Fractured Bond, Forced Smiles

ROMAN

I could feel Vanessa's rage before I even saw her expression. It radiated through our newly strengthened bond like wildfire, scorching everything in its path. The moment we left my father-in-law's office, she spun to face me, eyes blazing with an intensity that would have made lesser wolves cower.

"I need to see her now, Roman," she demanded, her voice trembling with barely contained fury. "Right this second."

Her hands were clenched into tight fists at her sides, knuckles white with strain. The soft fabric of her bridesmaid dress seemed at odds with the warrior's rage emanating from her small frame. This wasn't the composed, strategic woman I'd come to know—this was raw, primal anger.

"Vanessa," I said, keeping my voice steady despite the storm of emotions battering at me through our connection. "We can't. Not right now."