Chapter 37
Zachary’s POV
The dinner party celebrating Mason and Amelia’s mating was a grand affair, hosted by Amara and Rose. Rose, despite her pregnancy, had been her usual loud and spirited self, demanding everyone dress their best for the evening.
“This is probably my last time dressing up before the baby comes!” she’d announced with dramatic flair.
Amara, took the reins of the preparations, handling the decorations, food and final touches with grace. Sam lent a hand wherever he could, while I had been tied up with an alliance meeting, unable to help.
When the time came, Sam and I descended the staircase first, both of us dressed in sharp suits as per Rose’s decree. The women, however, were the real showstoppers.
Rose appeared in a shimmering blue gown, her baby bump adding to her radiant glow. She placed her hands on her hips and declared, “I’m still the hottest one in the room” Sam chuckled, kissed her cheek, and whispered, “You’ll always look stunning to me, babe” Then Mason and
Amelia entered, hand in hand, the glow of their new bond unmistakable. They proudly displayed their marks, their joy contagious. I searched the room, heart racing, but there was no sign of Amara. Aiden, paced impatiently “where’s mate?”
Rose caught on quickly “Relax, Alpha. She’s in the backyard, putting on the final touches”
I tried to appear indifferent, though my wolf was anything but. Amelia and Rose exchanged glances and started giggling, mind-linking no doubt. Their laughter was infectious and soon the men joined in.
“What’s so funny?” I growled, unable to hide my irritation.
Sam clapped a hand on my shoulder “Let’s head to the backyard, Zach. Can’t let you suffer for long, can we?”
As we approached, the backyard took my breath away. Twinkling fairy lights draped the trees, soft music played and the tables were beautifully decorated with food displayed in one corner. It was magical. But all of it paled when I saw her.
Amara stood near the food table, her dark green gown clinging to her figure. Her hair flowed freely and as she turned, the backless design revealed smooth, flawless skin. My breath caught in my throat. She was mesmerizing, radiant and entirely too distracting.
Aiden rumbled with approval. “Our mate is just Perfect”
When she turned toward me, our gazes locked and I couldn’t look away. Time seemed to slow. She smiled at me, her eyes twinkling with happiness and in that moment, the world could have ended and I wouldn’t have noticed.
Mason’s cough brought me back to reality. Amara approached Amelia and Mason, asking if they liked the arrangements. Amelia threw her arms around her, thanking her profusely.
“It’s perfect, Amara. Thank you for everything” Amelia said.
Amara smiled warmly, her gaze flickering toward me for a brief moment.
“Stop drooling” Sam whispered, elbowing me lightly. “Go talk to her before the new couple steals all her attention”
Rose grabbed Sam, pulling him toward the food. “Leave him alone. Let’s check out the desserts”
Finally, I walked toward Amara. She noticed me immediately, her smile soft and inviting.
“Hi, Amara” I said, my voice unusually gentle.
“Hello, Zachary” she replied, stepping closer. Her voice, her presence it all sent sparks rushing through me. Nowadays she calls me by my name. My name never sounded better before.
Mason and Amelia excused themselves to the dance floor, leaving the two of us alone. Taking the opportunity, I held out my hand. “Dance with me?”
Her lips curved into a small smile and she placed her hand in mine. “Sure, I’d love to”
Leading her to the dance floor, I kept her hand in mine, my other hand resting on her waist.
The music was soft and slow, and we moved in sync, as if we had been doing this for years.
My hand trailed down her back, brushing her bare skin sending tingles on thier path.
She looked up at me, her cheeks flushed.
“You look amazing tonight” I whispered, my lips near her ear. “I can’t see anything or anyone else”
Her soft laugh sent a thrill through me. “Keep talking. I like this version of you” she teased.
I smirked. “It should be a crime to be this beautiful. You’re distracting me”
Aiden was restless, clawing at the edges to take control. He wanted her, now. And honestly, so did I. She was too tempting, too perfect. I just can’t stop looking at my beautiful mate.
