‘I won’t ever come to you,’Ehlian said stubbornly, ignoring the motionless warmth of Hayce’s thumb. ‘And I’m not bonding with you. Try whatever you want.’
‘Tough luck, pretty boy,’Hayce’s mental tone was mocking. ‘My deal or no deal.’
In many countries, pack bonds were seen as old-fashioned relics of a bygone era. In others, they were associated with criminal groups, tools for gang leaders and overlords to ensure loyalty and obedience from their members. Of course, Ehlian was in the perfect place for such traditions to thrive.
But he also knew there was more to it than that. Protection. Belonging. A pack bond meant being part of a tight-knit circle of alphas and omegas who always looked out for each other. Pack bonds weren’t permanent. They could be severed easily once the ties no longer served their purpose.
That was the part he clung to. Once he left this shithole, Hayce wouldn’t want to stay linked to him. Hayce had said it himself.
“Alright,” Ehlian said, jaw tight. “Do it.”
“Turn around.”
Reluctantly, Ehlian obeyed, questioning his sheer stupidity for agreeing to this madness, for letting a bond form with someone who had shattered his own father’s mind. But the moment he met Hayce’s amber eyes, his mind went blank. All he felt was Hayce’s telepathic power slipping past his weakened mental shield and brushing against his core. It was probing, tentative at first, offering him one last chance to resist. In the end, Ehlian let out a shaky breath and gave in, allowing their powers to entwine. The bond formed slowly, with a tangible weight that left his mind momentarily spinning.
Then, it was like peering into the heart of the pack's hierarchy. Hayce stood solidly at the top, a monolithic presence that cast a shadow over the structure. Below him was Aric, followed by the rest of the pack. And there Ehlian was, at the very bottom of the pyramid.
When his senses returned, Hayce was already gone, leaving him standing there flushed and confused.
Ehlian became painfully aware that everyone was watching him. His face burned bright red as he snapped, “What are you staring at?”
The response was maddening. While most of the inmates hastily turned away, mutters of “You owe me” filled the air. Ehlian’s jaw clenched. Of course they had been betting.
Who in their right mind had even bet on Grasson?
Despite his annoyance, the immediate change was undeniable. The alphas around him gave him space now, their interest fading.
His peace didn’t last long. Aric moved to block his path. “Don’t get too attached to him.”
Ehlian blinked, caught off guard. “You’ve lost your mind.”
“Just saying,” Aric replied, his tone light.
“Save your breath next time.”
Ehlian pushed past him, biting down his anger. Attached to Hayce? He’d sooner break a window and let himself get sucked into the vacuum of space.
That smug bastard wasn’t worth an ounce of his affection.
Or his trust.
Chapter 4
Ehlian had expected Hayce to demand he sleep in the bed now that he was part of the pack, but Hayce said nothing, leaving him to keep his uncomfortable spot on the floor. The absolute dick.
At the lounge, however, distance wasn’t an option. The seat beside Hayce was now reserved for him. The first time Hayce casually placed a hand on his thigh, Ehlian batted it away with a scowl.
'Trying to make a scene again?'Hayce’s voice slid into his mind, the words carrying an unspoken warning. Instability within the pack helped no one, least of all Ehlian. Reluctantly, he let the hand stay.
But that was all Hayce did. His hand stayed where it was, resting lightly above his knee.
Strangely, Hayce didn’t cross lines in the cell and shower room either. He always stood nearby but never touched Ehlian or even spared him a glance.
It was a relief.
As long as Hayce didn’t find him attractive, Ehlian could tolerate their arrangement.
*
