Fated hearts

Chapter 5-Fractures and Fears

Mum

Her life has been a nightmare since Ava’s escape. Alpha Orion had sent his men to retrieve everything he had ever given them — and they ransacked the entire house, taking even the things he never gifted. They claimed those items were “compensation” for the money already spent.

Then there were the creditors. Every day someone showed up at their doorstep or called her husband, threatening what would happen if he didn’t pay up.

“I’m giving you grace,” Orion had said coldly. “Two weeks. If I don’t see Ava by then, I’ll lock both of you up until she appears.”

How could one man be so cruel? She thanked the moon that Ava hadn’t mated with him.

Against her better judgment, she had gone to Lucas’s pack to see if they knew where he had taken her daughter. But they had no answers.

“You know this union is forbidden,” she snapped at them in frustration. “Your pack and ours do not — and will never — mate. You’re inferior to us.”

Lucas’s mother scoffed. “So what? Should we tie a rope to our son to stop him from falling in love with someone from a ‘superior’ pack?”

Then she struck deeper.

“All of this wouldn’t have happened if you hadn’t agreed to sell your only daughter to repay a debt.”

Ava’s mother slapped her before she could stop herself. Lucas’s mother retaliated instantly, and within seconds both women were clawing and hitting each other. Lucas’s father and brother rushed in to separate them.

“If I don’t see my daughter in forty-eight hours,” Ava’s mother warned as she caught her breath, “I’ll be back — and I won’t come alone.”

“Get out of my house, Madam Superior!” Lucas’s mother shouted. “Go and look for your daughter instead of disturbing us!”

Back home, her husband scolded her gently. “You shouldn’t have gone there alone.”

“I’m desperate,” she whispered. “No one knows what Orion is capable of.”

“So even if we find Ava, you’re ready to hand her over to that monster?” he asked incredulously.

“I just want to be sure she’s safe,” she sighed.

“She is safe. She’s with someone who loves her — someone she loves in return.” He touched her shoulder. “I’ve made up my mind. Orion can do whatever he wants to me, but I will never hand Ava over.”

She nodded quietly, still troubled. “Is Justin back from his journey? I need to speak with him.”

“I haven’t seen him,” her husband replied. “And I need answers too. He convinced me to invest. He introduced me to the creditors. He persuaded me to consider Orion’s proposal. Why disappear now of all times?”

“Let’s not judge him yet,” she murmured. “Not until we hear his side.”

---

Lucas

I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve wondered what’s happening in Moonsville. The last time Henry called, he told me how Ava’s mum came to our pack threatening everyone. I’m torn between my love for Ava and the loyalty I owe my family. But I can’t give Ava up — not when she refuses to go back, fully aware of the fate waiting for her.

Today she started work as a bookshop assistant. My boss, who has a soft spot for me, spoke to a friend who needed someone urgently. Ava was thrilled.

I would have called to check on her first day, but she still doesn’t have a phone — she left hers behind in Moonsville. I just pray she isn’t stressed.

“The boss wants you,” Sandra, the cleaner, informs me. She’s had her eyes on me since my first day here, but I’m not interested. I try to remain polite even when she gets irritating.

“Thank you,” I say.

“You know I’m always here for you, shika,” she purrs.

I roll my eyes when she can’t see. She’s beautiful, no doubt, but my heart belongs completely to Ava. I love her like breath itself — losing her would destroy me.

My phone rings. It’s Henry...my brother.

“What’s up?” I ask. My heart tightens; his calls often carry bad news about our disappearance.

But today he just wants to talk — brotherly updates, quick jokes about home.

“Ava started work today,” I tell him.

“Hmm… isn’t that too soon? She should have waited. The Alpha has sent people everywhere searching for her.”

I sigh. “We need the money, Henry. We both do.”

We talk a little more before hanging up. Sandra walks past again, smiling seductively, but I barely notice. My mind is full — weighed down by the danger Ava and I are in.

---

Ava

I’m happy. Truly happy. I finally started work today. Ten dollars an hour for four hours — a good shift, and mine is in the morning. I leave with Lucas at dawn and return home as soon as my shift ends at noon. Lucas insists I go straight home and nowhere else.

Customers stroll in and out, and I help them find what they need. The shop is warm, crowded with books, and pleasantly busy.

A group of young girls walks in. One of them heads toward the shelves, and I approach her with a polite smile.

“Hi. Are you looking for anything specific?”

They turn — and I freeze.

Lizzy. Richard’s fiancée.

Her lips curl instantly.

“You,” she spits. Her eyes sweep over my uniform. “Oh. So this is where you’ve been hiding.”

“I— I don’t understand,” I begin.

“Oh, spare me!” she snaps. “We all know what you did. But don’t worry.” She steps closer, voice dropping to a venomous hiss. “That stupid low-life husband of yours? We’re not done with him. He’ll pay a million times over for what he did to my Richard… all because of you, you lying bitch.”

Gasps ripple through the store. The accountant looks up sharply.

Lizzy storms out, her friends flocking after her, leaving me standing there — stunned, breathless, and terrified.