Chapter 25

Zane’s POV

I could feel their eyes on me the whole way, Vivian and Tyler, trying to figure out why I was so careful with her.

Through the rearview mirror, I saw Vivian glance at Tyler. She shifted in her seat, her voice low but sharp in my mind. Since when is our Alpha this soft with victims of abuse?

Tyler responded in the same quiet manner. You mean, since when is our Alpha this soft... period?

I could almost hear Vivian’s shrug in her reply. Did you know about this?

Nope, I sent back. Zane’s always had a way with women, but bringing one home? That's new.

Vivian nodded toward the rearview, where I adjusted my hold on Mabel, making sure she was comfortable against me as she dozed off. She was still too fragile, too vulnerable. But I wasn’t about to explain that to anyone.

Looks like he’s got a new type, Tyler muttered, clearly observing the scene. Thought he liked his women curvy, older. I mean, I remember him saying he liked 'em experienced, with a certain... bounce to them. And now? He’s got this teenager?

I didn’t even need to answer. I can hear you, I grumbled through the link, and both of them froze, a beat too late.

If you’re gonna talk behind my back, I warned, make sure it’s just the two of you.

I didn’t even know if they heard me after that, but I didn’t care. Their words weren’t malicious—not really. Still, this wasn’t something I was ready to explain. Not yet.

They could ask all the questions they wanted about the girl who had appeared from nowhere—Mabel, I reminded myself—but I was far from ready to talk about her. Hell, I barely knew anything about her. But what I did know... She’s mine.

And that was enough for now.

I glanced down at her sleeping face, her body still so small against mine. She looked peaceful now, but I couldn’t forget what I’d seen. The terror in her eyes, the bruises. It ate at me, gnawed away at my gut. No one would touch her in my pack. I’d make sure of it.

Find a hotel, I instructed through the link to Tyler and Vivian. Far from the main road. We need privacy.

I could feel Tyler’s disapproval before he even spoke. You can’t wait to jump her, can you?

I clenched my jaw. No, I snapped. She needs rest, first aid, and food. That’s all.

They didn’t argue. They knew as well as I did that this was no time to make assumptions. She was hurt. The least I could do was make sure she had what she needed.

I barely remembered the drive, my thoughts still on Mabel, and I was too distracted to even consider the ticking clock. Vivian managed to book us two rooms with two beds each, and I carried Mabel in, making sure she didn’t stir as I set her gently on one of the beds.

She winced slightly as her back touched the mattress, and I frowned, wondering how much damage her body had taken.

I sat at the edge of the bed, studying her face. Bruises, swollen lips, the raw edges of cuts. But still, something about her—her calmness even in her sleep—was magnetic. Beautiful, even with the damage done to her.

I took her hand in mine. Sparks. They shot through my skin, quick and electric.

Now what? I asked my wolf, who had been eerily quiet since we arrived.

What do you want to do?

I want to hold her, I admitted, the words tasting bitter in my mouth. But... I can’t.

My wolf snorted. Why are you resisting?

I stared at Mabel, her body so small and frail, and the weight of what she’d been through pressed heavily on me. Because if anyone finds out she’s my mate... they’ll target her. She’s been through enough. I can’t let her be a target.

You think she’s weak? My wolf’s voice was firm. Anyone who can take that much and still hold on? She’s stronger than you think.

I can’t... I tried again, but my wolf interrupted.

You can’t reject her. You know it. That’s why you didn’t leave her behind.

I sighed, rubbing my eyes. What should I do? I can’t let her go, and I can’t be with her either.

Don’t rush it, my wolf urged gently. Just keep her close. Protect her for now. In time, you’ll know what to do...

The sound of Tyler’s voice brought me back to the present. Food’s here.

I glanced at the clock. I’d been staring at Mabel for almost an hour. Time had slipped away without me even realizing it.

Tyler? I called back, not quite ready to leave her side.

Yeah?

Stay on the call. Keep it on video. I grabbed my phone and set up a video call to Tyler, making sure the camera was pointed at Mabel, just so I could keep an eye on her.

Vivian didn’t hold back her sarcasm when she saw me setting the phone up. What’s this, a baby monitor?

I shot her a look. What?

She smiled faintly, shaking her head. You know, a baby monitor. You set it up so you can watch her when she’s asleep.

Or stalk her, Tyler added, giving me a side-eye.

You’re both ridiculous, I muttered, leaning over to grab a plate of eggs and bacon.

I glanced back at the screen, confirming that Mabel was still breathing, her chest rising and falling with each soft breath. That small assurance was enough to let me focus on eating, even though my mind was still running a mile a minute.

I shoveled food into my mouth, not caring that I was devouring it like a starving man. But when I looked at the screen again, I froze. The moment Mabel shifted in her sleep, I found myself frozen, watching her.

The room went silent, except for the sound of Tyler’s voice breaking through. You said you’d tell us about her after food. You gonna keep us waiting?

I didn’t realize it, but I’d eaten everything on the plate. My mind was still locked on Mabel.

But I couldn’t tell them. Not yet. I couldn’t even tell myself the full truth.

I barely understood what was happening, but I was starting to realize—this wasn’t just about keeping her safe.

It was about something bigger. Something I couldn’t ignore anymore.