I think I found a rarity

(King Zeeb’s POV)

I watched her graceful steps from the corner of my eye as we walked toward Regina’s corner, wondering why she seemed determined to disrupt my nights. Even the way her hair flowed in the wind seemed captivating to me. Could she be the one? Why do I feel this pull toward her? For the first time, in what feels like a decade, the agony of Adeline’s death eases.

“I... I am an omega,” Regina, daughter of Tristan, finally spoke, her voice quiet but brave. Known as an outcast in the pack, she had always been regarded as unworthy and weak. In contrast, I am the one considered supernatural, brave, the one others admire and rely upon. Yet now, I couldn’t help but find myself leaning on someone else—the woman who stood in front of me, captivating and unexpected.

I was entranced, almost blinded by her beauty. The way she spoke, walked, made me question my sanity.

But as she stumbled, after encouraging Regina that she would be fine, I caught her instinctively, reacting in ways I hadn’t thought possible.

The feeling was different from what I’d felt with Adeline but somehow stronger—electric, magnetic. The growl of Zeric echoed within me as he awakened with newfound strength. What is this feeling? Could she be my second-chance mate? I couldn't help but wonder if the Moon Goddess had answered my pleas.

“Quick, call the pack doctor,” I barked at Jeremiah as we hurriedly went back to the pack house.

I placed her gently on the bed. Just then doctor scurried over, reassuring me that she was fine after checking her vitals, though he couldn’t yet explain her unconsciousness.

If she didn’t wake within two days, we’d have to consult the witches, despite the taboo. As the Alpha king, I ruled over all in this land, witches included. They had no choice but to comply.

I turned to the sentinels stationed outside her room. “Watch over her until she wakes. If anything happens to her, by the Moon Goddess, it will be your last day on this earth.” They nodded quickly, their expressions fearful. “Yes, Alpha,” they responded in unison.

“Good,” I declared, knowing my threats were never empty. After ensuring she was settled, I brushed a stray hair from her face, whispering, “What exactly are you?”

*******

“Well, if it isn’t the mighty Zeeb, unable to sleep…”

I turned to see Heather, casually leaning against the doorway, arms crossed. Oh no! I forced my hands through my shoulder-length hair.

“You’re up?” I replied, looking away from her inquisitive gaze. She needed no words for me to guess what was on her mind. Heather had a knack for reading me, I knew exactly what was going on in her little, cunning head.

“You like her, don’t you? The visitor?” she teased, unable to hold back a smirk.

I sighed and slumped onto the couch, restless, thoughts of the visitor consuming my mind. I have been unable to sleep, I just couldn't get my mind off her. Does it have to do with what Heather said, liking her?

“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” I muttered. However, the feelings within me were something I couldn't defy, strong enough to not deny.

“Stop trying to fight off things you can't control.”

“It is something I can control,” I countered back.

Heather chuckled, tapping my back. “Zeeb, you’re my Alpha, but you’re also my brother first. You can control many things, but some things are beyond even you.”

I kept silent, letting her words sink in. She yawned, standing to leave but paused, looking back. “This battle isn’t yours alone, Zeeb. It’s ours. I hope you two work out—it might heal the wounds we all carry. Even Zeric’s.” And with that, she left me alone with my thoughts, pondering over what she said.

*******

The next morning, after handling the pack’s paperwork, I decided to clear my head with my favorite pastime: riding my exceptional horse, Force.

I felt a familiar presence, I caught a faint scent in the air, something undeniable that stirred within me—a familiar feeling. Just then, I saw her and Heather approaching, and I felt Zeric beginning to awaken. She's awake? Relief.

Heather left us alone as quickly as possible. I was certain that she was intentionally giving us a chance to be alone.

She introduced herself as Maya. She’d come to help Regina, to awaken her wolf and break her curse. But as soon as she completed her task, she would leave. I didn’t welcome the idea of her leaving so soon. There was something about her—the same pain in her eyes that I saw in my dreams. Her smile never reached her eyes.

She insisted on riding Force, and though I hesitated, I watched her skillfully handle him, each moment revealing a bit more of who she was. Where had she come from, and why hadn’t anyone heard of Maya? With such power, surely, words fly faster than light, and would've been a renowned counselor.

After the ride, we spoke more as I secured Force. Something within me began to shift—a dense fog clouded my reasoning. Zeric. He was trying to take control.

I recognized this feeling; it was both chilly and warm, a clash of the unseen, a storm meeting calm. This was undeniable—she was my second chance mate.

I could tell from the way her eyes widened that she felt it too. I leaned in to claim her, and as our lips brushed, she pulled back, rejecting it.

I grabbed her hand, but she tugged free. No one ever dared defy me. I should be livid; I should sever her head and feed it to the rogues. Yet here I am, unable to lift a finger against her. Heather was right all along—I feel something. A fondness, like what I once felt for Adeline. A real, genuine connection. But what is it? Love?

“You’re wrong. You’re not just here for Regina; you were sent to find me. You’re mine.” Maya looked at me, speechless, a familiar vulnerability in her eyes.

A loud roll of drums snapped us out of the moment, signaling the pack meeting. I had pressing matters to attend to—an alarming rise in rogue attacks. But even as I turned to leave, my thoughts lingered on Maya.

Reluctant, I walked away.