A sharp gasp tore through the stillness, yanking me from the depths of restless sleep. My mind scrambled to orient itself, hazy and disoriented, before the familiar contours of Chris's room came into focus. The muted glow of the night outside seeped through the curtains, casting soft shadows that danced gently across the walls.

Every muscle ached, pulling reminders of the relentless torment I’d endured over the last twenty-four hours. Derek’s actions haunted me—not just the cold command to keep silent, but the cruel magic he’d woven into me, a binding oath that punished thought and word alike. The mere memory sent spasms of sharp pain through my abdomen, a cruel reminder that the spell was more than just words; it was a living, searing presence within me.

It wasn’t just the pain that unsettled me, but the betrayal. Derek hadn’t given me a warning or a single word of comfort—just a harsh order and then silence. I hadn’t seen him since that day, nearly a month ago, and yet the wound he left was still fresh, still bleeding beneath my skin.

“That bastard owes me an explanation,” I muttered, the anger simmering beneath my breath.

“More than that,” Chris growled from behind, his tone low and dangerous. “He’s got to fix what he did.”

I shifted uncomfortably on the soft mattress, realizing Chris must have carried me here, leaving me dressed only in a tank top and panties. Slipping into a pair of yoga pants and one of his oversized sweaters, I pushed myself upright. My body protested with every movement, but I forced myself out of the room, the quiet halls welcoming me with an eerie stillness.

Down the hallway, the house was eerily silent. The dim glow of night cloaked the windows, and I had no idea how long I’d been unconscious. Despite waking, exhaustion still clung to me like a heavy cloak, dragging at every limb.

As I entered the kitchen, Claire greeted me with a gentle smile. “How are you feeling?” she asked, concern flickering in her eyes.

“Better,” I admitted, voice hoarse. “Still wiped out, though.” I eased down onto the granite countertop, its earthy tones grounding me.

Kate appeared shortly after, placing a steaming plate before me: tender beef stir-fried with vibrant broccoli and crisp snow peas. The familiar scent teased my senses, a soothing balm against the turmoil within.

“Eat this. You’ll feel stronger,” Kate encouraged softly, laying out the soy sauce beside the chopsticks I eagerly grasped.

Taking a bite, relief blossomed as the flavors hit my tongue. “This is... amazing. Top tier, honestly.” My stomach growled in protest—it had been hours since my last meal, just a sparse peanut butter toast from the early morning.

Kate’s shy smile was infectious, and I found myself returning it with warmth.

“Where is everyone else?” I asked, curiosity edging my voice.

Claire’s expression tightened, uncertain. “I’m not sure I’m allowed to say. But I can link to Chris and let him know you’re awake.”

“Thanks,” I murmured, pushing my plate aside to rest my hands.

Within moments, Chris’s presence was palpable as he stepped into the kitchen. Before I could react, he enveloped me in a protective embrace, his warmth chasing away the lingering shadows of pain. My head tilted, seeking comfort as he rested his cheek against my temple, breathing steady and deep.

“Rough day?” I ventured softly, catching the smirk against my neck.

“It’s getting better,” he admitted quietly, pulling back to sit beside me. “How are you holding up?”

“I’m getting there,” I said, a faint smile brushing my lips.

He hesitated before asking, “Think you’re ready to meet someone and put all this behind us?”

I nodded, steeling myself. “Let’s do it.”

Arm wrapped firmly around my shoulders, Chris led me through the shadowed corridors toward the boardroom. Despite the reassuring weight of his presence, my heart pounded, anxiety knotted deep within me.

The room stretched wide, dominated by a long, polished table lined with chairs. Dim lighting cast everyone’s faces into solemn relief. At the far end sat a man whose aura chilled me to the bone: a short gray crew cut, austere gray eyes sharp as knives, a nose crooked from past battles, and a jaw set like stone. He was of average height but radiated a formidable strength that made my stomach twist.

This man wasn’t evil, but the energy he exuded was suffocating and severe—a different kind of danger, one that warned me not to underestimate him.

“So, this is the girl,” he said, his gaze piercing as he studied me.

“Don’t be deceived,” Derek’s voice broke through, a warning laced in his tone.

I shot Derek a glare. “You’re making me sound like a menace.”

“You are,” the man said coldly, unyielding.

Chris bristled, pulling me closer. “Relax, Alpha. We mean no harm. Derek’s already tangled us up enough,” he said sharply, casting a glare Derek’s way.

The man’s expression softened fractionally. “What I can’t fathom is why you’re involved—and how.”

“Come closer,” he commanded.

My legs trembled as I stepped forward, standing near the man he called Damon. My nerves fluttered wildly under the weight of his scrutiny. I stole a glance at Derek, whose half-healed nose and fading bruises marked him as a man recently battered.

“And how do you feel, girl?” Damon’s question was direct, his gaze intense.

Shock jolted me upright before I fixed Derek with a fierce glare. “You fucking loose-lipped—”

“Your secret’s safe with us,” Damon assured quickly, cutting me off.

“Yeah, well, that doesn’t exactly make me feel better,” I snapped. “He can’t keep his mouth shut, then orders me to—” My words cut off as a brutal pain exploded in my gut, forcing me to sag against the table for support.

“There’s the problem,” Damon mused, observing me closely. “You shouldn’t even be able to think about it, much less say it.” His eyes lingered on me like I was a fragile, complicated puzzle.

“My mind’s a traitor,” I rasped, struggling beneath the waves of agony. “It loves reminding me of Derek’s fucking order.” My fingers clenched the table, white knuckles betraying the storm within.

Damon’s voice cut through, firm yet gentle. “Jess.”

