Bound by Fire and Spell
1053 Words
MAE - POV
The backpack slung over my shoulder felt heavier than it should have. Alpha Oscar was gone—I could feel it in the air. That should’ve been my chance to leave.
But then it hit me: he could only open the door. A magical seal. Who gave him that kind of authority? Me. I did.
Fancy place or not, this was a prison. I groaned, frustration bubbling inside me, and turned toward the window. Maybe I could break it. Maybe I could escape.
My fingers had barely touched the glass when a hand clamped down on my wrist, searing heat into my skin.
"Bad idea," Oscar's voice rumbled behind me, low and cold.
He tugged me back just as the window exploded in a blast of defensive magic, mistaking my actions for a threat. I gasped, heart racing. If I’d actually managed to get out, the wards might’ve killed me.
"Planning to die today?" he growled, his hand still wrapped around my arm. My back was pressed to his chest. He felt solid. Unshakable.
“I just want out of here,” I snapped, jerking away. He let go instantly, like my touch had burned him. I shoved the ache that flared at his reaction deep down.
“You’re not leaving,” he said firmly.
“I’m not asking,” I shot back.
He tilted his head, a dark smirk curling his lips.
“What?” I asked.
“Welcome back, Mae,” he murmured. “I was wondering when your guilty act would wear off.”
I rolled my eyes. Damn it hurt.
“I don’t care what you think of me,” I whispered.
He raised an eyebrow. “What are you looking for?”
“Answers.”
Oscar poured a drink and lit a cigarette, fingers shaking just slightly. His anxiety was palpable, though he tried to mask it. He sat down, green eyes locked on mine.
“Why did Faye come to save me?” I asked.
He narrowed his eyes. “You first.”
He downed the drink and pinned me with a stare that felt more like an interrogation.
“What did that man say—before I killed him?” he asked. His voice was barely audible, but every word dripped with warning.
I couldn’t look away.
“He said my spell wore off,” I said quietly.
Oscar’s posture remained composed, but something shifted in his gaze. Thoughtful. Troubled.
“Now answer mine,” I said, voice firmer.
He didn’t like that. At all.
“I don’t feel like answering you,” he said flatly. “I don’t trust you.”
“I’m going to Faye regardless.”
I turned toward the door.
“She told me you've been under a spell—one she couldn’t trace.”
I froze. My dream... could it be real?
“I need to leave the Pack,” I said. “If I’m bait, let me go.”
“You’re definitely bait,” he muttered, staring at the hoodie I wore. His eyes narrowed. There was blood on him—faint, but I could
smell it—and that same rough scent laced with magic. The same dark energy I’d felt before.
“I’m not staying,” I repeated.
“Then go,” he sighed.
I softened my tone. “I’ll contact you if I find anything about Nicole. But first—can I see her room? I might be able to piece together something.”
He hesitated, taking a long drag from his cigarette. The thought of his sister’s disappearance haunted him.
Eyes shut, he exhaled smoke slowly. I turned to leave.
“Wait.”
His voice—cold as ever—halted me.
When I looked back, he was already moving, jacket in hand, black tee and jeans making him look every bit the brooding Alpha. I
followed as he led me through the quiet house. Most of the pack was asleep.
Nicole’s room still held her scent—sweet, floral.
I called on my wolf, summoning time magic to replay the past. The air shimmered and swirled. Then, it unfolded.
Nicole entered the room, arms full of books. A shadow shifted in the corner. She gasped—then smiled.
“Jared? Why are you here?” she whispered.
“To take my mate with me,” he said.
“We don’t have money. And I... I didn't speak with my brother about us,” she murmured.
“I have a plan. Trust me.”
He kissed her and he took her away through teleportation magic. Then he returned, trashed the room, and left a fake note of abduction.
I’m sorry, Nicole. I know you wouldn’t agree to this, but this will help us survive.
The vision faded.
Oscar’s eyes were on me, unreadable.
“What did you see?” he asked.
“Your sister’s alive. She ran off with her rogue mate. The ‘abduction’ was staged to extort you.”
His expression darkened.
“I paid the ransom,” he hissed. “My team couldn't trace the kidnapper.”
“Try mind-linking her,” I suggested.
“I did. No answer.”
“Let me try.”
He gestured. Go ahead.
I reached out mentally and found her. I told Nicole everything—how Jared tricked her brother. That he wasn’t angry, just worried.
Moments later, I opened my eyes, dizzy from the effort. Oscar was staring again.
“What?” I snapped, irritated.
“Just wondering what powers are you hiding,” he said, eyes narrowing.
“That’s a secret,” I smirked.
His scowl returned, but there was a flicker of something else—relief?
“If I call Dr. Jennifer, she’ll decode all your power secrets,” he said, half-threatening.
Before I could shoot back, he raised a hand.
But then... he smiled. A real one.
God, I missed that smile. The frowns, the guilt, the weight of his past—it didn’t suit him. I wanted to protect that joy.
I didn’t know how to redeem myself. Could we even have a second chance?
No.
Once I find the truth—who cast a spell on me, what really happened—I’ll walk away. I’ll let him go. Let him find someone better.
That will be my redemption.
- Writer
