Bound by Moon and Blood

e shadows. His presence was as commanding as ever, his dark suit blending seamle

, his voice icy. "I should have kno

ely stepping in front of Isabella.

Is that what they call it now? I'd advise you to l

rjected, her voice firm but p

s is something you can handle? This is not just about you, Isabella. It's about our fa

we stand for, Father? Isolation? Hatred? I'm tired

s isn't about outdated rules. It's about survival. Werewolves and vam

ant about me, but don't pretend your kind is any better. We've been at each

"And what would you know of leadership, boy? You've barely

" Alexander shot back. "Isabella and I aren't the problem

lla, his tone softening slightly but still filled with authority. "This is

he stood her ground. "I'm not a child anymore

rly wearing thin. "Very well. If you insi

Victor disappeared into the shadows, l

-

anger and concern. "You didn't have to stand up to h

apping around herself. "My life's already he

said, stepping closer. "I don't wa

y hurt, Alexander. I've been hurt for years, living

, he reached for her hand. "Then let's leave. We c

in her eyes. "It's not that simple. I can't just

tightening. "You don't owe them your happiness, Isab

But then she pulled her hand away, stepping back. "And what about

id firmly. "I'll do whatever

ope and fear. "You're asking me to choose bet

e said softly, stepping closer ag

through her defenses, and before she co

-

es, their bond growing stronger with each passing encounter. Conversations that started with whispered confessi

was not without

father, Marcus, and a group of senior pack members. The air was thick with

led. "Do you think the Nightingales won'

argued. "It's about me and Isabel

e bigger picture," Marcus snapped. "This isn't just about you.

xander shot back. "Don't

voice remained firm. "You matter, son. But sometime

had always known his role as the future alpha came

-

f alliances and rivalries spread like wildfire through the vampire community. Each day, the weight of her c

nd them grew. Their secret was a ticking time bomb,