Zoe's POVOnce Dad had gone to sleep and Aunt Julie had gone to rest in Maisie's old room, I had time to think.Whatever I chose, I had to talk to Xavier first. He had put his career on the line for this case. Now that I had Dad back and no immediate worries, the realization hit me. Why hadn't John told everyone about my relationship with Xavier.He had been so jealous from the start. He had threatened me. He had told Claire all about it. Why had neither of them done anything about that. I was now sure that if they had, Xavier's pristine repuation would've been over. That wouldn't only have impacted the case negatively but his credibility to do his job as a Councilor and Alpha. I had been allowed to visit Maisie. She had been given a smaller, fortified room. But she assured me that she was fine. She had convinced me to talk to Xavier before making any decision.It was certain that I was not going to stay in the same pack that hurt Dad and me so much. But before making up my mind abou
Zoe's POVI was done packing in no time but Dad needed rest and I wasn't going to disturb him.I had no idea how long Maisie was going to have to stay at the HQ and what they were planning to do about her. But with my current plans, it was possible that we might not see each other for a while.I wasn't going to leave without a goodbye.I went to her guarded room and was allowed to meet in the presence of a guard. I didn't want to do this in front of a stranger but I couldn't fight with the rules either.I entered the room and Maisie rushed to hug me."It's so good to see a familiar face." She smiled. I could sense a hint of sadness in her tone but I knew that she wanted me not to worry. She knew I would never stop worrying about her. "Don't worry, you will be out of here in no time." I gave a fake reassurance and she nodded because we both knew that it was a lie. Werewolves have never been kind to witches. "Let's see what the law says for a hybrid." She said wistfully."You are a wer
Xavier's POVThe first thing I did when I returned to my office was to call Jacob.Claire and Alyssa's words were still ringing in my ears. I was still trying to come to terms with the fact that my sister and my chosen mate were ready to kill an innocent person just because they didn't like her.I didn't recognise these women. But there was going to be another time to sit them down and ask them about it. For now, I needed to focus on securing a good life for my fated mate. Just because I had been conflicted about choosing her, didn't mean I wasn't worried about her weel being.I wanted her to have her life, even if it wasn't with me. And that was exactly what she deserved to have, I was going to make sure of it.I was giving specific instructions to Jacob when I was informed that Maisie wanted to talk to me. Maisie was a different issue that I needed to solve as well. I had read all the laws about all creatures under the Werewolf law. Hybrids were not supposed to exist because they we
"Dad, I'd really rather not take anything. The purpose of leaving is to start fresh. We can't do that if we hold old keepsakes close." Zoe leaned against the doorframe of the study room where her father was busy gethering trinkets close to his heart in a briefcase."These are not keepsakes. These belonged to your mother. These are the only few things we have left of her. It doesn't matter we go, she is going with us." He stopped and looked at his daughter, "I don't have anything else to take from this pack either."He was trying to stay strong for his daughter but the pack was his home. The land of his ancestors. It was hurting him to leave at this age. But he knew it was impossible to stay among those who had turned on him and made him endure so much humiliation while being aware of his innocence."Zoe, sweeties there is someone here to see you." Aunt Julie came from behind them, nervously."Who is it?" Zoe turned to face her, leaving her father to his packing."It is bette
Xavier's POVI offered to drop Simmons at the train station. They had decided to leave their car with Aunt Julie who had chosen to stay behind saying that she felt too old to begin again. Zoe had stayed silent the whole ride to the train station. She was upset, she had every right to be upset.Mr. Simmons went to buy two tickets, leaving Zoe alone with me."I didn't get to give it to you earlier." She said."What is it?" I asked, taking a small piece of paper from her hands, surprised that she had talked to me."Your final cheque. I never got to pay you the final installment of your f*e. This is the money the pack paid us for Dad's case." She didn't look at me."You don't need to-" I started but her sharp gaze pierced me."According to our contract, I was expected to pay in full. In case of failing to do so, I owed you double the money. I was a paying client, wasn't I? Here is your final installment. Thank you for being lenient." Her words cut like a silver knife through the heart."
Xavier's POV"What was so important that it couldn't wait for the weekend? You know John's still in custody. We shouldn't be meeting like this." I heard Claire say to the man."Were you followed?" He asked instead of answering her."Of course not. Do you think I'm an idiot?" Claire replied offended."Did you bring it?" He then asked."Yes." She sighed and took something out of her purse."Now, what are the orders?" Claire asked as she handed the small item to the man."Is this everything you have?" He asked instead of answering her question again."Yes, David. Now, what are my orders? Why did I have to give all my research up?" She asked. I could sense a hint of desperation in her voice. That was not the Claire I knew. What was going on?"Oh, Please. You and I both know, as well as my superiors that you would never give up all your research this easily." He smirked at her."As valuable as my work is for me. Our cause is more important." She growled and stepped closer to him and threate
Zoe's POVAfter changing two trains and showing our papers at the border of our new pack, Dad and I took a taxi to our apartment building.It was in a nice area, in the fairly wealthy part of the city. We paid for the taxi and made our way to the elevator. "Hold it!" Someone called right before the door was about to close. I placed my foot to stop the door and someone rushed in a hurry and thanked me, "Thank you so much," the fairly young girl huffed and fixed the folder she was holding."No problem." I smiled even though she was not looking at me."Zoe? Zoe Simmons? Is it really you?" The girl asked and I looked at her surprised."Angelina? What are you doing here?" I asked and we both smiled at each other excitedly."What am I doing here? What are you doing in Golden Eclipse Pack?" She asked excitedly."I got transferred to this pack. I am officially from Golden Eclipse now. New beginnings and all that." I told her."Wait, really?!" She exclaimed. Dad was watching the whole interact
"Joe." Dad smiled formally and balanced the stuff in one hand to free the other hand to shake Lawrence's, "And my daughter, Zoe.""Nice to meet you both." He smiled. He was about to say more but his phone rang and upon seeing the caller ID he excused himself, "It's my new manager. Gotta take this. See you guys around."And just like that he unlocked the apartment right next to ours and slipped in while talking on his phone. "Maybe it will all be truly better." Dad sighed and turned to open the door of our apartment."Not bad." He commented and placed all the things from his hands on the kitchen island."Yeah. But not home." I sighed. I missed the place I grew up in, surrounded by woods. Where would I run when I needed to clear my mind, now?"But it can be." Dad came up to me and held my hands like he used to do when I would fidget anxiously and he would stop me by holding my hands.I nodded and hugged him, "Home is wherever you are." I told him and he hugged me back. I felt like I was
Xavier's POV I felt Zoe's hand tighten its grip on my arm as Alyssa made way to us, her eyes holding barely controlled rage. "Why was I not made aware of my sister's return?" I asked Jacob curtly through the mind-link. "Alpha, it is as much of a surprise for us as it is for you." He replied. I kn
Zoe's POVI spent hours at the salon. Jacob was insistent that I be taken care of. He had strict orders from Xavier to make sure I was ready for the formal dinner tonight. I got waxed, polished, and painted like a priceless wooden table.By quarter to eight, my hair was shinier and straighter than i
Zoe's POVThe next morning, I woke up alone. Xavier's side of the bed had a note that said, 'Early Meeting. See you at Lunch. Jacok is yours for the day.'I sighed and stretched. This was not how I wanted to wake up the first day in my new home. But I guess it came with being mates with an Alpha. I
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