Chapter 6 Blood Ties
~ Bellamy's POV ~
I stormed down the hallway with my blood boiling hotter than it had in years. The house felt too quiet after everything that went down with Lina.
My fists clenched tight as I pushed open the door to the side lounge. There he was... Martin.. my own brother. Leaning against the bar like nothing had happened and calmly pouring himself a glass of whiskey.
“What the hell were you doing in Lina’s room?” I growled, stepping closer. My voice came out low and rough. “Trying to give her a heart attack? Sneaking in there while she slept? Explain yourself, Martin.”
He didn’t even look up right away. Just swirled the drink in his hand with his gray eyes calm as ever. That nonchalant face of his made my jaw tighten even more.
“It’s a big house, Bellamy. Doors can stick sometimes.”
I let out a sharp scoff.
“Doors can stick? I saw you, man. Crouched there in the dark like some creep. She locked that door. I know she did. What were you thinking?”
Martin took a slow sip, setting the glass down with a soft clink.
“She’s interesting. That’s all. You brought her here. Makes her part of the house, doesn’t it?”
That did it. Anger flared up so fast I couldn’t hold back. I swiped my arm across the bar, sending the glass flying and it shattered against the wall with the whiskey splashing everywhere.
“Get the fuck out of this building RIGHT NOW!” I shouted. “Pack your shit and go. I’m done hosting you.”
He just stared at me, not even flinching. His lean frame stayed relaxed but I caught that quiet challenge in his eyes.
“We’re both Middletons, Bellamy. What belongs to the family belongs to all of us. You don’t get to kick me out like some stranger.”
“This building?” I jabbed a finger at the floor. “I bought this place with my own money from basketball contracts and deals. Not Dad’s and most certainly not the pack’s. I let you and Emmett stay because you’re family. But after what happened tonight? I’m rethinking that.”
Martin smiled a little but it didn’t reach his eyes.
“Big talk from the future alpha. But you’re too busy chasing that human girl to see straight.”
My claws started to push out without me meaning to. They slid from my fingertips, sharp and ready. I took another step forward with my muscles tensing like I was about to shift right there.
“Leave. Now. Before I make you.”
He watched my hands for a second then shrugged like it was nothing.
“You’ll regret this, brother.” The way he said ‘brother’ dripped with sarcasm as he turned and walked out, his steps quiet on the floor.
The door clicked shut behind him, leaving me standing there with broken glass at my feet and my heart still racing.
I didn’t sleep much after that. Lina had moved to the room next to Emmett’s and I hated every second of it. The jealousy sat heavily in my chest, but I pushed it down.
She was safe… at least for tonight. That was what mattered. The pull I felt toward her was stronger than anything I’d ever known and it scared me how much I needed her close.
The sky was still dark when I left the next morning. I drove straight to the main Middleton mansion across town, the big family house where Dad held court.
My car rumbled through the gates as the first light touched the trees. I needed to talk to him about Martin... maybe he’d knock some sense into my stubborn little brother.
I walked into the dining room and stopped short. Martin was already there, seated at the long breakfast table like he belonged. Dad sat at the head with his broad shoulders filling his chair with silver streaks in his dark hair catching the light. Plates of eggs and bacon sat between them. Martin didn’t even glance my way.
“Dad,” I started with my voice steady but firm. “We need to talk about Martin. Last night he...”
“Sit down, Bellamy,” Dad cut me off.
His commanding voice filled the room and he didn’t sound happy.
“I already heard what there is to hear about last night and quite frankly, I’m more concerned about you and that pathetic human girl you’ve dragged into our world.”
I pulled out a chair but didn’t sit easy.
“Her name is Lina. She’s not pathetic. She’s strong, hardworking and she’s... she’s my fated mate, Dad. I felt it the second I saw her.”
Dad shook his head with pity clear on his face as he leaned back with his intimidating aura pressing down on me.
“Fated mate? You’re still young, son. I get it. And your dick is hungry for some action. But you have two weeks... three at most… to fuck the human girl as much as you want then dump her. There’s no future there.”
My stomach twisted and I gripped the edge of the table.
“She’s more than that. I can’t just use her and toss her aside.”
Martin chuckled softly from his seat, his messy dark hair falling over one eye.
“Better use a condom while you’re at it. Wouldn’t want any complications with a weak human.”
I shot him a glare that could kill.
“Shut your mouth, Martin.”
Dad raised a hand with his face turning serious now. No more pity. Just cold authority.
“If you refuse, Bellamy, then you’ll be cut off and disowned from the family tree with no money, no pack support and no place here. No Middleton has ever lost his head over a weak human like this and it sure as hell won’t happen while I’m still the head of this family.”
My claws itched to come out again but I held them back.
Dad’s eyes bored into mine, waiting for my answer and Martin sat there quietly, a small smirk playing on his lips. The bacon on the table went cold but I couldn’t eat.
My mind raced with thoughts of Lina... her soft brown eyes, the way she stood up to me and how she made me feel alive in a way the pack never could.
I opened my mouth but the words stuck. The choice felt impossible like my wolf was tearing me in two directions.
Lina was my mate. I knew it deep in my bones... but walking away from everything I’d been raised for? That was a different kind of hell.
Dad leaned forward with his voice dropping low.
“Choose wisely, son. The clock’s ticking…”
