Chapter 8-The Echoes of a Broken Bond

The journey from the Council Hall to Diego’s private estate was short, but every passing second felt stretched to its limit. Now that the adrenaline of confronting the Bloodmoon elders was fading, my body was beginning to pay the price. The severance of a mate bond wasn't just a mental shift; it was a physical wound to the wolf's soul. Inside the SUV, I leaned my head against the glass of the window. My teeth clattered together, despite the warmth of Diego’s suit jacket still draped over me. A throbbing ache hit behind my sternum and pulsed, rhyming with the beat of my heart. Beside me, Diego remained quiet, though his gaze never fully left me. Despite his relaxed posture, there was a high sense of alertness about him. I shut my eyes tight, hoping that would combat the ache within. "Well, here we are," Miguel said from the front as the SUV came to a halt. I opened my eyes and looked out the window. "Wait...what?" My mouth fell open. Expecting a fortress or a dark guard station, I was caught off guard by the sight before me. Sitting atop a ridge was a modern estate built of rich timber and sparkling windows that overlooked the valley below. Perfectly manicured gardens surrounded the entryway. "It's... not a dungeon?" I muttered under my breath before I could stop myself. Diego let out a low, amused huff as the driver opened his door. "I told you, chica. I'm an Alpha, not a barbarian. Though if you are disappointed, I can certainly order some iron bars for your room." "I'm perfectly fine without iron bars," I retorted. "By the moon goddess, your talk about bars, dungeons and whatnot is partially making me think otherwise about your claim of non-babaric culture." I swung my legs out of the vehicle and attempted to stand. But the moment my feet touched the driveway, a wave of intense dizziness hit me. The world tilted and the stars became a blur. My knees gave out completely. Before I could hit the pavement a pair of arms caught me, scooping me into the air. A sharp gasp escaped my lips as my hands instinctively reached up to clutch at the lapels of Diego’s shirt. He held me flush against his chest and I felt his steady heartbeat against my cheek. "Easy," he said. "Your body is processing the shock of the severed link. Do not push yourself." "I can walk," I protested weakly, my head resting heavily against his shoulder. "You can barely keep your eyes open," he rebutted. "I can." "You're doing a very poor job of convincing me, chica." He stepped up the stairs toward the front double doors of the estate. Miguel opened the double doors, holding them wide as Diego carried me into the grand foyer. The interior was just as stunning as the outside. High timbered ceilings, a roaring fireplace that filled the air with the scent of cedar, and plush leather furnishings. An older woman with grey hair pulled back in a neat bun and wearing a dark dress hurried down the staircase. "Alpha Diego." Her eyes widened slightly as she took in the sight of me in Diego’s arms. "We received the Beta's message. The master suite guest wing has been prepared." "Thank you, Mrs. Gable," Diego replied, not slowing his stride as he carried me toward the staircase. "Have Dr. Reyes come up to the estate immediately. Tell her the severance recoil is hitting her hard." "Right away." As Diego carried me up the wide wooden stairs, Nyx stirred weakly in my mind. Usually, she would be snapping at any male who tried to hold us so assertively, especially an Alpha from an opposing pack. But tonight, she simply curled up tighter, her nose twitching as she breathed in Diego’s scent. 'He is strong,' she whispered, her voice faint and distorted inside my head. 'His aura covers the tear in our soul. It stops the bleeding.' 'He's our owner,' I reminded her. 'Please for the love of the moon goddess, try to maintain some semblance of logic, will you?' 'He's keeping us warm,' she argued and then fell silent again. Diego walked down a long, carpeted corridor lined with subtle artwork before pushing open a set of double doors at the end of the hall which revealed a massive, luxurious bedroom. A king-sized bed topped with grey linens sat against a wall of dark wood, lit softly by warm lamps. Large glass doors led to a private balcony overlooking the forest. Diego walked over to the bed and carefully laid me down on the soft mattress. As he pulled back his suit jacket to tuck the warm duvet over my shoulders, I felt the sudden loss of his body heat. A involuntary shudder ran through me and a small gasp escaped my lips as the cold ache in my chest flared up again. Diego paused, his hands resting on the edge of the mattress as he leaned down over me. His eyes locked onto mine, searching my face in the dim light. "The cold is from the broken link." His thumb reached out to brush a stray lock of red hair away from my forehead. His skin was warm, leaving a trail of electricity across my temple. "I still struggle to believe the audacity of your ex-mate. Silas was a fool to let you go." A strange softness etched on his face. "But under this roof, no one will ever hurt you again." "You don't even know me, Diego," I scoffed in amusement, despite the tightness of my throat. A grin stretched his lips, bringing back that familiar, dangerous charm. "Then it's a good thing we have plenty of time, mi reina." Before I could formulate a witty response, a soft knock echoed at the open bedroom doors. "That's the physician." Diego stood up to his full height and stepped back. His eyes stayed fixed on mine until he slowly turned and walked out into the hall.