Bound by Fate: The Alpha's Promise

Chapter 11- The Mixed Feelings Part 1

Maya descended the staircase back into the club, her heart still racing from the joy and chaos of the previous moments. The vibrant pulse of the music enveloped her as she stepped onto the dance floor, the lights flashing like disoriented stars. She made her way back to the bar, the familiar faces around her blurring into a kaleidoscope of colors.

“Two shots, please,” she said, her voice slightly slurred. The bartender nodded, and she watched as he skillfully poured the liquor into two glasses. She picked one up and downed it in one go, the burn racing down her throat, igniting a fire that matched the turmoil in her heart.

“Maybe I’m the unluckiest one,” she murmured to herself, her thoughts drifting back to Alerick. Memories flooded her mind—his charming smile, the way he had swept her off her feet initially, only to leave her feeling like a shadow of herself. Another shot followed, and she winced at the burn but poured the next one down her throat. She could feel her head spinning, the world around her tilting precariously.

As she leaned back against the bar, a strange sensation washed over her. It was as if someone were watching her. She glanced around, meeting the eyes of a few males from another pack, their gazes lingering too long for comfort. “Nope,” she thought, shaking her head slightly as she turned away, trying to ignore them. She felt a smile creep onto her face involuntarily, the alcohol working its magic.

“You’ve had enough,” a voice suddenly broke through her thoughts, making her gasp. She turned, her eyes widening as she recognized the figure standing beside her.

“Alpha Ryan?” she stammered, trying to straighten herself up, but her body betrayed her, swaying slightly.

“It’s okay, you can sit,” Ryan said, his deep voice resonating with authority, yet laced with concern. His presence commanding but also comforting.

“But you’re standing…” Maya protested, her mind racing to catch up with the situation.

“I can sit here,” Ryan replied, gesturing to the stool next to her, which only made her frown deeper.

“But we have a gap,” she insisted, pointing at the space between them.

“You don’t like these gaps,uh?” he said, leaning towards her, pushing her stool closer to his side.

Maya's eyes widened in surprise, a chuckle escaping her lips as she felt the closeness. “I like this Alpha,” she said with a smile, feeling a warmth spread through her.

“Like what?” he asked, tilting his head slightly, a playful glint in his eyes.

“The pulling thing,” she said, her laughter bubbling up again. “One more shot, please!” she called to the bartender, her heart racing in anticipation.

“Ops, you want to take the shots with me, Alpha?” she asked, a mischievous spark lighting up her face.

Ryan’s expression turned serious. “You’re already drunk; just stop here. No more shots,” he said firmly.

“Oh, let me drink. You know I’m so happy today and sad at the same time. These alcohols are healing me today,” she confessed, her voice tinged with vulnerability.

“Uhuh. Okay, I will drink with you, but you have to tell me the reason for your happiness and sadness,” Ryan said, leaning closer, his eyes locked onto hers with an intensity that sent shivers down her spine.

Maya looked deep into his eyes, feeling a pull she couldn’t explain, her wolf stirring within her. “Oh, shut up,” she blurted out, her hand flying to cover her mouth in horror.

“Excuse me?” Ryan raised an eyebrow, his expression a mixture of surprise and amusement.

“I didn’t mean you, Alpha,” she pleaded, wishing the ground would swallow her whole.

“Really?” he asked, his voice steady, but a slight smirk tugging at his lips.

“I swear, it’s not you I meant. It’s my wolf,” Maya stammered, her heart racing.

“What’s with your wolf?” Ryan inquired, intrigue lighting up his features.

“Yeah, she’s the one doing things inside me,” Maya confessed, her cheeks flushing.

Ryan let out a long breath, his expression thoughtful. “Okay, tell me.” Ryan asked. “Come closer,” she beckoned, her voice dropping to a whisper. “My wolf always wanted to see you; she’s very happy with your presence. She likes you. That’s why I shut her down just now.”

Ryan was silent for a moment, contemplating her words. He recalled how his own wolf reacted whenever he saw Maya. “So, that means your wolf likes me? Not you?” he asked, a teasing edge to his tone.

