Bound by Fate: The Alpha's Promise

Chapter 5- Maya Smith

The knock on the door pulled Ryan from his thoughts, the album slipping from his fingers and disappearing into the depths of the drawer. “Come in, Lucas,” he called, his voice gruff. He tried to shake off the remnants of nostalgia, the warmth of Rosie’s laughter still echoing in his mind.

Lucas entered, a file clutched in one hand, a teasing grin spreading across his face. “Why do you look like you’re possessed by a ghost?” he quipped, arching an eyebrow.

“Nothing,” Ryan muttered, avoiding eye contact and staring at the drawn curtains. “Slide the curtains out.”

Lucas chuckled but complied, pulling the heavy fabric aside. The sun burst into the room, bright and blinding, forcing Ryan to squint against the sudden glare. He blinked rapidly, the warmth of the light contrasting with the cool shadows of his earlier reverie.

“Have you finished the task I gave you yesterday?” Ryan asked, his tone shifting to businesslike.

“Yep, all in this.” Lucas stepped closer, placing the file on Ryan’s cluttered desk. He leaned against the table, arms crossed, a satisfied smile playing on his lips.

Ryan didn’t hesitate; he flipped the file open. The pages detailed the life of Maya Smith, the daughter of Beta Leo from the Silver Moon pack. “Maya is twenty-two,” Lucas began, his voice steady. “Her mother fell ill while she was finishing high school, so she had to move here to continue her studies.”

“Why’d she have to leave?” Ryan asked, barely looking up as he scanned the file.

“One of their pack rules,” Lucas explained, his tone lightening. “No part-time jobs for university students. So, she came to us to study and work. She’s been using her own savings.”

Ryan nodded, skimming through the information. “And she’s living with Sasha?”

“Yep,” Lucas confirmed. “In the fighter’s house left by Sasha’s parents. They died in that war seven years ago.” He paused, watching Ryan’s expression as he continued. “Maya needs two more years to finish her degree. She’s working in a café now.”

Ryan flipped the page, his breath catching as he found photos of Maya with Alerick. He quickly averted his gaze to Lucas, who nodded grimly. “Yeah, Maya is Alerick’s mate. They’ve been together since she turned eighteen. But,”

Ryan clenched his jaw. “But?”

“But,” Lucas continued, “Alerick doesn’t treat her well. She’s practically a slave to him.”

“Enough!” Ryan snapped, his voice rising. He slammed the file shut, frustration boiling beneath the surface. He didn’t want to hear any more. The frown creased his brow, and he turned away, pacing toward the coffee table where he had left his cigarettes.

Ryan lit one, the flame flickering in the dim light. He inhaled deeply before handing the pack to Lucas, who took one without hesitation. “What happened last night?” Ryan asked, exhaling smoke.

“Alerick hasn’t seen Maya in a while,” Lucas replied, taking a drag. “She went to the club to confront him. They ended up arguing.”

Ryan’s chest tightened. He looked out the window at the sprawling forest, the sunlight illuminating the trees. “Can I ask something? Not as Beta Lucas but as your best friend?” Lucas’s expression grew serious.

“Sure,” Ryan replied, still gazing outside.

“Do you have a heart for that Omega?” Lucas asked, his tone probing.

Ryan raised his eyebrows, turning to face him. “Why do you ask that?”

“Because of your behavior,” Lucas stated, leaning back. “You’ve never shown this much interest in a woman before.”

“Why does it matter?” Ryan shot back, crossing his arms defensively.

“Because it’s unusual. You’ve never asked about any female wolf like this before. Have you fallen in love?” Lucas grinned, teasing.

“Not at all,” Ryan retorted, but his heart raced at the suggestion. “I just want to ensure the safety of our pack members. That’s all.”

“Sure, whatever you say,” Lucas said, chuckling. But he leaned in, lowering his voice. “Just remember, she’s someone else’s mate.”

“I’ll always remember that, Beta Lucas,” Ryan replied coolly, though the weight of those words lingered in the air.

“Alright, my Alpha,” Lucas said, a smirk tugging at his lips. “Have you thought about the fighter agreement with Alerick’s pack?”

Ryan sank into the couch, crossing his legs. “Yeah, I’ve made a decision. Please arrange a meeting with Alpha Alerick.”

Lucas nodded, the teasing glint in his eyes replaced by a seriousness that matched Ryan’s own. The stakes were rising, and Ryan could feel the tension in the air, like the calm before a storm.