Chapter 35
Zachary’s POV
The day at the east border had been long but productive. Mason, Sam and I went to resolve the issues troubling our patrol team, ensuring the border’s security.
As we met with the eastern patrol team, I addressed them with a commanding tone. “How have things been here?”
One of the patrol leaders, Liam stepped forward. “Alpha, things have been quiet since the last rogue attack. But we’ve doubled our patrol schedules as per your orders”
“Good” I nodded. “Any unusual activity?”
“None so far” Liam replied. “Though we did catch a faint rogue scent two days ago. He didn’t cross into our territory, but we’ve kept an eye on the area”
Mason clapped Liam on the shoulder. “You’re doing great work. Keep up the vigilance”
Sam added, “If anything feels off, report it immediately. No risks” After giving further instructions and ensuring the patrol team had all they needed, we started our journey back in the late afternoon.
Sam drove the SUV while Mason sat in the passenger seat, leaving me to sit in the back.
I leaned my head on the seat rest, closing my eyes for a moment of respite.
“So” Mason began, turning slightly to look at me. “How’s it going with Amara?”
Sam smirked. “Yeah, Zach. You making any progress?”
I opened my eyes, sighing. “Hmm. It’s... going well”
Mason chuckled. “That’s an understatement. You two are spending more time together, she seems happy but still doesn’t let anyone call her Luna”
I frowned, staring out the window. “I’ve noticed that too. But I can’t blame her. We haven’t mated or marked yet. I don’t want to rush her into anything”
Sam whistled. “Man, you’re too patient. Aiden must be losing his mind around her”
I rubbed the back of my neck, thinking of my wolf. “He is. Every time we’re near her, he’s restless. He wants to be close to her, you know what I mean right?... but I know it’s too soon”
Mason glanced at Sam, then back at me. “You’re doing the right thing, Zach. She needs time to trust you again. But don’t wait too long or Aiden might take matters into his own paws”
Sam laughed. “Imagine that Aiden showing up at her door uninvited. ‘Hi, mate. Let’s complete marking’”
I couldn’t help but chuckle, though the thought made me uneasy. “He’d never do that. Amara means too much to him. To us”
Mason’s voice softened. “She’s a good one, Zach. Graceful, compassionate, a skilled doctor and a fierce fighter. You’re lucky she’s your mate”
Sam nodded in agreement. “I mean, you really screwed up before, but she’s still here. That says a lot about her character. Don’t mess it up again”
Their words hit harder than they probably intended. I looked down, feeling the weight of my past mistakes. “I won’t” I said firmly. “I’ll spend more time with her and earn her trust back”
Mason grinned. “Good. Just don’t forget to remind her that she is our Luna too, whether she accepts it or not. The pack already sees her as one”
Sam added, “And don’t let her think too much. Women like to overanalyze. Keep it simple, show her you care”
I smiled faintly. “Yup, that’s the plan”
As we drove back, Mason grew quiet for a moment, staring out the window.
Sam noticed and smirked. “What’s with the grim look, Masy? thinking about your mate?”
Mason sighed, running a hand through his hair. “Yeah. It’s just... I’m 28 now and she’s still out there somewhere. Every time we go to allied packs or meet outsiders, I hope I’ll find her, but... nothing”
I glanced at him from the back seat. “She’s out there, Masy. The bond will find a way, even if it takes time. You just have to trust it”
He gave a small, sad smile. “Easy for you to say. You’ve found yours. Sure, it’s complicated, but at least you know who she is”
Sam chimed in, grinning. “Don’t worry, Mason. She’s probably avoiding you on purpose because she’s heard what a pain you are”
Mason rolled his eyes but chuckled. “If she’s half as feisty as Amara, I’ll be in trouble”
I couldn’t help but smirk. “Trust me, you’ll want feisty. It keeps you on your toes”
Mason’s expression softened as he stared out at the horizon. “I just hope I find her soon. All this waiting, it’s just exhausting”
Sam reached over and patted his shoulder. “She’ll show up, Mason and when she does, you’ll be the lucky one”
Mason nodded, his usual confidence slipping back into place. “Yeah. Until then, I’ll just keep fighting alongside you idiots”
We all laughed, but I couldn’t help feeling a twinge of sympathy for Mason. Despite his bravado, I knew how deeply he longed to find his mate and how lonely the wait could feel.
