The Alpha’s Pride

Zayn sat in the grand living room, his mind replayed the conversation with Isla from earlier. Aurora’s letter had shaken him more than he’d like to admit. He had always prided himself on his ability to control everything, including his emotions, but now, things felt like they were slipping through his fingers.

Just as he was about to get lost in his thoughts again, Isla walked back into the room, her eyes watching him closely.

“Zayn,” she began, her voice calm but probing, “do you even feel anything for Aurora?”

He didn’t answer right away. Instead, he leaned back on the couch and crossed his arms over his chest. “Feel? What kind of question is that?” he replied, sarcasm dripping from his voice. “I feel… irritated, mostly.”

Isla narrowed her eyes at him. “That’s not what I mean, and you know it. I’m talking about the mate bond. Don’t pretend it’s not real.”

Zayn clenched his jaw, shifting uncomfortably in his seat. “Mate bond? Don’t start with that nonsense, Isla. I’m not some love-st