Severed Bonds
Chapter 24- Trembling but still standing

Once we step inside I'm greeted by my father and Ian's father. I run to my father, and he embraces me in a big hug. He checks for any scars or cuts on me. I tell him more than enough times that I'm fine. Dad thanks Ian and the rest for rescuing me. Ian doesn't say anything back. That's when I lost it.

"What the hell Ian! First you yank me out of there, treat me like I'm some sort of object for you to retrieve. Then don't even have the audacity to say anything back to my father?"

"What? You expected me to hug you with tears going down my face?" He laughs. "Were bonded Hannah, if you die. I die. It's that plain and simple."

"Would it kill you? To be a decent person for a second!"

"Would it kill you? To stop being so naive?" We stand there glaring at each other.

"Han, it's late." My dad steps in. I nod at him, and we exit out the house into the car.

Ian Pov,

"This should have never happened!" My father roars. I keep my head up and my stance firm.

"Sir? If I may ask, what do we know now?" He looks at Ali with menacing eyes.

"What we should have done in the first place." He responds.

"Dad, if it weren't for Julian. We would've already done that."

"Except me let him off easily."

"Dad, if we use force Hannah and Julian would retaliate!"

"You're not going soft on me are you Ian?"

"No, father. But I don't see this as the best decision."

"That's not your choice to make, do what I asked of you Ian. I won't ask you nicely a second time!" He storms past me and shatters a vase with his power. I close my eyes and sigh. Ali looks at me hesitantly. Thomas stands there waiting for me to say something.

"Thomas, gather our best members, and you will drive the members there. Thomas and I will arrive there after you guys show up."

"Ian, this is reckless. We can't risk our members being seen by humans."

"They will be hidden, Thomas."

"If one human spots them, we'll have no choice but to wipe out the rest of them. Which will then cause more attention, and anger the council." I stay silent, glaring at him. "We have no choice but to bring her here."

"That's even worse! If she's a witness to anything that's going around here. For sure we'll be taken care of by the council!"

"Well we can't risk our members being exposed to the humans!"

"The council will not approve of any of these options." Ali adds.

"If she stays here, it will be easier to keep a watch on her and guard her!"

"Yes, but it will be easier for her to be a witness and get us all killed!"

"Then,operations will take place in the basement." We all look at Ali. "That way we still run operations without the risk of her seeing anything."

"Hmm? That could work, we could have the door locked on the outside." Thomas nods.

"Yes, then all we have to do is have every member picture the knob from the inside. That way, the lock is fresh in their mind." Ali adds.

"I still think that's it too risky, Hannah is curious. Too curious for her own good. If we block half the house, she'll do everything she can to find out what it is."

"It's better than having to murder a whole nerighborhood, and risk our clan by the hands of the council." Thomas argues back.

"The last thing we need, Is Hannah's curiosity to be pursued!"

"It's the only option we have Ian!" Ali argues back. I stand there, irritated by this decision.

"First thing tomorrow, she's moving in, to make the process faster...let Julian know the new plan Ian." I huff out an annoyed breath.

"Fine, gather the members and tell them about the changes." Ali nods at me and so does Thomas. Thomas leaves and Ali walks off into the distance. "Annie!" She turns around annoyed.

"Yeah?"

"Don't tell them... that Hannah's here." She nods and walks away. I walk outside and begin walking to Hannah's house. Once I make it there, I knock on the door. Just as I expect, Julian opens the door. He backs up in shock, when he sees me. I step through the doorway, and look at him directly in the eye. "We need to talk." He nods his head, while gazing at the ground.

"Hannah is going to stay at the house for a while."

"I thought we agreed that it's best if she stays here?" Apparently not!

"Things have changed Julian! Haven't you noticed?"

"You're the one who said it was too dangerous for her to be there!"

"Well I'm telling you now! She's more at risk!" Julian eyes me cautiously. I sigh and try to calm myself. "Look, Julian. I don't like this more than you do. But were running out of options." Julian closes his eyes.

"Fine, I'll let her."

"She'll be moving in tomorrow." He nods his head softly. I exit out the front and walk home. Hannah Pov,

In the morning I wake up admiring my room. I never realised how peaceful and calm it looks. Everything is just the way I left it , I pick up my phone and see calls from Justin, Lola and Violet. I was so exhausted yesterday I crashed, soon as I slipped into my bed. I wonder if my dad called in sick for me yesterday? He probably did. I feel so tired still, and hazy. I don't want to go to school. I don't feel like I'm in the right mind to function or do anything. I don't even feel like getting off my bed. All my energy is being sucked out of me, my legs and arms feel so heavy. Getting dressed will be a struggle. There's a knock at my door.

"Come in." Dad enters the room. He moves slowly and cautiously. Sᴇaʀᴄh thᴇ FindNʘᴠᴇl.nᴇt website on Gøøglᴇ to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

"Good morning Hannah, did you sleep well?" I nod my head at him. It's silent for a while.

"Dad?" I croak out. He looks at me with a painful expression. "Can I not go to school today?" He walks over and sits on the edge of the bed.

"Of course." He says softly. "And don't worry, I'll be staying here with you." Part of me wanted to argue, but another was relieved. I don't think I can be alone for a second anymore. "Okay?" He reassures me. I nod my head again. Even talking feels exhausting. "You want me to make you some breakfast Hannah?"

"No, I'm not hungry."

"Allright, call me if you need anything, I'll be downstairs." He gets off the bed, and swings the door closed halfway. My bedroom door turns into the steel door from the dark room.

"Dad!" He looks at me. "Can you leave the door open?"

"Of course." He opens it wide and leaves it like that. My heart beat returns to normal. I lay down in my bed and turn over the other side and let sleep find me.

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