AMBER. ‘Amber?’ A voice dug into my head, waking me up from my sleep. ‘Hmmm…’ I mumbled, trying to wake my senses up. ‘Where are you?’ Eva asked before she continued talking in one breath. ‘They’re waiting for us at the packhouse for breakfast. I told them you were showering, and we were on the way there. I’ve been trying to wake you up for the last ten minutes.’ My eyes snapped open, and I stared at the ceiling when I remembered Zach and where I was. ‘And I don’t know where Cassidy is. I told Mom you both were here with me. So hurry up! We need to find her.’ ‘Okay,’ I mumbled my reply, and the mindlink disconnected. My hands moved and crawled to my sides. The bed was empty, and the sheets were cold. It meant I was alone for a long time. I sat up and let my eyes roam around the room. There was no more wheelchair or any signs of another presence beside me. He left. He saw me beside him, and he left. My eyes watered again as I pushed myself to stand until I rea
PRESENT TIME. This scene picks up from To Love The Female Alpha Chapter 163Zach - 23 years oldAmber - 20 years oldZACH.“So what’s stopping you?” I asked my father, Riley, the former Alpha of this pack. My eyes shifted between him and my mother, Luna Nadia.They just came back from the Dark Forest Pack, where they visited Nadine, my mother’s sister, who was around the same age as me. Also, at any moment, my Beta would be arriving with his fated mate, Mindy, who was also part of Nadine’s pack. He was taking her home to officially claim her as his mate. If there was anyone I wanted around me in the packhouse, it was my Beta, not my parents. At 23, I didn’t need them watching my every move. So, as soon as they returned to the territory, I asked to speak with them.Earlier, I got a call from Uncle Jake, the current Council Head. He informed me that Uncle Caspian and Aunt Andrea had moved to the Council territory yesterday, and he was also waiting for Dad and Mom to make their move
ZACH.“No, Dad! You listen! If you think I want to be stuck in this chair, I don’t, but I don’t have a choice. I have to live with that! But it’s supposed to be just me, and not you.”My eyes were stinging, but I did my best to blink back any tears forming. The last thing I wanted was for them to think I was still weak.“You need to be minding your own lives now. Just you and Mom! We’re all grown-ups here, maybe not Winter. Take her with you, but let me live as I see fit. I lost my ability to walk—just my feet. Don’t let me lose my confidence, too. You’re taking it away from me.”Mom’s eyes were watering, but she kept her tears at bay.“Don’t think like that. You are doing great these last two years. We don’t want you to feel we are abandoning you.”“I want you to abandon me... So I can grow from here.” I blurted out.“Did you remember in the hospital when they told you you wouldn’t be able to walk again? Dad said he’d be your feet…” Mom’s tears were already trickling down her face, an
AMBER.“I’m not sure why, at twenty years old, you are telling me that I can’t decide for myself while you, at the same age, can handle a whole pack! Am I that inferior to you that I can’t even make decisions for my own life?” I couldn’t stop my mouth from retorting. I went to my brother’s office and told him I had decided to take Nikka and Ara’s offer to stay with them for a couple of months. This was a day after our parents had relocated to the Council territory. “Amber, that’s not what I mean,” Cyrus grunted, brushing his palms against his face.“So what do you mean by your question asking if Mom agreed to this?”“I just don’t want to be the one blamed when they find out you’d left and gone to Zach.”“I’m of age, Cy. If they find out and become upset, it’s on me. Not you. I know you want to take care of everyone, but look at you. Do you even take care of yourself? Do you even sleep? You’ve been tracking her nonstop, plus managing all these pack-related problems. You have so many t
AMBER. I had no idea how the twins managed it, but I was granted entry to their territory without the men at the border needing to call Zach or anyone. But just looking at the expression of my grumpy but still handsome and sexy ex-fiancé, he didn’t like that I came here.“And here it goes…” I mumbled as I entered the driveway of their packhouse, preparing myself for the worst. I stopped the car and turned off the engine before removing the engagement ring I’d been wearing whenever I was out so men would stop hitting on me. I slid it to a secure spot in my handbag before taking out the golden bangle that Zach gave me when I was eight years old. Eva surprised me with it on my 20th birthday by having it adjusted. It was cut and connected with short gold chains so I could fit it around my wrist. I should have been upset that she had it altered, but I remembered how I could use it to my advantage against Zach, so I eventually forgave her. “Do not cry when he growls. Or do not run awa
ZACH.My heart thudded loudly as sweat formed on my palms and everywhere on my body. I didn’t like this. I didn’t like that at all. I kept myself from growling as I turned my chair around and rolled myself inside the house. I shut off everyone from my hearing because hearing my mother talk to Amber would make this harder for me. She had always liked her. She was the first to celebrate when I told them I wanted Amber as my Luna and would claim her at the Claiming. My mother surely knew how to play her game—either her or Amber. A tough choice because I wanted both of them out of this house.I slammed my office door closed and went to the biggest window overlooking our massive garden. I stared at nothing except the flowers and bushes. Everything on the other side was colorful and bright, unlike what I felt inside—dull, dark, and gray.I didn’t need a babysitter, and certainly not a female who thought she could tie up her life with me just because I saved her. Of course, she would. Amber
