Chapter 26
Amara’s POV
The dining room was already lively when I entered for breakfast. My parents and William were seated at one end of the table, engaged in discussion with Nathan. Rebecca was at the other end, sharing quiet conversation with my mother. I slipped into a seat near the middle, keeping a low profile.
Mason and Zachary entered not long after, their presence commanding attention even without effort.
Mason inclined his head respectfully toward my parents and William before taking his seat.
Zachary, ever the composed, did the same, his expression unreadable.
They joined Ethan, who was seated near me, and greeted everyone politely.
“Morning” Mason said, his voice steady and formal.
Ethan nodded. “Morning. You’re punctual, as always”
Mason gave him a brief look. “I’ve always believed discipline starts with consistency”
Ethan smirked faintly, but Mason ignored it, pouring himself a cup of coffee. Zachary, seated beside him, seemed focused on his plate, though I could feel the weight of his gaze flickering in my direction now and then.
“Did you sleep well?” Ethan asked Mason, his tone casual but with a hint of teasing.
“Well enough” Mason replied evenly. “Although someone seemed restless today”
Zachary shot him a warning glance, his voice low. “Mason, drop it”
Mason’s smirk widened, but he kept his comment to himself as he reached for his mug.
Rebecca glanced at them, curious but refrained from prying. “It’s good to see you both here early. Breakfast is always better with more company”
Mason inclined his head. “Thank you, Luna. It’s an honor to join you all this morning”
I busied myself with my tea, pretending not to notice the subtle tension between Mason and Zachary. It wasn’t unusual for Mason to toe the line, but he always managed to maintain the dignity expected of a beta.
My father’s voice drew my attention back to the table. “Nathan, how are things at Shadow Ridge? I hear your training program has been yielding impressive results”
Nathan, seated beside me, straightened. “Yes, uncle Greg. We’ve been focusing on advanced drills for younger wolves, as well as team strategy. It’s been a challenge, but the results are worth the effort”
William nodded approvingly. “That’s the right approach. Strength in numbers and unity often outweigh raw power”
“Exactly” Nathan said. “Especially with the recent increase in rogue activity across all the packs. A well-coordinated team is our best defence”
The conversation shifted to pack matters and I felt a sense of pride for Nathan. He had always been a strong leader, even during our childhood. It was no wonder my parents respected him so much.
“Amara, do you remember when Nathan used to lead the mock training sessions for you and the other pups?” my mother asked, her voice warm with nostalgia.
I smiled faintly. “Yes, he was always so serious about it. We were just kids, but he always made it feel like real mission”
Nathan chuckled. “Someone had to prepare you for the real world. You were all so mischievous back then”
“Not much has changed” William joked, earning a round of laughter from the table.
Mason’s subtle smile betrayed a hint of amusement, but he remained quiet, focused on his plate. Zachary, however, seemed distant, his expression darkening slightly as he observed Nathan sitting beside me.
The mood shifted slightly when my father glanced between Nathan and me, a knowing look in his eyes. “It’s good to see you both reconnecting. Childhood bonds are important, even as we grow older”
I stiffened slightly at his words but forced a polite smile. “Of course, Dad”
Nathan seemed unbothered, nodding in agreement. “It’s always good to catch up with old friends”
From across the table, Zachary’s jaw tightened, though he quickly masked it by lifting his coffee mug. Mason, always perceptive, leaned slightly toward him and said something in a low voice.
Zachary gave a curt nod, his focus returning to his plate.
As breakfast wound down, my mother stood to clear some dishes. “The festival planning committee is meeting later today. Amara, I’d like you to join us”
“Of course, Mom” I replied, grateful for the distraction.
My father, William, and Nathan rose to leave for a meeting, exchanging polite goodbyes with everyone. As Nathan passed by my seat, he gave me a small smile. “We’ll talk later?”
“Sure” I replied lightly, though I felt Zachary’s gaze burning into the side of my head.
Mason and Ethan lingered behind with Zachary, their conversation low and indistinct.
I stood to leave, but not before catching one final glance from Zachary.
His eyes were full of hope and determination.
I turned away, unsure of what to do with the storm of feelings his presence always stirred within me.
For now, I would focus on getting through the day. The rest could wait.
The morning was filled with chatter and laughter as breakfast wound down. Debby arrived, bringing an infectious energy to the dining room. I rushed to hug her, her familiar warmth making me feel at ease.
“Amara! I’ve missed you so much!” Debby exclaimed, squeezing me tightly.
“Missed you too!” I said, smiling as we pulled apart.
Debby turned to introduce the woman standing beside her. “Amara, this is my sister-in-law, Bethany”
I turned to Bethany, who was petite and delicate, her features strikingly beautiful. Her long, auburn hair cascaded down her back and her bright green eyes shimmered with curiosity and a hint of nervousness.
“Nice to meet you, Bethany” I said warmly.