We reached the pack house just as the evening sun dipped below the horizon. As I stepped out of the SUV, my thoughts drifted back to Amara. I knew I needed to be patient, but I also couldn’t ignore the urgency bubbling under the surface Aiden’s and mine.
----
Amara’s POV
Starting work felt great. Meeting Dr. Smith and my old colleagues was like catching up with family. The cheerful smiles and warm greetings made me realise how much I missed being here.
I saw a few new patients, reconnecting with my role as a doctor and spent time talking to older ones who remembered me fondly. Time flew by and I didn’t notice it was past 8 PM until one of the nurses reminded me.
As I was packing my stuff to leave, a soft knock echoed on my office door. I turned to see Zachary standing there, looking effortlessly handsome as always. His presence filled the room with warmth.
The nurse beside me immediately stood and greeted him, “Hello, Alpha” Then, she looked at me with a knowing smile. “Dr. Amara, let’s catch up tomorrow. I’ll leave you two to it”
Zachary stepped inside with a gentle smile. “You’re late. I reached the pack house around 7 PM and thought of checking on you. Are you still working? I’ll wait in the car if you need to finish something”
I shook my head, smiling back. “No, I’m done. I was just packing my stuff and about to leave for home”
His smile widened, “I like it when you call my home as your home”
I hadn’t even realised I’d referred to the pack house as home. The thought made my heart flutter. Maybe this pack is my home now. Maybe... he is my home.
We left the hospital and Zachary drove us back to the pack house. By the time we arrived, everyone had finished dinner and retired to their rooms.
Before heading to my room, Zachary said, “Freshen up first, and then we’ll talk if you’re not too tired”
I nodded and left. I took a quick shower and changed into my cozy pajamas. As I was settling in, there was a knock on my door. Assuming it was Zachary, I opened it to find Gia, one of the kitchen staff, standing there with a tray of food.
“Luna, Alpha asked me to bring your food here” she said politely.
I smiled. “Thank you, Gia. Has the Alpha had his dinner?”
“Not yet. I was about to take his food now”
I shook my head. “It’s okay. I’ll take it to him. You can go and rest”
Gia nodded and handed me the tray. I fixed my hair and carried the food trolley to Zachary’s room. When I knocked, his faint voice came from inside, “Come in ”
The sound of the shower running stopped and a moment later, he walked out of the bathroom wearing only a towel around his waist. His upper body glistened with droplets of water, his hair damp and messy. He was drying his hair with another towel, which he casually threw aside.
I froze. My mouth hung open longer than it should have and my heart raced.
He smirked, clearly enjoying my reaction. “You like what you see?”
I snapped out of it, my face burning. “Huh? No. I mean, yes. I mean... put on some clothes first!”
He stepped closer, his smirk turning into a mischievous grin. “I like it when you watch me. And I really like it when you blush”
He leaned in, his face just inches from mine. “Should I get dressed now? Or...” His eyes darkened with something deeper, something raw.
For a moment, I couldn’t breathe. My gaze flicked to his lips, and I felt an undeniable pull. But just as I thought he was going to kiss me, he stopped, closed his eyes and leaned back. His breathing was heavy, his fists clenched as if holding back something primal.
When he opened his eyes again, they were his usual electric blue. He looked at the food tray and smiled softly. “You brought me food? Will you have dinner with me?”
I exhaled, trying to steady my racing heart. “Yeah, that’s what I had in mind”
He went to his closest and grabbed a casual T-shirt and joggers from his closet. After slipping them on, he sat beside me on the couch.
We ate together, chatting about his day at the border and my time at the hospital. His company was calming, his occasional teasing making me laugh.
When we were done, he mind-linked an omega to collect the dishes. I thanked him for picking me up from the hospital, saying it was thoughtful of him. He smiled, wished me goodnight, and I left for my room.
But once I was back, my thoughts raced. I couldn’t stop replaying what had happened. For a moment, it felt like we were so close to crossing a line.
Why didn’t he kissed me? Had I done something wrong? Was he holding back because of me?
I lay in bed, staring at the ceiling. My heart and Eva both ached with the same thought, I wanted him to kiss me.
Sleep eluded me that night, my mind swirling with unanswered questions and unspoken desires.