The bond didn't disappear.
That was the problem.
It lingered.
Faint.
But constant.
Like a shadow that refused to leave.
I stiffened slightly.
"…He's still there."
Leo's head snapped toward me instantly.
"Where?"
I shook my head.
"I don't know. It's not… physical."
My fingers curled slightly.
"It's like—he didn't disconnect."
Kai's expression darkened.
"That shouldn't be possible."
Evan didn't look surprised.
Of course he didn't.
"He marked the connection," he said calmly.
My stomach dropped.
"Marked?"
"Not physically," Evan clarified.
"But through the bond."
A pause.
"He can feel you now."
A cold wave slid down my spine.
"You mean like I feel you?" I asked.
Evan nodded once.
"Yes."
"That's not good," Kai muttered.
"That's an understatement," Leo added.
The bond flickered again—
And this time—
It wasn't just a feeling.
It was awareness.
Sharp.
Focused.
Intentional.
I sucked in a breath.
"He's paying attention…"
Kai stepped closer immediately.
"Block it."
"I'm trying!"
But it didn't work.
Because the moment I pushed—
He pushed back.
Harder.
My breath hitched.
And then—
"You learn quickly."
I flinched.
"No—no, I didn't—"
"Did he just—?" Kai started.
"Yes," I snapped.
"He's talking again."
Leo swore under his breath.
"Shut it down," he ordered.
"I don't know how!"
Evan stepped closer.
"Don't resist it."
I stared at him.
"Are you serious right now?!"
"If you resist, he pushes harder," Evan said.
"Let it settle."
That sounded like a terrible idea.
But the pressure was getting worse.
So—
Slowly—
I stopped fighting.
The bond steadied.
Just slightly.
And then—
"Better."
My hands clenched instantly.
I hated that.
"Stop talking to him," Kai said sharply.
"I'm not talking to him!" I shot back.
"Your reactions are enough," Evan muttered.
Great.
So now even my silence was a problem.
The connection pulsed again.
Stronger.
And then—
Something changed.
This time—
It wasn't just his voice.
It was a feeling.
Curiosity.
Focused entirely on me.
I swallowed hard.
"He's not angry," I said slowly.
That caught their attention.
Kai frowned. "What?"
"He's… curious."
Leo's expression hardened instantly.
"That's worse."
Evan nodded slightly.
"Much worse."
I wrapped my arms around myself again.
"Why?"
"Because anger is predictable," Evan said.
Kai finished it.
"Curiosity means he's interested."
Silence.
Heavy.
Dangerous.
The bond pulsed again—
And this time—
"You don't belong with them."
My head snapped up.
"No."
The word came out before I could stop it.
Kai's eyes flicked to me.
"What did he say?"
I hesitated.
Then—
"He said I don't belong with you."
That did it.
The air shifted instantly.
Leo stepped forward.
Cold.
Controlled.
Dangerous.
"He doesn't decide that."
The bond reacted.
Sharp.
Clashing.
And then—
For the first time—
The Alpha's presence pushed back.
"I already have."
Pain shot through my chest.
I gasped, doubling over slightly.
"Nancy!" Kai grabbed me.
Too late.
Because something inside me—
Snapped.
Not violently.
Not like before.
But deeply.
The bond surged—
And this time—
It didn't just connect.
It chose.
Them.
All three.
At once.
The pressure shifted instantly.
The Alpha's presence—
Paused.
Just for a second.
Then—
"So that's your answer."
My breathing shook.
"Yes," I whispered.
Silence.
Then—
The connection weakened.
Not gone.
But distant.
Watching.
Waiting.
And then—
Gone.
No one spoke for a few seconds.
Then—
Kai let out a slow breath.
"…That didn't feel like a win."
"It wasn't," Evan said quietly.
Leo's gaze stayed on me.
"That was a warning."
My chest tightened.
"For what?" I asked.
Leo didn't hesitate.
"He's not asking anymore."
Silence.
Heavy.
Final.
Because now—
The Alpha wasn't just watching.
He was coming.
For real this time.