The next moment, his arms encircled me, pulling me into his lap. Panic flared, muscles tensing as I fought to break free. He didn’t resist but held me steady, and I glared defiantly.

Chris growled low, pushing forward before Dex and Mack restrained him, whispering urgently. The room’s charged air thickened, tension snapping like a live wire.

“Is she always this stubborn?” Damon asked, brow furrowing.

“You have no idea,” Derek muttered, bitter.

“I’m starting to,” Damon sighed. “Derek did something forbidden. The binding isn’t fully sealed—that’s why you’re fighting it. We only get one chance to break it.”

“It’s hell,” I ground out, voice raw through the pain.

“To undo it, we have to bring it to the surface. It’ll hurt—immensely. Damon will help manage the pain. If you pass out, we’ll have to try again. Please, trust me.” His tone softened, pleading.

Chris’s hand tightened in mine, his concern radiating through our bond. “Do it, Jess,” he urged quietly.

I nodded, surrendering to the painful inevitability.

Damon settled me back into his lap, his calming presence a stark contrast to the turmoil within. My body rebelled, but his energy soothed the edges of my panic.

His hands found my neck, thumbs resting on my pulse, sending ripples of calm through my body that dulled the sharpest edges of pain.

“This is a temporary fix,” Damon explained solemnly. “Chris won’t like it, but it’ll ease the agony as we dig deeper.”

“I’ll ask questions. You answer honestly. Damon will help with the pain, but we need to expose the whole order to break it. Ready?”

I swallowed hard, nerves raw but resolve firm. “Ready.”

“What did Derek say?” Damon’s voice was steady.

A searing flash hit my gut, but Damon’s energy pushed it back, making it bearable.

“Don’t tell anyone—not even Chris,” I whispered, teeth clenched.

“Tell me what,” he pressed gently.

“The dream,” I rasped. Damon trembled beside me, struggling to contain the backlash.

“Keep going,” Damon urged, voice strained.

“Luca... Selena...” The words barely escaped before a crushing wave doubled me over, heart hammering violently.

“Say it,” Damon commanded, energy thrumming like a whip.

“-and-E-Ethan,” I gasped, drained, trembling.

“Cut the cord!” Damon snapped.

A sharp burn flared in my hand as Derek sliced the invisible tether, pressing his own bleeding palm against mine. “I release you from your bond,” he said solemnly.

Like a snapped chain, the invisible weight lifted. I sucked in a deep, ragged breath, collapsing against a trembling Damon, my own limbs shaking violently.

“Jess?” Chris’s voice was laced with panic.

“I’m okay,” I rasped, voice fragile.

Derek’s remorse was raw and unguarded. “I’m sorry, princess.”

I scowled. “You’re an asshole.”

“I earned that,” he admitted quietly.

Claire entered with a tray, setting down water, coffee, and a cup of hot cocoa before me. Her eyes flickered uncomfortably at the sight of me perched on Damon’s lap. I groaned, rising unsteadily, his hand steadying my back.

Chris quickly took my place, pulling me into his lap with a possessive warmth. I was too exhausted to resist, melting into his embrace.

“Are you alright?” he whispered, fingers threading gently through my hair.

“I will be,” I murmured, a tired smile tugging at my lips. “Just need about two days of uninterrupted sleep.”

The first sip of cocoa soothed my raw throat, a small comfort amidst the chaos. Despite my exhaustion, questions churned relentlessly in my mind.

“Why, Derek?” The betrayal sounded clear in my voice.

He sighed, defeated. “I panicked.”

Mack scowled, disbelief written across his face. “You? Panic?”

“Yeah,” Derek growled, voice rough.

“Panic is running away, not binding your brother’s mate—your friend—who saved you!” Mack’s anger boiled over. “Do you even realize how reckless and dangerous that was?”

“He did both,” I muttered, drawing all eyes.

“I woke up with something wrong. Derek ordered silence, left me bleeding, gave me no warning or farewell. I didn’t see him again until I showed up here,” I explained, the tension in the room thick and suffocating.

Chris’s jaw clenched, anger simmering beneath his protective exterior. “Relax, Chris. Things are more complicated than they seem,” Derek said calmly. Chris exhaled but never took his gaze off Derek.

“Can we discuss this tomorrow?” I asked softly, exhaustion clawing at me.

“Of course, Luna,” Damon said with finality. The group began to rise, but Damon held up a hand. “I need to talk with the Guardians a bit longer, if that’s alright, Alpha.” Though phrased as a question, there was no mistaking the command.

Chris nodded, eyes dark with concern. “Let’s get you to bed,” he whispered, guiding me gently from the boardroom.

Leaning into him, I allowed his strength to carry me up the stairs, the weight of the day pressing down with every step.

In the privacy of his room, Chris helped me out of my clothes, his gaze lingering with a mixture of desire and concern. I blushed under his hungry eyes as he removed my yoga pants, leaving me bare beneath his oversized sweater.

“To bed now, kitten, before I change my mind,” he murmured, a teasing grin playing on his lips as he gave my backside a light, affectionate smack.

Exhausted, I slipped beneath the soft blankets, sinking into their warmth and safety. Moments later, Chris returned, bare-chested with only boxers, the sight pulling a flutter from my chest.

His thumb traced lightly over my lip, coaxing it from between my teeth. “You’re pushing every limit I have,” he whispered, voice thick with emotion.

I smiled, cheeks flushing as he pulled the blanket up around us.

Turning over, I felt him press me close, his arms a fortress around my trembling frame. He nuzzled into my neck, breathing deep and steady.

“Sleep now,” he whispered against my skin, soothing away the last of my fears.

This time, I obeyed without hesitation, surrendering to the quiet peace of his embrace as darkness claimed me once more.