Chapter 24

(Lydia’s POV)

The scent on Wendy’s panties lingered in the air, sharp and unmistakable. I clenched my fists, my pulse quickening as I examined the torn fabric. "One, maybe two days old," I muttered, eyes narrowing. That was when Zane had been using this room. What the hell were Wendy’s panties doing here?

I felt the heat rise in my chest, a flood of anger taking over. No way. She’s been here, with Zane. That sneaky little bitch. Wendy had been acting all sweet, playing the supportive friend, but behind my back, she was sneaking into Zane’s room. My Zane.

Was she the reason he’d ignored me yesterday?

I slammed the door behind me, my mind a whirlwind of fury. My feet carried me faster than I realized, and as I rounded the corner, I nearly ran right into Wendy.

"What are you doing here?" I demanded, my voice low and sharp.

She blinked, a frown playing at the corners of her lips. "Is it true that Alpha Zane left?"

I forced a tight smile, every muscle in my face aching. "Something came up, and he had to leave. I just escorted him out. We’ll resume our marriage talks later."

She didn’t hide her disappointment, and I could see her eyes flick to my robe, lingering for a moment. "I see…" Wendy’s words were laced with something I couldn’t quite place. She wasn’t hiding the bitterness, but she couldn’t say it outright. "Guess you’ll be getting dressed for breakfast. I’ll see you there."

I watched her walk away, every step sending a spike of rage through my chest. "You will pay for this, bitch."

I turned back toward the stairs, my mind already forming a plan. This was all her fault. Ever since I came back from Paris, everything had gone wrong. I found my mate, but he turned out to be an Omega. God, how many times has my father scolded me? I can’t even count anymore. I rejected Victor, and then Zane showed up, playing games with me, making it seem like we were close… while sleeping with her.

I couldn’t take it anymore. I had to do something.

As I reached the attic, a thought crossed my mind. That girl in the attic… My eyes glinted with malicious intent. She was the one he’d chosen to be with. I’d make her regret it.

(Zane’s POV)

Tyler drove in silence, the air in the car thick with tension. Vivian sat quietly beside me, her eyes flicking between me and the road.

"Stop the car," I ordered, and Tyler pulled over reluctantly, his nerves evident as he turned the wheel.

I grabbed the suitcases and moved quickly to the back of the car, my mind running through the steps I needed to take.

As I opened the trunk, the last person I expected stepped out, looking slightly dazed but resolute.

"Since when did Zane become such a gentleman?" Tyler’s thoughts echoed in my mind. I ignored him, focusing instead on the woman stepping out of the trunk.

"Let’s go," I said, motioning for Mabel to get into the backseat.

She hesitated, but I noticed how exhausted she looked. "You’re safe now," I told her softly, trying to offer her comfort, even if I wasn’t sure how to give it. She didn’t answer, only stared out the window, her eyes half-closed, as if the world outside was too much to bear.

"She’s not the enemy," I muttered to Tyler through the mind-link. "She came with me willingly. Let’s keep it that way."

Vivian and Tyler exchanged confused glances, but neither spoke. We were moving, and that was all that mattered right now.