Chapter 4

Moon Forest

Bella was out in the stables petting one of the horses which she had befriended, when Mira walked in. "I see the way you look at him," she said, a hint of accusation in her voice.

Bella turned to face her, confusion written across her features. "What are you talking about?" she asked.

Mira's expression hardened. "You know exactly what I'm talking about," she said. "Zayn will never see you as anything more than an outcast."

Bella's jaw dropped, a rush of anger and hurt coursing through her.

Mira took a step closer to Bella, her eyes hard. "Do you know that Zayn was once in love? He had a mate, someone he loved and was married to. But she died of an illness, and his heart was broken."

Bella's eyes widened in shock. She had no idea Zayn had a mate, let alone that he had lost her. "I...I had no idea," she said, her voice trembling.

"Even in her death, his heart still belongs to Tess," Mira continued. "And even if he were to move on with someone else, it would never be a cursed witch like you!”

"I don't want any trouble," Bella said, her voice shaking. "I don't understand why you hate me so much. I'm not interested in Zayn. I swear."

Bella knew that was a lie. She had been thinking about him more and more lately, and the kiss they shared in the woods had been on her mind nonstop. But of course, Zayn wasn't interested in her. He had made that clear.

"Do whatever you need to do here and crawl back to the hole you call a town," Mira said, her words dripping with venom. She turned and walked away, leaving Bella standing alone in the stables, feeling more lost and alone than ever.

Bella couldn't believe what had just happened. Mira's words stung, and she couldn't shake the feeling of rejection. She wasn't even sure why Mira hated her so much, but it was clear that she did.

Bella sank down onto a hay bale, feeling completely and utterly defeated.

She couldn't get the image of Zayn's past wife out of her head. The thought that he had once been so deeply in love, only to lose the person he loved most in the world, was heartbreaking. And it made her realize why he was so cold and stern - he was protecting himself from ever feeling that pain again.

She felt a twinge of empathy for him, and wondered if she would ever be able to break down his walls and help him to heal. But she knew that was probably just wishful thinking.

************

Zayn stood at the shooting range, his bowstring drawn tight. He released the arrow, and it hit the target with a satisfying thwack. But his mind was elsewhere.

Lately, he had been thinking about Bella more and more. He couldn't shake the feeling of jealousy that rose up in him when he saw her around Ethan. He couldn't explain it - he had never felt this way about anyone before.

He took a deep breath and nocked another arrow, trying to clear his mind. But the thoughts of Bella continued to swirl.

His mind went back to Tess, it had been three years since she had passed away. He remembered how he had sworn that even in death, his heart would belong to her. She was supposed to be his one true mate, his soulmate. But now, his heart was being swayed by a 23-year-old witch - a limelight, no less. It was forbidden for an alpha to love a limelight. It had never happened before, and he knew he had to suppress whatever feelings he had for Bella. But it was getting harder and harder to do so.

He released another arrow, but it missed the target entirely. He cursed under his breath “fuck!”

"Hey," a voice called from behind him. Zayn turned to see Mira standing there, her eyes full of concern.

"What do you want?" he asked, his tone dismissive.

"You're distracted," she said, stepping closer to him. "What's going on?"

Zayn let out a heavy sigh. "We were ambushed, and Jake - who I thought was one of my most trusted lieutenants - set us up. And now he's gone missing."

"We've faced worse than this, Zayn," Mira said, stepping in front of him. "You can't tell me that's all it is."

She fixed him with a knowing look. "Is it that fucking outcast? Bella? Is she the reason you've been acting so different lately?"

Her words hung in the air, heavy with accusation. Zayn's jaw tensed, and he glared at her. "What the hell are you talking about?" he snapped. "Bella has nothing to do with this."

He could see the disbelief in Mira's eyes, but he didn't care.

"She's a limelight!" Mira exclaimed. "A cursed bitch! What do you think the pack would think if they knew you were involved with her?"

Zayn grabbed her by the neck, his eyes flashing with anger. "Who dares question my authority?" he growled. "I am the leader here. How dare you suggest otherwise?"

Mira's eyes widened, her breath coming in gasps. "I...I'm sorry," she stammered. "I didn't mean..."

Zayn felt his grip on her neck loosening as the realization of what he was doing dawned on.

Zayn let go of Mira's neck, and she stumbled away from him, her eyes wide with fear. "Get out of my sight," he growled, and she scurried away like a frightened animal.

Zayn stood there, breathing heavily. He ran his fingers through his golden hair, trying to calm himself down. But he couldn't help but feel angry and frustrated. He turned and walked away, not sure where to go or what to do next.

Bella had been training with Ethan, since her stay in Moonshire had been extended. She was recognized for her healing abilities and had been requested to stay longer. She was glad to be able to help people, but she also wanted to become stronger so she wouldn't be a burden to anyone ever again.

Ethan had been impressed with her progress, and was beginning to see her as more than just an outcast. He was starting to see her as a valued member of the pack, someone who could be a great asset to them.

Bella wasn't sure how to feel about all of this. She was grateful to be accepted, but she also felt a bit overwhelmed.

As Bella was training, she caught a glimpse of Zayn walking past. She stopped what she was doing and ran after him. "Zayn!" she called out. "Zayn, wait!"

He didn't stop, but kept walking, his face stony and unreadable.

She chased after him, calling his name, until she finally caught up to him. "Hey," she said, her voice breathless from the run. "Zayn, can you please just stop for a minute?"

Zayn paused, his shoulders tense and his jaw clenched. He turned to face her, his eyes dark.

"What do you want?" Zayn snapped.

"I heard you were going to the Moon Forest tonight," Bella said, a hint of pleading in her voice. "Can I come with you? I've heard so much about the enchanted forest, and I'd love to see it for myself."

Zayn's eyes narrowed. "Do you think I'm a tour guide?" he said. "I'm going there for important business, and I don't need you slowing me down."

Bella felt a sting of rejection. She knew she was asking a lot, but she didn't expect such a harsh response.

"I won't slow you down, I promise," Bella said, her voice firm. "I've been training with Ethan a lot, and I'm starting to feel stronger. Please, just let me come with you."

Zayn stared at her, his jaw tight. She could tell he was considering it. Finally, he sighed. "Fine. But if you slow me down, I'm leaving you behind."

Bella smiled, grateful for the chance. "Thank you, Zayn. I promise I won't let you down."