Chapter 34
Amara’s POV
The first rays of sunlight began peeking through the treetops as Eva and Aiden slowed their playful sprints toward the lake. The world around us felt alive the rustle of leaves in the soft breeze, the birds greeting the dawn and the calm, rhythmic lapping of water against the shore.
Eva padded closer to the edge of the lake, her white fur shimmering in the light of the rising sun. Aiden stayed by her side, his darker form contrasting beautifully against the golden hue of the horizon. He nudged her gently and she gave a soft bark in response.
We lay down by the water, the quiet between us feeling warm and comfortable. Eva’s thoughts mingled with mine, a peaceful hum of contentment. But I could feel Aiden’s gaze on her and I knew Zachary is there too, his emotions brushing against mine gentle, protective and... hopeful.
Eva turned to Aiden and nudged his snout playfully before stepping back, I watched him closely. He went behind a nearby tree went to bring a blanket stashed as a spare. I grabbed the blanket in mouth, went near by bush. I shifted swiftly and draped it over myself.
Zachary followed suit, his wolf form melting into the man I’d grown to know so well. His dark hair was slightly tousled, his bare chest glistening in the soft morning light. He didn’t bother covering himself and I tried to ignore the way my cheeks flushed.
“You’re staring, my love” he said with a teasing grin, sitting down beside me.
I rolled my eyes and looked out at the lake. “I’m not”
“You are”
“It’s the sunrise I’m looking at, Alpha Grey”
He chuckled softly, a low rumble that seemed to vibrate through the air. “When will you stop calling me with my title?”
“I don’t plan on changing soon” I snort.
He continued, “By the way, the sunrise isn’t half as stunning as you”
I turned to face him, arching an eyebrow. “Do you always flirt this way with other she wolves or is this special treatment?”
“It’s special” he admitted, his grin fading into something softer. “It’s only for you and it’s always special”
The sincerity in his voice caught me off guard. I looked away, unsure of how to respond. “I like moments like this” I finally said, my voice barely above a whisper. “Quiet and peaceful... It feels like the world isn’t demanding anything from me”
He nodded, his gaze fixed on me. “You’ve had enough chaos for a lifetime. You deserve this peace, Amara. Even if I have to fight the whole world to give it to you”.
His words stirred something deep inside me. A part of me wanted to lean into him, to let his warmth melt the walls I’d built, but another part whispered caution.
“You don’t have to fight the world, Zachary” I said, meeting his eyes. “Just live your life the way you want to. I want to see you happy too”
He exhaled slowly, his expression softening even further. “I’m happy, Amara. As long as you are with me, I will always be happy. Just don’t leave me again”
The vulnerability in his voice made my chest tighten. For so long, I’d kept him at arm’s length, afraid to trust, afraid to let him in. But now...
“I know and maybe, one day, that’ll be enough for me to stop running from this” I pointed between us.
He didn’t say anything, but I felt his hand brush lightly against mine. We sat there together for a while and then left for the pack house.
As I stepped out of my room, I saw Zachary emerging from his. He looked effortlessly attractive in a brown button-up shirt and blue jeans. Eva purred in my head.
“He looks hot in anything” she cooed. “Even more when he isn’t wearing anything”
I mentally slapped her. “Eva, enough!”
Zachary’s gaze landed on me and a faint smile tugged at his lips. “I see you’re heading to the hospital today” he said, noticing my blue scrubs.
“Yes” I nodded. “I miss working and I want to meet everyone and help Dr. Smith”
“Of course” he said warmly. “Anything you like”
We made our way downstairs together, where the dining area buzzed with activity. As soon as we entered, the room fell silent and everyone greeted us.
“Good morning, Alpha and Luna”.
Zachary nodded, but I greeted them back. “Good morning, everyone. You guys please call me just Amara”
Zachary moved to his seat at the head of the table. I started toward an empty chair between Mason and Rose when Zachary suddenly stood, walked over and gently took my hand.
“Sit with me, today” he said, pulling out the chair to his left.
The room erupted in cheers and teasing remarks.
“You go man!” Sam called out.
I blushed furiously as I sat down, my cheeks burning. Zachary’s actions were unexpected, but there was something sweet about them that made my heart flutter.
Breakfast resumed, Zachary, Sam and Mason began discussing the day’s agenda. I quietly ate while Rose leaned closer to me.
“So” she whispered, grinning. “How was your run with Alpha this morning?”
For a second I wondered how did she know? Then I smiled, recalling the peaceful moments by the lake. “It was good. Peaceful”
Zachary’s sharp hearing picked up on the conversation and I caught him glancing at me, a small smile playing on his lips.
“I’ll be heading to the border today” he announced, looking directly at me. “I’ll likely be back late, in the evening”
Before I could respond, Mason interjected with a teasing smirk. “Amara, make sure you heard him the first time. Otherwise, he’ll repeat it again just to be sure”
Laughter broke out around the table as Zachary growled low at Mason.
“Watch it” Zachary warned, though his tone held no real anger.
The playful banter made the breakfast feel lighter, more like a family gathering than a formal pack meal. Afterward, everyone dispersed to start their day.
As I stood to leave for the hospital, Zachary caught my gaze and smiled softly. “Don’t overwork yourself” he said, his voice low but full of concern.
“I won’t” I promised before heading out, feeling his watchful gaze on me until I was gone.