Chapter 36
Zachary’s POV
The next day...
It was mid-morning when my mom returned from her brother’s pack. As soon as she entered the pack house, the entire atmosphere brightened. Mom had a way of making everyone feel at ease, her presence bringing comfort wherever she went.
The pack members gathered to greet her and she hugged each of them like they were her own. When her eyes landed on Amara, they lit up with excitement.
“You must be Amara” she said, pulling her into a gentle hug. “I’ve heard so much about you. You’re even more beautiful in person”
Amara smiled warmly, though I could see the faint blush on her cheeks. “It’s lovely to meet you, Luna Jasmine”
“Just call me Mom, dear” she corrected with a playful wink. “You’re family now”
Amara gave a small, grateful smile and I couldn’t help but admire how effortlessly she fit in with everyone.
Later, as the pack dispersed, Mom asked to speak to me privately. We made our way to my office, where she closed the door behind us.
She studied me for a moment, her sharp eyes taking in every detail. “How come you and Amara are still in separate rooms?”
I sighed, leaning against my desk. “It’s complicated, Mom. I hurt her deeply in the past. She’s only just starting to trust me again. I don’t want to rush her or pressure her into anything she’s not ready for”
Mom crossed her arms and gave me a look that only she could. “Zachary, I raised you better than to hold onto fear. You’ve taken the first step by bringing her back. Now, you need to show her that she’s your everything”
“I’m trying” I said, running a hand through my hair. “But every time I get close, I feel like I’m walking on eggshells. What if I push too hard and lose her again?”
She placed a comforting hand on my shoulder. “You won’t. Amara is your mate, Zachary. She feels the bond just as strongly as you do. She’s here, isn’t she? That means she wants this to work. Give her time, but don’t hold back your feelings. Show her that you’re ready to build a life with her”
Her words struck a chord. I nodded, taking a deep breath. “Thanks, Mom. I’ll keep that in mind”
She smiled softly. “Good. And don’t forget, I’m here if you ever need advice. After all, I’ve been where you are and trust me, it’s all worth it in the end”
That evening, the pack gathered for a small dinner to welcome Mom back. As we were all settling down, Sam and Rose stood up, their hands clasped together.
Sam cleared his throat, a grin spreading across his face. “Everyone, we have an announcement to make”
Rose’s cheeks turned a deep shade of red as she glanced around nervously. “I... I’m pregnant” she said softly.
The room erupted in cheers and applause. Everyone rushed to congratulate them. Mason clapped Sam on the back, teasing him about sleepless nights ahead. Mom hugged Rose tightly, her joy evident.
I stood, smiling warmly. “Congratulations, Sam, Rose. This is wonderful news. You both gonna make amazing parents”
Rose blushed even deeper and Sam beamed with pride.
As I watched them, I felt a pang deep in my chest. I tried to mask it, but Mom’s sharp eyes caught it. She knew me too well.
Amara, standing across the room, also seemed to notice. Her gaze lingered on me for a moment and I quickly looked away, forcing a smile.
Mom’s hand found my arm, squeezing gently. I turned to her, and she gave me a knowing look.
Later, as the celebration subsided, she leaned in and whispered, “I know you crave for a family. Your time will come, sweet heart. Trust the bond and trust yourself. You’ll have your own family with Amara someday”
I nodded, though the ache in my heart remained. Watching Sam and Rose made me long for what they had a bond, a pup and soon a perfect family.
I glanced across the room at Amara, who was laughing at something Mason said. She caught my eye, her smile faltering for a split second before she turned away.
It wasn’t just my longing anymore. It was our longing. I could feel it. And I promised myself that, no matter how long it took, I would give her the family and the happiness she deserved.
----
Amara’s POV
The past few days had been calm and comforting.
I had bonded well with everyone at the pack house, including Zachary’s mom- Jasmine.
She adores me, showering me with affection and warmth, so much so that I felt like I have two moms now.
Her constant encouragement and kindness made me feel at home in this pack.
Today, we were all gathered in the living room for a special treat.
Jasmine had baked pastries for Rose, who was having sweet cravings lately due to her pregnancy.
The smell of the pastries was divine and soon enough, all of us were indulging in them.
The laughter, lighthearted jokes and sense of family filled the air.
But just as the moment reached its peak, the front door opened and an unfamiliar tension followed. Michelle entered, her father Alpha Baron and another young woman trailing behind her.
I had heard of Alpha Baron before. He had been Zachary’s mentor and treated him like a son, so much so that he once sought to make Zachary his son-in-law, even if it meant going against the Moon Goddess’s law. As soon as they entered, the joyful atmosphere turned cold.