We swayed to the cozy music then tried all yummy food. We sat with evryone at the table, talking and laughing. This was just perfect. All of us with our beloved mate’s. This is just like a dream. Where my family is happy, my pack is happy and I’m happy myself.
After the celebration, we all went to our rooms. I was walking Amara to her room, my heart racing rapidly. I stopped abruptly facing Amara to me. He eyes widened “What is it Zach?”
I lifted her chin, letting my fingers linger beneath it as I looked into her deep, captivating green eyes. “Move into my room, with me. I can’t stand being separated from you by these stupid walls any longer. Please!!” I murmured, my voice gentle but firm.
Her cheeks flushed a soft pink and she lowered her gaze for a moment before whispering, “Yes”
A foolish grin broke across my face as I scooped her into my arms. She let out a soft gasp, her hands clutching my shoulders. “What about my things here?” she asked.
“I’ll have them moved by the staff” I replied, already striding toward the door. Her weight felt perfect in my arms and I wasn’t about to let go anytime soon.
Midway down the corridor, Amelia came bounding toward us, her face lighting up when she spotted us. She halted abruptly, her expression shifting to one of amused curiosity as she took in the sight.
Amara started squirming in my arms, trying to get down. I tightened my hold for a moment, reluctant to let her go, but her pleading look got to me. “Zachary, please put me down” she insisted.
I growled softly but set her down carefully. Amara smoothed her dress and walked over to Amelia, who was practically bouncing on her heels. They leaned in close, talking in hushed tones that I couldn’t hear an oddity, considering our heightened senses.
I watched them with narrowed eyes, frustration bubbling under my skin. What could they possibly be whispering about? What is so urgent anyway?
After a few moments, Amara turned to me, a mix of hesitation and excitement in her expression. “Umm, we girls have decided to have a girls’ night to cheer up Rose” she said. “She’s been feeling frustrated since she can’t go out or shift into her wolf since long”
I frowned, not bothering to hide my disappointment. She noticed and bit her lip, looking almost guilty. But with Amelia still standing there, I forced myself to remain calm. “Okay” I said, my tone flat.
Her face lit up as she ran and took Amelia’s hand and the two of them hurried off down the hall. I stood there for a moment, running a hand through my hair in frustration before heading toward my office.
When I reached it, Sam and Mason were already there, both looking as exiled as I felt. The moment they saw me, they burst into laughter.
“What?” I barked, annoyed.
Mason wiped a tear from his eye. “Guess you’ve joined the club, huh? Your girl kicked you out too?”
“I wasn’t kicked out” I said, sitting down heavily in my chair.
“Sure, you guys still stay in separate rooms” Sam said, grinning.
“Not that it’s any of your business, but I asked Amara to move to my room. And she agreed” I retort.
Mason chimes in ” Good for you brother”.
My thoughts kept drifting back to Amara. Aiden’s restless pacing in my mind didn’t help.
“Go to her”, he growled. “Enough of this nonsense. We need to claim her”
I shook my head, trying to ignore him. But the memories of the dance kept creeping in, her soft smile, her plump lips, the way her body fit perfectly against me during our dance. The scent of her was embedded in my senses, driving me mad.
Sam’s voice broke through my haze. “Zach, you okay?”
I blinked at him, realising both he and Mason were watching me closely. Aiden was clawing at the surface and I was struggling to keep him at bay.
“I’m fine” I muttered, though it was far from the truth.
Mason smirked knowingly. “Thinking about Amara, aren’t you?”
I shot him a glare but didn’t deny it.
“Don’t worry” Sam said, leaning back in his chair. “The girls won’t be back anytime soon.. In the meantime...” He pulled out a bottle of whiskey, setting it on the desk with a grin.
“Let’s drown our sorrows” he added.
I sighed but didn’t protest. It took a lot more alcohol to affect us than humans, but tonight, I was willing to try. As the liquid burned its way down my throat, I couldn’t help but to feel little calm.