Chapter 22
Amara’s POV
I reached my office and locked the door from inside. Eva couldn’t stop bickering about the ways we can torture and kill Michelle. I just shut her down, otherwise I will go insane for sure.
I heard a knock on the door. “Amara, why is your door locked?” It was Ethan.
I opened the door and straight away went to hug him. He held me tight in response. “What is it love? Why the hell are you crying?” he asks stroking my hair.
“I guess, I’m not lucky in mate department” I chuckled mocking myself.
Caressing my tear filled cheeks, he asks “Why!! what did Zachary do this time?”
“I guess, Zachary and his chosen mate Michelle are still together. I saw them together in his room. They were very.. very close” I say my voice breaking.
“What the hell, I swear on the Moon goddess Amara, I’m going to kill him this time” he says trying to go out of the office.
I stop him by holding his hand, “Don’t go Ethan. I really don’t want anything to do with Zachary or his life”
“What are you saying? You just accepted him and saved his life. I know for a fact that you have feelings for him. How can you let this go?” he asks worriedly.
“I don’t know. I might be his fated mate, but he always chose Michelle over me. One thing is sure, I don’t want to devoid him from his life or happiness. Fate or not everyone should have a say in choosing their life partner. He made his selection long back and I’m going to respect that”
I look him in the eye and continue “By the way mom called, they are planning William’s crowning in next five days. So we will have to be there for the ceremony. I’m thinking about going there soon. Can you do me a favour?” I say with a fake smile.
“Sure, love anything” he says with confidence.
“I’m missing home badly. I want to leave today evening. Will you be able to manage work here ?” I ask with pleading voice.
He took a pause, as if he was thinking something. Then he exclaimed and replied “I was about to suggest you same, this hospital still needs extra help. I will stay here for few more days and come back. We will have a blast at William’s crowning.”
“You want to me set things straight with Zachary?” he asks.
“I don’t think he needs me anymore. Inform him about my sudden departure. I couldn’t stay here more, to wait for his permit to releive me from my duties here. Just handle that much for me” I say with blank expression.
He gave me a tight hug before he left. I began setting up on few paperwork before leaving for home.
“We can’t leave like this. We have to speak to mate about it. I guess it’s just a misunderstanding” Eva pacing in my head. She still believes in Zachary.
“I know what I saw. Just trust me on this. I can’t afford to lose you too at the moment” I plead.
She sighs, “I hope you know what you are doing” with that she retreats to the back of my mind.
----
Zachary’s POV
My heart felt like it had been ripped apart as I watched Amara storm out of the room. She didn’t even glance back and I couldn’t blame her. From her perspective, it must have looked like I was welcoming Michelle into my arms. But that is far from the truth.
I sat there, stunned, trying to piece together the mess that had unfolded so quickly. It all started when Michelle barged into my hospital room without so much as a knock.
“Zachary!” she exclaimed, her voice high-pitched and brimming with concern. “Oh my god, I came as soon as I heard about the rogue attack. Are you okay?”
I blinked, momentarily disoriented by her sudden appearance. Michelle, in her typical form-fitting white dress, looked the same as always, polished, perfect and completely out of place in my world now.
“I’m fine” I said curtly, adjusting myself against the pillows. “Out of danger, for now”
Her eyes softened as she moved closer, ignoring the tension in the air. “I was so worried, Zach. I’ve been trying to reach you for months and you barely replied to my messages or emails. But it doesn’t matter now. I’m back, for good”
I stiffened. “Back for good? Why are we entertaining this she wolf? Send her back to her pack” Aiden growled in my head.
Before I could ask her what she meant, she added “I’m ready to take my place beside you as your Luna. Just like we always planned”
“Michelle” I started, trying to keep my tone neutral, “Things have changed.”
She tilted her head, confused. “What do you mean?”
“I found my mate” I replied.
Before I could say anything, she huffed and said “You never wanted a mate right? You told me that yourself. So why would anything change now? Just reject her and be done with it”
“You are right. That was my plan earlier. Before I found her” I said firmly. “She is everything I didn’t know I needed. Amara is my mate, Michelle. I can’t..no, I won’t be with you. She is the only one for me”
Her expression darkened, and before I knew it, she threw herself onto me, wrapping her arms around my shoulders. “Zach, baby don’t do this! We’ve talked about this. You always said mates are a weakness. You can’t just change your mind now!”
I groaned, trying to gently push her off. “Michelle, stop! This isn’t..”
The door swung open.
Amara stood there, frozen. Her face was a mix of hurt and disbelief. My heart plummeted as I realized how this must have looked. Michelle, clinging to me like she belonged here, while I sat there trying to get her off me. It might look like I am hugging her right now.
“Amara, this is not how it looks!” I tried to explain, panic creeping into my voice as I struggled to sit up properly.
Michelle, of course, made things worse. She turned to Amara with an air of disdain. “Do you not know how to knock before entering someone’s room? A little respect would go a long way”
“You! doctor lady, I’m here with my mate now. You can go check on other patients” she said pointing a finger at Amara.
“Shut the fuck up Michelle” I growled at her.
But Amara didn’t say a word. She just stood there for a moment, her eyes flicking between the two of us. Then, without a word, she turned on her heel and walked out, shutting the door behind her.
“Amara!” I called after her, my voice breaking. I tried to get up, but my injuries screamed in protest, I’m feeling so helpless right now. I don’t have energy to even stand on my own.
Michelle had the audacity to look smug. “Honestly, Zachary, you should be more strict with these people. They work for you, don’t give them more power than they deserve”
I snapped. “Get out, Michelle!”
Her eyes widened in shock at the venom in my tone. “Excuse me?”
“You heard me. Leave. Now” I pushed my aura at her.
She flinched at my response, but soon stormed out, slamming the door behind her.
The silence that followed was deafening. Aiden, howled in anguish. “You let her leave. Go after her!”
“I can’t” I whispered, my chest tightening. My body was too weak and even if I could chase after Amara, I wasn’t sure what I’d say to make her believe me.
My eyes were shutting automatically, may be because from using my Alpha powers at this state.
The image of her hurt expression burning into my mind.
My mate, the one person I wanted more than anything, had just walked away from me, thinking I had betrayed her.
My heart shattered and for the first time in years, I felt completely powerless.