CHAPTER 7 — The Bond That Shouldn’t Exist
956 Words
Lucian held her as if he didn’t trust the world not to steal her again.
Mirabel’s cheek rested against his bare chest, his heartbeat strong and furious beneath her skin. She didn’t want to lean into him—she shouldn’t—but her body betrayed her, melting against his warmth.
She closed her eyes.
Just for a moment.
Just to breathe.
Just to pretend she wasn’t the most fragile thing in a world full of beasts.
Lucian’s voice rumbled softly above her head.
“You’re shaking.”
“No, I’m not,” she whispered, refusing to lift her face.
“You are.” He tightened his arms around her. “And it’s my fault.”
Those words startled her.
Lucian never admitted fault.
He barely admitted feelings.
“Why would you say that?” she asked quietly.
“Because everything that happened tonight happened because of me,” he murmured. “That wolf came because of me. You were targeted because of me.”
Mirabel swallowed.
“You make it sound like I’m… important.”
Lucian pulled back just enough to look into her eyes.
“You are.”
Her breath caught.
Silver eyes, intense and unblinking, burned into hers.
Mirabel looked away, her heart pounding. “You don’t even know me. Not really.”
“I know enough.” His fingers brushed her cheek, feather-light. “I know your heartbeat. I know your fear. I know your scent. I know that when you cry, something inside me feels like it’s tearing apart.”
Her heart twisted painfully.
“Lucian… please don’t say things like that.”
“Why?” he demanded softly. “Because you don’t believe me?”
“No.” She stepped back, forcing distance between them. “Because I can’t afford to believe you.”
His expression darkened.
Before he could respond, her stomach growled violently, shattering the heavy mood.
Mirabel froze in mortification.
Lucian blinked.
Then—slowly—he smirked.
It was the first hint of amusement she’d ever seen on his face. The change was subtle but devastatingly attractive.
“You’re hungry.”
“I’m not,” she argued immediately, cheeks burning.
The growl sounded again.
Lucian raised a brow. “Your body disagrees.”
Mirabel glared at him, stubborn.
“I don’t want anything from you.”
“You need to eat.”
“I said—”
He stepped forward, towering over her until her back hit the wall.
“You nearly died. Twice.” His voice dropped, rough and intimate. “I don’t care if you hate me. I don’t care if you fight me. But you will eat.”
Her pulse stuttered as he leaned closer.
“And you will stay alive.”
Mirabel’s lips parted, but no words came out.
Lucian exhaled, his breath brushing her skin.
“Come.”
Before she could refuse, he took her hand—firm but gentle—and guided her downstairs.
Her heart raced the entire time.
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The kitchen was warm, lit only by a few dim lamps. Lucian pulled out a chair, clearly expecting her to sit.
She crossed her arms. “I can pull my own chair, you know.”
“I know.”
But he didn’t move the chair back.
Mirabel rolled her eyes but sat anyway.
Lucian cooked.
Lucian—an Alpha feared by entire territories—actually cooked.
He moved with surprising ease, his movements precise and confident.
Mirabel couldn’t stop watching him.
The strong muscles in his back.
The way he effortlessly handled everything.
The soft frown of concentration.
It was… disarming.
When he set a plate in front of her and said, “Eat,” her legs felt weak.
She hesitated.
He stared.
She took a small bite.
His shoulders relaxed slightly.
“You cooked well,” she muttered after swallowing.
He went still for a moment.
Then he said, “Thank you,” in a tone that sounded almost shy.
It shocked her so much she choked a little.
Lucian immediately stepped closer, brushing her back with a steady hand. “Slow down.”
“I’m fine…”
But her face was burning.
Why did this man make everything feel like a storm inside her?
When she finished, he took the plate and set it aside.
Mirabel stood to leave—but Lucian’s hand wrapped gently around her wrist.
“Stay.”
Her breath hitched. “Why? Lucian, I can’t stay with you. I don’t belong here. I don’t belong in your world.”
“You do,” he said softly.
His thumb brushed her wrist, sending warmth up her arm.
“You belong with me.”
Mirabel shook her head, her voice trembling. “You don’t understand. My family… Kelvin… Esther… I can’t disappear a second time. I need revenge. I need to reclaim my life.”
Lucian’s jaw tightened.
“You think I’ll let you go back to the people who tried to kill you?”
“I have to.”
Tears burned her eyes.
“I can’t let them win.”
Lucian stepped closer, voice low and possessive.
“I can protect you.”
“I don’t want to be protected,” she whispered. “I want justice.”
Lucian paused… then slowly leaned down, brushing his forehead against hers again.
“If revenge is what you want…”
His voice darkened.
“Then I’ll help you burn them all.”
Mirabel’s breath left her chest.
Her heart… wasn’t ready for this man.
For this promise.
For this bond.
But she couldn’t look away.
Couldn’t pull back.
Not when his voice brushed her ear like a vow.
“You are mine, Mirabel. And anyone who hurt you will regret the day they were born.”
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- Writer
