The Alpha’s Forbidden Bond

Chapter 14

Elena’s POV

“Hey, I’ve been thinking maybe we can swim and get a closer look at the beach once we reach our room. I’m so excited to ” l stopped abruptly when l realized Jax was no longer behind me.

He was supposed to be following with the luggage, but l couldn’t see him anywhere!

I turned my head in every direction, searching for him in a rising panic that he might have gotten lost.

“Jax?” l called out, my voice growing louder with each attempt.

A familiar figure a short distance away caught my eye. Two pieces of luggage lay on the ground nearby. It was definitely Jax and he was gripping an unknown woman’s arms while leaning his head on her shoulder.

My eyebrows knitted together and my eyes burned with anger.

It felt like catching my boyfriend in the act of cheating!

I couldn’t explain the mix of nervousness and irritation surging through me. l marched toward them with a deep frown, practically fuming.

“Are you done flirting with each other?” l demanded arrogantly, my voice dripping with bitterness as l shot Jax a sarcastic smirk. My arms crossed tightly over my chest. He even had the nerve to hold the woman so closely! “I’ve been waiting for you and this is what l find you flirting with some stranger?” l scoffed.

“Elena, it’s not what it looks like. l was just ”

“Miss, are you his girlfriend? l only bumped into him and then he suddenly got sick. l have no idea why!” the woman with curly brunette hair and tanned skin explained softly. l noticed Jax’s lips trembling and red Marks forming on his arms.

My eyes widened in horror. “Oh my gosh!” l gasped, immediately rushing to Jax’s side. Embarrassment washed over me for my earlier reaction, but worry took over when l saw the red Marks turning into bruises.

“I’m really sorry. We weren’t flirting. l swear, l just ”

Looking closer at the woman, l finally understood what had hurt Jax: the silver bracelets and necklaces covering her.

“I’m sorry, miss, but could you please step back and ask someone else for help?” l requested, still annoyed despite knowing it wasn’t her fault.

“What? But l need to help him and ”

“He’s allergic to metals, miss,” l explained, pulling Jax’s hands away from her and wrapping my own arms around his waist instead.

“Maybe l can carry some of the luggage to make up for this. I’m truly sorry!” the woman offered.

I paid her little attention after that, and thankfully she didn’t push further. l helped Jax inside the hotel, guided him to the bed, and made sure he lay down comfortably.

I sat beside him and gently held his arms.

“I’m fine. You can leave me…” he said, trying to pull my hand away.

“No.” l shook my head, my voice cracking. l stared at the bruises and wounds on his arms. l still couldn’t believe how badly the silver had affected him.

“I can take care of myself, Elena. Go enjoy the beach if you want,” he whispered weakly.

“No. I’ll stay here with you,” l replied firmly. l walked to my luggage and searched for the first-aid kit.

I applied ointment to his wounds. Eventually Jax drifted off, likely from exhaustion. When l noticed his bandage had gotten dirty, l carefully removed it.

It was the same spot where he had burned himself after my shouting earlier. But as l peeled the bandage away, confusion hit me. There was nothing there to cover.