Xavier’s POVI decided to go to the office after breakfast. Claire was so excited to gather everyone for a reunion. She immediately started calling everyone. I reached the office to find Jacob waiting for me. He had been working tirelessly to gather every information that he could about John, his associates, and how long had his web of deceit been going on. I was not going to stop until he was exposed and he had paid for his crimes. His crimes might not be against me or my pack but now, I was sure that he was using my sister and through her, using my reputation and power. That scum did not know the first thing about love. “From this file, it is clear that John had always planned to pin the fraud on Zoe’s father. That was probably the only reason he was with her.” Jacob deduced from the information that he had been gathering. “He got to know her. And through her, he reached her father without raising any suspicion.” I agreed with Jacob. “I need proof of every little step that he t
Zoe’s POVTo say that I was shocked, would be an understatement. What was happening? I had no idea what Xavier’s Grandmother had seen but I was confused as to how she reached the conclusion. It was a pleasant conclusion, of course. But still a very shocking one. I stayed silent for the rest of the little tea party as his grandmother told stories of his childhood and I understood why he held her in such high regard. On the way back, Xavier had offered to drop me off, since he was the one who had brought me and my car was still at home. “So, are you going to tell me, what were you thinking when you dropped me at your Grandmother’s house and left?!” I asked when we had left her driveway. “After you tell me, what you were thinking when you chose to get drunk and flirt with a barkeeper at midnight.” He retorted. “I was in my pack territory. And it’s none of your business.” I tried to hold on to the little dignity I could muster. “You made it my business when you texted me and call
Zoe's POVI was expecting bad news, but what I heard was not something I had in mind. I was shocked to hear Xavier. I should’ve expected it. With Claire back, it was the obvious course of action. I shouldn’t be sad or shocked. “Zoe.” He called me and I realized that I hadn’t said anything in a while. “Okay.” I managed to utter. “Okay?” He asked. He must’ve expected a different reaction. Maybe he was expecting me to ask or maybe even negotiate. But I was still in shock at the news to understand the future outcomes. “Okay.” I repeated. Before either of us could discuss any further, the waiter arrived to get our orders. Xavier placed his order first and since my brain was not working at all, I agreed to have whatever he was having. The waiter offered some wine and I knew I needed alcohol to pass the evening. I had already made a fool of myself in front of him yesterday, I was not going to do it again. Once we were left alone, he said, “Don’t worry. I have taken your father’s c
Zoe's POV“So, let me get this straight. Xavier’s secretary wants to take you on a hillside vacation?” Maisie asked confused. I had called her and she had dropped everything to come over. Now we both sat on my bed and I could not understand if she was skeptical of it or happy about it. “That’s what the message says.” I shrugged. “And what do you want?” She asked softly. “Honestly?” I asked. She nodded. “I just want to crawl under a rock and disappear until everything blows over.” I sighed, feeling defeated. “You know what I think?” She asked. I urged her to answer, “What?” “You know what.” She said meaningfully. “What do you-” I was about to ask when she nodded with a smile, and I asked shocked, “Are you serious?” “I mean, first thing first, we need to know how he wants to take you. Like as a friend or is he looking for more?” Maise picked up a cushion and placed it in her lap, getting comfortable. “Jacob and I have had a very nice friendly relationship so far.” I thought to
Zoe’s POV“I still can’t believe it is really happening.” Maisie exclaimed excitedly. “I’m glad it worked out this way.” Jacob, who was driving, smiled at me. “Who would’ve thought my plus one would be friends with Jacob’s plus one.” Micheal, Maisie’s friend from Xavier’s Pack said from where he was sitting beside Maisie in the backseat. “This weekend is going to be so much fun.” Maisie was beyond giddy with excitement. She nudged my shoulder, “Say something. You love nature.” “Yeah.” I only managed. I was thinking about Xavier and the way he had cut ties with me. That was all I seemed to think about recently. “Wow. Love the enthusiasm, Zee.” Maisie said sarcastically and rolled her eyes. “Jacob, how long till we get there?” She asked, suddenly. “About 3 more hours.” He answered, focusing on the road. “Alright, how about a freshening up break then? We have been on the road for two hours. I need to stretch a little.” She asked. “There is a gas station in about half an hour, w
Zoe’s POV“Alright people, gather your stuff, we’ll be there in ten.” Jacob announced and we all sat straighter. I was now seated beside Maisie who nudged my elbow, “Hey, we are going to have so much fun. Aren’t we.” Since the gas station when I had confessed my feelings to Maisie, it had lifted a weight from my heart. I was relieved. All the time I had spent with Xavier, I had seen how he kept women at a distance. From his receptionist to his clients who were all interested in him. He never cared. But he had brought me into his home. He had allowed me a side of himself I was sure that no one had seen and I knew that it had to be special. Suddenly a thought came into my mind and I had to share it with Maisie, “When we get there, I’ll tell you something.” “About you-know-how?” Maisie asked, excitedly. This girl was more excited about my love life than me. I nodded and she gasped. True to his word, Jacob pulled up in the driveway of a gorgeous mansion sitting snuggly in the hill
“That’s my lioness!” Maisie exclaimed from behind me. “Where did you come from?” I whirled around, shocked. “Through the door.” She smirked. I sighed. Of course, I didn’t hear her because I don’t have super hearing and I was so deep in my thoughts. “Oh my god, have you seen the view from these windows? Sunrises are going to be gorgeous. And we share a balcony!” She said hopping on the spot like an overjoyed child who doesn’t know how to control or fully express their joy. I nodded, still unsure about fighting for Xavier. He had explicitly told me to stay away and his ex was perfect. She was the type of woman who suited him. “Earth to Zoe!” Maisie snapped her fingers in front of me and then pulled me to sit on the bed. She was looking at me expectantly and I furrowed my brows in confusion. “What?” I asked. “You tell me what.” She replied. “I don’t get it.” I shook my head confused. “You said you would tell me something when we got here. We are here.” She told. I nodded in r
Xavier’s POVDespite being overwhelmed with Council duties, John’s case, and most importantly, my self-imposed distance between Zoe and myself, I couldn’t refuse Claire. She was so excited. She called all her older friends, who had been just as surprised as me but also very welcoming. I bet they were all curious why she up and left so suddenly without a trace. I wondered what she would tell them. The day arrived to leave and as we drove Claire kept talking about everything she had planned for the getaway, especially because some of her friends were going to bring plus ones whom Claire had not yet met. All I could think about was, what Zoe would be doing now? Was she upset? Unlike the time she had been devastated when she had seen Claire return and drunk herself to near oblivion. She hadn’t called or texted me. Maisie, her best friend, hadn’t contacted me either. Was she already over me? Was I the only one overthinking? After all, I was the only one of the two of us who knew of
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