Bonds at War: The Untouched is Mine novel Chapter 226

Chapter 226 Hot Lumberjack

Chapter 226 Hot Lumberjack

TESSA

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I slipped back into bed, the mattress dipping softly beneath my weight. The night was still, but my thoughts were anything but. I pulled the blanket up to my chin when a small stir beside me caught my attention.

Calla turned to me, her tiny fists rubbing against her eyes. “Where’s Mister?” she asked, her voice groggy but curious.

“He went home,” I whispered, brushing her hair back from her forehead.

“Aww,” Calla pouted, her little mouth turning downward. “I like him a lot.”

“I know,” I murmured, pressing a kiss against her temple. My chest ached at the simplicity of her words. “But he doesn’t belong here.”

Her eyes fluttered shut again, trusting me with her innocence. Within moments, her breathing evened out, causing me to sigh in relief. I stayed awake, listening to her breathing, my mind elsewhere.

I hummed under my breath, a tune I barely remembered but one I always found myself returning to on sleepless nights. It was easier than silence. Silence left too much room for thoughts, and tonight, my head was full of Rowan.

His face after knowing the truth was one that would haunt my dreams for the next few days, or even weeks, for sure. Even though I had an inkling that he had changed, I still hadn’t expected him to react in such a way.

He even cried.

Is he actually serious about changing?

The question circled endlessly in my head, tightening something I’d sworn long ago I wouldn’t let loosen. Because no matter how much his words stirred me, no matter how much his tears rattled me, I knew one thing with cold certainty–he would return to the South. He always would.

The title of being the South Alpha owned him.

I shut my eyes, determined to rest. My last thought before sleep pulled me under, and it was a simple one.

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12:58 Wed, Sep 10

Chapter 226 Hot Lumberjack

He probably wouldn’t be here. He would have already left when I woke up… right?

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I woke up to a noise that I wasn’t quite used to. It was still carly. I could tell by how cold the air felt. It was usually warmer this time around.

Calla was still in a deep sleep beside me, so that was another confirmation. However, outside, I could hear laughter and chatter, something that didn’t usually come alive until later in the day.

My brows furrowed. What the heck is going on?

I carefully tucked the blanket higher around Calla, brushed a stray piece of hair from her face, and slipped out of bed. My feet hit the floorboards quietly, though my heart was oddly restless.

When I stepped outside, the cool morning air brushed against my skin. Just then, I froze.

Half the village was gathered in a circle, eyes wide, and voices buzzing.

I walked forward to see what the commotion was all about; however, as I got near enough, I stopped in my tracks.

In the center of it all stood none other than Rowan. Not only that, he was freaking shirtless!

He had his shirt slung casually over his shoulder as though it was nothing but an afterthought. His back gleamed faintly with sweat from exertion, every muscle in his torso moving and tightening with each swing of the axe. The rhythmic thunk of wood splitting echoed sharply against the quiet morning, and every woman standing around him looked like they’d forgotten how to breathe.

“Who is he?” someone whispered in an eager tone.

“Is he a new resident?” another gasped.

“Gods, he’s so hot.”

“Wait, I think he’s an Alpha. I’ve seen him before, I’m sure.”

“I heard he’s from Fenra. The South, maybe?”

“What’s his name?”

“I think it’s Rowan.”

“Rowan…” The name rolled through the small crowd in no time. “I swear, if he stays, he’s going

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12:58 Wed, Sep 10

Chapter 226 Hot Lumberjack

to be my baby daddy.”

I felt my jaw drop, my frown digging deep. Baby daddy?

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Leave it to Rowan to step one foot into this village and suddenly have every woman ready to throw themselves at him.

“What the heck are you doing here?” I muttered under my breath, but the words carried just enough for him to hear.

He paused mid–swing. His head turned toward, his blue eyes caught mine, and the faintest smile tugged at his lips.

“Tess,” he said.

He started walking over to me, and again, it felt like he was ripped straight out of a rom–com or a magazine.

The morning light caught on his shoulders, on the carved lines of his chest, and the faint sheen of sweat that glistened across him made him look unreal. He looked like a Greek god pulled straight from myth, walking with his eyes fixed on me.

The crowd’s chatter rose behind him.

“Ooh, Tess?”

“Wait, Tess?”

“Aww, man! And here I thought I’d have a chance.”

I wanted the ground to open up and swallow me whole.

Rowan finally stopped in front of me, close enough that I could feel the warmth radiating from his skin, close enough that I had to tilt my head back to keep glaring at him.

“What the heck are you still doing here?” I demanded.

Rowan’s lips curved into a sheepish smile. “Well-”

Before he could answer, a voice chimed in.

“Tessa, you’re awake!”

I turned to see Edith pushing her way through the crowd, a grin plastered across her face. She was far too cheerful for this hour.

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