Brenda’s POV:“We were just laughing man, what got you so worked up?” Zach asked, and I looked between them.They seem close. Gabriel’s eyes darkened, but the pitch-black layer in his eyes, a sign that his wolf was close to the surface, only lasted a few seconds before they dissolved. He blinked them back as they turned to their original color: slade green.“It’s not important,” he muttered, his gaze flicking to me for a second.It hurt. My heart hurts. For some reason, I felt like he was avoiding me, ashamed of me even.But I don’t get it. I’m his mate. Why wouldn’t he be proud?“You sure you’re not just too excited about becoming alpha?” Zachary joked, and my eyes darted to none other than my mate.My mate, an alpha?But his aura… I don’t understand.I watched in the corner as Gabriel rolled his eyes at him. “You’re one to talk. Who’s been grinding his ass for years preparing to be beta,” He huffed and I immediately flicked my gaze to Zachary.So, he’s beta, and Gabriel is the alpha
Zachary’s POVI had just tucked Hailey into bed. I didn’t plan to speak to Brenda after. I never do. But she would always stand there and watch me with a smile on her face before I head towards the door.So I would say I was shocked not to see her lingering around me today. I decided to check her room.The door creaked as I pushed it open, the familiar scent of wood and faint traces of lavender greeting me. Brenda’s scent. It used to comfort me, but now it felt like a reminder of everything that went wrong. My eyes narrowed as they landed on the bed where she lay, her face pale and sweat dampening her forehead. She was barely moving, almost lifeless.Part of me wanted to walk away, just like I always did. Leave her to deal with whatever mess she’d gotten herself into this time. But something in me hesitated. I stood at the doorway, torn between resentment and responsibility.“Zachary…?” Her voice sounded weak, barely audible. I have to admit, it used to make my heart race, but now it o
Zachary's POVMy eyes were already on the door when I heard her groan. It was soft, almost a whimper, and I knew I should just keep walking, but something pulled me back. My hand was still in hers, and when I turned to look at her, Brenda tugged at it. Hard.The next thing I knew, I stumbled forward, my face landing right into a soft, bouncy cushion. Damn.When I tried to lift my eyes with a groan, my face heated up instantly. I was looking right at her cleavage, the thin silk night dress revealed half of her breasts.This wasn’t supposed to happen. I wasn’t supposed to be this close, wasn’t supposed to feel her warmth, her scent wrapping around me.My jaw stiffened as I tried to move my way out of the awkward position, but freeze when I realize where my knees were pressed up against.My fists dug into the mattress on either side of her head, and my knee…was pressed up against her hot, damp core.She moaned and wrapped her arms around my neck, pulling me closer and back at her cleavag
Brenda’s POV:I could be content with just this, and we can continue to be like this, even without the romantics in between acting as husband and wife.The morning passed swiftly in a blur of laughter and light conversation. Zachary and I played games with Hailey. It’s been so long since Hailey chased us around the house with not only me but also Zacary. After that, we all sat down to watch Hailey’s favorite movie which had been all about Barbie and princesses trying to claim a place in this large castle. They were all adamant to prove their titles as princesses and ultimately settle on the throne in their gigantic mansions, it made me smile sadly.What use is a castle when you can’t live happily in it? Isn’t that the point in fairytales, to live happily ever after?I’m afraid mine wouldn’t be so.Despite it all there is one good thing that happened to me. And that is none other than Hailey.Hailey nestled into the tiny space between us as we began the show.She kept on twisting and s
Zachary’s POVThe morning had passed faster than I expected. I didn’t plan on staying this long, but somehow, Brenda and I ended up playing games with Hailey. The way her laughter filled the room made something in me soften, even though I tried to fight it. I watched as Hailey darted around the house, giggling like it was the best day of her life. Brenda was right there with her, and for a moment, it was like we were a normal family.It felt... nice, but I didn’t want to dwell on that feeling too much.When Hailey finally tired herself out, she insisted on watching her favorite movie—something about Barbie and princesses. Brenda and I settled on the couch, Hailey nestled between us. She kept shifting around, trying to find the perfect spot, until she huffed and stood up, glaring at me.“I wanna sit there,” Hailey demanded, pointing to the spot where I was.I raised an eyebrow. “But I’m sitting here, hun.”“No!” she pouted, her little face scrunching up in frustration. Before I could s
Zachary’s POV:Isn’t she supposed to be happy? Shouldn’t she run straight into his arms the moment she saw him walk through that door? Something is not right here.I kept my eyes glued to the screen.I had always known Gabriel was bad news, but seeing him like this, seeing him so close to my family, it made my blood boil. He was the reason for all the pain in our lives, the reason Brenda and I were stuck in this mess. The more I watched, the more my anger grew, but it was what came next that made my blood run cold.I saw everything. How Gabriel yanked her by the hair as he dragged her over the table, threatening her and making her write that stupid ass letter. My face darkened, seeing Brenda’s tear-filled eyes the entire time Gabriel was there. Her body shaking, and how she flinched each time he went to touch her.Hailey peeked over my shoulder, her tiny hand resting on my arm. “Daddy, that’s the bad man,” she whispered suddenly.I turned to look at her, my heart sinking. “What do you
Zachary’s POV:“Are you okay?”She nodded weakly, her eyes filled with a mix of relief and fear. “Zachary, please…”“Shut up,” Gabriel snapped, yanking her up by her hair. “You’re not going anywhere. I need you.”I took a step forward, my body coiled, ready to spring. “I’m not going to say it again, Gabriel. Let. Her. Go.” I growled mightily the sound rang through the air with a vengeance.“What, this dirty b*tch right here?” He chuckled and yanked her hair harder she stumbled forward, dropping on all fours on the dirty ground and I growl.“That’s enough,” I snarled, my claws slipping.He laughed, a cruel, mocking sound. “You think you can take me, Zachary? You were always the weaker one.” He taunted, but I was not affected the slightest bit. I knew it wasn’t true, because I was always holding back when I fight against him during combat trainings. I know him. And I know he hates to be embarrassed in front of people around watching. Because his reputation, equals his father’s.“What ar
Zachary’s POVThe news of Gabriel’s death, the late alpha who abandoned his own pack, spread like wildfire through the pack. It also alerted Logan, and he came over yesterday so I could fill him up with the details. I told him everything, right from the beginning. Of course, I wouldn’t have known anything if it weren’t for Brenda, who gulped down loads of water down her throat every time she stopped while giving me the whole story. Her story.I have known everything since day one, or since I met her in the summer camp training. My heart sank as I watched her lips tremble and eyes redden with incoming tears as she recalled the events. And I was glad she told me, because had I known all that prior to confronting Gabriel, I would have saved his ass too only so I could kill him slowly for what he did to her. But he’s gone now. I think to myself each time I feel like nearing to shift. Hailey and Brenda are safe. And that’s all that matters.Evvie came by swell. She was so worried she cried