Feral Bonds: Claimed By Rogue Alpha Brothers

Evaline:

The morning came too soon. My body was still heavy from last night, but I didn't have the luxury of staying curled up in the warmth. By the time the alarm rang at six-thirty, I dragged myself out of bed, washed up, and pulled on a cozy sweater.

The dorm common room was already half lit with the glow of fireplace that was burning with life. The air was crisp and quiet until the sound of footsteps filled the hallways.

By seven sharp, we were all gathered in the common room. Everyone looked drowsy but excited, faces bright despite the lingering shadows of exams. The relief was palpable - holidays were here, and for the first time in weeks, we didn't have to think about tests, projects, or sleepless nights of studying.

"Finally," Selene groaned, curling into a chair and tugging her blanket tighter around her shoulders. "I swear if I had to look at one more potion formula, I would have set the whole book on fire."

Noah chuckled, his eyes still half-lidded with sleep. "You say that after every exam, Selene."

"And every time I mean it," she shot back, narrowing her eyes.

I laughed quietly with the rest of them, but my smile faltered when Selene suddenly turned her gaze toward me. "So, Eva," she asked, tilting her head, "where will you be staying for the holidays?"

My breath hitched, but before I could fumble for an excuse, Rowan's calm voice filled the silence. "She'll be with me." He leaned back against the arm of the couch with casual ease, as if it was the most natural thing in the world.

Selene's brows rose. "With you?"

"Yes," Rowan said smoothly. "My house is more than open for her. She'll be fine with me."

I quickly nodded, grateful beyond words for his cover. "Yeah. Rowan offered, and I… I didn't want to bother anyone else."

That seemed to ease their worries. Ria smiled warmly. "That's good. We were just worried you would spend the holidays alone."

My chest squeezed a little at that. Their concern was genuine, and I hated keeping secrets, but this was the only way.

Once the conversation shifted, we began making plans for the break. Selene insisted we shouldn't let distance come between us, and soon we agreed on a simple arrangement - meet every Friday, no matter what.

The plan was to visit each other's towns instead of sticking around the Academy region like always. I could already picture Selene dragging us all through every market stall in her pack's territory, Noah showing off his favorite coffee shops, and Ria taking us to the lake she always spoke about.

The warmth of belonging spread through me at the thought. I wasn't used to this - people planning things around me, including me without hesitation. It was something so simple, yet it meant everything.

When we finally wrapped up our planning, everyone scattered to get ready for the day. I showered, got ready, and then headed to the dining hall with the group.

The Academy was buzzing more than it had in weeks. Laughter, chatter, and the clatter of dishes filled the hall, and the smell of fresh bread and hot cocoa drifted in the air.

Outside, the snow was gleaming like crushed diamonds under the sun, a perfect morning after a heavy night of snowfall.

It almost felt like life had returned to its normal rhythm. Exams were behind us. Holidays were ahead. For once, the world seemed… light.

After breakfast, we returned to our dorms to pack. Within two hours, Noah, Selene, and Ria were gone, their hugs and promises of phone calls lingering with me as their bags rolled out the doors. Half of the Academy emptied just as quickly, and the dorms grew quieter.

Mallory was next. She pulled me into a tight hug, her voice warm with a smile. "I'll visit often, okay?"

I nodded. She would definitely be dropping by at Jasper's house, so I knew I would be seeing her around at the mansion.

Her grin softened. "Good. Then don't forget me when you are off with your… big plans."

I didn't reply to that, just hugged her tighter before she left. Minutes later, Rowan and Kyros carried our bags to the Academy gates with me trailing behind, my boots crunching in the snow.

And then... my heart stuttered.

Draven was waiting.

His tall figure leaned casually against a sleek black car, but the moment his eyes found me, his composure broke. He pushed off the car, striding forward with long, confident steps. And then, without a care for who was watching, he pulled me into his arms.

The hug was warm, steady, grounding. His scent wrapped around me, making my knees weaken, and before I could even process it, he pressed a kiss against my cheek.

Heat flooded my face. I could feel eyes on us, whispers curling in the cold morning air. But Draven didn't care. He pulled back only to glance at Rowan and Kyros, his expression shifting into something softer. "Thanks for helping her."

"Anytime," Rowan replied smoothly. Kyros only gave a short nod.

Draven's gaze lingered on them a moment longer before he added, "Do you need a ride home? I can drop you both off."

They declined politely, though I caught the flicker of surprise on their faces at his civility. "We'll manage," Rowan said, giving me a small smile before stepping back.

Kyros leaned in just enough to murmur, "Call if you need anything."

I nodded quickly, my throat too tight to speak. With final hugs and promises to keep in touch, they turned away, leaving me standing between the two worlds I belonged to - the friends who saw me as Eva, and the bond that tied me to Draven and his brothers.

Draven opened the passenger door for me, his eyes lingering on mine with a silent reassurance. I slipped inside, my heart pounding. He closed the door gently before moving to the driver's side.

Through the window, I caught sight of a few students whispering and pointing in our direction. My mind spun. Word of this would either spread like wildfire across the Academy, or die without a single mention, depending entirely on Draven.

But he looked unconcerned, his face calm as he started the engine. If he wasn't worried, I decided I wouldn't be either.

So I leaned back in my seat, watching the Academy fade behind us as snow-covered roads stretched ahead.

For the first time in a long time, I didn't feel like I was leaving something behind.

I felt like I was heading exactly where I was supposed to be.