Alpha Baron’s sharp gaze landed on me, his expression unreadable but laced with tension.
Michelle’s face was a mask of fury as she stormed toward me, but Zachary quickly stepped in front of me, a low growl escaping his lips. His protective stance and the raw power in his growl made Michelle halt in her tracks, fear flickering across her face.
Alpha Baron’s voice broke the silence, laced with disgust. “So, this is the girl you chose over my daughter? I didn’t think you would stoop this low, Zachary”
Zachary’s expression remained calm, but his tone was icy. “Alpha Baron, watch your words, she is my blessing, given by the Moon Goddess herself. I cannot deny that”
Alpha Baron narrowed his eyes. “Oh, cut the nonsense. You expect me to believe that you picked this random girl and are now hiding behind the Moon Goddess’s name? What a joke!”
I could feel the misunderstanding brewing. Zachary’s anger flared, his voice sharp as a blade. “She is not a random girl. She is my fated mate. The Moon Goddess herself destined us to be together”
The room fell silent as Alpha Baron processed his words. His gaze shifted between me and
Zachary before finally resting on me. “You have a mate? I didn’t know that...” His voice trailed off as he turned toward Michelle, suspicion clear in his eyes.
“I thought you brought home a random she-wolf and rejectedMichelle” he muttered, his tone tinged with confusion and regret.
Jasmine stepped forward, her voice firm but gentle. “No, Alpha Baron. Amara is my son’s true mate. They met years ago, but due to Zachary’s foolishness, they were separated. He has since realized the grave mistake he made and they are together now”
Michelle, still defiant, grunted. “I don’t care who she is. She’s in my place. You are mine, Zachary!” She moved toward him, reaching out as if to touch him.
The moment her hand extended, Eva surged forward, her growl echoing through the room. My body moved instinctively, my aura exploding outward with such power that it shocked even me.
“Touch him and you won’t leave this place alive. He is mine” I growled, my voice a mix of fury and determination.
Michelle stumbled back, fear flashing in her eyes. Everyone else seemed stunned by my reaction, the sheer force of my aura leaving the room in silence.
Zachary quickly stepped behind me, wrapping his arms around my shoulders and pulling me into a calming hug. His voice was soft, soothing. “It’s okay, love. Calm down. I’m only yours”
Alpha Baron’s expression had shifted from anger to something akin to surprise and curiosity. Slowly, he stepped closer to me, his eyes narrowing as he studied my face.
“You... you resemble someone I know” he said thoughtfully. “Who are your parents, child?“I held his gaze and replied, “I am from the Blue Moon Pack. My parents are Alpha Greg and Luna Mary”
Alpha Baron’s face lit up with recognition. “That’s why you seemed familiar. Your father was an old friend and you look so much like your mother. You carry her grace and your father’s fire. What a small world”
His tone softened as he addressed me again. “I owe you an apology for my daughter’s actions. I didn’t know Zachary had a mate. If you are his destined other half and he finally accepted you, then that is the greatest blessing he could ever have”
Turning to Michelle, his voice hardened. “Go wait in the car, Michelle. There’s no place for you here anymore”
Michelle stomped her feet like a petulant child before storming out, but my attention shifted to the young woman who had accompanied Alpha Baron. Her voice, soft yet steady, broke the tension.
“Umm.. Uncle Baron, I think I’ve finally found my mate” she said, her eyes locking onto Mason.
Mason, who had been silent all this time, stepped forward, his gaze fixed on the girl. A wide smile spread across his face as he walked up to her and pulled her into a warm embrace.
Alpha Baron cleared his throat, making them pull apart, both of them blushing furiously.
“Alpha Baron, you remember my Beta, Mason right?” Zachary questioned.
“And this is my lovely niece, Amelia” Alpha Baron said with a proud smile. “She lost her parents in a car crash years ago and I’ve cared for her since. She’s like my own daughter. I hope you treat her well, Mason”
Mason took Amelia’s hand in his and looked at Zachary for approval. Zachary nodded, a small smile playing on his lips.
Mason’s voice was steady as he promised, “Of course, Alpha Baron. I will always protect her and cherish her. She completes me”
Alpha Baron gave us all his blessing before bidding farewell, kissing Amelia on the forehead before leaving.
As the door closed, the room erupted into cheers for Mason and Amelia. I hugged her, welcoming her to the family and the sense of joy was palpable.
Amid the celebrations, I felt Zachary’s presence behind me. He wrapped his arms around my waist, pulling me into his chest. I leaned into him, feeling a deep sense of warmth and belonging.
I felt like everything was falling into place.