Zara

My nineteenth birthday was more important than ever. Finding my mate was critical, and I desperately hoped that the past would not repeat itself.

I took a few calming breaths, trying to calm the torment in my head. In order to mentally bond with someone, I had to clear my mind and think about them. Any additional thoughts would draw other members of the pack into the mental bond.

Alpha Kane’s face filled my mind. His husky scent matched his unruly chocolate hair. His honey eyes burned brightly in my mind. I could feel the bond forming and strengthening, as if it were tangible. All that was left was to speak.

"Alpha?" My voice was hesitant, almost timid. It was hard to bring myself to regain the confidence I had in my words.

My heart nearly jumped out of my chest as Alpha Kane’s rough voice echoed in my head. The sound of his voice drove away all the nagging thoughts of Darren, who had met me again in Haze and warned me, almost making my head spin.

"Zara." Alpha Kane’s voice was husky and serious. "Always getting into trouble, and now I think I know why."

Alpha Kane’s voice was muffled by sleep, making it deeper and huskier. The sound was immediately appealing to Nova and me. His voice was like a sedative, calming my frayed nerves and my feverish mind.

A nervous laugh escaped my lips. "I know it may not seem like it, but it’s not my fault."

"Mm," Alpha Kane murmured slowly, and my heart pounded in response. "I’m not entirely sure I believe you, Zara. Tell me, why were you in Haze last night?"

"There you go," I thought to myself. I wonder how Alpha Kane will really react.

"Sophia caught her mate’s scent the night of Cassie’s birthday." I frowned. "She wanted to go back and find him. I couldn’t let her go alone."

"Zara of all people," Alpha Kane sighed, and his rough voice sent another chill down my spine.

My voice was quiet, and I realized I had never spoken to Alpha Kane like this before. I was vulnerable, and I hated it. My vulnerability allowed Alpha Kane to crush me with just a few choice words.

Alpha Kane commented, his voice low and raspy. "So here’s what’s going to happen. I’ll be returning to pack territory this afternoon. The Beta Hunter will be here in just a few hours. Pack your things."

I paused, letting Alpha Kane finish.

"I expect you to be ready to move into the Palace by the time I return." Alpha Kane’s order was final, and I couldn’t help but flinch at the authority in his voice.

"Alpha, I don’t want to go to the palace to stay." I requested to alpha.

"Again, disobedient Zara?" Alpha growled.

"If you think so, then yes," I answered stubbornly.

"I have an apartment move there," Alpha suggested.

"Alpha, do you live in this apartment?" I am curious.

"No, I live in my palace. When I have to spend the night in Sterling Empire city outside the pack, then I go to this apartment." Alpha replied.

"I will shift in your apartment". Asshole Alpha, I muttered. Mental link disconnected.

I looked around my bedroom, the one I’d had since I was born. All my belongings were here. All my things were hidden in their places. I could easily pack everything, but I couldn’t take the memories with me.

***

Leaving the office, I made my way to the car, opened the door, and climbed behind the wheel. I threw everything on the passenger seat, buckled up, and then my gaze fell on the other side of the windshield. There was a piece of paper lying on the outside of the passenger seat.

What was that? Unbuckling my seatbelt, I got out and walked around the car to retrieve the paper. It was folded and tucked under the windshield wiper.

Curiously, I opened it to read, and with a yelp, my hands trembled, and the paper fell from my hands to the floor.

Written in blood, most likely dried blood. 𝐟𝗿𝐞𝚎𝚠𝐞𝚋𝕟𝐨𝚟𝐞𝕝.𝕔𝕠𝚖

"I am with you all the time. Your Alpha Kane has nothing to do with me, Zara."

**

By midday, I received a message from my father that the cotton had been delivered. He also notified Alpha.

The natural urge to tell my father about the threat I’d received overwhelmed me, but I wasn’t about to disturb him. After lunch, Alpha Kane called me into the office.

"I’m going to pick up the cotton shipment; it’s already arrived. Call an emergency meeting with all the necessary departments. I’ll speak with them upon arrival. We need to get started as soon as possible," he said, picking his coat from the back of his chair. I noticed he didn’t wear ties, except for certain very formal meetings.

"Yes, sir."

Alpha Kane left the room, closing the door behind him, and I logged onto the company Discord server and posted an announcement for an emergency meeting in two hours. It was time to order them coffee and snacks.

When Alpha Kane returned, I sensed the satisfaction and calm in his gait.

’Simply put, he seemed completely satisfied, and it showed on his face; his expression wasn’t as wooden as usual.’ Nova rolled her eyes.

’But the mess is already in his packs.’ I muttered.

He even gave me a smile, which was as rare as finding a pearl on the beach.

Alpha Kane unbuttoned his coat and settled elegantly into a chair. I stood behind him in my assigned seat, facing the team.

Alpha Kane announced enthusiastically:

"We’ve received the Swanzi Land cotton, and I want production to begin immediately after we’ve quality-tested it." The team rejoiced, and everyone was happy and relaxed. Alpha Kane gave them a little time to celebrate before continuing.

"Let’s move on schedule; I don’t want any more delays. The winter clothes should be ready by December, so our winter gala will be on time."

The production team leader began discussing how much time they would need to prepare, while the marketing and sales teams presented a plan for what to do once the dresses were ready.