Zara's POV
"Get dressed," Levi demanded, and then he handed me a pair of shoes.
As I peered at my shoes in his hands, I narrowed my eyes in confusion at him. I had no intention of leaving the house. I was still quite angry with my dad.
"Why?" I folded my arms across my chest and mumbled.
Zara's POVA border patrol officer hurried over to where Levi had pulled over his truck. His chocolate-colored hair was streaked with silver, and he appeared to be an older man, perhaps in his forties."Morning, Beta," the guard greeted him, his brown eyes friendly, as Levi opened the window. "It's wonderful to see you. Your father has informed me of your departure. Could you kindly turn over your departure paperwork to me?"
Nicolas POVI returned to my pack at the break of dawn. Ronan waited for me in the cave with a set of new clothes."Your father is angry," he said as we entered the SUV."Let him be," I casually replied, gesturing for him to drive. "There isn't much my father could do to me at this moment."Fury at what he had done to me coursed through my body, and I tightened my fists in response. I had discovered the truth."Are you going to take him on about it?" Ray listened in on my thoughts. "Or could I do the honors?""When the time is right," I responded. "I will see that he suffers the consequences for his actions."After a brief ride, we returned to the pack, and I barely noticed when we came to a halt.I dropped my duffel bag on my office floor, walked straight to the alcohol cabinet, and poured myself a drink.Ronan silently observed me."You have changed," he stated, taking a seat at my desk
Zara's POV"Wow!" Levi gasped beside me and pointed to the door where one of the pack Alphas had just entered. "That one seems even more appetizing than the one before him!"Two beautiful she-wolves, who looked like twin sisters, flanked the Alpha, and his Beta and Delta followed closely behind."Yes, Levi," I said, raising my glass to my lips and taking a sip. "He certainly does."Levi is my best friend. We grew up together, and we were inseparable from the age of four. He towered over my small 5'2 frame at 6'3. He had an impressive physique, featuring massive biceps, a six-pack to die for, and a firm yet powerful body. He had the most beautiful golden locks that stood proudly in every direction, giving him the iconic appearance of having just rolled out of bed. To top it all off, he had the most beautiful deep blue eyes I had ever laid eyes on.Levi was flawless in every way, and even though he drew attention wherever we went, he had one little secret: he was gay.A breath escaped m
Zara's POV"Over my dead body," I spat. "You had your chance!""Zara!" Noah grabbed my arm, and anger flared up inside me, making Kaya release a warning growl. Nevertheless, Noah disregarded the warning, tightly gripping my arm to keep me in place."I think you should let go of my arm before my wolf rearranges your pretty face," I growled. "She will not hesitate to strike and kill you; she is very protective of me."Noah winced, but he held onto my arm."You believe I have a pretty face?" Noah taunted, a grin on his lips. "I feel flattered.""Let go!" I hissed. "Before-""Come one, Zara," Noah said, lowering his head down to my ear. "Do you really think that your wolf would hurt her fated mate?""Do you want to put that theory to the test?" I roared, moving nearer and cocking my head to meet his gaze.Noah and I started staring at each other as our tension increased.I refuse to back down. He had better step down before I let Kaya have him."Luna Zara, Alpha Noah," the hosting Alpha c
Zara's POV"Levi, get up!" I yelled, snatching the blanket away from him."No! Leave me alone!" With a cry, he took the blanket from me and covered his head. "Let me sulk in peace!" He mumbled from under the blanket."No!" I snarled. "It has been three freaking days. You can't stay in bed. We have training to go to. You cannot miss one more day!""Who cares! My mate certainly doesn't!" he yelled.I took a deep breath. I was going to snap, yank Levi by the collar, and drag him down to training because I had reached my breaking point."Levi," I said as I sat down on his bed beside him. "You are now taking this rejection way too far. Other wolves accepted it and moved on.""Name one?" He growled, moving the blanket from his face.Oh no. I was not prepared to break the news of my rejection to Levi."You know, other wolves," I said, getting to my feet.With a roll of his eyes, Levi covered his head with the blanket."I saw that!" I growled. "Now, get up and go get ready for training. That'
Zara's POV "What the heck was that about?" I asked when we entered the hallway, heading toward the offices.Levi appeared even more withdrawn and melancholy after talking to his father."It's nothing," he said."Do not lie to me, Levi," I growled. "I am just as familiar with your father as you are. What was it that the two of you were fighting over?""Damit, Zara!" His hands clenched into fists as he snapped. "Leave it alone. I am capable of handling it on my own."I wanted to say something, but the sound of laughter erupted from my father's office, cutting me off."It seems like someone is with him," Kaya remarked, causing a shiver to run down my spine."Is it someone we know?" I asked.Kaya took a whiff, her eyes narrowing."I am not sure," she uttered. "Yet there is a familiar scent lingering in the air, and it is coming from your father's office."The door to my father's office screamed on its hinges less than a second later, and when it opened, I saw the enormous wolf I called f