Maya’s cheeks flushed a deeper shade of red, and she quickly turned her gaze to the bartender, ordering two shots again. Ryan’s gaze softened at her innocence, she seemed like a child caught up in a whirlwind of emotions.

They shared a few more shots, laughter mingling with the music, and Maya opened up about herself, though Ryan already knew much of it. He rolled up his sleeves, revealing toned arms, and Maya couldn’t help but stare.

“Don’t eat me with your eyes,” he said, chuckling as he caught her gaze.

“Just… looking,” she replied, a teasing smile on her lips. “I must call Sasha to come down.”

“Why?” Ryan asked, curious.

“We need to go back, it’s already late,” Maya said, her eyes scanning the crowd.

“Your friend is here already, and she is busy,” Ryan replied, gesturing towards the dance floor.

Maya’s jaw dropped as she spotted Sasha dancing with Lucas, completely lost in their own world. “Wow!” she exclaimed, unable to contain her surprise. “She didn’t call me for a dance.”

“Are you upset?” Ryan asked, his eyes glinting with mischief.

Maya shook her head vigorously. “No, no. I’m purely happy for her. She went through a lot, and now she got the life she dreamed of,” she said, her gaze softening as she watched her best friend twirl joyously.

“Do you want to dance?” Ryan asked, glancing back at Sasha and Lucas.

“Alone?” Maya asked, still fixated on her friend.

“With me,” Ryan clarified, his tone inviting.

Maya gave him a cautious look. “Why? You don’t want to dance with me?” he pressed again.

“Not like that but Alpha…” she hesitated, recalling how he had rejected dance invitations from other girls at the party. But with the alcohol coursing through her, she felt braver. “It’s my pleasure to dance with you, Alpha,” she said, gathering her courage.

Ryan smiled, stood up, and extended his hand to her. Maya took it, a nervous grin spreading across her face as they walked onto the dance floor. The whispers around them grew louder, but she barely heard them, her focus solely on Ryan.

“Enjoy your night, babe!” Sasha called out, her face filled with mischief as she twirled with Lucas. Maya nodded, feeling a mix of excitement and anxiety.

As she and Ryan began to move together, her head spun, the music wrapping around them like a warm blanket. Ryan placed his hands on her waist, guiding her movements, and she instinctively wrapped her arms around his neck. The rhythm pulsed through her, and she surrendered to the beat, moving closer to him.

The tempo slowed, and Ryan pulled Maya even closer. Her heart raced, feeling the warmth of his body against hers. Their gazes locked, and for a moment, the noise around them faded into silence.

“Why were you happy today?” Ryan whispered, his breath warm against her ear.

Maya shifted her gaze away, focusing on Sasha. “I’m happy for my best friend, she deserves the world,” she replied, her voice tinged with sincerity.

Ryan tightened his grip on her waist. “And why were you sad?” he pressed.

She hesitated, her throat tightening. “Because I’m the unluckiest!” she said, her voice cracking as tears threatened to spill.

“Why?” he asked again, his brow furrowing with concern.

“Because I don’t get chosen, my…” she struggled to continue, her heart aching.

“Look at me,” Ryan urged, and she complied, her gaze meeting his intense stare. “Your wolf likes me, but do you like me too?”

Maya bit her lip, the weight of his question hanging heavily in the air. Their breaths mingled as they stood inches apart, the world around them forgotten.

“Your lips are too dry,” Ryan said, his voice low, almost a whisper.

“Yeah?” Maya responded, feeling the tension crackle between them.

Ryan leaned in closer, their breaths mingling, and she closed her eyes, heart pounding. Just as their lips were about to touch, a voice broke through the haze.

*“Alpha,”* Lucas’s voice echoed in Ryan’s mind. *“You are at the center of the dance floor, and all those eyes are on you.”*

Ryan pulled back abruptly, clearing his throat. “Noted,” he replied through the mind link, his heart racing.

*“I will drop Sasha and Maya at their home,”* Lucas added.

*“You take care of Sasha, and I will drop Maya,”* Ryan responded, focusing on Maya, who looked bewildered.

“Okay, I’ll make a move first,” Lucas said, retreating with Sasha, who looked back at Maya with an excited grin.