Zoe's POVXavier did not get to say anything on the topic because as soon as we started chopping onions, we were surrounded by people who were also chopping vegetables for ‘the stew’ and I was shocked to find Xavier actually smiling like this was his home and not the loft. He joked with the people around him and popped some cut carrots in his mouth now and then. There were no traces of the scary Alpha Councilor that the rest of the world knew. “Alpha, it’s time.” A huge man came from behind Xavier and nodded from where he had come. Xavier quickly dropped the knife and dried his hands on a white scarf with a golden print that he had dangling from his belt. I had seen this scarf in his loft a few times, too. “Time for what?” I asked. “To set up the outdoor oven.” Eva, a woman sitting beside me, answered on his behalf, as he had already gone after the man. “Outdoor oven?” I asked, intrigued. “There are too many of us to cook in the regular ovens inside. So, Alpha helps make a huge o
Zoe’s POV“Don’t worry. I won’t tell him.” I assured her as she hugged me again and with a final goodbye left. I stood with more questions than before but I did not want to let it ruin my wonderful evening. Xavier walked towards me and I spoke as soon as he was close enough, “I would drop you home but my car still doesn’t have the fuel.” “We’ll manage.” He replied, the easy smile had not left him yet, which I was grateful for. “Say cheese!” Someone yelled from behind us as a group of teenagers from before suddenly lunged at us from all sides. Xavier’s arm was suddenly around my waist as he pulled me towards him and many pairs of hands went around our necks as someone took a flash photograph. I blinked surprised at the laughter that ensued. “You children, leave them alone!” Eva yelled from under the shed where everything was being kept for the night. “It’s fine, Eva!” Xavier called back as he smiled and she shook her head. One of the teens handed me something as they all rushed
Xavier’s POVIt had been an eventful couple of days. I was getting closer and closer to digging enough dirt on John to make sure I could save my little sister from making the worst mistake of her life by choosing that scumbag as her life partner and chosen mate. Jacob had been going on various assignments underground and hiring anonymous people to make sure nobody knew that I was looking for something. That is how I have always worked. In silence, until it was time to reveal what I had been working on. It always helped to catch everyone off-guard. John was going to be no exception. I had a feeling there was more to him than he let on for Zoe’s case. He had ruined her life and family. But I remembered him contacting her during his engagement afterparty. And he had something to Zoe at the parking lot after our lunch together. Yes, he was her ex but my gut was telling me that there was something else brewing. Something that I would not like at all. I could not ask Zoe, I had a feel
Zoe's POVI don’t know what came over me when I requested to be painted but I had not expected Xavier to agree as readily as he did. “Kitten, I’m waiting.” I snapped out of my thoughts as I heard Xavier place his hands on my hips from behind and whisper in my ear, “I volunteer to undress you if you need help.” I felt tingles run down my spine as I nodded silently. If this were how it was about to go down, I’d rather have the full experience, right? At least, that’s what I told myself when Xavier started to remove all the fabric covering my body gently. He had agreed to paint me but on the condition that he would paint me naked. He reasoned that I was a masterpiece that did not need covering. I was skeptical but the way he was looking at me, he could’ve asked anything and I would’ve given it to him. As the snow fell silently outside, I stood naked surrounded by the heat from the fireplace and Xavier’s scent that had overpowered everything in the cabin. “Lay down, get comfortable.”
Xavier’s POVI sat on the stool and picked up the brush. I glanced at my gorgeous mate lying in the hammock without a single piece of fabric covering her and wanted to paint her instead of the canvas. But my brush refused to touch the paint. I was agitated. How dare John play with my sister’s emotions and then blackmail my mate to cheat with him? I was upset for Alyssa. But more importantly, I was furious for Zoe. Why had she let her ex push her around like this? How long had she suffered like this? Clearly, nothing had happened between them or he wouldn’t be blackmailing like he was. But then what leverage did he have on her? “Xavier?” I jerked to reality when she called my name. “You’ve been staring at the blank canvas for five minutes now.” She softly reminded me, and my heart ached for some reason. Was it the effect of mate bond? But I hadn’t even accepted her as mine yet. I still had hope for Claire to someday return to me from wherever she had gone for whatever reasons. “
Zoe’s POVIt was a simple question. It took him a while to answer it.“My Grams.” He spoke deep in thought as his brush moved across the canvas. I stayed silent allowing him to say more if he intended to. He took a deep breath, glancing at me once in a while.“After my mother died. My Father entrusted me to my trainer. I trained during weekdays. And on weekends, I went to my grandmother’s home.” His voice was full of nostalgia.“Your mother’s mom?” I asked, curiously. He nodded in response.“She was so kind. Sometimes I felt like Mom hadn’t truly left me. During one of those weekends Grams said to me that I needed more hobbies than my Alpha training, school, and politics.” He stopped to pick up a new bottle of color and then resumed, as I listened reverently, “She took me to her art room. I had never felt more at home in a place before that. The colors, the patterns, everything called to me. I had to have a paintbrush in my hands or I would dip my fingers in the paint. She saw that.”
