Feral Bonds: Claimed By Rogue Alpha Brothers

Evaline:

For a second… I couldn't move.

I just lay there, my chest heaving, my lungs struggling to pull in air that refused to come fast enough. The pain in my ankle throbbed violently, sharp and blinding, sending waves of nausea through me.

And when I finally looked up, Damian stood right over me with that familiar smile curving his lips. His eyes held an emotion I could only describe as... satisfaction, or victory.

Like he had expected this all along.

Like my escape had been nothing more than a brief amusement to pass his time.

My stomach twisted violently. A part of me - small, quiet, and trembling - knew I couldn't outrun him anymore.

Not like this. Not with my body barely holding together. But that didn't mean I would stop, that didn't mean I would give up.

No.

If he wanted to take me back, he would have to drag me there. And I would make sure it cost him.

I pushed myself up slightly, ignoring the way my ankle screamed in protest, my hands trembling as I tried to steady myself.

He tilted his head, watching me like I was something interesting. "Impressive," he murmured. "You made it farther than I thought you would."

His eyes gleamed as he added, "But not far enough."

The smile on his face, it wasn't just mockery. It was something darker, something twisted, something that made my skin crawl.

He was going to enjoy this.

I knew it. I could feel it. And I refused to let him have that satisfaction. My fingers curled against the ground as I forced myself to meet his gaze.

"I'm not going back with you," I rasped.

His smile widened.

"Oh, dear Eva…" he stepped closer, his move slow and deliberate. "You don't have a choice."

I glared at him, letting him see just how much I hated him. Had always hated him.

"You are sick, Damian." I finally said the words out loud. "You are actually more evil than that ancient soul feeding on innconet wolves."

If I expected a reaction, I did got one - a bright smile as if he considered my words a praise. "Evil or not, you have to spend the rest of your life with me."

I was about to speak, but the words got stuck in my throat as a sudden warmth bloomed inside me. It was soft at first, faint, but there.

My breath hitched.

What-

It spread through my chest, curling around my ribs, seeping into the very core of me like a forgotten piece finally returning.

For a heartbeat, I thought it was my healing power. That the effects of the drug had finally worn off. But the very next second I realized it wasn't my power.

No.

This was different, deeper, stronger... familiar.

And then-

"Evaline…"

My heart stopped.

River.

His voice echoed in my mind, distant… uncertain… like he wasn't sure if I could hear him.

Tears burned my eyes instantly.

I reached for the bond instinctively, desperation flooding through me, ready to answer.

"Riv-"

Before I could even finish speaking his name, pain exploded through me.

A scream tore from my throat as Damian's hand clamped around my twisted ankle and yanked.

Agony shot up my leg, white-hot and blinding, ripping the breath from my lungs.

"Ah-!"

Before I could even recover, his other hand shot forward, wrapping around my throat - tight, crushing.

My vision blurred instantly as he squeezed, cutting off my air.

"Trying to reach them?" he asked, his voice low, dangerous.

My hands flew to his wrist, clawing, pushing, trying to pry him off - but his grip only tightened.

I couldn't breathe, couldn't think. Spots danced in my vision as panic surged. But I didn't stop fighting.

Not when they were so close.

I twisted my body, forcing my weight to shift, ignoring the way my ankle screamed again as I moved. My hand slid down his arm, using his own grip against him...

Just like Oscar had taught me. Just like River had drilled into me again and again.

Use their strength. Don't fight it.

I shifted again, jerking my body sideways while pushing hard against his elbow. And just for a split second, his grip loosened.

Air rushed into my lungs in a sharp, painful gasp. But I wasted no time celebrating. I moved fast, faster than I thought I could.

I slammed my shoulder into him, using what little strength I had left, forcing him to stumble back just enough for me to tear free from his hold.

I staggered away, coughing violently, my throat burning.

Damian froze, just for a moment. I watched as surprise flickered across his face. But it didn't last.

It never did.

The shock melted into something darker, more dangerous.

"Well…" he exhaled slowly, rolling his shoulders. "That was unexpected."

I didn't respond. I was already moving again. I didn't bother running because I knew that would be the stupidest thing to do with a twisted ankle. Instead, I decided to fight.

He noticed my intentions immediately, and smirked. "You want to play? Sure. Your brother will play with you."

He didn't waste another second and lunged.

Fortunately, I was quick enough to twist in time and barely avoided his hand as it shot past me.

Pain screamed through my body with every movement, my strength draining faster than I could keep up. But I didn't stop.

My mind screamed at me to reach for the bond again. To call out. To answer.nBut there was no time, no space. Every second was a fight. Every breath a battle.

Damian moved faster. He was stronger. He caught my wrist and yanked me toward him.

I gasped, my body slamming into his as I struggled, pushing against him, trying to break free... but he was too strong.

And I was - weak, drugged, injured, broken - still... I fought. With everything I had left.

I twisted again and drove my knee upward. He blocked it easily and tightened his grip on me.

"Enough," he snapped.

But I didn't stop. I had no plans of stopping now, because if I did... it would be over.

A small opening, just a second... that was all I needed.