Reunion: Bonds Of Fate And Love

Chapter 5

Vanessa's Point of View

Why did he choose the seat right in front of me?

My emotions were in a whirlwind, torn between attraction and anger.

Yara, with a hint of admiration in her voice, whispered, "He's become even more attractive."

Rolling my eyes, I responded, "Remember what he did, Yara. He's the reason I left."

She softly replied, "I know, but he’s our destined partner. Maybe it's time to forgive?"

It wasn’t just about him. The way everyone acted, it was as if they all knew about our bond. Their eyes kept darting to me, measuring my reactions.

Yara, always in tune with my feelings, said, "They must've had a reason for hiding it."

Casting my gaze around, I saw my father's concerned eyes. Recalling his earlier interactions with Tobias, things began to make sense. But hunger was the least of my concerns now.

I met his gaze, those deep brown eyes filled with a blazing intensity.

With frustration, I said to Yara, "I need some time."

Yara simply nodded, understanding the scars from our past weren’t easy to forget.

Tired of his unwavering stare, I snapped, "Why not take a picture?"

His responding smirk was infuriating. I stood up, scanning the room, and locked eyes with him again. "How long have you known about our bond?" I demanded.

Silence filled the room.

I asked everyone else, "How long have all of you known?"

No answer.

My father tried to interject, urging me to eat, but I was done. Retreating to my room, I slammed the door. Emotions bubbled up, remembering the protective bubble my father had always kept me in, and the self-awareness I gained during my time with my uncle.

Lost in my thoughts, a familiar scent reached me. Approaching the door, I found him poised to knock.

We stood, inches apart. I challenged him, "Why are you here, Alexander?"

He edged closer, "Why do you insist on calling me by my full name?"

I defiantly answered, "It's your name."

He took a moment to appreciate my appearance, which I curtly corrected. His confident response was the last straw.

Yara’s lustful thoughts about him intruded my mind. I pushed them away, trying to maintain my composure.

I firmly told him, "You need to leave." As I moved closer, our undeniable chemistry flared.

With a smirk, he replied, "I'm not going anywhere. We need to talk."

A plan formed in my mind, a tantalizing idea of teasing him. Yara's approving smirk was all the encouragement I needed. The electric thrill as my hand touched his chest was just the beginning.

The tension inside me was palpable, and I knew words wouldn't convey my emotions. I hid behind a mask of calm, revealing nothing. "Alexander, it's time for you to leave," I told him firmly.

He tilted his head, resting it momentarily on mine, inhaling deeply. Raising his gaze to meet mine, he uttered, "Quit using my full name, little mate."

Our eyes locked, a brief push from me sent him back slightly, away from the entrance. Edging closer, I challenged, "If not Alexander, what then?" My hand, unyielding against his chest, could feel the rhythm of his heart quicken.

A subtle glance at his mouth, then returning to his eyes, I awaited his reply. He drew closer, voice dripping with intensity, "Just call me mate."

Feeling the need to elevate the tension, I dared to close the gap between us. My hand ventured down, his breaths becoming ragged. "I suppose Alexander it is," I mused, teasingly gazing from his mouth back to his eyes. Retreating swiftly, I stood by the door, urging, "Time to go." And with that, I shut him out.

Leaning against the closed door for a moment's respite, I found Yara grinning mischievously at me. "You made him hard" she quipped.

Without a response, I heard his receding footsteps. Drifting towards my dresser, I picked up my phone and dialed my uncle. He answered almost immediately, "Vanessa, is everything alright?"

His knowledge of my connection with Alexander was evident. "You knew he was my mate, didn't you?" I asked, my voice quivering.

A weighty pause followed. "Yes, Vanessa, I knew," he admitted.

A rush of memories flooded in; my uncle had been there for me when everyone turned away. He had embraced me, made me a part of his pack, where he stood as the alpha's beta. He was more of a father figure than my own had ever been. And he was the only one who knew about Alexander's actions.