Bethany gave a shy smile, her voice soft but pleasant. “It’s nice to meet you too, Amara”
Before I could say more, Bethany suddenly stiffened, her head tilting slightly as she sniffed the air. Across the room, Ethan stood abruptly, mirroring her action. Their eyes locked instantly, and as if drawn by an invisible force, they both murmured the same word.
“Mate”
The room fell silent for a heartbeat before Bethany blushed, her cheeks turning a lovely shade of pink. Ethan’s expression softened as he walked toward her. He reached out and gently took her hand, pressing a soft kiss to her knuckles.
“You’re beautiful” Ethan said, his voice filled with awe.
Bethany lowered her gaze shyly, her smile radiant.
The room erupted into cheers and congratulations. I clapped excitedly, genuinely overjoyed for Ethan. “Oh my goddess, Ethan! I’m so happy for you!”
“Finally, Ethan!” William teased. “About time you found your other half”
Ethan ignored all of us, his eyes fixed on Bethany. “Can we go somewhere private to talk? If that’s okay with you” he said, his voice playful but respectful.
Bethany glanced at Debby, who gave her a reassuring nod. “Go” Debby said with a grin.
Ethan stood, gently taking Bethany’s hand. “Let’s go for a walk. I’d like to know everything about you”
Bethany smiled and nodded, allowing him to lead her outside. As they passed me, Ethan mind-linked me, his voice practically buzzing with excitement.
“Amara, I can’t explain how happy I feel right now. She’s perfect”
“I’m so happy for you, Ethan” I replied sincerely. “Take your time and let me know how it goes”
He gave me a subtle nod before disappearing with Bethany.
The dining room gradually returned to normal, but a pang of jealousy settled in my chest.
Everyone seemed to be finding their perfect match, their happily ever after.
I glanced at Zachary, who sat across the room, looking pensive.
For a brief moment, our eyes met and I could tell he was feeling something similar.
After breakfast, I turned to Debby. “Hey, come with me to the hospital? I need to check on a few things and we can catch up.”
“Of course!” she said, looping her arm through mine as we left.
We walked through the quiet corridors of the pack hospital, the sterile smell of antiseptic filling the air.
Debby finally turned to me, her expression serious.
“Alright, spill it. What’s going on? I know that look you had at breakfast. And don’t even think about beating aroound the bush” I sighed, realizing I couldn’t keep it from her anymore. “It’s... complicated”
“Amara” she warned, crossing her arms.
“Okay, fine” I said, exasperated. “It’s Zachary Grey. He’s my mate.”
Debby stopped in her tracks, her eyes wide. “What? Zachary? Alpha Zachary? The handsome man! You lucky bitch, pun intended”
I explained her about how I met him and got rejected.
“What the hell? How dare he?” She shouted.
I winced at her outburst. “Yes. But he’s changed now. He’s been trying relentless for my forgiveness”
“Hmm.. And you didn’t tell me all this sooner because...?”
“I didn’t know how to” I admitted. “It’s been so overwhelming. I don’t even know if I believe him or if I can ever trust him again”
Debby shook her head, looking both shocked and frustrated. “Amara, this is huge. You can’t just bottle this up. Why didn’t you call me?!”
“I knew how you’d react” I said quietly. “I’ve been trying to figure it out myself”
She sighed, her expression softening. “I get it. But Amara, you’re my best friend. You don’t have to go through this alone. If he’s serious about making things right, maybe you should hear him out. But only if you want to. Don’t let anyone pressure you”
I nodded, grateful for her support. “Thanks, Debby. I just... I don’t know what to do. Part of me wants to give him a chance, but the other part... I’m so scared”
She placed a comforting hand on my shoulder. “Follow your heart, Amara. You’ll know what to do when the time is right. And whatever you decide, I’ll be here for you”
Her words gave me a sense of relief I hadn’t felt in a while. For the first time, I felt like I didn’t have to carry this burden alone.
“And also, Ethan said” I began. “Zachary and Mason are staying here for a while”
Debby raised an eyebrow. “Staying? Why?”
“They’ve brought warriors for training. Zachary wants them to improve their human-form combat skills. Apparently, their pack excels in wolf form, but he’s aiming for balance” I explained.
“And they picked Blue Moon for this?” Debby asked, clearly suspicious and smirking.I nodded. “Dad and Will are known for their combat techniques. Zachary asked for their help and Ethan says it’s a good collaboration. Mason’s overseeing the sessions”
Debby’s smirk widened. “Convenient. Think Zachary’s got other motives?”
“Ethan swears it’s professional, but I’m not so sure” I admitted. “Even Ethan seems to think Zachary is honest and deserves another chance. Either way, this training benefits the pack.”
Debby tilted her head thoughtfully. “And you? How are you handling the mate bond pull”
“By keeping my distance” I said, laughing dryly.
Debby looped her arm through mine. “Well, if Zachary messes up again, I’ll help you deal with him”
“Deal” I replied with a grin, though my mind lingered on Zachary’s true intentions.