Chapter 3 - To War

"Would you mind if I sat next to you?" asked Zane, pointing to a spot in front of me on the grass.

"Of course not," I invited him.

My werewolf instincts had identified him as harmless, which played a major role in reducing my tension and anxiety while being around him.

"I sincerely don't mean to offend you, Becca, but you look awful. Your face is quite tearful and despondent, and your eyes are bloodshot," he observed carefully. "Such mental anguish can only arise from deep-seated sadness or emotional pain. Did a close family member suddenly die? Have you failed an exam? Or did a boyfriend break your heart?"

As he made his final assumption, I felt my complexion flush with embarrassment.

"Hmmm," he murmured thoughtfully, a faint smile gracing his lips. "I believe I'm on fire with my guessing. Which one is it?" He then chuckled in an easygoing way. "Just so you know, and this might come in handy somehow, I happen to be proficient in Tai Kwan Do. So if ever there's a need for me to go into battle on your behalf... well... consider it done!"

Of course, I understood that he was trying to change my emotional state.

However, the pain ran deep; in my mind's eye, I could still vividly see Elyon sinking his fangs into another woman's neck. That image alone brought forth new tears and caused me to break down with a fresh stream of sorrowful tears cascading down my face again. An uncontrollable choked sound escaped from deep within me as sobs wracked through my chest once more in response.

Zane wrapped his strong arms around me in a gentle embrace, drawing my body close to his as he tenderly stroked my hair. "This sounds like a formidable heartbreak," he spoke in a hushed tone into my hair.

As I nestled against Zane, I couldn't help but notice the air of familiarity that emanated from him. The warmth that enveloped me was so soothing. Wanting to immerse myself even more in this sensation, I pressed my head deeper into his sturdy chest and rested against it.

"You seem like a woman who is used to lying against a man's chest," he murmured. "Tell me, who broke your heart, beautiful lady?" His sympathetic approach was so attractive that even a slight smile appeared on my lips. My arms wrapped around his body in a tight, warm embrace, it felt as if I had known him for years.

As I unraveled the story, a torrent of words poured out without pause.

Meanwhile, Zane remained quiet and listened to my emotionally muffled voice while tenderly running his fingers through my long dark locks. Being that he was human and not privy to certain aspects of our werewolf culture, there were particular details that I chose not to disclose.

"Brutal!" he responded with a grimace etched on his face as he processed it all.

"In all honesty, I don't think you should return there any time soon. The mere thought of encountering your ex-lover every single day with his new wife in his arms is bound to stir up unwanted emotions and unpleasantness." We sat silently embraced in each other's arms, lost in our own thoughts for an indeterminate moment or two.

"I understand that you haven't known me too long," he started with an enchanting grin. "But I can assure you that I pose no threat. I'm not a serial killer or rapist. I even have several references if you need them." As I listened attentively, my curiosity was piqued.

"I am privileged to own a house that is spacious enough for the two of us."

I felt him looking at me attentively, waiting for a response. I glanced back at him, unbothered by his stare, still waiting for what was about to come. "I have a number of people who can attest to the fact that I am harmless. Additionally, I have a good reputation in the city where I live." This time it proved exceedingly difficult for me to hold back chortles; he went to such lengths to prove his good reputation to me. He looked somewhat surprised, witnessing how promptly my tears transformed into euphoric chuckles.

"Zane, please, make your point. It appears that a great deal of words is required for even the simplest point you want to make. It's rather comical."

"Well, let me elaborate on what I was just about to say," he tried again. "I am offering you to stay with me for a while until you figure out what you want to do further with your life. Rest assured that my house offers plenty of space and privacy, and since I work every day, you'll have ample time alone to think. I won't bother or distract you at all. What do you think about that?"

I stared directly at him with my mouth agape.

 "Why would you take in a stranger? You don't know me at all. We just met an hour ago for the first time. What a risk you are taking!"

"Seriously, Becca?! What could you possibly do to me? I am many times stronger than you. It is clear as day to anyone who lays their eyes upon you, just how fragile you really are." He chuckled heartily at his own witticism while I found myself glaring back at him.

"Hey, are you insinuating that I'm weak?" I asked with feigned anger.

"Do you accept my proposal? It would really be better if you lay low for a while. Staying there may result in further emotional turmoil. Heartaches aren't easy to overcome," he stated with concern.

As I pondered the offer presented to me, it dawned on me that this was indeed a blessing in disguise. The options were limited, and there was no denying the fact that he had hit the nail right on its head: returning to Moon Shine simply wasn't an option for me anymore.

If truth be told, I didn't have a clue as to where else I could seek refuge after fleeing from the ceremony on a whim. Perhaps if things had gone differently, my parents would've come up with some alternative arrangement until matters cooled down. But it was too late to burden them after taking this drastic step. Sneaking a glance once again at Zane so close by amazed me at how good his presence felt. So without further ado, I made a far-reaching decision.

"Okay, I accept. When will we leave?"

 "Now."