Bonds at War: The Virgin is Mine Novel

Chapter 162 We're Back Chapter 162 We're Back ROWAN +5 Free Coins I massaged the bridge of my nose , the familiar pressure radiating behind my eyes . It had been like this the entire so - called " break . " A break , they called it . For me , it was nothing but a flood of responsibilities , endless numbers , meetings , and arguments . I had buried myself in work , and yet no matter how deep I dug , I couldn't drown out the noise of my parents . Their voices were constant , like a hammer striking the same nail over and over again .

After Cade called me that night , after I answered and helped , when most wouldn't - they never stopped reminding me of it . " Helping the enemy , " that's what they said . " Helping the North , " as if the North were a sickness to be quarantined . But what did they know ? What did they see of the reality ? None . All they cared about was their image and pride . They told me again and again : " Now look . Cade is the Praetor while you are stuck in this pack ." But what they never admitted was that this pack was running because of me . The South had not crumbled because of me .

The connections with the other packs - the fragile threads I had woven - those were my efforts . Not theirs . Not Wilder's . Not anyone else's . Mine . And yet it was never enough . I leaned back in my chair , staring at the ceiling . My hand went slack against the desk , ink staining the side of my thumb . Still , the thought slipped through before I could push it away . Is she alright ? I closed my eyes and immediately , her face burned against the backs of my lids . The curve of her cheek . The look she gave me before everything shattered .

I shook my head hard , jaw clenching until my teeth ached . No. No , I wasn't doing this again . She must still be in the North . So , she's safe.- The truth was simple , and I wasn't about to cloud it with longing or regret . I helped that night because it was right . That was all . I pushed myself up and left my office . The corridors of my house were too wide , carrying echoes that sounded like accusations . By the time I reached the kitchen , my throat was dry . I grabbed a glass and filled it with water from the pitcher , the sound of liquid splashing the only comfort in the room .

That was when I heard voices from the living room . I frowned , lifting the glass halfway to my lips . I stepped closer , leaning just beyond the archway where the light didn't touch me . My father's voice came first . " Wilder , your business is thriving . You've turned trade into something remarkable for the South My mother chimed in . " And as head warrior , you've proven invaluable . The people move because you tell them to . They follow because they believe in you ." 17:11 Tue , 19 Aug Chapter 162 We're Back I gripped the glass tighter .

+5 Free Coins I leaned my head back against the wall and closed my eyes for just a moment , fighting the bitter taste rising in my throat . When I asked for help to mobilize warriors to look for Arden and Tessa in Wilder's favor , none of them had come . I knew it then . Wilder never helped me . That was why I called Elias . " Graduated from Elite , too ," my mother continued . " Not the new Elite , but the real Elite . That says everything . " I let out a sharp , humorless laugh under my breath . The real Elite . My father's voice lowered .

" It would be nice if Rowan were more like you ." The words were a dagger , but I had long since learned how to stand with blades in my back . I sighed and raised the glass to my lips , the water suddenly painful as it slid down my throat . With my free hand , I ran my fingers through my hair , tugging lightly at the roots . Why couldn't they understand ? The old Elite was the place that had taken their son from them . Their precious Elijah . The old Elite was what had destroyed us , torn apart our family . It wasn't Honey Callahan at all . The irony almost made me laugh .

It would be nice if Rowan were like Wilder . But what I couldn't say out loud was this - it would be nice if Rowan were anywhere else but here ! I placed the glass down on the counter , listening to the faint clink as it touched the stone . My reflection wavered in the water , and I hadn't finished . I didn't think I would prefer going to the Elite at this time , but I did . *** I was back in Elite . The place looked identical , but the feeling wasn't . The halls were already filled with new faces .

it seemed Cade pushed through with what he said to make Elite more accessible , yet still high quality , Both new and unfamiliar faces looked at me when I walked by , smiling in a flirtatious manner . I smiled back . What else was I supposed to do ? It has been like this for a while now. My heart was closed off , locked behind walls no one here could touch . It was easier that way . No one could reach me anymore . Not even her . So I did the one thing that felt like I had control .

17:11 Tue , 19 Aug Chapter 162 We're Back " Alpha , " a girl I hadn't seen before , wrapped her arms around my shoulder . " Are you still looking for fun these days ? " " Why don't we get to know each other even if it's not for points ? " I shrugged and grabbed her waist, leaning her figure against the locker and devouring her lips . I didn't even remember her name . Her lips pressed against mine with eagerness , shallow and meaningless . It was a distraction , and that was all I needed .

The point system was gone , abolished after everything that happened with Winters and his twisted games , but that didn't mean I didn't crave the release and recklessness of it all . Old habits die hard . Old scars , even harder . When I pulled away , the girl was flushed , smiling at me like I'd just promised her the world . I didn't promise her anything . And then , like a punch to the gut , I saw her . Tessa . Standing not too far away , her books clutched to her chest , staring at me with those wide fucking eyes . The same eyes that had haunted me for months .

The same eyes that had never stopped looking at me like I was something worth saving , even when I'd proven , time and time again , that I wasn't . Her lips parted , just slightly , but she didn't say a word.` I tore my gaze away , shaking my head as I brushed past her . " Alpha ? " the unknown girl asked , holding onto my wrist , but I just brushed her off and walked away , not glancing at Tessa because- Why the fuck does she look like that ? So fucking pretty . Tue , 19 Aug