Feral Bonds: Claimed By Rogue Alpha Brothers-Chapter 665: Better Be Worth It

Evaline:

I leaned back slightly in my chair, letting out a soft breath as I hit send on the last message.

A small, satisfied smile curved on my lips as I set my phone down on the dining table. The invitation was sent and my friends had all confirmed their appearances.

It felt... nice. Normal. Planning something as simple and joyful as a New Year dinner with my friends felt almost surreal after everything that had happened last night.

For a moment, I just sat there, cradling the warmth of my herbal tea between my hands.

It was early afternoon now. The mansion had settled into a quiet calm, the kind that only came after chaos had finally passed.

Kyros and Rowan had left about forty minutes ago, both of them far more relaxed than they had been last night. Kyros had looked... like himself again. There was no darkness, no fear, just his usual calm, slightly stubborn self.

They left with the promise to return tomorrow evening with the rest of our friends for the New Year dinner.

That alone had been enough to ease something deep inside me.

Lioren had fallen asleep not long after they left. I had stayed with him until his breathing evened out, gently placing him in his cradle before finally allowing myself to step away.

And now, for the first time since everything, I was sitting still and doing nothing, just... breathing.

When the chair beside me shifted, I turned my head slightly, already knowing who it was.

Kieran slid into the seat next to mine, his presence as familiar as my own heartbeat.

"You look pleased," he said in a light tone.

"I am," I admitted softly. "Everyone’s coming tomorrow."

"That’s good," he replied.

I studied his face for a moment, then tilted my head slightly as I asked, "Did you prepare it?"

A slow smile spread across his lips. Without a word, he reached into his suit’s inside pocket and pulled out a sleek card before placing it in my hand.

"I did," he said.

I looked down at it, realizing it was a house or apartment’s entry key card.

A warmth spread through my chest as I looked back at him. "Everything?" I asked, just to be sure.

"As per your requirements," he confirmed, his eyes glinting with quiet amusement.

I let out a soft breath, curling my fingers around the card. "Thank you," I said sincerely. "I’ll be back before the dinner tomorrow evening."

His gaze softened slightly at that, but before he could respond, another presence filled the room.

I didn’t even need to look to know it was River.

He stepped into the dining hall with his usual calm authority, his gaze immediately finding us.

I turned in my chair to face him fully. And then, without thinking, I reached out and lifted my arms toward him, inviting.

River didn’t hesitate. He stepped closer, leaning in to return the embrace. But just as my arms wrapped around his neck... he lifted me.

A soft gasp escaped me in surprise as he effortlessly pulled me off the chair and set me on the table instead.

Now, I was almost at eye level with him.

"River-" I started, a hint of laughter slipping into my voice.

"When are you leaving?" he asked, cutting straight to the point.

Straightforward as always.

I smiled faintly as I answered, "I was thinking... now."

Kieran shifted slightly beside me, clearly about to say something, but another voice beat him to it.

"Leaving where?"

Oscar.

My heart skipped and I turned my head toward the entrance of the dining hall.

He stood there, mid-step, clearly having just walked in... and clearly not expecting to hear that.

There was confusion on his face. Real, unfiltered confusion.

Kieran opened his mouth, probably ready to answer, but I didn’t give him the chance.

"I’m heading to Selene’s," I said quickly, turning fully toward Oscar.

His steps halted.

"I thought I would spend the night at her place," I continued casually. "And then come back tomorrow evening with everyone else. We’ll all stay here for the New Year."

The words were simple. Even light. But the meaning behind them was loud and clear - we would have no time alone. Not today. Not tonight. Not even tomorrow.

I saw the exact moment it hit him and he froze... completely.

Oscar had been walking toward me, but now he just stood there, like he had forgotten how to move.

His expression shifted from confusion... to something else. Something quieter. Something that made my chest tighten just a little.

He didn’t say anything. Not immediately. And that silence said more than words ever could.

Kieran glanced at me, his brows raising slightly in silent question. River’s gaze lingered on me too, sharper, more knowing.

They both understood what I was doing, so they stayed silent.

I tilted my head slightly and smiled at Oscar. "Can you drive me?" I asked softly.

That seemed to snap him out of it. He blinked once. Then nodded.

"Yeah," he said after a moment, his voice steady but quieter than usual.

"I’ll be ready in thirty minutes," I added.

He nodded again. And then, without another word, he turned and walked out.

The moment he was gone, the air shifted.

Silence lingered for a second, and then, Kieran sighed. A soft chuckle followed as he leaned closer and gently tapped my nose.

"You are definitely going to have to make that up to him," he said.

I wrinkled my nose slightly at the gesture but smiled anyway. "I know," I admitted.

Because I did.

What I had just done... it hadn’t been subtle. Not at all.

River crossed his arms, watching me with a faint, knowing look. "For your sake," he said, "I hope it’s worth it."

"It will be," I said softly, even though internally I was hoping I hadn’t pushed Oscar too much with this recent stunt.

I couldn’t even grasp his emotions through our bond and that meant he’s blocking it.

River was right... for my sake, it better be worth it.