Page 5 of Bound By Valor

“It’s policy–”

She cut me off. “Fuck policy, Ms. Leora Mateez. We don’t need you here unless it’s to calm him down.”

My anger bubbled over. “It’sDoctorLeora Mateez. And what you’re demanding is against our policy.”

She rolled her fucking eyes at me and sighed dismissively. “Fine. Be here. But don’t utter a single word, Ms. Mateez.”

Her tone stung, but I clenched my jaw and shot back, “It’sdoctor, you bitch. Call me miss again, and I will end this interrogation before it even starts.”

She smirked, clearly amused by my irritation, and sauntered out of the room. I was left fuming, my day already soured by Zarek’s thoughts and now this encounter. Ms. Booth was really testing my limits.

The interrogation session passed without a hitch, much to my relief. Ms. Booth emerged from the room with a particularly triumphant air, her demeanor unnervingly cheery compared to her earlier frostiness. I provided her with my notes and let her be. Once I wrapped up my duties for the day, I made my way to the gym, eager to shake off the tension.

As I started my workout, I realized I was hitting the punching bag harder than usual. The day’s frustrations were bleeding into each strike; I wasn’t just practicing—I was venting. The memory of my recent scuffles with those thugs, Blondie and Buzzcut, crept into my mind. Oddly enough, I found myself missing the raw, chaotic energy of that very real fight.

Back then, every punch felt like shaking off chains. Now, facing the predictable rhythm of a regular sparring session, everything seemed too tame, too controlled. The gym was supposed to be my escape, but today it fell short of satisfying the craving for a real challenge that had ignited within me.

Dragging myself home, exhaustion clung to me like a second skin. Stepping off the train station and onto the bustling street, I caught a fleeting glimpse of a figure shrouded in black. His face was barely visible,but I knew his gaze was locked on me. The person momentarily slipped from view, then reappeared, walking nonchalantly in the opposite direction.

For a heart-stopping moment, I thought it might be Blondie or Buzzcut. My heart skipped a beat, icy fear coursing through my veins.

As I continued my walk, the thought of Zarek flickered through my mind. What if it was him? Had last night really been the last time he’d seen me? The idea lingered, both comforting and disconcerting, as I made my way through the dimly lit streets, feeling the weight of unseen eyes tracking my every step.

The moment I sank into the couch, my phone lit up with a call from my mom. I stared at the screen as it rang. I didn’t have the energy to answer, but when she called a second time, a flicker of concern nudged my fatigue aside. She never called me twice in a row.

“Mom?” My voice cracked slightly as I finally answered. “Is everything okay?”

“Ora! Why aren’t you picking up? I called you so many times!”

“You called once, Mom. I was just getting settled in. What’s going on?” I tried to keep my tone light, brushing off the irritation.

She sighed. “Oh nothing. Just your father is annoying me. He wants us to take a trip to Hawaii. I told him I don’t want to leave you by yourself.”

“Mom, I alreadyamby myself. I think it’d be nice if you go.”

“Are you sure? After everything, I just…” Her voice trailed off, the unspoken fears hanging heavy between us. She was clearly alluding to that terrifying time two years ago when I had ended up in the hospital, after being brutally stabbed by my ex-boyfriend. It was only natural for my parents to worry.

“Yeah, Mom, I’m sure. It’s been two years. I’m doing okay,” I reassured her, even though part of me tightened at the reminder. “Really, go enjoy Hawaii. I’ll be fine.”

There was a pause, heavy with her lingering anxiety. “Okay, Ora, if you’re sure. Just promise me you’ll call if you need anything?”

“I promise, Mom.” I smiled, though she couldn’t see it. “Love you.”

“Love you, too, honey. Did you hear about—”

“Mom,” I cut her off. “I…can we chat later? I just—I’m not feeling too well.”

“Oh, is everything okay? Is it your period?”

I rolled my eyes even though she couldn’t see me. “No, Mom. Not my period. I’m just tired. I just got back from the gym and I don’t have the energy left.”

“Well, whendoyou?” she taunted.

“I’m sorry, Mom. Say hi to Dad for me, okay?”

There was a beat of silence on her end. And then she spoke again. “Ora. We worry, you know. You haven’t been dating anyone and you’re lonely, honey.”

This again.

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