AMBER. Dinner was pleasant and welcoming, only because Zach didn’t join us. I didn’t mind at all. I didn’t want my first night to be ruined. Even if he didn’t want me here, the rest of his household did. It was enough to bring my confidence up. It was also the last dinner before Uncle Riley and Aunt Nadia would drive to the Council Territory. They would take Winter with them, which the latter didn’t like. She would rather stay here, but her parents were not bending on that despite the tears she shed. But all ended well.Mindy, on the other hand, was so timid that she would rarely raise her head to look at us. This bothered me because I had already heard from Hanna some things about her and what she went through from her previous Alpha. I was concerned that she was forced to be here. Only when I really looked into her and her interaction with Arlo did everything make sense.She was uncomfortable with this new place and everyone around her, but her face lit up whenever Arlo attende
BETA ARLO. It was Mindy’s first night here, so I wanted to retire to bed early. I left Gamma Drake at the training building before rushing home to where my mate was. She was in the kitchen, so I headed there directly, only to find Lady Amber with her. It was not an unusual sight because, before the accident, Amber was comfortable in every part of this house. She also had a good relationship with the Omegas, so she was often there with them if Zach was busy doing pack-related things or in a meeting. But what I heard caught me off guard. Zach met her fated mate, and he didn’t say anything to me. After Lady Amber arrived and it was decided she would stay, I went to his office and asked if he was okay. I found him deep in his thoughts. I thought it was a natural thing, as his ex-fiancée was here. He said he was fine and told me we should proceed with having Mindy join the pack as planned. So we did that. He swore Mindy in, but after that, we were dismissed immediately. Before I lef
ZACH. “I’m not going to kill her!” I snapped at Arlo. “Please…” Amber mumbled, and my head turned in her direction. “Let Beta Arlo stay.”She looked scared, and I didn’t like it. She was terrified of me. I let out a sigh before rolling my chair in front of my desk. I wanted to be able to see both of them.“Talk…” I began. “I’m sorry. I just wanted to know if you were mates or not. I still didn’t want to believe you found your mate.” Her lips quivered, and my heart crushed again at the pain in her face as her body continued to shake from her sobs. “Up to the last minute, I was holding on to the belief that you were lying. That she was not your mate. I still couldn’t accept that you just forgot about me when I still think about you every day.”My hands coiled into tight fists as I struggled for my eyes not to water. “I’m sorry, Zach. I kissed Sidney to see if you felt the pain. I could have kissed you, but I knew if I did, I would cry more because I would miss you afterward. I also
ZACH.I listened to Nadine’s litany, and although everything she said made sense, I did not bend.I told her that instead of taking Sidney away, she should talk to Amber instead and convince her to leave my territory. If she could do that, I would send Sidney home and admit to my sisters, as well as Arlo and Drake, about the fake mate bond.I didn’t want Sidney out of here while I could still see Amber.In the end, Nadine had no choice but to agree. She would do her best to convince her to leave and move on. I didn’t ask her to talk about the last part, but she must have felt it was the right thing to do.And yes, it hurt. It fucking hurt. But it was for the best.“Stay for dinner. I’m sure the food is ready.” I told them when we finally came to an agreement. She also said she would not say anything to my mother and I promised I would do it myself.Of course, I will, but only if one of my sisters tells her about it.“We might stay overnight then. Because I need time to talk to Amber,”
AMBER.I felt like I was just floating, waiting for the waves to take me where they wanted me to go. My mind told me to leave this place, but my heart kept betraying me. I had been staring at my packed luggage for many hours, but I couldn’t seem to have the strength to pick up the phone and call Cyrus.Zach had been rude to me from day one, and it had only been a few days, but he was already shaking what was left of my determination. The only thing I was holding on to was that Sidney was still unmarked. I wanted to ask the twins if they had asked why she wasn’t marked yet, but I didn’t want to pressure them as well. I knew it was already hard for them to balance their friendship with me and accept Sidney as their brother’s mate. Making them choose between us was never my goal. So, yes, I should leave. Any decent female would. I am not wanted here.But I promised Cassidy I would do what she suggested that I do before leaving everything behind. But I was still not one hundred percent
