Chapter 16
Amara’s POV
Sitting at the dining table, I was still reeling from Zachary’s outburst when Rose casually mentioned Ethan and me being a couple. Eva had been equally offended and the way Zachary had growled and stormed off without finishing his meal had startled everyone at the table.
Later I confirmed everyone that, there’s nothing between me and Ethan. I wish Zachary would have stayed to listen it. Why do I care? Let him misunderstand or whatever!!
Mason went to check on Zachary, but I didn’t really care what happened after that.
Ethan and I headed to the hospital together and I was genuinely happy he was finally here.
The day went smoothly as I walked him through Dr. Smith’s progress and other patient details.
Nico was discharged today and seeing his family so happy brought a sense of accomplishment within me.
Ethan shared updates from home, Dad was planning Will’s crowning within next two months. I was excited for Will and Rebecca. And now, Mom and Dad could finally go on their long-pending vacation. I missed them all terribly, but having Ethan here felt like a piece of home.
After work, we headed back to the house and made a video call to Debby. The three of us talked for hours, reminiscing about the carefree days of our youth. Growing up brought many changes, but the bond we shared remained strong.
Ethan took the room on the ground floor while I was settled upstairs. I had just freshened up when I heard a commotion in the living room. Rushing down, I was shocked to see Zachary punching Ethan in the face. Anger and agitation radiating off of him.
“What the hell man?” Ethan pushed Zachary away.
“How dare you touch her? I will kill you” Zachary growled, going for Ethan with renewed force. I rushed forward, placing myself protectively in front of Ethan.
“What is wrong with you? Why are you hitting him?” I demanded, my voice shaking with a mix of anger and confusion. Zachary’s eyes were flickering between black and blue, a sign that Aiden was fighting for control.
He stared at me and I knew I had to try, to calm him down. “Aiden, please. I know you’re listening. Don’t hurt Ethan. For me. For my sake, give control back to Zachary” I reached out, holding his forearm, trying to soothe him with my touch. He relaxed slightly, but tension still hung in the air.
“Amara, what’s wrong with him? I think he’s going feral or something. Step aside; he might hurt you” Ethan said, trying to pull me away from Zachary. I saw Zachary’s jaw twitch and I knew I couldn’t let this escalate further.
“Ethan, will you go outside for sometime. Go for a walk or something? I’ll explain everything once you return” I pleaded with him.
“Hell no. I can’t leave you here with him” Ethan protested.
“Ethan, if you trust me and my judgment, please give us some space” I insisted, my voice firm.
“Okay, just mind link me if this asshole gets out of control again” Ethan said reluctantly before heading outside.
With Ethan gone, I turned my full attention to Zachary. “What is going on with you, Zachary? Why are you acting like this?”
He sat on the couch. I took the chair facing him. He stared at me, his eyes still swirling with emotion. “I.. I’m sorry Amara. I came here to tell you something, but then I saw Ethan Shirtless and he had your scent on him. I thought you and him..” he trailed off.
“Finish your sentence, me and him what?” I commanded. I didn’t realise Ethan was shirtless this whole time. I focused on Zachary’s face again.
“I thought there’s something going on between you two. I know I’m wrong and I overreacted. But I have been seeing these weird dreams of you and Ethan getting intimate with each other. So rage took over and I couldn’t control Aiden and you know the rest” his hands are running in his hair.
I got up from my seat. “This is not right. You can’t just go around punching people because of your feelings. Ethan is my best friend, he is like my family and we both are here to support your pack, Remember? You need to control your emotions” I said, trying to keep my voice calm and steady.
He sighed, running a hand through his beautiful hair “I know. It’s just...I can’t help it. Seeing you with him makes me feel...jealous, possessive. Trust me, these were the exact feelings I wanted to avoid before I met you”
“I just don’t get it. What if I’m with him or anyone. That’s none of your business. You don’t own me. We are not mates. You made it pretty clear four years back. You can’t just forget everything and come here acting like a possessive boyfriend. We need to find a way to coexist peacefully,
for few more months. Till Dr.Smith wakes up. Once that’s done, I will be out of your life and pack, for good. Till then please stay away from me” I said with full of aggression and anger.
Tears were threatening to fall, but I controlled myself. Eva howling in pain with the intensity of my words.
He stood up. I can see sadness and regret on his face. “Please Amara. I..” he moves closer to me.
I can hear my own heart pounding like cray. I took 2 steps back, “I think I have made my decision clear to you. I will never forgive you. So please stop creating problems in my life. Just leave now”
Tears fell from his eyes. I have never seen a man let alone Alpha cry before. “As you wish, sorry for everything” then he left.
With that, I fell to my chair. I think it’s better if we stay apart. We are not mates. I don’t love him. I crawled my head between my legs and deep sobs left my chest. Eva’s howls intensified in my head.