Pushing past the hurt, I moved to my bed, blocking out Yara. I needed solitude, time to gather my thoughts, and not to get overwhelmed.

***

Lex's POV

I couldn't tear my gaze away from that door, an amalgamation of astonishment and unexpected excitement churning within me. My reaction was telling.

Blaze's laughter echoed in my mind, and glancing his way, his playful smile betrayed a similar impact she'd had on him. Her essence, intensely tantalizing, made me yearn to hold her close.

"You and me both," Blaze remarked with an amused tone, "she's one fierce woman."

My agreement was silent but profound.

I'd never imagined Vanessa to possess this fiery side; she'd been reserved, the kind who'd steer clear of problems. But this Vanessa was all grown up. Adjusting my clothing to find some comfort, I felt the weight of the moment.

This was not what I'd come up for – just a simple conversation, a chance to explain my side. But she'd responded in an entirely unpredictable manner.

Descending the stairs, I found the living room had filled up. Among the gathered, Tobias's smug face stood out, suggesting he'd overheard the upstairs encounter. I took a seat, the stifling silence echoing the awkwardness in the room.

Sofia's sudden outburst came, "I knew this was a bad idea." Her gaze traveled from one face to another, settling on Tim. "She must be exhausted from her journey." Her reproachful gaze then turned to me, reminding me of my past mistakes with Vanessa.

I sighed. I hadn't considered her perspective. She'd been overwhelmed by Blaze and me back then.

The room's quiet was shattered by a message alert. Tim checked his phone, updating us that Keith was in the loop, courtesy Vanessa. He'd be joining us the next evening.

I envied the bond between Tim and Keith, yearning for a sibling of my own. While I had Tobias, my jealousy would spike every time Vanessa came up in conversations. She'd been the apple of his eye despite the age difference.

Tobias's voice broke my reverie, suggesting that Keith's presence might help mend bridges. Sofia added that Vanessa needed rest, emphasizing the day's taxing events. Tobias, anticipating my disagreement, advised that only he and Sofia should stay while the rest of us should leave.

Resigning to his logic, my father and I bid everyone farewell. As I retreated, the heavy gazes followed.

Once home, solitude was my only companion. I breezed through the packhouse, heading straight to my room. Memories of Vanessa, alluring and irresistible, dominated my thoughts. Seeking solace, I headed for a shower, hoping to wash away the events of the night.

But the images persisted. Vanessa's beauty was intoxicating. I sought release from my overwhelming desires, losing myself in the vivid fantasies of her touch.

Afterward, seeking to cleanse my body and mind, I headed back into the shower.

Restless, I lay back on my bed, eyes fixed on the ceiling. The night stretched endlessly before me.

Hours passed, filled with reading and watching a movie until I finally succumbed to sleep. However, a sultry dream of Vanessa jolted me awake.

It was hot as hell, which led me to have another play with myself.

Shaking my head to dispel the lingering images, I checked the clock—six in the morning. Too early.

Deciding on a change of pace, I went to the bathroom and then picked out my jogging attire from the closet. The packhouse was silent; the daily activities wouldn't start until nine. As I moved past, the first light of dawn filtered in, beckoning me outdoors.

Lulled by the rhythm of my run, time flew. It took me a moment to recognize my surroundings—I'd unconsciously made my way to Vanessa's house. A noise from the garage caught my attention; I recognized it instantly. The rhythmic thudding of fists against a punching bag.

Curiosity drew me closer, and I was met with a captivating sight: Vanessa, dressed in snug yoga pants and a sports bra, channeling her energy into every punch. She looked incredibly fierce and yet graceful.

Though I knew I should leave, I found myself anchored to the spot, drinking in the sight. After delivering a few more punches, she paused, sensing my presence. With a swift turn, her eyes met mine, sharp with a hint of surprise. "Alexander," she breathed, her voice holding a trace of annoyance and something more.

Hearing my full name from her lips sent a jolt down my spine. I approached her, a smirk tugging at my lips, unable to resist the magnetic pull she had on me.