Zara

"You left without saying goodbye," the accusation came in a heavy voice. My poor heart shuddered, and I couldn’t bring myself to look up and meet his accusing eyes.

"You were busy... I didn’t want to distract you," I breathed out with difficulty, still staring at the marble staircase, finding the patterns very interesting.

Alpha’s thumbnail rested on my chin, lifting it so our gazes met. Wrinkles were visible on his forehead.

"Why do I feel like you’re avoiding me?" Alpha Kane asked, trying to find even a shred of truth in my eyes.

Alpha Kane knew I never cared how many people were around; if I wanted to approach him, I always did.

"We just had our last rehearsal. Why would I avoid you? I need to get home before my family arrives," I blurted out, half-truth, half-liar.

Alpha Kane stared at me so intently, his hands on the walls on either side of my head. I knew he’d sense something was wrong. I never shied away from his gaze, and now it just hurt.

Alpha Kane spoke slowly. His sharp, calculating mind was making decisions.

"You take my car, and it stays with you until your family leaves. And when they leave, you move right into my packhouse. Is that a deal?"

So close, his body practically pressed against mine, and if Alpha’d decided to move even an inch, I swear I wouldn’t have been able to resist him.

My hands ached from how tightly I clasped them. His scent, always invigorating to my senses, I inhaled deeply, trying to keep it in the depths of my consciousness.

I nodded, not trusting my voice, knowing it would break. Arguing with him was pointless; he would have his way, one way or another.

Then Alpha’s hands found my face, cupping it like an elegant glass vase. His warmth enveloped me like sunlight on a cold, frosty day.

"What’s wrong, Zara? Talk to me. I know something’s been bothering you since yesterday."

I calmly placed both hands on Alpha’s wrists and slowly pulled them away from my face. That single movement burned my soul.

Pain flashed in his eyes like a flash of electricity, but Alpha Kane didn’t raise his hands, respecting my action.

"It’s okay, you’re overthinking things. I have to go." I tried to pull away, but Alpha Kane grabbed my hand. Not roughly, but firmly. With his other hand, he grabbed my coat and blue scarf.

"I’ll walk you to the car," Alpha Kane said with such determination that it was clear it was non-negotiable.

I didn’t argue.

Alpha Kane handed me my coat, letting go of my hand. Turning around, I let him help me inside. Turning me back, Alpha reached out and buttoned my coat before draping a scarf around my neck.

Then Alpha Kane leisurely straightened my hair, making me incredibly nervous.

When Alpha Kane finished, I let him lead me downstairs. The rest of the way was silent, and I was grateful he didn’t drag me.

’Why are you upset?’ I asked Nova.

’I assumed something bad happened with us.’ Nova replied.

’Don’t worry, my wolf, we will see.’ I consoled her.

When we reached the car, Kaysir was waiting. Alpha Kane gave him a ton of instructions as he opened the door for me to get in. 𝒇𝒓𝙚𝒆𝔀𝓮𝓫𝒏𝓸𝙫𝓮𝓵.𝓬𝙤𝙢

When Alpha finished, his gaze settled on me.

"Text me when you get to the apartment. Something might happen, someone might look at you the wrong way. "Call," Alpha ordered without a hint of humor.

What is he planning to do? Become an avenger? The thought of him, wearing a mask, ninja suit, and sword, popped into my head, and I had to suppress a chuckle.

"I’ll do it." With a last worried glance at me, Alpha Kane closed the door.

The dark gray shirt clung so tightly to his body that I stared straight into his eyes as the car slowly drove away. Alpha stood there, looking at me, until the car was out of sight.

With a disappointed sigh, I leaned back in the comfortable, soft seat and tried to relax. But that constant ache in my heart wouldn’t let me rest.

Kaysir began his animated conversations; he shared interesting details about his daughter, and I was grateful, anything to distract myself.

"Bring her sometime, Kaysir. I’d love to meet her."

"Of course, Miss Zara. She’ll love it," he smiled brightly. I admired how he cared for his daughter. She reminded me of my dad.

I missed him and wished he weren’t here. So he could see me walking up the steps, just like he did when he was younger.

I reminded myself to ask Ryan to take more photos for Mom and Dad.

We returned soon. Keysir walked me to my apartment and then left to pick up Ryan and Sophia from the airport.

I hurried into the house. Quickly taking off my winter coat and scarf, I hung them up and turned on the heating so the house would be cozy for their arrival.

Grabbing my phone, I sent a short message to Alpha Kane, knowing he’d worry otherwise.

Ryan said he’d bring food, but I decided to cook fish for them. Taking out my phone, I got to work; that’s when it beeped.

I thought it was just Alpha Kane answering me. Drying my hands with a towel, I grabbed the phone and checked.

My heart sank.

It was a message from an unknown number. Shaking.

I unlocked my phone with my hands and, listening in horror, began to read the message.

{I have a surprise for you tomorrow...} The words were ominous, and it didn’t take a detective to figure out who they were from.

My heart sank like a ship’s anchor, and I couldn’t shake the feeling that something terrible was about to happen.

Only a few people had the new number, and yet he had managed to get it. Tomorrow was the winter ball, and this man was about to do something dangerous.

The question was: should I tell Alpha or not?