Alpha Bond

Ella’s POV

“Oliver.”

His name passes through my lips in a whisper. Holding his gaze, I am still in a state of disbelief.

I surprise myself and him when I throw my arms around his neck and pull him in a tight embrace. His body stays stiff, and he doesn't return the hug, but this doesn't stop me from holding him. Neither does it dampen my mood; I am simply happy to found him.

"I can't believe it's you." I slightly lean back to see his stunned face, then I again hug him feeling elated, "You have no idea how much everyone will be so happy to see you. We thought we would never see you again."

I clearly remember the day when both mom and dad lost the hope of finding Oliver because it seemed like he had vanished from the face of the earth.

Everyone was so upset and angry, especially mom, because she thought we had let Oliver down by not protecting him. Even Elena was upset though she had never met him. Grandma used to talk about him so much. Elena loved hearing about him because somehow, she could connect with what he had gone through.

I don’t exactly remember him, but all I knew was that I had lost my best friend, and it was enough for me to hate these bloody Guardians.

We all hate Guardians because they have taken him away from us... his family. Especially their leaders who never acknowledge any other relationship other than their so-called duties. No feelings matter to them if they threaten to come in between their duties.

Maybe that’s why they had even separated Oliver from the Guardians who had found him because they all loved and cared for him as a family would.

However, abruptly, a realization draws on me as I pull myself back and glance at his guilt-filled eyes.

My happiness turns into fury, and before I can stop myself, I land a straight punch on his face.

His face turns to the other side because of the force behind my punch as he slowly turns his head to me, clenching his jaw. He looks at me in surprise.

“You knew that we would be worried about you, but you never tried to contact us.” Shouting at him, I push him harshly, earning a warning growl from him.

“Why haven’t you returned to your pack?” I glare at him accusingly. Anger spreads like wildfire inside me, remembering how guilty mom and dad feel whenever someone talks about Oliver.

“My mom and dad blame themselves for your disappearance. Even after all these years, they could never forgive themselves for letting you go, and here you are going on with your life as if they had never meant anything to you.” Clenching my hands into fists, I seethe in anger.

Somewhere it seems like he betrayed them and their love.

God, I am so furious. I have never felt this angry before, how much I am feeling at this moment.

“Why didn’t you come back?” I shout and pick up the nearest thing, which happens to be some glass decor, and smash it against the wall.

“Calm down!” He takes a step towards me, not bothered by my outburst.

“Why?” I ask through clenched teeth.

However, a knock on the door causes me to close my eyes as I exhale a deep breath, trying to gain some control over my anger.

Oliver looks at me for a moment or two, and then he goes to answer the door.

I don’t focus on who is on the other side of the door or what they are talking about, but one word struck me, and the restrain on my anger just breaks.

Lord Emerson.

I am not blind that I can’t see in what kind of luxuries he is surrounded by, which he would not have ever gotten in our pack. Guardians are known for their lavish lifestyle because, in their opinion, they deserve everything that is the best.

They live like freaking royalty and consider themselves as one.

“Of course, why would he want to do anything with my pack and my people because now he is a Lord, a Guardian.” I let out a harsh laugh while wiping angry tears which slip from my eyes, “He is just like the rest of those arrogant Guardians who believe they are above the rest of werewolves kind. And why wouldn’t he be any different because, after all, he is one of them.”

“Ella, please, listen to me.” Oliver approaches me cautiously as if I am a deranged person after he comes back into the living room.

Locking away all my emotions, I slip a mask of coldness on my face as I turn to him.

“I am going home.” If my impassive expression surprises him, he never lets it show on his face.

“I will send you back home, but just give me some time to sort things out and convince Superior to grant you permission to leave.” He answers as his eyes roam over my face.

“I think you haven’t heard me correctly, Lord Emerson.” My cold gaze remains locked with him, “I have said that I am going home. I don’t need anyone’s permission to leave this place.”

If I want to stay here, it will be my choice, and if I want to leave, then no one can stop me.

“Inform your Superior that I am leaving along with everyone who has been rescued from Emmet’s prison. Because, unlike your kind, we never abandon our people.”

Those prisoned werewolves had put their trust in me when we were fighting against Emmet and his men. And I will be damned if I will leave them here at the mercy of these Guardians.

I watch a shadow of shock and sadness on his face, which vanishes as soon as it appears. A steely expression replaces his previous expression as he glances in my direction.

“You are not going anywhere, Ella.” His face voids any warmth or recognition, not that I expect any because it is obvious that he is one of them, not us, “You will stay here until you are allowed to leave. I will not let you go against Superior's order.”

In front of me stands Lord Emerson, not someone whom I always recalled as my friend.

My heart clenches inside my chest hearing his detached voice, but I don't let this appear on my face.

Maybe we were not wrong when we accepted that we had lost Oliver forever.

“I am Alpha Ella Whitmore, and I don’t submit to anyone." Lifting my chin, I meet his gaze unwaveringly as the alpha blood in my veins refuses to bow down in front of anyone.

Maybe my eyes are playing a trick on me, but I can swear I saw a hint of a smile appearing on his lips. But then, within a blink, it's gone again, replaced by his usual bored expression.

Then without saying anything, he walks to leave the room. However, when he's just about to step outside, he turns to me like he wants to say something. But then, deciding against it, he walks away.

Even though I am angry with him, a part of me wants to believe there is a reason behind all this. I want to believe he is the same Oliver whom I have always considered my friend.

But his actions are making it hard for me to hold on to that hope.