Xavier’s POVI stirred in my sleep and found the hammock empty. My eyes snapped wide open. I was sure I had Zoe’s warm little form snuggled up in my side when I fell asleep. Where was she now? I cranked my neck to check if there was a light coming from the bathroom. Nope! I sat up and checked the time on my phone. It was around dawn. It was too early for anything. Especially considering how late we had fallen asleep. I felt a sudden tightening in my chest. ‘She left us.’ Spike whispered in despair and I scolded him, ‘Why would she do that?’ She wouldn’t do that to me. I thought to myself. I had given her no reason to abandon me in the middle of the night like a thief. ‘Then where is she?’ Spike asked sarcastically. ‘How would I know? I woke up with you.’ I retorted, getting up and finding my slippers. ‘She is so far from her home.’ Spike mused sadly. ‘You were the one gushing about how she is our mate.’ I rolled my eyes, looking for signs of her presence or absence. ‘So?”
Zoe’s POVWhen the sudden sound came, I instinctively clutched at Xavier. Somehow he had made his place in my subconscious as my safe space and when in need, my body reacted without my permission. We turned to see it was only a huge bird that had perched itself on one of the snow-covered branches around us. We shared a glance and almost laughed at our over-dramatic reactions. But he was looking at me with so much intensity. One look in his stormy grey eyes at such closeness always had this effect on me. I couldn’t keep the contact and looked away. Neither of us stepped away from each other. “It is so beautiful here. Like a winter wonderland.” I whispered. The moment felt too delicate. “It is even better in the Summer. I’ll show you when the lake unfreezes.” He offered. “I’d love that.” I smiled up at him. “The water is so clear, you can see the lake bed. It is a lot deeper than it looks. That’s when the swans migrate here from the Northern winter.” He told softly as if reminisci
Zoe's POV"This is good," I complimented, taking another bite of the lobster sandwich."Mr. Malarkey is among the best chefs in this hemisphere. He comes from a long line of chefs loyal to Blood Crescent for generations." The way Xavier spoke about the chef made me feel like he was the kind of Alpha
Zoe's POVXavier and I spent the rest of the day packing up and getting ready to leave the cabin. We took a quick lunch break and then loaded up Xavier's car.The hours we spent on the road going to the pack center where the Shaw Mansion stood in all its glory, felt nostalgic. It hadn't been very lo
Zoe's POVXavier was looking at me expectantly. He was waiting for an answer. And at that moment, I loved him so much that I would follow him anywhere if he held my hands the way he was holding them. He had so many problems and wasn't afraid to make me his knowing how many problems were on my tail.
Xavier's POVI knew I should've told Zone about not keeping Claire in the dungeons. It had been a momentary decision because she was still dear to me and I was so shocked at her betrayal. And then, everything else happened and I couldn't move her or expose her yet. It was not like I was hiding the
Zoe's POVBy the time we reached the cabin, a light sprinkle had started. I liked this light summer rain. It made everything look cleaner and fresher as if breathing new life into nature. I loved the smell of wet soil. I also liked how pleasant the weather became after the rain. It was the thunders
Zoe's POVAfter yesterday's activities, Xavier and I slept in each other's arms. For the first time in a long time, I didn't have any nightmares. I slept like a log and woke up with a smile on my face. And it was all thanks to my mate, my Alpha. Xavier's face was tranquil. I had missed seeing this
Xavier's POVI have no idea how I survived without Zoe's touch for as long as did. Was it possible to die due to starvation of mate's touch? I didn't know and I wasn't going to test it either because I had no intention of ever letting her go.It didn't matter how much I tried to worship her body. It
Zoe's POVNow that it was just me and Xavier in the cabin, neither of us knew what to say. I kept thinking of how to start the conversation. We had a lot to talk about, but where to begin?"How have you been?" Xavier asked, tentatively stepping forward.After being with him for months, I wanted to t
Zoe's POVThe more Xavier talked the more I tried not to panic. I knew things were bad, I hadn't realized they were this bad. A part of me felt guilty because all of it could've been avoided if Xavier hadn't left to support me. As much as I appreciated his presence after Dad's death, I never wanted