Fractured Bonds

NO MORE RUNNING

Lena – A Reckless Heart

Lena's heart pounded as she walked across her apartment.

Ava had finally fallen asleep after a night of spinning. Xander had left not long after, his usual impassive face concealing what was happening in his mind.

But Lena couldn't help but think about him.

About how his lips had kissed hers.

About how he pulled away.

As if he regretted it.

As if she wasn't worth the risk.

The idea made something dark twist in her chest.

Because Lena wasn't the kind of girl to beg.

But when it came to Xander?

She was sick of waiting for him to get over fighting what was already there.

A hard knock on the door stopped her in her tracks.

She didn't need to look to know who it was.

Xander.

Because, no matter what, he always returned.

She opened the door, and there he was.

Disheveled. Tight. Eyes blacker than he'd ever had them.

And without thinking—without waiting—he was dragged in.

---

Xander – The Last Line of Control

Xander needed to leave.

Needed to spin and walk the other way as soon as Lena's door opened.

But when he was yanked inside, when her body braced against him, all discipline he had left broke.

He slammed the door behind them, trapping her against it. "Lena—"

"Shut up," she panted.

And then she kissed him.

Hard.

Desperate.

Like she was done pretending.

Xander's arms tightened around her waist, pulling her in, deepening the kiss until she moaned against his mouth.

He shouldn't do this.

He should stop.

But then she gasped when his fingers slipped beneath her shirt, her skin burning beneath his touch.

And he knew—

There was no stopping now.

Not when he needed her as badly as she needed him.

---

Lena & Xander – The Collision

Lena hadn't a clue where they were going.

The couch. The bed. Somewhere.

She just knew she wanted him closer.

But then—

His phone rang.

Xander stiffened, pulling back just enough to examine the screen.

A name flashing across it.

Damien.

Reality hit her like a wave.

Lena released a harsh breath, stepping back. "You should answer that."

Xander's jaw clenched tight. "Lena—

"Go." Her voice was unyielding, but her hands shook.

Because she knew.

This moment?

This thing between them?

It wasn't worth more than the war they were about to have.

And Xander always fought war.

Always.

He hovered for half a second—like maybe he didn't want to go.

But then he grabbed his phone and walked out the door.

Lena fell back onto the couch, pressing her fingers against her puffy lips.

This wasn't over.

Not even close.

But Xander had only just set something up with her.

He still felt that he could fight this.

And that?

That was his biggest mistake.

Because Lena wasn't going to let him run away forever.

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