Bound by Moon and Blood

thoughts raced, trying to make sense of the brief but intense encounter with Alexander Blackthorn. She h

ways been more than just an imposing figure. He was a man who ruled with calculated control, esp

space as they walked down the corridor away from the ballroom. "That

didn't stop. "Father, it was ju

have any idea what the Blackthorn family represents? Werewolves, Isabe

heart was beating faster with every passing moment. "But I won't live my lif

ding. "You will not defy me, Isabella. Your destiny has already been written. You

th defiance. "I don't need to live in the shadows of

u to a werewolf?" His tone dripped with contempt. "Don't be foolish, Isabella. You are a Ni

the tense silence. She turned, and there he was-Alexander Blackthorn.

h a mix of frustration and restraint, "

back to his daughter. "This conversation is not o

nce filling the space between them.

annoyance than anything else. "My f

motions neither of them had fully processed yet. Alexander's eyes softened

conflict," he said, his vo

shook her head, frustrated with herself more than him. "I'm the one who should ap

gs. Alexander's gaze never left her, studying her face, reading the subtle changes in her expression. There was someth

ence. "To be bound by duty, by legacy, by expectations. My whole

soft vulnerability in his voice cutting thr

ackthorn pack. It's my destiny, my burden. I don't have t

s she met his eyes. "And yet here we are. Bot

ily legacies, the ancient animosities, the expectations of their bloodli

the luxury of choice. But maybe-just maybe-we c

or the briefest moment. The touch was electric, sparkin

aced with an undeniable intensity. "I don't know why, but something a

bout him-was a danger she wasn't sure she could handle. But in the pit of her stomach, she felt something stir

ered, her voice trembling slightly. "B

he rest of the world seemed to disappear. In that