Bound but not Broken

Adrian woke up restless.

The sheets were tangled around his legs, his body uncomfortably warm despite the cool air in the penthouse. He could still feel Elias’ presence even though they hadn’t spoken since their encounter in the kitchen last night.

His wolf was pacing beneath his skin, unsettled.

Adrian groaned, running a hand through his messy hair. This was why he had never wanted a fated mate—because no matter how much he fought it, the bond existed, pulling at him, demanding recognition.

And worst of all?

It wasn’t just physical.

It was in the way Elias looked at him—calm, steady, patient. As if he wasn’t fazed by any of this, as if he had all the time in the world to wait for Adrian to stop fighting.

The thought made Adrian’s chest tighten with frustration.

Throwing the sheets off, he pushed himself out of bed and headed for the shower. He needed something to snap him out of this haze.

But even under the cold spray of water, Elias lingered in his thoughts.

—

When Adrian finally stepped into the kitchen, Elias was already there.

He stood by the counter, a fresh cup of coffee in his hand, looking effortlessly composed in a fitted black shirt and dark slacks. His hair was still slightly damp from his own morning shower, and his scent—warm cedar and something subtly sweet—filled the air.

Adrian scowled. “You’re up early.”

Elias took a sip of his coffee before responding. “So are you.”

Adrian ignored the way Elias’ voice sent a shiver down his spine. He crossed his arms. “I have a meeting in an hour.”

Elias simply nodded. “I figured.”

Adrian frowned, narrowing his eyes. “And how would you know that?”

Elias gave him a knowing look. “Because I read the schedule your assistant sent over last night.”

Adrian tensed. “You went through my schedule?”

Elias set his cup down and leaned against the counter, arms folding over his chest. “We’re married, Adrian. Our lives are intertwined now, whether you like it or not. I need to know what’s going on in your life.”

Something about the way Elias said it—with that maddening patience—made Adrian’s irritation flare.

“You don’t need to do anything,” Adrian snapped. “You said it yourself—we don’t have to force this bond.”

Elias exhaled slowly, as if he were holding back a sigh. “I’m not forcing anything. I’m just being aware.”

Adrian clenched his jaw. “Well, stop it.”

Elias arched a brow. “Stop being aware?”

Adrian gritted his teeth. “Stop acting like you care.”

Silence filled the room.

Elias’ expression didn’t change, but something in his dark gaze sharpened. “You think I don’t care?”

Adrian scoffed. “I think you’re playing a role. The perfect, patient husband. But we both know this marriage is just a business deal.”

Elias was quiet for a moment before he finally pushed off the counter. “You’re right.”

Adrian blinked. That was… too easy.

“But just because this started as a deal doesn’t mean I don’t care,” Elias continued, stepping closer. “And whether you want to admit it or not, Adrian, you feel this bond as much as I do.”

Adrian’s breath caught.

He wanted to deny it, to scoff and walk away—but he couldn’t. Because Elias was right.

The bond was there. It was undeniable.

Elias didn’t press further. He simply picked up his coffee again and turned away, leaving Adrian standing there, heart pounding, fists clenched.

And the worst part?

For the first time in his life, Adrian didn’t know how to fight back.

—

The meeting that morning was hell.

Adrian was usually sharp, focused, and unshakable. But today, he found himself distracted, irritated, off-balance. Every time he closed his eyes, he saw Elias’ face, heard his voice.

“Adrian?”

He snapped back to the present to find his assistant, Marcus, watching him curiously.

Adrian cleared his throat, straightening. “What?”

Marcus hesitated. “You were zoning out.”

Adrian scowled. “I wasn’t.”

Marcus didn’t argue, but the knowing look in his eyes was infuriating.

Adrian forced himself to focus on the rest of the meeting, pushing Elias out of his thoughts. But by the time he returned home that evening, he was still wound too tight, his frustration simmering beneath the surface.

And, of course, Elias was already there, casually lounging on the couch with a book in hand, looking completely at ease in his space.

Adrian stopped in the doorway, clenching his jaw. “Do you live in my damn penthouse now?”

Elias didn’t even look up from his book. “Our penthouse.”

Adrian exhaled sharply, dropping his briefcase on the table. “I need a drink.”

Elias finally looked up, amusement flickering in his dark eyes. “Rough day?”

Adrian glared at him. “If you must know, yes.”

Elias hummed, setting his book aside. “Let me guess. You were distracted.”

Adrian’s fingers tightened around the glass he had just picked up. “I wasn’t distracted.”

Elias stood, moving closer. “You were.”

Adrian took a long sip of his drink, refusing to acknowledge him.

Elias stopped just a step away, close enough that Adrian could feel the warmth of his body. “Adrian.”

Adrian’s grip on his glass tightened. “What?”