him will know that, so don't ever think agreeing with him would have been the right thing to do. Besides, you make our lives Interesting." I barked out a laugh, feeling a wave of relief wash over me. Natalia wiped the tears from my eyes, her touch gentle. "We love you unconditionally, Amaya. Always have and always will." Nathan nodded in agreement, his eyes never leaving mine. "We're in this together, always. And we'll face whatever comes next, as a family." Just as we were having a moment of peace, a loud banging sounded at the door, shattering the calm atmosphere. I let out a groan, feeling frustrated that I couldn't even have a little quiet twith my best friends. "Amaya, please, I need to talk to you," Ivan's voice echoed through the door.

Nathan stood up to answer it, but I stopped him, my hand on his arm. "This is my problem, Nathan. I don't want anyone's blood on my hands. I'll go talk to him." I walked to the door, feeling a sense of trepidation, I opened it, and Ivan's handsfeatures greeted me. He immediately wrapped his arms around me, pullingclose. "I thought something happened to you," he said, his voice laced with worry. "I'm so sorry." I allowed myself to stay frozen for a moment, feeling a mix of emotions. Part ofwas touched by his concern, but another part ofwas angry at his audacity. I pushed him off, taking a step back. We both stared at each other for a moment, the tension between us evident.

Then, he sighed, running a hand through his hair. "You're mad at me," he stated, his eyes filled with regret.

"I'm not your property, Ivan," I said, my voice firm but calm.."I appreciate everything you've done for me, but don't ever think you can own