Zara's POV "I cannot believe you are doing this to me," Levi groaned, which seemed to be the hundredth time in this hour. He had been complaining about our mating arrangement, and the subject was now officially getting on my last nerve. Was it even possible for him to simply comply with my request and follow along without all the extra drama? The mating ceremony wasn't such a big deal. We were just claiming to be chosen mates until we found a more suitable mate, or maybe our second chance mate—that's if such mates still exist. I sighed, closing my eyes, as I counted to ten. I didn't want to lose my cool composure; it was moments before the mating ceremony, and my father would notice if something was wrong. "Come one, Levi," I said, taking his hands in mine. I was about to beg. This was important to me. He must help me, or else I will be forced to mate with Alpha Noah, and that thought revolts me. "The concept is not all that bad. At least you are aware of the kind of mate yo
Zara's POVThe inside of the mating hall was beautifully decorated. White wild flowers were hanging from the ceiling, and red rose petals were scattered on the floor, creating a beautiful flowery path to the altar.My father made sure that this stunning ceremony would be remembered for years to come.The hall was packed and overcrowded with huge wolves, and there were even wolves standing outside hoping to get a glimpse of the mating proceedings.Levi was anxiously fiddling with his cufflinks as he waited at the altar. Next to him stood his two brothers, Jack and Frank, three years older than him, playing the best-man part.My gaze roamed over Levi. He looked so handsome in his black tuxedo, white dress shirt, black dance shoes, and navy blue bow tie. His golden hair was neatly combed back, and he had a deep and serious frown stuck on his face. He did not seem to be too happy about today, but as my best friend, I knew he wouldn't let me down.On the other side of the altar, my cousins
Nicolas POVI returned to my pack at the break of dawn. Ronan waited for me in the cave with a set of new clothes."Your father is angry," he said as we entered the SUV."Let him be," I casually replied, gesturing for him to drive. "There isn't much my father could do to me at this moment."Fury at what he had done to me coursed through my body, and I tightened my fists in response. I had discovered the truth."Are you going to take him on about it?" Ray listened in on my thoughts. "Or could I do the honors?""When the time is right," I responded. "I will see that he suffers the consequences for his actions."After a brief ride, we returned to the pack, and I barely noticed when we came to a halt.I dropped my duffel bag on my office floor, walked straight to the alcohol cabinet, and poured myself a drink.Ronan silently observed me."You have changed," he stated, taking a seat at my desk
Zara's POVA border patrol officer hurried over to where Levi had pulled over his truck. His chocolate-colored hair was streaked with silver, and he appeared to be an older man, perhaps in his forties."Morning, Beta," the guard greeted him, his brown eyes friendly, as Levi opened the window. "It's wonderful to see you. Your father has informed me of your departure. Could you kindly turn over your departure paperwork to me?"
Zara's POV"Get dressed," Levi demanded, and then he handed me a pair of shoes.As I peered at my shoes in his hands, I narrowed my eyes in confusion at him. I had no intention of leaving the house. I was still quite angry with my dad."Why?" I folded my arms across my chest and mumbled.
Zara's POV"Where the hell have you been?!" The office windows shook and rattled as my dad yelled. His wrath appeared to have grown since we last saw him."I haven't been gone that long." I calmly countered, looking to Beta John for support.Beta John, on the other hand, remained silent while maintaining his trademark grin. He probably wants to see how I react in
Zara's POV"Bloody hell, Zara!" Upon seeing me seated on the couch in the living room, Levi let out a sigh of relief. He swooped down on me like a hawk, drew me to my feet, and embraced me tightly in his renowned bear hug."Hi to you too," I gently said, as I stroked his back.I got back home just a few minutes ago.
Zara's POVNic's warmth and scent instantly brought me peace. Despite feeling a little self-conscious, being so close to Nic made me happy.Tiny electric sparks were moving between us. I had to bite my lip trying to control the urge to jump Nic's bones there and then.Nic carried me down the narrow path to the cabin and hurried up the few stairs leading to the por
Nicolas POV"Zara!" I tapped the side of her cheek and shouted out in fright. "Zara, wake up!"I was freaking out. Seconds ago, I had pulled Zara from the water and brought her to shore. She had swallowed a lot of water and wasn't breathing. I attempted to administer drowning CPR to her, but it appeared to be ineffective."Come on, Zara!" I let out a scream as tea
Zara's POV"Kaya, help me!" Sucking down water, I let out a scream. "I don't want to die like this!"When my heat hit, Kaya had already curled up into a ball, so I was all by myself to endure the agony."Mate, he is close by. He will save us!" In an effort to raise her head, she moaned. She seemed to be experiencing intense pain as well.
Nicolas POVI was both endearing and saddened by Zara's trust issues; her expressions of confusion were priceless."Take our mate's hand," Ray ordered. "And do it together. Keep your promise.""Fine," I gave in.The idea that Zara would feel awkward around me was unsettling. My purpose in being here was to fortify the connection and foster trust, not to fracture it."We will do it together," I said, taking her hand in mine, and I curled my fingers around her and the door handle.As she turned to face me again, Zara cocked her head back. The palpable tension in her body told me that she was anxious.Goddess, I hope that whatever is behind that door is as beneficial as what Beta John had promised."Ready?" I asked.I kissed the side of Zara's cheek as she nodded. I pushed the door open after mentally counting to three with my eyes closed.There was a brief hush as our hearts raced in our ch