ZACH.I was about to roll my chair when I heard running steps from the outside, and I smelled my sister.Shit!“Let’s go!” I cocked my head in the direction of my office, hoping they would fucking move faster. “Nadine!” Nikka shrieked, and I grimaced. She acted as if they hadn’t seen each other in a year when they had just come from her territory a few days back.“Hello there, sweet pea!” Nadine swiftly moved to approach and hug her. “Enough of that. We have a business to deal with. Let’s go.”“Business, ew.” Nikka scrunched her nose and let her go. I thought I was off the hook until her eyes landed on Sidney. “Oh, so you met Zach’s mate.”“Excuse me?” Nadine stopped in her tracks a few feet away from Xander. “Zach’s mate?”Nikka wriggled her eyebrows before pointing her finger at Sidney. She had a wide smile on her lips, so I had no idea if the smile was because she liked Sidney or if she knew something else. “Yes, Sidney.” Nadine’s head turned to look at Sidney while Xander looke
ZACH.What the fuck is Nadine doing here?My heart thundered as I rolled my chair, heading for the main hallway while I mindlinked Arlo. ‘Where is Sidney?’I was aware Sidney had met Nadine, and if they recognized each other, there would be more questions. ‘I don’t know, Alpha. She’s probably at home.’ Arlo answered. ‘Where are you?’‘Training building. Is there something wrong?’ ‘And Mindy? Where is she? Can you mindlink her to find Sidney? She needs to tell her not to go out of her room.’ ‘Mindy is here with me.’ Arlo replied. Fuck! I internally growled and mind-linked with an Omega, ordering her to find Sidney while I ignored Arlo when he asked more questions as to what was wrong. I met the Omega I mindlinked along the corridor. She bobbed her head in respect before hurrying up the stairs while I continued to the front door. I was right—Nadine was there, and with him was a man I could only assume was Xander. They were talking to one of our Omegas, who Nadine had been close w
ZACH.The hours moved slowly. I hadn’t seen Amber and Sidney for the rest of the day. I had no idea where Amber was, but Sidney was here in the packhouse because, aside from the first day, I didn’t allow her to go out.Drake told me the warriors were asking about her. It was nothing unusual because she was someone they hadn’t seen before. But I didn’t want to tell anyone she was my mate, so I told Drake he could tell them she was a family friend visiting us. I was sure the rest of the Omegas in the house, as well as Arlo and Mindy, would never try to defy me. My only problems were my sisters and Amber. These females could not be told, especially if they were upset, and with me not knowing what they were up to, I knew sooner or later I would have to face more inquiries about Sidney. I had to devise a plan if my mother heard of it. I was sure I could ignore Dad but not Mom. Maybe I should tell the border patrol not to allow entrance to my parents. Honestly, I had no idea what the n
ZACH.“Give me the phone!” My voice was louder this time, and I was about to growl again when Amber’s scent hit me, and I heard small footsteps approaching.My chest heaved as I tried to breathe in more, wanting to smell if I could scent Edmond. Because if I did, heaven forbid, I had no idea what would happen next.“What’s going on?” Amber asked as she stopped in the entryway before her eyes turned to me while Mindy continued walking and sat back in her seat. “Why are you shouting so early in the morning?” Amber asked me.“Where have you been?” Ara asked her before a soft chuckle escaped her throat. I tore my eyes off her. She looked so fucking beautiful in her jeans shorts and off-shoulder blouse. She looked like she just got out of the shower. “In my room.” She then smiled apologetically before she sat on the chair beside Drake. “I’m sorry I’m late. I enjoyed my bubble bath. I forgot the time.”Nikka sat back in her chair as well, and I didn’t even hear what happened to her conve
ZACH.“Then fuck them! Keep pushing her away. You’ll wake up one day, and she’ll be married to Drake, and you’ll get to see that every day of your life.” Sidney said, and it made me swallow hard. She was right. But it only meant I needed Amber away from here before Drake could make his move, and she fell for it. “I’m right. You want her.” She added.I remained in silence. She entered the room, her hand holding onto the wall. “But hey, you promised I’d get my money no matter the outcome, right? My mother needs that for her operation…” She let out a sigh before she continued. “I promise, no matter what I say to you in private, I will never divulge anything or sabotage you. I’ll do exactly what you want.”“Even if you sabotage me, I will still pay for her operation,” I told her, taking my gaze off her and continuing to massage my leg. I asked her why she needed the money, and she told me her mother was sick and needed a bypass operation. She’d been working part-time on Xander’s farm
AMBER.I should move on. I should call Cyrus to pick me up.I had no idea how long I was seated on the floor until I finally decided to call my brother. I crawled to where my handbag was and pulled out my phone. But just when I was about to press his number, I remembered Cassidy’s words.“If Sidney appears with a mark on her neck tomorrow, you’ll go home. But if she’s not marked—call Mom.”I closed my eyes and contemplated what I should do next. My rational mind told me to call my brother. But, like always, I let my heart rule over me. The phone rang on the other side, and it didn’t take long before someone answered the phone. “Moon Stone Pack, this is Alpha Darvin.”“Uncle, good evening,” I answered timidly.“Who’s this?” He asked, and I couldn’t blame him. I rarely called his office, as I would usually contact Cassidy directly, and he might not be familiar with my number. “This is Amber, Uncle. Can I speak with Aunt Celeste?”“Yes, of course. She’s here. Is everything alright, swe