Chapter 23
Zachary’s POV?
The silence in my room was short-lived as Mason barged in, his growl echoing through the space. His sharp glare locked onto me and I instantly knew I was in for it.
“What have you done now?” he demanded, crossing his arms over his chest. “I just saw Amara crying her eyes out. I thought things were finally getting better between you two!”
I sighed, running a hand through my hair, feeling the weight of his accusation. Before I could respond, the door slammed open again.
Ethan stormed in, his face a mask of fury. His eyes were blazing and his jaw was tight. “What the hell did you do to her, Alpha?” he spat, his tone dripping with sarcasm.
Great. This was just what I needed. An interrogation squad.
I groaned, scratching the back of my head. “If you both calm down for one damn second, I’ll explain”
“You better” Mason snapped, leaning against the wall. Ethan didn’t say anything, just stood there glaring at me like a dragon ready to incinerate me.
I took a deep breath and launched into the explanation. “Michelle showed up out of nowhere. She barged into my room, all concerned about the rogue attack, saying she was back for good and ready to be my Luna”
Mason’s eyebrows shot up and Ethan let out a low growl.
“She wouldn’t listen when I told her I have a mate now and I want to be with her forever. But she threw herself on me, trying to seduce me, while I was trying to push her off. That’s when Amara walked in”
Ethan raised an eyebrow, his voice laced with skepticism. “And she just happened to see the worst possible moment?”
I nodded, frustration boiling under my skin. “Yes. It looked bad. I get that. But it wasn’t what it seemed. Michelle even had the audacity to say that she is my chosen mate before I could explain anything”
“You didn’t stop her?” Mason’s tone was sharp, almost accusing.
“I tried!” I snapped, my voice rising. “Amara didn’t even give me a chance to explain. She walked out before I could get a single word in. Do you think I wanted this to happen? I can’t even fucking get up from this damn bed right now. Just please help me talk to Amara once. Call her here” I plead.
Ethan exhaled slowly, pinching the bridge of his nose. “Amara’s left” he said, his voice quieter now.
“What? Where?” I growl in disbelief.
“She’s gone to our dad’s pack,” Ethan continued. “For William’s crowning ceremony. And guess what? She didn’t tell you because, clearly, she doesn’t want to talk to you right now”
The air in the room felt heavier as the weight of his words sank in. My mate, my Amara, had left without a word.
Aiden whimpered. She’s gone. She didn’t even look back.
“I can’t let her go like this” I muttered, trying to sit up. The pain from my wounds shot through me, sharp and unrelenting, and I collapsed back onto the bed with a hiss.
“Whoa, whoa, whoa” Mason said, stepping forward to steady me. “You’re not going anywhere in this condition”
Ethan moved closer, his tone firm. “He’s right. You’re barely holding yourself together as it is. You’ll do more harm than good if you show up there like this”
“I can’t just sit here” I argued, my frustration bubbling over. “She’s my mate. She thinks I betrayed her. I have to make this right. I just got her back man”
“And you will” Ethan said, his expression softening just a fraction. “But not right now. Give her time, Zach. She needs space to calm down, to think. I know her better trust me”
Mason nodded in agreement. “He is right, Zach. Rushing there will only make things worse. Plus, you need to heal. You’re of no good to her, if you collapse at her feet dead”
I clenched my fists, hating that they were right. Aiden growled low in my mind, pacing restlessly, but even he knew we couldn’t fix this in our current state.
“I’ll give her time” I said reluctantly, sinking back into the pillows. “But as soon as I can stand, I’m going to her. I’ll do whatever it takes to make her understand the truth”
Mason clapped a hand on my shoulder. “That’s the spirit, Zach. But for now, rest. You’ve got a lot of work to do when the time comes”
Ethan crossed his arms, he let out a soft sigh, “And when you go to her, you better not screw this up again. Amara deserves better than what she’s been put through”
“I know” I said quietly, staring at the ceiling. “She deserves everything. And I’m going to give it to her”
Both the boys left the room.
