CHAPTER FOUR: I'M HERE NOW

Zayn's POV 

Ariel quickly moves her face away from me, clearly avoiding my gaze while looking at everything except me. From her actions it's clear she doesn't want to talk about it.

I don't want to force her to do anything, she'll tell me when she's ready so I quietly step away from her not wanting her to feel uncomfortable anymore.

The door barges open as Lucian and Ryker stride into the room, their expressions a mix of urgency and mild apprehension.

“Do you two ever knock! Or is barging in a new form of respect I should be aware of?” 

I yell at them trying my best to control myself in front of Ariel.

If she wasn't here, I sure would have let Venom handle them. 

Lucian clears his throat, rubbing the back of his neck sheepishly.

"Apologies, Alpha, but this is important."

"And we figured you'd rather hear it now than later."

I cross my arms, my tone subtle yet sharp.

"I’ll decide what I’d rather hear. Speak, then, and make it quick. You’ve interrupted Ariel’s rest."

Ariel shifts slightly on the bed, offering a faint smile to the two intruders.

"It's alright, Zayn. I’m feeling better now."

Lucian glances at Ariel, relief evident in his expression.

"Good to hear, Luna. We were just coming to check on you, actually. The pack’s curious to meet you, and we thought... maybe today you’d feel up to exploring the mansion and meeting some of them?"

Ryker nods in agreement, his usual cocky attitude resurfacing as he looks at Ariel.

"It’s just that the pack is anxious. They’ve been waiting for their Luna. But only if you’re ready, of course."

I narrow my eyes, my protective instincts flaring.

"Ariel’s recovery is my priority. She’ll meet the pack when she decides, not because anyone else is impatient."

I turn and look at Ariel to get her opinion on what she thinks, her face smeared with shock and confusion. 

“I don't think she's ready for all this just yet” I say to Lucian and Ryker while waving my hands at them in a dismissive manner. 

"Zayn, it’s okay. I think... I’d like to meet them. Slowly, though. No big crowds." Ariel finally speaks up, her voice calm yet shaky. 

My gaze softens as I look at her.

"If you’re sure, Ariel. But at the first sign of discomfort, we’re done. Understood?"

Ariel nods, her confidence growing.

"Perfect. We’ll make sure everything is handled. Small introductions only." Ryker replies grinning from chin to chin.

Lucian clears his throat, his serious tone returning.

"There’s more, Alpha. The wolf elders arrived this morning. They’re asking to meet with you. They didn’t say why, but they seemed... insistent."

I tighten my jaw while clenching my fist, trying to keep my frustration at bay.

"Did they now? Those old wolves always show up uninvited when they want something."

I shift uneasily.

"What do you want us to do? Ryker says… Stall them? Send them away?"

I reply coldly, masking my emotions "Neither. Let them stew. I’ll see them when I’m ready. Right now, my focus is here."

Ryker smirks, clearly amused by my defiance.

"Understood, Alpha. Lucian replies. Just let us know when you’re ready to deal with them."

I finally nod dismissively, my attention shifting back to Ariel.

"Anything else? Or can I have my room back now?"

Lucian chuckles, nudging Ryker toward the door.

"We’re done. And don’t worry, we’ll make sure the pack behaves during the introductions."

"Good luck, Luna. You’ll be fine." Ryker screams while walking out the door.

I shake my head, muttering under my breath, "Those two will be the death of me."

Ariel laughs softly, her voice carrying warmth. 

She looks so beautiful smiling and I can't help but smile too…

"They mean well, Zayn." She says softly.

I love hearing her say my name, it sounds so pleasant. 

"That’s what worries me." I reply her amidst a sigh. 

I walk over to her, crouching down to take her hand.

"Are you sure you’re ready for this? If not, say the word, and it’s over."

Ariel smiles, her eyes sparkling with something I can't explain.

"I’m ready, Zayn. I'm actually eager to see these wolves of yours."

My lips curve into a genuine smile.

I can't wait for her to meet Venom. 

It's very frustrating having to deal with these old men, at least not now. I can't seem to concentrate on what they're saying, their voices oozing self-importance. All I can think of is the look on Ariel's face when she sees Venom. He's over excited to meet her as well. 

I kept carelessly tapping my hands on the table my patience wearing out as I waited for the wolf elders to end their bickering so I could go to Ariel. 

Then, the scream.

Her voice cut through the room abruptly ending the elders’ chatter. My chest tightened as her pain and fear slammed into me through the bond. Ariel.

I was on my feet before I realized it, the elders' protests fading into white noise. My only thought was getting to her. My mate. My Luna.

The hall blurred as I sprinted, every step fueled by rising dread. The closer I got, the stronger the pull of her distress. It wasn’t just fear—it was suffocating, consuming. Something was wrong.

I burst out of the mansion finding my way to the field where her voice came from, the sight before me freezing my blood.

Ariel was on the floor, her body trembling violently, hands clawing at her throat as if trying to grasp air that wouldn’t come. Her lips were pale, her breaths shallow and ragged. Around her, several wolves stood frozen, their eyes wide with helplessness. None dared approach her.

"What the hell are you all standing around for?!" My voice was a thunderous roar, but I didn’t wait for an answer.

I was at her side in an instant, dropping to my knees. Her wild, panicked eyes met mine, and it felt like a dagger twisting in my chest.

"Ariel. Look at me. Breathe. You’re safe. I’m here."

She gasped, her fingers clutching my arms like I was the only thing anchoring her to the world. My hands cupped her face, willing her to focus on me.

My jaw clenched as I slowly buried my face in her hair, my anger bubbling beneath the surface. 

"You’re safe now. I won’t let anything happen to you."