Bound By Fate[Twin Alpha mates]

Chapter 10: Small Step,Big Changes

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Chapter 10: Small Steps, Big Changes

Eli’s POV

Eli wasn’t sure what he had expected after that last encounter with Kieran.

Avoidance? Probably. A cold war where they both pretended the other didn’t exist? Maybe.

But what he hadn’t expected was Kieran… trying.

At first, it was small things.

Showing up to help at pack meetings, even when he wasn’t asked. Checking in on Eli’s projects—not inserting himself, just offering help if needed. Being present in ways he never had been before.

Then, there were the even smaller things.

Like bringing an extra cup of coffee when Lucian made Eli go to meetings.

Like stepping in to defend Eli against a rude elder before Eli even had to open his mouth.

Like listening.

Really listening.

And that? That was harder to ignore.

But the most unexpected part?

Lucian actually encouraged it.

Eli had expected Lucian to shut Kieran out, to protect Eli from having to deal with him.

But instead, Lucian gave Kieran space to prove himself.

And worse?

It was actually working.

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Lucian & Eli – Their Growing Bond

It wasn’t just about Kieran, though.

Lucian and Eli had been spending more time together—and not just because of Kieran’s mess.

Lucian was steady. Calm in a way Eli had never had before. He didn’t push or try to fix things for Eli. He just stood beside him, unwavering, like nothing could shake him.

It was new. And it was safe.

One night, they were sitting on the balcony of Lucian’s home, drinking tea. It had become something of a ritual—Lucian liked routines, and Eli had… grown to like them, too.

Lucian glanced at him over his cup. “You’re thinking too hard again.”

Eli scoffed. “I don’t think too hard. You just don’t think enough.”

Lucian smirked. “If I didn’t think enough, I wouldn’t be here, would I?”

Eli looked away, rolling his eyes. But the warmth in his chest was undeniable.

Lucian was becoming important.

And that was terrifying.

Because what if he got hurt again?

Lucian must have sensed the shift in his thoughts because he set his tea down and turned toward Eli fully. “I’m not going anywhere, you know.”

Eli swallowed. “That’s what people say before they do.”

Lucian’s gaze softened. “Then let me prove it to you.”

Eli’s breath hitched.

Because wasn’t that the problem?

Kieran had failed him. But Lucian?

Lucian was giving him a reason to trust again.

And the scariest part?

Eli wanted to.

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Kieran’s POV –

Kieran knew he couldn’t fix things overnight.

But that didn’t mean he wasn’t going to try.

Lucian had been right—Eli didn’t need his guilt. He needed his actions.

So that’s what Kieran gave him.

He didn’t push. Didn’t demand. He just showed up.

There were moments when it was excruciating.

Seeing Eli and Lucian together—seeing what he could have had if he hadn’t been such a coward.

But instead of resenting it, Kieran took it as a sign.

Lucian wasn’t his competition.

He was his mate too.

And if Eli could trust Lucian, maybe—just maybe—he could learn to trust Kieran again.

But first, Kieran had to be worthy of that trust.

And this time?

He was going to get it right.