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Amara’s POV
The car hummed softly as I drove home, but my mind was far from quiet. Memories of Zachary crept in uninvited, tugging at my already fragile heart.
His laughter, the way his eyes softened when he looked at me, the warmth of his touch, it all felt so real, so genuine. But reality had come crashing down, reminding me that those moments were fleeting, illusions built on a foundation that was never solid.
“It’s still hard to believe he’d do this to us” Eva whimpered in my mind. “After everything we’ve been through together”
I tightened my grip on the steering wheel, my jaw clenching. “It doesn’t matter now, Eva” I replied aloud. “He made his choice long ago and it was never us”
“That’s not true” Eva protested, her tone desperate. “You didn’t even let him explain. Maybe there’s more to this than what you saw. Aiden would never betray me like that”
“He doesn’t have to say anything, Eva” I argued, my voice cracking slightly. “Actions speak louder than words. Michelle was always his choice, not me. I was just... convenient. He needed me to heal. That’s all. ”
Eva fell silent, but I could feel her sorrow deep in my chest. She wasn’t convinced, but I had to be. For both our sakes.
By the time I reached home, the heaviness in my chest hadn’t eased, but seeing the familiar gates of my family’s pack grounds brought a sliver of comfort. The moment I stepped inside, the scent of home hit me, a mix of pinewood and the faint aroma of my mom’s cooking.
“Amara! what a surprise!” My mom’s voice rang out and I barely had time to set my bag down before she enveloped me in a tight hug.
“Mom” I whispered, burying my face in her shoulder. Her warmth and familiar scent overwhelmed me and before I know it, tears were sliding down my cheeks.
She pulled back slightly, her hands on my shoulders. “Sweetheart, what’s wrong? Are you okay?”
“Nothing, Mom” I said quickly, wiping my tears away. “I’m just so happy to be home. It’s been a while, and I missed you”
Her eyes narrowed, her motherly instincts clearly picking up on my emotions. But before she could press further, my dad appeared, his booming voice filling the room.
“There’s my girl!” He wrapped me in a bear hug, lifting me off the ground slightly.
“Dad!” I laughed softly, the sound surprising even me.
When he set me down, his sharp gaze studied me. “You look tired. Are you sure you’re okay?”
“I’m fine” I assured him, forcing a smile. “Just a bit overwhelmed with everything. But it’s nothing a little rest wouldn’t fix”
Both of them exchanged a look but nodded, deciding to let it go for now.
“Come on” my mom said, leading me into the living room. “Everyone’s been waiting to see you, your father mind linked them”
The sound of laughter and chatter filled the room as I stepped inside. Rebecca, my sister-in-law, was the first to spot me.
“Amara!” she called out, rushing over to hug me.
“Becca” I greeted, holding her close. “It’s so good to see you”
“And look who’s here!” she said, pulling back and gesturing to the little boy tugging at her dress.
“Colin!” I crouched down, scooping my nephew into my arms.
“You’ve gotten so big!” He started pinching my cheeks, making me laugh.
“And getting stronger every day, I see” I ruffled his hair before setting him down.
“Amara!” Will’s voice boomed as he entered the room. My brother looked as strong and confident as ever, his aura unmistakably alpha-like.
“Will” I said, walking over to hug him. “Congratulations in advance, Alpha”
He chuckled, squeezing my shoulder. “It feels weird, hearing that from you. But thanks, sis. It means a lot”
As the evening wore on, the lively atmosphere made it easier to push my pain to the back of my mind. Surrounded by my family, I felt a small sense of relief, a fleeting moment of peace.
But when the laughter died down, and I finally retreated to my room, the silence brought everything crashing back. I sank onto the edge of my bed, staring at the moonlight filtering through the curtains. With time, I’ll get through this. I’ll forget him. I have to.
Eva whimpered softly, her sadness mirroring mine. But I ignored her, lying back and closing my eyes. Sleep didn’t come easily. At least here, surrounded by my family, I didn’t feel as alone.